A couple of weeks ago I send out a preliminary notice about a public meeting on the future of jazz provision in the North East. That meeting is now imminent, and I cannot stress strongly enough how important this could be to maintaining, indeed improving, a vibrant jazz scene in the region . . . I urge everybody who has an interest in jazz, whether as musician, promoter, educator, student or audience member, to get along - even if you don't feel able to contribute to discussion, your very presence at the meeting will help show how strongly we all feel about the music we love.
A Public Meeting
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ IN THE NORTH EAST:
WHICH WAY FORWARD?
Tuesday 23rd October | 7.00 - 9.00pm
To be followed by live music from Zoe Gilby (vocals) and Andy Champion (bass).
Bar available
Newcastle Literary & Philosophical Society | 23 Westgate Road | Newcastle NE1 1SE
The meeting will be chaired by Chis Hodgkins, Director of Jazz Services, the national development agency for jazz.
In order to provide a context for discussion, there will be three short presentations:
* Paul Bream (Jazz North East & Schmazz): Where we are, how we got here, and what we face.
* Nigel Slee (Jazz North): The new jazz agency for the North - its purpose, its plans, and its possibilities.
* Steve Crocker (Seven Jazz, Leeds): The role of a voluntary promoters network for the North.
These presentations will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions, and then more extensive open discussion of possible ways forward - this session is likely to be structured around key topics (e.g. what sort of music?, how do we find new audiences?, are there untapped funding opportunities?, building co-operation between promoters, etc), but will not be restrictive - any views, on any topic, will be welcome.
At the end of the discussion, it's intended that a working group can be established to consider how the views and suggestions of the meeting can best be met across the whole of the North East region, what sort of organisation is required, and possible sources of funding.
And then we can all wind down and enjoy ourselves, listening to Zoe Gilby and Andy Champion, and reminding ourselves of just why we love jazz and are determined to see it thrive.
Paul Bream.
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