The EFG London Jazz Festival launch party was enjoyed by many on the night of Monday 11 September. Speeches by John Williamson (Chairman, EFG), Darren Henley (Chief Executive, Arts Council England), Alan Davey (Controller, BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms and BBC Orchestras and Choirs) and Claire Whitaker (one of the Directors of Serious) showed the passion and excitement surrounding the upcoming Festival as well as revealing the Jazz Voice opening gala vocalists, (Seal, Liane Carroll, Mica Paris, Miles Mosley, Tony Momrelle and Vanessa Haynes,) Jazz Voice compere Jumoké Fashola, and this year’s hashtag #wearejazz to follow all Festival news and share memories.
#WeAreJazz promotes inclusivity, diversity, unity and the enjoyment of, and engagement with jazz by the broadest of audiences. There will be over 350 performances taking place across 60 venues in this years' Festival with musicians from around the globe, bringing together different backgrounds and genres, as well as family events, free events, talks, art and jazz in all its forms.
This year marks the 25th year of the EFG London Jazz Festival with a programme of real strength and richness including big names, upcoming artists and special projects involving Seriously Talented alumni, such as Yazz Ahmed, Zara McFarlane, Chris Montague, Ben Cottrell and Matthew Bourne.
In attendance at the launch were artists due to perform at this year's Festival, press, representatives from the Festival's supporters, public funders, trusts and foundations, Embassies, venues, freelancers and many friends of Serious.
We would like to thank all our partners, sponsors, funders and supporters.
You can now view the full festival guide here.
