MIDWEST RADIO x JJC:
THE JUNIOR JAZZ CATS
In collaboration with the Junior Jazz College, the young talent department of the Conservatorium of Amsterdam, Midwest organizes a monthly recurring concert series: MidWest Radio x JJC: The Junior Jazz Cats. An educational concert series aimed at bringing together the youngest generation of jazz musicians in Amsterdam, students from the Junior Jazz College and musicians who have been active in the Amsterdam jazz scene for many years.
The initiators, Linus Eppinger, a teacher at the Junior Jazz College, and Flora Dekkers, a former JJC student and music programmer and project coordinator at MidWest, combine their energy and experience in this project.
The juniors sign up for one of the four evenings and will then, in consultation with the seniors, create a repertoire, rehearse, and perform a 45-minute set per band. Each evening will feature two bands, a smaller lineup consisting of two juniors and one senior, and a larger lineup consisting of three juniors and two seniors.
Linus Eppinger: "The most important part of the development of a young musician, in my opinion, is performing. Performing with friends and bandmates, but also with more experienced musicians. This is how generations of jazz musicians have learned their craft."
Flora Dekkers: "For each concert, we invite two well-known names from the jazz scene. In the past series of concerts, we had none other than Benjamin Herman, Eric Ineke, Reinier Baas, Marta Arpini, and Ben van Gelder."
