Despite their nerves and anxiety, young musicians from the University of East London (UEL) managed to generate a magical atmosphere at East London’s latest showcase for young artists, Thursday Live. Thirteen of them performed at the Underground Bar on the UEL Docklands Campus. Thursday Live is a night for all present to enjoy cheap drinks; listen to some remarkable live music; and network.
The event is organised by Sonke Prigge, programme leader of UEL’s Music Performance and Production programme, and he had to overcome a few challenges to make sure that this impeccable night went the way it was planned.
Sonke and his students had to travel from the Stratford campus in the cold on a short winter evening, with heavy sound equipment in order to get the show on the road. But nothing could stop them from putting on a night to remember. One of the artists, Sasha, told me: “It’s been such a long time since I have performed so it’s nice to get back on stage”.
With no fancy lights, and only basic sound equipment, the team made the best of what they had. As Sonke put it: “We need to look into buying a proper sound system for this bar, but otherwise the organisation is good. Students are always coming up to me and asking to perform”.
The artists that performed were Mich Wood; Aiesha; Chido, Rhy & Sasha; Julia & Will; Oliwia & Harry; Kevin; Reece; Claudia; and Khaled. And Sonke made the point that it’s not just about playing. “As well as showcasing talent,” he told me, “ it’s a night of networking and collaboration…”
The night was a fusion of styles. Rhy and Sasha performed an elegant cover of John Legend’s smooth Ordinary People as a duo, but sang solo as well. Their vibe contrasted with that of Dream Machine and Claudia, who welcomed the audience into a more introverted, unapologetic, and indie realm. Each artist blessed the stage with their own bravura, sound, flavour, and vibes – and in return the crowd embraced them warmly.
Dream Machine was supposed to be a band of three, but a series of unfortunate events meant they became a band of two. But having to rearrange their performance did not stop them from wowing the audience with an amazing single that they orchestrated themselves from start to finish.
Thursday Live happens on the last Thursday of the month. Two events have already happened. The third will take place on 16th December. So come and let your hair down. Be the first to witness undiscovered talent, and take the opportunity to network and make new friends. After the trauma and isolation of Covid last year, this event is defiantly an escape back into reality.
Click on the movie below to meet Sonke Prigge and some of the artists.
