Open Conversation: Socio-Economic Diversity in Jazz
Diversity has become a frequent talking point within the jazz scene, with many organisations focusing their work on gender balance and ethnicity of artists in particular. An artist’s socio-economic background (or class) intersects with lots of these areas, yet it is rarely mentioned and can be an uncomfortable issue.
What conditions do we need to create so that anyone with potential and an interest in jazz can become a musician and sustain a career, regardless of their financial background or social connections?
Join us for an open conversation about this complex and fascinating topic, sparked by a provocation from musician and composer Sid Peacock. In this workshop we will think about the changes we need to make collectively, big and small, to ensure a career as a jazz musician is accessible to anyone.
Places are free but numbers are limited so advanced booking is essential.
If you have any access requirements please contact matthew.jones@sagegateshead.com
About Sid Peacock
Sid Peacock was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland and in his youth played in rockabilly, folk and garage bands. He taught himself music theory whilst working in the local library and left for England in 1997 to pursue formal studies. Arriving at Birmingham Conservatoire in 2000 he set up Surge Ensemble which has since grown into a large scale contemporary, jazz, roots and folk orchestra. Surge has performed at festivals throughout UK and Ireland and been recorded and broadcast for BBC Radio 3.
One of Sid’s pieces Hallucinogenic Garden was nominated for a British Composers Award and Surge’s CD La Fête was launched at Midlands Arts Centre with jazz great Django Bates as special guest.
Sid is currently Associate Artist at Mac with Surge producing regular concerts and their yearly festival Surge in Spring. With musical interests spanning many genres and cultures, Sid has worked with musicians from around the world conducting residencies in Poland, Berlin, Paris, Ireland and as PRSF China musician in residence with Sichuan Opera Troupe in Chongqing, China.