Kelham Island Jazz Festival brings genre to 'unexpected places' in Sheffield
A new music festival in Yorkshire is “all about discovering jazz in unexpected places,” say the organisers. Kelham Jazz Festival is to be held in Sheffield later this month with hopes that it could become a regular event.
Dave Sheard, Joe Spriggs and Lucy Lee, organisers of the one day festival on Saturday, March 21, have given an insight into what visitors can expect.
Taking place across nine venues across Kelham Island and Neepsend, the festival is a celebration of Sheffield's musical history.
It is set to be an eclectic affair, featuring the likes of Luke Una, TC & The Groove Family and Tina Edwards who will be at the forefront of a 90 per cent Northern line-up.
Partnering with the University of Sheffield, Leeds Conservatoire, Track UK and community organisations including Key of She, the festival is also helping to establish pathways from education into professional performance, supporting students and emerging musicians with real-world experience and access to live audiences.
Dave said: “The festival has over 40 artists, with a big focus on Northern artists, showcasing Sheffield homegrown artists as well.
"Over 90 per cent of the artists are from the north of England, we’re really trying to showcase those artists really.
“The pathways event is a really nice part of the festival. It’s been backed by the Arts Council, which is great. We’ve got TRACKS at Sheffield Music School, featuring kids from 14 to 16; we’ve also got WaterBear College after them, followed by University of Leeds Conservatoire, so a really nice sort of showcase to the kids of the pathways they could take.”
Dave added: “There’ll be a couple of workshops, creativity and some more musical workshops.
"I think it’s a bit more of a holistic offer, you’ve got jazz music and further afield the more improvised approaches to music as well.”
Bringing together a range of bold new talent as well as a selection of established artists, the festival will transform city venues into spaces for music, culture, and community.
"This festival is built by the artists, promoters and venues that make the city’s music culture what it is. Our goal is to build a festival that grows with the city and becomes a permanent part of its cultural calendar,” said festival director, Danny Tennant.
Attendees can expect more than 40 live performances on the day, spanning jazz, blues, fusion and contemporary styles as well.
The organisers have also confirmed that there will be outdoor sets, jam sessions, DJ programming, and community-led events.
The venues taking part in the festival are: Peddler, Yellow Arch, Toolmakers Brewery, Alder, Factory Floor, Church, Shakespeare's, Neepsend Social and The Harlequin.
Tickets: https://kelhamjazzfestival.co.uk