As part of EFG London Jazz Festival’s commitment to offering a programme of free and affordable events, the festival are hosting two weekends of entertainment in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham with the remarkable jam session Moment’s Notice, curated by George Nelson at The Wilds on Sunday 13th November and the unparalleled Lady Blackbird, who performs at the Broadway Theatre on Saturday 19th November. Alongside the two shows, there will be a host of free, pop-up performances throughout the borough on Saturday 19th November from alternative brass band Perhaps Contraption, and a programme of workshops to celebrate jazz and engage young creatives in the Borough.

Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell said: “I am very pleased and excited that the EFG London Jazz Festival will be yet again, coming to Barking and Dagenham. We are a borough rich in culture and the London Jazz Festival is a welcome addition to our already illustrious and diverse programme of events. I hope our residents enjoy the shows and the community workshops that are taking place as part of it.”

On Sunday 13th November at new ecology and events space The Wilds, Moment's Notice will showcase five leading lights in the art of spontaneous composition, curated by the acclaimed event creator, organiser and music photographer George Nelson. Each episode will consist of one duo and one trio playing fully-improvised, 40-minute sets, with the afternoon culminating in a combo quintet set featuring Alina Bzhezhinska (Harp), Joshua Idehen (Spoken Word), Ben LaMar Gay (Multi-instrumentailst), Rebekah Reid (Violin) and Simon Roth (Drums). With the new Barking Riverside Overground Station opening up the area for visitors, as well as a Thames Clippers Boat station just 18 minutes from The Wilds venue, it’s an enjoyable and exciting trip from central London.

For those travelling from London for the event, EFG London Jazz Festival presents a unique performance from Ewan Bleach on board the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers sailing down the river. Ewan Bleach is a clarinettist, saxophonist and band leader based in London and specialising in the early styles of jazz, ragtime, blues and swing. Ewan will be playing on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers sailing from London Bridge City Pier (11.55am) to Barking Riverside Pier (12.53pm). You are welcome to join the journey at any pier and the gig is free with a boat ticket, purchased in the normal way. The boat will arrive in time for Moment’s Notice at The Wilds, for which a separate ticket is required.

On Saturday 19th November Lady Blackbird will perform in the heart of Barking town at the Broadway Theatre, as part of festival organiser Serious’ aim to work hand in hand with partners across the borough to present distinguished artists at affordable prices. Lady Blackbird presents a wholly fresh take on the jazz vocal idiom, blessed with a bold, unmistakable voice; her debut album Black Acid Soul was met with five-star critical acclaim from The Guardian review.

Alongside these incredible shows, Perhaps Contraption will be performing three pop-up public gigs across Barking on the afternoon of Saturday 19th. They will be performing in the local market, shopping centre and other locations to bring the Jazz Festival to the streets of Barking and Dagenham. Perhaps Contraption are a multi-award winning, progressive brass band from London. Part choir, part chamber orchestra, part avant rock troupe, they create a truly unique musical experience; melding elements of jazz, punk, art pop and post-minimalism. 

EFG London Jazz Festival will continue their partnership with Barking and Dagenham College to offer students a music performance masterclass – a half-day music-making workshop for music students, covering instrumental and vocal skills, group performance and creating new music. This will be delivered by a leading EFG London Jazz Festival musician. They will also offer an event production programme with students. This will begin with a Q&A with professional event producers, show managers and technical experts. Students who attend this will then be offered work experience opportunities during the festival, shadowing producers on shows taking place in Barking and Dagenham as well as gigs in major gig venues across London.

BARKING AND DAGENHAM PROGRAMME: 13-19th November across venues in Barking and Dagenham

Sunday 13th November,

Moment’s Notice at The Wilds

Saturday 19th November

Lady Blackbird at the Broadway Theatre

Names already announced for the 30th birthday of EFG London Jazz Festival, at various venues across the capital, include Abdullah Ibrahim, Melody Gardot, Jan Garbarek Group, Makaya McCraven, Fatoumata Diawara, Melanie Charles, CoN&KwAkE, and Matana Roberts.

For the full line-up, please click here