Tomorrow’s Warriors (TW), the London-based jazz education organisation, will celebrate it’s 30th anniversary at the Southbank Centre on December 4 with a show titled A Great Day In London.
The event will feature some of the best jazz talents in the UK music industry, including Nubya Garcia, Moses Boyd, Theon Cross, ESKA and Shabaka Hutchings, and Gary Crosby – one of the co-founders of TW. It will be a “once in a lifetime gathering,” bringing the music of TW from the past and the present.
Flyer from A GREAT DAY IN LONDON
Since its foundation in 1991, TW has produced many graduates, including Joe Armon-Jones and Yazz Ahmed and has been instrumental in shaping the careers of Nubya and Moses among others. Their Young Artist Development Program is specially focused on providing a platform to underrepresented musicians from the black community and to anyone from a challenging socio-economic background.
Donovan Haffner, a 20-year-old saxophonist, is also one of TW’s alumni and will be performing at the event: “[TW] is the organization where they offer classes that teach you about playing jazz and stuff differently to many groups depending on what level you are. I started at the bottom of that about ten years ago.”
He is now an independent musician, and on November 21 TW organised a free live show at the Albany in Deptford for him. “They also give you a lot of great opportunities like this,” Haffner added.
Tickets for the anniversary show are not cheap, costing £150 for the VIP Front Stalls, that includes access to an exclusive after-party and a goodie bag, and £35 for the Rear Stalls, which offer no such extra frills. The official website says: “By being part of this special night, you will help raise vital funds to support future generations of jazz talent and keep this unique musical initiative open, free and inclusive to all.”
Photo From the event on 21 November: Haffner is on the far left of the stage.
Youness Elharrak, a production organiser at TW, told Raven News that the event could be “a powerful fundraiser” in the problematic post-COVID-19 climate for cultural organizations.
He highlights that it is particularly vital for the continuation of the free programmes they offer to children. “TW is not something you need to apply for in terms of funding. Particularly, if you are from a minority background. Basically, it gives you a platform to grow without the finances being a barrier.”
Alongside the funds raised through this event, TW are also open to receiving donations on their website to support future musicians like Haffner. The tickets for the show can be booked on their website.