Rhythm of London week launched underground

Marc Stevenson busks on the London Underground. Image: Greater London Authority

A week of musical fervour was kicked off on Saturday, with a young man from Tower Hamlets among the 50 young musicians performing at the Busking Underground event.

To launch the Rhythm of London week, Marc Stevenson, 25, Tower Hamlets, performed live to passers-by at one of the London Underground busking sites, as well as at the British Music Experience at the O2.

The week aims to put the spotlight on young musical talent in London, as part of Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s efforts to increase music education and participation.

All participants are competing for the prize of a year’s licence to busk on the London Underground, along with other prizes such as a course at the Academy of Contemporary Music, studio time, and a unique London-Paris link up with Eurostar.

The young musicians, along with previous winners of Busking Underground such as Jamie West, whose new EP ‘Walking in the Movies’ is released this week, will perform at the final concert in Trafalgar Square, in celebration of St George’s Day on April 23. They will appear alongside opera tenor and West End star Alfie Boe, the youngest band to play Galstonbury The Theory of 6 Degrees, musician Newton Faulkner, and various celebrities staging a performance of musical theatre.

On May 9, footage of the performances will go live on the Rhythm of London website for one month, where the public can vote for their favourite. They will also be judged by a panel of experts, to include Newton Faulkner. The top 10 performers, along with a ‘Londoner’s favourite’ as chosen by the public, will perform in an X-Factor-style ‘busk off’ in July.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Rhythm of London shows that our city is alive with the sound of music. Whether you want to be a rock star or are a classical prodigy, are electrified or acoustic, Rhythm of London is a brilliant showcase for young musicians from across the capital and might just uncover the next big thing.”

For more information visit: Rhythm of London

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