Sheffield Dance Fundraiser, ‘The Journey’, at Crookes Social Club, 29th January 2016

As I left home that Friday night, I consoled myself with the thought that whatever happened, the evening was already a success. Firstly, half a dozen musical acts had bought into the philosophy of JtoJ by giving their time and talent at no charge. Secondly, a group of supporters had volunteered to help on the night – selling tickets, T-shirts, taking photos and filming. Thirdly, publicity about our exhibition programme had gone out on local radio and the television station, ‘Sheffield 5Live’, local shops and via student networks of Hallam and Sheffield Universities. Finally, over 50 people had bought tickets online and many others had promised to pay on the door.

As I entered the club, I heard Alan Deadman and his engineer Matt running a sound check, I sighed. So what if it was cold and raining outside, however many came we would enjoy ourselves. I could not believe that all of this had been pulled together in little over three months by the legendary Alan, an alchemist of World Music bands. Thanks to his talent and reputation he had persuaded the artists to participate. The magic started just after 8 p.m. with the opening strains of DJLS sound system. Lloyd was followed by the mesmerising Afro-Samba dancers of ‘Mulembas D’Africa’ and their charismatic leader Angelina Abel accompanied by members of a 4-piece band. The burgeoning crowd of over a hundred were silent as she read Warsan Shire’s devastating poem ‘No one leave home, unless home is the mouth of a shark’, capturing the grief and trauma of the refugee experience: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/sep/16/poets-speak-out-for-refugees-

The room rocked to the dance beat mixes of DJ Papa Al – ably supported by his son Alex Deadman and the rising star of rapper YT echoing JtoJ’s messages of social justice and activism. Soon 150 people were dancing to the infectious Afro-beat of K.O.G. The evening reached a crescendo with the power of Steve ‘Papa’ Edwards’ Northern Soul and the final leg of the night was captured as DJ Winston Hazell’s smooth jazzy beats floated over the dance floor until the early hours.

We raised over £1,000 which was fantastic and will help pay for the installation of our exhibition ready for its Sheffield launch at The Art House on 28th May. Huge thanks to everyone who helped.

Email: mark.hutchinson52@gmail.com if you’d like to get involved.

Mark Hutchinson, Chair of JtoJ and JtoJ co-ordinator in Sheffield.