mjf 2022 ran from 20 – 29 may 2022 at venues and sites across Manchester, including a free opening weekend at Escape to Freight Island, weekday gigs at St Ann’s Church, nightly gigs at Matt & Phreds, events at Forsyth Music and at The Yard with partners NQ Jazz, and close with an extended weekend-long party at Band on the Wall.
Here are some highlights from the 10 days:
Nubya Garcia wowed a full house at Band on the Wall with her spiritual connectivity, and Ayanna Witter Johnson inspired with her compelling cello stories of history and hope
The Richard Jones Trio exemplified the very best in Manchester’s new talent with their exploratory compositions;
Anthony Joseph delivered a powerful statement of intent on cultural identity at The Yard, with NQJazz
Intergalactic Brasstronauts rock-steadied us beyond the stratosphere at Escape to Freight Island
Skylla’s harmonics other-worldly resounded throughout St Ann’s Church
The James Pearson Trio gave us a sophisticated insight into the artistry of Oscar Peterson in Forsyths’ showroom
Heavy Beat Brass Band gave the M&Ps dancefloor a workout to remember
Our Piano trail brought interactive music-making to 13 public locations across Manchester, tempted by winning the first prize of a grand piano!
2 public realm new commissions changed our perspective on how we experience music in the public realm: Ruby Tingle celebrated Manchester’s water features in Fountainia, this year’s mjf originals work, and Lara Jones invited audiences to step inside her geodesic dome at Piccadilly Station and reflect on our relationships with journeys in Ensō+.
Put mjf23 in your diaries: 19-28 May 2023
Check out the mjf2022 gallery here
