Hackney JAM as it happened...

posted by: Administrator

^{Photos - Olivia Harris}

Hackney JAM was all it set out to be.... close to 250 people turned out for an awesome night with twelve bands from across the borough performing to the highest level. Everything from jazz to steelpan, calypso to indie.

Rachel Piper, a member of Stoke Newington Youth Forum (who organised the event) said the aim was to bring together the diverse styles of young Hackney musicians: ' We wanted to get away from the usual stereotyping around the music young people play and enjoy.'

There was a sprinkling of A+ R in the audience, some staff from the BBC turned up to see what Hackney had to say for itself, and by all accounts they left impressed.

Other comments from Jermaine Jackman, performer on the night and SNYF member and Zoe (who rocked):

• Jermaine,  'The energy from the audience, the brilliant performances and the support staff brought it all together'
• Zoe, bass player from Sherlock's Dead: ' I was nervous to start with but I loved the response we received from the crowd'

The full line up...

• Host: comedian Zak Sharif-Ali • Petchey Academy – Fusion Orchestra • Stoke Newington School – jazz combo • Cardinal Pole – Percussion • Young Hackney Stoke Newington Centre – Skittlez Steel Pans • Mossbourne Academy – Sherlock’s Dead • BSix – Allanah Joy & The Scooters • Stoke Newington School – Orchestra • Stoke Newington School – Feeling Good • City Academy – City Soul • SNYF – Soul Fusion • BSix – HD and HD2

The night was made possible thanks to funding from the Hackney Youth Opportunity Fund, and with the help of staff members from Young Hackney, Rising Tide and event managers New Variety Lives.

Inspired to put on your own event?

Apply for the Hackney Youth Opportunity Fund or join your neighbourhood Youth Forum.