Ukastle Ukestra

We are a really fun and dynamic group of musicians, performers and singers who can keep a street audience entertained and/or bemused; basically we generate a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for audience participation on our part of the street. Think songs from folkies such as Kate Rusby, or local artists such as The Maes, arranged with love and respect on the ukulele, bass, percussion and with vocal harmonies. As professional community musicians, Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart, direct this otherwise motley crew into musical coherence (and often brilliance), and are responsible for creating a vibrant community music scene: they live, breath and create community cohesiveness and inclusion in Newcastle (and make a living doing so!). We are also aware of the power of music to move beyond nostalgia into creating intergenerational bridges within the community.