NYJO & Cleveland Watkiss Present: Sun Ra Reimagined

November 23, 2024
8:00 pm
Sun Ra wearing orange and gold, against a blue sky backdrop.

This event is part of Guildhall Jazz Festival in association with EFG London Jazz Festival.

Following its debut at Gilles Peterson’s ‘We Out Here’ Festival this summer we are proud to present NYJO & Cleveland Watkiss Present: Sun Ra Reimagined with Musical Direction by Cleveland Watkiss MBE, featuring guest artist and creative collaborator, Sunshine the Afrooist, NYJO are bringing their groundbreaking tribute to Sun Ra and Afrofuturism to Milton Court, for the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Respecting Sun Ra’s musicality and ideals, this special 15-piece NYJO ensemble led by Cleveland Watkiss features vocalist Sunshine The Afrooist with strings, synths, a rhythm section, and horn section. Expect a fusion of Afrofuturism, Jungle/ Drum & Bass, and Electronica, feeding into this innovative reinterpretation of these 1970s masterpieces alongside original arrangements. From UK Jazz to Dubstep and Broken Beat, this genre-defying transcendental performance is sure to live on in your memory for years to come.

Do not miss this cosmic journey at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2024. Join us in celebrating the genius of Sun Ra and realising the future of spiritual jazz at Milton Court. Bring your ears, your heart & your dancing feet to this unforgettable immersive experience!

Event details

Event date:
November 23, 2024

Event time:
8:00 pm

Admission:

Free, No Tickets Required

Address:

Milton Court, 1 Milton Street, London, EC2Y 9BH

FIND OUT MORE
See all events

Lucy-Anne (EP quote)

“Since joining NYJO, I’m so much more confident as a performer. Especially in terms of being able to entertain and keep the crowd engaged with you. It’s really nice to be able to feel that difference.” 

Lucy-Anne, NYJO Emerging Professional (Vocals)

Get in touch

Georgia (EP quote)

“It’s hard to just learn this music in the practice room but being immersed in the music at NYJO is a great environment to really push my playing. ” 

Georgia Ayew, NYJO Emerging Professional (Drums)

Get in touch

Sam Eastmond (MD quote)

"Giving them space to create whatever they wanted, without setting parameters of idiom or style helped them to conceptualise how they could bring these new concepts into their work without scaring them off, or mystifying the process."

Sam Eastmond, NYJO Educator

Get in touch

Jazzwise quote

"NYJO has never been conformist, never hewing to one particular line, never known for fawning replications and very deliberately these days a vehicle for new possibilities."

Jazzwise Magazine

Get in touch

Lydia (EP quote)

"The past year has been an absolutely incredible experience, pushing me way out of my comfort zone into playing with some of the greatest young jazz players of my generation and getting to call them my colleagues and friends has been beyond inspiring, and also an obscene amount of fun!"

Lydia Cochrane, NYJO Emerging Professional (Saxophone)

Get in touch

Anna (Learning national quote)

"[The NYJO residential in Cumbria] helped me to make friends with other young musicians. I enjoy playing a lot more and I’m quite proud of what I’ve accomplished. I feel more confident now. I have learnt different ways of coming up with solid melodies and also a little bit on harmonies. I think it’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had."

Anna, NYJO Learning Widening Access participant

Get in touch

Briony (Learning U18s quote)

"I’ve felt very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing musicians, and I think that the environment at NYJO – which has fostered creativity and improvisation – has allowed my confidence and musical ideas to grow."

Briony, NYJO Under 18s

Get in touch

Oscar (Learning U18s quote)

"I think I’ve progressed a lot in my piano-playing. NYJO has helped me to flourish and really enjoy it. I’ve really enjoyed being engrossed in a high level of playing and learning things in a hands-on-way. I also like the diversity of perspectives and abilities of all the players and teachers which enables me to try things I might not normally."

Oscar, NYJO Under 18s

Get in touch

Jennie (Learning U18s quote)

"NYJO has got me listening to more jazz and learning more changes. It has also helped with working as a band. I’ve really enjoyed the free jazz, learning by ear, the people, and the atmosphere."

Jennie, NYJO Under 18s

Get in touch

Leah-Anais (Learning U18s quote)

"I love the people at NYJO. Everyone here is so encouraging and lovely and it makes the experience worthwhile. Though I have fun I’m still learning on the way which makes me feel productive too."

Leah-Anais, NYJO Under 18s

Get in touch