Music is something that we can all connect to, which transcends barriers and brings people together.
Join us for an inspiring gathering featuring a range of speakers delving into the profound impact of music on health, wellbeing and societal connectivity, alongside musical performances.
Our speakers include:
Dr Yoon Irons is Associate Professor of Arts for Health and Wellbeing at University of Derby. She is one of the leading researchers in the field of arts and health, where her research into group singing has made a significant contribution. Yoon also works on social prescribing research projects to promote health and wellbeing for diverse communities. Prior to her academic post, Yoon worked as a music therapist in UK, Germany, and Austraila. She is a singer and musician. Her current project, Derby Sound Collective, is an inclusive music programme for Derby students, staff and friends.
Jonathan Powers was the first Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Derby and one of its first five Professors. His ‘professorial trade’ is Philosophy, but he is also a Chartered Physicist. He was previously Dean of Humanities at Middlesex Polytechnic, where he headed Degree Courses in three different Faculties. After retirement he became Project Champion for the Derby Multi-Faith Centre, founder Chairman of the Derby Chamber Music Society, and also chaired Derby Playhouse. Inter alia he has published more than twenty small monographs, primarily on culturally significant figures associated with the East Midlands Enlightenment.
Baby People’s managing director Baby J is an experienced music producer who has worked internationally for the last sixteen years. Since been discovered in 1995 by a Wu-Tang Records A&R in New York, Baby J has carried out production work for Plan B, Gravediggaz, Jamelia, Wretch 32, Amy Winehouse, Dead Prez, Skinnyman, India Aire, Sway, Mark Ronson and Estelle.
His music has been daytime playlisted on BBC Radio 1, 1xtra, Galaxy, Choice, BBC Radio 6 and Kiss FM. Baby J has performed two renowned BBC Maida Vale sessions (for Huw Stephens and Ras Kwame) and Record of the Week for Zane Lowe, Trevor Nelson and Edith Bowman. He has received awards from BBC 1xtra and UMA and has toured with Jay Z, Mark Ronson and Gravediggaz.
Baby J’s remix of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Valerie’ was no.2 in the national charts and stayed in the top ten for 11 weeks earning him his first gold disc. Other businesses include recording studios in Birmingham and Derby, Baby Knotted Films, which at its peak was the UK’s leading urban music video supplier to Channel AKA and MTV Base, Big Promo, a radio promo company and work as a national organiser for Love Music Hate Racism promoting national events including festivals for 20,000 people.
The event is free to attend and open to all, Fellows and non-Fellows. We hope you can join us!
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