New for 2023: the Innovation Hub

We are hosting our first Innovation Hub at this year’s festival in the Lecture Theatre at the Storey.

We are looking for interesting and innovative ideas or new project tryouts or meet-up jams with musicians you might not normally be able to play with. Anything could fly.

There will be a drum kit, piano, bass amp and PA set up for use – as well as a projector and screen.

Get in touch at innovationhub@lancasterjazz.com if you would like to book one of the available slots.

Friday

5.30 – John Pope – ‘Stepping Into the Stream’ Film Screening and Q&A
Artist in Residence John Pope shares an exclusive first look at this 40-minute film, documenting the recording of the new album from his quintet.
Followed by a Q&A session where John will be on hand to answer your queries, share stories and chat!

Saturday

11.30 – 12.00: Lancaster Jazz Festival Micro-Commissions
Drop in and watch the Lancaster Jazz Festival digital Micro-Commissions.

12.30 – 12.50: Hara Micro Gig – with projections
Super special debut gig from Hara featuring trumpet + fx and electronics.

1.15 – 2.15: Emma Johnson Listening Party – Northern Flame
Emma will be hosting an intimate listening party introducing her new album ‘Northern Flame’, inspired by her 2022 Lancaster Jazz Festival Evolve commission of the same name.

2.30 – 3.30: Paul Clark & Scott Montgomery: Drawing Inspiration
Lancaster locals and super improvisers Paul and Scott will be hosting an improv vs art session with opportunities to come and play, make art or just listen.

4.00 – 5.30 – John Pope hosts ‘Cantrips’: Curated Small-group Improvisation
Our Artist in Residence John Pope will be hosting a free improv jam session, with small groups curated from the festival’s lineup and any eager volunteers!- come with an instrument and put your name in the hat, or just listen to the music.

Sunday

11.30-12.30 Wingspread Indo-jazz-rock jam session
Wingspread invite you to come and join in (or listen to) their Indo-jazz-rock jam. Annie will be introducing a raga or two and there will be plenty of scope for the music to go to many places.

12.45 – 13.45: Lodder//Shooter – There is a Colossal Skeleton Inside of Me
From the Leeds DIY music scene, electronic improvisers Lodder//Shooter bring us a live performance of Bari sax, drums, and electronics. Their performance includes found-sound from their upcoming ‘Lancaster Sample Pack’, made for their festival micro-commission.

14.00 – 15.00: Interactive Graphic Score with James Wood
A local musician and composer introduces his graphic, or ‘picture’ score for guided improvisation for any instrument or group of instruments. Explore how you can play and reconfigure the score into a new piece. Bring an open mind and an instrument if you want to play in a playful way!