We spoke to Stephen Vitkovitch, Walthamstow resident and Director of record label Byrd Out, about the upcoming Walthamstow Jazz Festival.
The Walthamstow Jazz Festival 2019 is taking on Saturday 16 February as part of London Borough of Culture 2019.
Tell us about the Walthamstow Jazz Festival 2019?
It's a new festival – the opportunity to pull together something as part of the Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture and work with the legendary Ginger Baker was too much to resist. We hope to be back next year too!
What can people expect from the Walthamstow Jazz Festival this year?
A broad spectrum of jazz, from the free jazz space with Evan Parker, to Afro-influenced with Tony Allen, and new acts like Emma-Jean Thackray and Project Karnak.
Which act are you most looking forward to and why?
I'm excited to hear Binker Golding and Elliot Galvin. Byrd Out has a new record from them out now, but I've never seen them play as a duo. Pyjæn would be my tip in terms of the newer acts, I'd expect them to throw in a Miles Davis number or two.
What does it mean to be part of the London Borough of Culture 2019?
It's great to be part of such a varied programme, and part of the follow-up to an amazing opening weekend! I'm looking forward to a lot of the events, but legendary Can frontman Damo Suzuki in the borough with These Days particularly caught my eye.
Walthamstow Jazz Festival takes place on Saturday 16 February at the beautiful Walthamstow Assembly Hall.