Pioneering grassroots jazz organisation Jazz re:freshed is partnering with the Roundhouse to showcase the UK’s most exciting jazz-inspired musicians at JAZZ RE:FEST 2021 ONLINE. A memorable stage for the online event, the ninth instalment of the festival will continue Jazz re:freshed’s mission to provide a platform for emerging musicians, with a thrilling line-up not afraid to place emerging artists next to established names.
Featuring music across the jazz spectrum, from modern soul to Afro-Latin grooves, the acts performing at this year’s online festival are: Andrew Ashong, Balimaya Project, Cherise Adams Burnett, Colectiva, Denys Baptiste and Johanna Burnheart.
Free to stream live via the Jazz re:freshed YouTube Channel, with a link to donate for anyone wishing to support the organisation on the day, the festival is another example of the resilience of the creative community in overcoming the hurdles affecting live musicians during the pandemic. As per tradition, there will also be a limited number of festival tees to raise money for Jazz re:freshed, available via Bandcamp.
Expect the lo-fi funk and multi-faceted grooves of vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Ashong; UK jazz legend, composer and educator Denys Baptiste; and the 16-piece tour de force big band, Balimaya Project, who combine traditional Mandé music and contemporary jazz to devastating effect. They will be joined by breakthrough vocalist and Tomorrow’s Warriors alumni Cherise Adams-Burnett, classically trained violinist and Rosie Turton collaborator Johanna Burnheart, the Afro-Latin explorations of jazz sisterhood Colectiva and lastly, the newly formed band Brown Penny.
Jazz re:freshed’s Motet will be on hosting duties and Sky’s Jacqueline Shepherd will be presenting exclusive interviews with the artists on the day.
As a non-profit championing young and emerging jazz musicians, Jazz re:freshed has spent almost twenty years working tirelessly to build what has become a trailblazing jazz scene in the UK, providing crucial early support for the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Nubya Garcia and many more now making waves on the world stage.
With an emphasis on bringing through new talent, and dedicated to creating fun, inclusive and affordable spaces for the advancement of the music, Jazz re:freshed has since evolved from a weekly live music night to become a record label and vital cultural institution. Since 2017, Jazz re:freshed’s award-winning OUTERNATIONAL initiative has helped reach beyond the UK to bring the likes of Nubya Garcia, Kokoroko, Moses Boyd and Ashley Henry to a wide, international audience.
Jazz re:freshed are working with Planet Tutu and the US-based Hendrix Academy, run by Jimi Hendrix’s niece and musician Tina Hendrix, to giveaway a collection of three guitars and violins, as well as twelve weeks of online music lessons for young people up to the age of 21. The winners of the giveaway will be announced as part of JAZZ RE:FEST 2021 ONLINE.
JAZZ RE:FEST 2021 ONLINE is supported by PPL and also funded by PRS Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation & Arts Council England. Previous line-ups have showcased the likes of Steam Down, Ezra Collective, Moses Boyd, and Zara McFarlane, among others.
A window into the future of jazz in the UK from those at its heart, JAZZ RE:FEST 2021 ONLINE remains an unmissable date on the cultural calendar, both in London and further afield.
Adam Moses, Co-chief Exec at Jazz re:freshed says “We’re looking forward to this year’s festival at the Roundhouse and excited to showcase a broad spectrum of styles all with their own uniqueness.”
Lucy Wood, Head of Music at Roundhouse says “I’m so happy we’re hosting Jazz RE:FEST at the Roundhouse this year; they have an incredible track record of developing talent and presenting the most original and exciting music. Jazz re:freshed has defied every constraint of genre and continues to push musical boundaries.”
Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer at PPL, says “PPL is proud to yet again support Jazz re:freshed’s vital work in promoting progressive, diverse jazz and the talented artists that make it. Events like JAZZ RE:FEST have been instrumental in building the new UK jazz scene, and we hope the event allows even more people to experience and celebrate jazz music.”
Streamed on Sunday 8 August over on our YouTube channel.
JAZZ RE:FEST Online is a free festival but please do show your support by donating today to Jazz re:freshed.
