Following on from our packed Bold Tendencies debut, marking Baldwin’s centenary, then our sell-out Southbank x Montreux Jazz Festival show, we are thrilled to announce an upcoming series of live performances that will continue to honour the life and legacy of one of the most important cultural and political figures of the 20th century: James Baldwin.
Baldwin’s words, still relevant and resonant today, inspired generations of writers, thinkers, and musicians, helping to shape conversations around race, sexuality, identity, and society’s power structures. This project will dive deep into Baldwin‘s influence on music, especially jazz, and explore the intersection of his writing with the jazz tradition that he cherished. Join us as we pay tribute to his groundbreaking work in this series of performances that will celebrate his profound impact on art and activism.
The Programme: A Celebration of Baldwin’s Legacy
James Baldwin was not only an author and essayist but also a profound thinker whose work connected with a wide spectrum of art forms, especially music. Baldwin’s writing, which ranged from deeply personal narratives to broad social critiques, was influenced by the rhythms of jazz, the improvisation of spoken word, and the rising sounds of rap. It is no surprise, then, that this performance will explore how music and Baldwin’s words intertwine, focusing on how the sounds that shaped his life reflect his ideals on race, gender, sexuality, and religion.
Curated and performed by lead vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels, Akin Soul and NYJO Emerging Professional musicians, with Peter Edwards as guest MD, each performance will showcase new music inspired by the words of James Baldwin. The programme will take audiences through various themes from Baldwin’s life and work – each piece serving as a testament to his influence on modern music and his ongoing relevance to contemporary conversations.
A Creative Process Rooted in Collaboration and Exploration
At the heart of this performance is a set of values that we believe Baldwin himself would champion: teamwork, creativity, openness, and collaboration. Our aim is not just to perform music, but to share new music that is reflective of Baldwin’s spirit with audiences across the country. Through improvisation, we paint a multifaceted portrait of Baldwin – his complexity, his struggles, and his unique lens on the world.
‘The Fire Next Time’ delves into Baldwin‘s exploration of identity – examining his relationships with race, gender, and sexuality, and how these intersections shaped his worldview. Through jazz, poetry, and spoken word, we challenge and inspire audiences to reflect on Baldwin’s ideals and consider how his themes are still relevant in the context of society today.
Upcoming Tour Dates
We’re bringing this unique celebration of James Baldwin’s life and legacy to audiences across the UK. Mark your calendars and join us for these incredible performances:
Sunday 4th May 2025
Cheltenham Jazz Festival at Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham, GL50 3AA
Thursday 22nd May 2025
Norwich Jazz Festival at EPIC Studios, Norwich, NR3 1JD
Each performance promises a musical journey, showcasing Baldwin’s influence on the arts through the collaborative brilliance of Peter Edwards, Lucy-Anne Daniels, Akin Soul and NYJO Emerging Professional musicians.
A Call to Reflect and Explore
As we prepare for this exciting tour, we invite you to reflect on Baldwin’s extraordinary life and the profound impact he had on generations of thinkers, writers, and musicians. This performance is designed not only as a tribute to Baldwin but as an exploration of his legacy through music where improvisation and creativity can spark deep reflection on the social and political issues that still demand our attention today.
We hope this performance will not only excite and inspire but also challenge you to think more deeply about Baldwin’s vision for a better, more ‘just’ world with ideas continue to shape our understanding of society.
For tickets and more information, visit our ‘What’s On’ page and social media channels. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this incredible journey with you!