GARTH'S GIG GUIDE
From late-July to early September, here's listings for blues, folk, funk, gospel, soul and more across greater London.
Leyla McCalla plays The Moth Club on August 26. The Haitian American multi-instrumentalist is a rising star.
JULY
EALING BLUES FESTIVAL – 27/28 July, Walpole Park, Ealing
I can’t get excited about a “blues” festival whose headliner is Sons Of Cream (yes, a tribute band featuring Jack and Ginger’s offspring) but for those who like blues rock in a civilised, outdoor setting then this should be a treat. Weekend and day tickets available.
Queen Ifrica – 28 July, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town
The daughter of JA pioneer Derrick Morgan, Ifrica has won many fans in the reggae community over this century so this should be a summer highlight for lovers of Rasta cultural songs and lovers rock.
HIGH TIDE FESTIVAL – 28 July, Twickenham, free entry
High Tide is a community-led music festival, featuring the best local and established bands and artists across 18 stages along the river. Jazz, blues, rock, singer-songwriters – its a special event.
The Harlem Gospel Travellers – 28 July, 229, Regents Park
The HGT are a young male trio who perform dynamic, genre crossing gospel – their forthcoming sophomore album is likely to be a game changer for gospel.
Evelyn “Champagne” King will certainly sing this, her greatest hit, at the Jazz Cafe on August 9/10.
Johnny Osbourne & the Upper Cut Band – 29 July, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town
Osbourne is one of the Jamaican veterans who actually keeps getting better as he gets older. This should be tasty.
Myele Manzanza – 30 July, Ninety One Living Room, Shoreditch
New Zealand-born drummer and producer Myele Manzanza has made substantial waves in the global music scene as a dynamic jazz musician. Based in London, he's a founding member of Electric Wire Hustle, with five solo albums under his belt.
Lydia Lunch – 30 July, New Cross Inn, New Cross
The queen of scream returns for what will be a typically abrasive performance.
Frankie Goes To Bollywood – 31 July – 18 August, Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre
A new musical about Bollywood’s lure features epic songs, dazzling dance and – of course – romance.
Almost 50 years after they formed, W.I.T.C.H., the pioneering Zambian Afro-rock band, play 3 nights at The Moth Club August 5-7.
AUGUST
Little George Sueref – 1 August, Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, Soho
The Welsh master blaster of funky blues harmonica returns to rock Gaz Mayall’s long running basement bar.
Big Joe Louis– 3 August, Aint Nothin’ But (free)
Big Joe always plays a strong show. Here he’s in Soho with his trio.
ROTHERHITHE FESTIVAL – 3 August, King George’s Fields, Surry Quays (free)
A charming small festival that’s an easy bike ride from my estate. Oddly, headliners Osibisa play at 2pm then are followed by local blues, rock and reggae bands.