WRITING THE BLUES AWAY with Jacqui Wicks

In 2019, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first recording of a blues song, Jacqui carried out research into the impact of those 100 year old songs and gathered testimony as to their relevance today. What she found was that ‘we still have a lot to sing about’ …

Would you like to write your own sad song?

In this workshop you will hear some of the songs and stories of the early blues pioneers, learn about blues form and write your own blues.

The emphasis in this workshop is on the writing and sharing of blues narratives, those who wish to can join in the singing.

Absolutely NO musical ability is required, just the desire to get something off your chest.

We have two ticket types available. One for this event only and a discounted ticket for those attending this event and Jacqui's Singing The Blues Paradox on Saturday 11 November, 8:15pm

Jacqui Wicks is a versatile vocalist who has been invited to collaborate with some exceptional composers and musicians throughout her career. She has sung with big bands, jazz ensembles, chamber choirs and as a soloist in many different musical settings. Her work has been heard on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 3 and BBC 6 Music and has been licensed for use in film and television.

Notable collaborations and solo performances include;

‘Requiem For A Fading World’ – Soloist singing the role of ‘Mother’. SAGE Gateshead 2023. Composer Kerrin Tatman.

‘I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues’ – Solo show celebrating 100th anniversary of The Blues. 2020.

‘Hymn To The Moon’– Collaboration with composer Charlie Wells celebrating 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landings. 2019

‘Trench Symphony’ Soloist for a new composition commemorating end of World War 1. Composer Charlie Wells 2018

Yorkshire Silent Film Festival 2018 – a member of the improvising ensemble.

‘Leeds Lieder Festival’ 2017 – soloist for the premier performance of the song ‘Zak’ composers Ralph Dartford and Ed Cooper.

Jacqui is a member of the Leeds based music ensemble Schwa and has collaborated with them on their shows Threshold 2015, I Am Alive 2016, A Lark 2017, Hope Of A Tree 2019.

She was the voice of the legendary bangra-punk ensemble, The Sex Patels and currently sings with ‘Hard Times Orchestra’.

Jacqui is interested in aleatory and improvisational singing and has worked on a number of performances creating improvised soundtracks and chamber pieces; Cantus Machina 2019, Your England 2020, and her work with Charlie Wells on her part improvised suite ‘Trench Symphony’ commemorating the anniversary of the end of WW1.

Jacqui was amongst the stable of improvising musicians for the inaugural Soundstripes event curated by artist Alice Bradshaw in Huddersfield 2017.

Her album ‘Vintage’, recorded in 2009 with pianist and arranger Kevin James garnered much praise from music press and she was invited to perform ‘Vintage’ at Glastonbury Festival’s ‘Jazz and Blues’ stage for its 40th Anniversary.

Event Venue

INNSIDE Manchester, 1 First Street, Manchester, United Kingdom