Jazz Maze: VR Experience
Immersive. Interactive. Converts VR skeptics.
Step inside the Jazz Maze to discover a world brought to life by the compelling music and spoken word of Marcus Joseph, visual art of illustrator and animator Wumzum and theatrical imagination of game designer BetaJester.
Jazz Maze is an interactive, immersive comic book VR experience. Inspired by Marcus’ journey, Jazz Maze VR illuminates the power of jazz, thematising oppression and liberation via storytelling, music, characters, and design.
You’ll experience Jazz Maze with the aid of a VR headset and explore the surroundings of this autobiographical British Jazz story.
Jazz Maze was developed with the assistance of B3 Media commissioned by Jerwood Jazz Encounters. Jerwood’s funding allows jazz artists to develop and create new work in unusual spaces- outdoors or digitally- to expand their practice and take creative risks. Over 18 months, artists create and deliver a new project to be hosted by one of four partner organisations. They also receive a range of training and support. These works reach new and different audiences, allowing artists to offer new perspectives.
Need to know
Jazz Maze is not ticketed so you can just drop in on the day.
Price: Free, no ticket needed
Age: Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates:
Thursday 19 October , 6pm – 10pm
Friday 20 October, 1pm – 8pm
Saturday 21 October, 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm
Get to know the artist
Marcus Joseph aspires to be an instrument of change. Whether proudly supporting his local Leicester community, performing for George Cole – the city’s first black mayor – or paying homage to his Afro-Caribbean roots through songs charged with the energy of reggae music. This spirited lyricist and Alto Saxophonist has the gift to uplift.
His debut album ‘Beyond the Dome’ (Jazz re:freshed) effortlessly blends contemporary jazz, reggae and hip hop. It’s been championed by Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), DJ Lanni (Worldwide FM) Gilles Peterson and Tom Robinson (6Music).
For Marcus, there’s no terrain that can’t be conquered through the alchemy of word sound power.
Discover more...
Listen to Marcus Joseph talk about Jazz Maze...
Marcus Joseph talks about his work, life, and the role of gaming and AI in expanding the possibilities of jazz.
In Partnership with Jazz re:freshed
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, pioneering grassroots jazz organisation Jazz re:freshed are partnering with Sage Gateshead on October 19th and 20th 2023. Jazz re:freshed has been at the forefront of the UK jazz scene for the last 20 years, elevating, amplifying and spotlighting the breadth of talented young artists from across the musical spectrum to reach new audiences.
As a non-profit dedicated to creating fun, inclusive and affordable spaces for the advancement of the music, the organisation has provided crucial early career support for the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Nubya Garcia and many more now making waves on the world stage.
Built on the foundations of its weekly residency, Jazz re:freshed has grown into a multi-faceted arts organisation and cultural institution, comprised of band development programs, DJ Club nights, multiple partnerships, an award-winning record label and a paradigm shifting international showcasing initiative.
