This was the second year running that TW was the charity partner for Brick Lane Jazz Festival and we were back hosting our big Warriors takeover at the Brick Lane Tap Room.
Over the course of the three days, we showcased ten of our emerging artists and development ensembles plus some high-octane jam sessions. The level of talent and passion that they all brought to their performances was inspiring. And beyond that, the sense of musical community embodied by the Warriors family was beautiful to see – youngsters encouraging their peers, older heads and alumni coming down to cheer in the crowd, cross generational groups catching up and chatting as they headed from one venue to the next, this was a Warriors gathering!
From the first sets from Frontline and Chris-Stéphane Boizi on the Friday, the exciting new talent of Mali Sheard and Miranda Radford, followed by the beat-fuelled sound of BigMassive and the Afro-infused vibes of David Kayode on Saturday, through to our JuniorBand leading the jam on Sunday, Kikimiki laying down some wonderful chilled grooves, our international collaboration with Brussels based Brosella Festival, BXL x LDN Interplay, providing some incredible free-form soundscapes, and the finale of Abeng dropping some heavy Caribbean and dub influenced jazz vibes, this was one exhilarating weekend of music!
Big thanks to everyone who came out to support us and to the Brick Lane Festival organisers and crew for this wonderful platform to for your young musicians to perform.