Described by Radio 1’s Benji B as "an amazing record", debut album A Plane Over Woods has been making gentle yet seismic waves since its release in 2021. Since then, The Vernon Spring has released What’s Going On, an ambitious and audacious response to the seminal Marvin Gaye album of the same name, and Earth, On A Good Day - an ever-evolving project featuring vocal and musical responses from Ghostpoet, aden, Loa and Dot Never.

The Vernon Spring was borne after many years of Sam Beste writing, producing and performing with artists such as Amy Winehouse, Kano, Gabriels, Leon Vynehall, MF DOOM, and his own band Hejira. He has received critical acclaim from Gilles Peterson, Zakia, Nick Luscombe, and most recently performed at the opening of Theaster Gates’ Black Chapel at The Serpentine Gallery, London.

Sofia Grant is a vocalist, composer and arranger from London. She has worked as a session musician and vocalist for UK Jazz talents like Poppy Ajudha, PYJAEN and Donna Thompson, performing at venues such as Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms, Alexandra Palace for Later… with Jools Holland, Ronnie Scotts and Village Underground.

Sofia will be performing a special stripped-back set with two vocalists and a piano accompaniment.

This event is part of a partnership between the EFG London Jazz Festival and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, celebrating the cultural heritage of the borough through gigs in local community venues, workshops for people to get involved in music-making and pop-up performances happening across the borough.