Tuesday 18 August 2020
7pm BST
Annette Walker hosts a panel discussion with Ademola Junior Laniyan and Andrew Nemr about the legendary Will Gaines. Annette will speak about Will’s life as a Hoofer in the jazz scene which is largely unknown outside of the jazz community as well as his important legacy for the UK and global tap community. There will be sharing of memorabilia entrusted to Annette by his longtime manager, Chris Parry, following Will’s funeral in 2014. Andrew Nemr and Ademola Junior Laniyan will share memories and stories about the larger-than-life character, Will Gaines.
Gaines had a 70-year career having learnt the craft of tap dancing on the street and from watching touring hoofers such as Teddy Hale as well as listening to jazz. His biggest music influence was saxophonist Sonny Stitt. Will worked in the USA in the 1940s and 50s, including the Calloway’s Cotton Club Show in New York, before a booking in the 1960s brought him to the UK where he made his home. He toured across the UK and Europe and influenced many jazz musicians and tap dancers over the years as well as the London Tap Jam.
Trailer video edited by Annette Walker
This event has now passed. Visit TDRNUK.COM for future talks.
TDRN UK is a volunteer led, non-profit organisation which brings together tap researchers, artists, academics and practitioners to explore creative processes and performance of tap dance in the global media and academia.
Wednesday 19 August 2020
Last night I shared my first Zoom presentation which was about Will Gaines and hosted a panel discussion with special by guests, Andrew Nemr and Ademola Junior Laniyan, to share memories and stories about the late jazz hoofer.
It’s strange presenting to your computer screen but I had a great time on the Zoom talk and wish to thank everyone who attended and for the wonderful contributions.
Keep an eye out for more!
