Join us for an extraordinary conversation as legendary bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma of the Redd Carpet Room invites British fashion designer and style icon Rohan Clarke of Uptown Yardie for an intimate panel discussion exploring the profound intersection of fashion and music. For decades, jazz musicians have been more than musical innovators—they've been fearless trendsetters and style architects who shaped global fashion from the bandstand to the streets. Discover how Jamaaladeen's lifelong obsession with vintage attire, watches, and eyewear—shared by his mentor Ornette Coleman and many other influential musicians transformed his stage presence from a young age, continuing the jazz tradition where what you wore was as important as what you played. Hear the captivating story of how iconic British fashion made its journey from London's streets to Jamaaladeen in North Philadelphia via musicians who graced the stage at the legendary Uptown Theater, turning concert halls into runways and establishing jazz musicians as the original influencers. Explore the proud tradition of Black men who, though not businessmen or celebrities elevate dressing well to an art form. Jamaaladeen will reveal which British fashion staples have become essential to his wardrobe and share his invaluable style advice for musicians looking to elevate their fashion game on stage, passing forward the knowledge that in jazz, your visual presentation amplifies your musical message. Rohan Clarke will discuss the vision behind Uptown Yardie—a brand inspired by Jamaican heritage and Bob Marley's philosophy of "bringing downtown uptown"—and how his handcrafted Northampton-made shoes and clothing embody a lifestyle for progressive individuals who refuse to be boxed in by mainstream fashion. This is more than a panel discussion; it's a celebration of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and the timeless relationship between how we dress and how we create. Experience the convergence of two worlds where vintage meets visionary, jazz legacy meets contemporary design, and style becomes substance.
