GARTH'S GIG GUIDE MAY 24 - JUNE 27
DOZENS OF GIGS ACROSS GREATER LONDON + BONUS FESTIVAL LISTINGS!
Sadlers Wells’ Flamenco Festival returns on May 27 and is packed with exceptional dance troupes, singers and guitarists.
Summer’s almost here: time for dancing in the streets (or in parks, fields and anywhere else hot music is playing). Which means there’s concerts galore across Greater London - so much music from across the globe, wow!
Also: festival season is now underway - Kneecap and Gaye Su Akyol rocked Brixton last night! A bonus for subscribers who support the Yak is Festival Time: as there’s no Womad or Cambridge Folk Festival this year I’ve compiled a list offering several tasty replacements. Enjoy!
MAY
Clearwater Creedence Revival – 24 May, Indigo at the O2
Yes, a tribute band playing the many hits of the great Oakland band (who will never reform so this is the only way to hear such – unless John Fogerty plays the RAH at some point).
Errol Linton – 24 May, The Green Note, Camden Town
Dynamic Brixton blues man crosses the river and lights up Camden Town.
The Dime Notes – 25 May, Jamboree, Kings Cross (12.30 -14.30)
Dynamic jazz quarter who play hot music with Django Reinhardt influences.
Vortex Jam with Jas Kayser – 25 May, The Vortex, Dalston Junction
Noted jazz drummer Kayser hosts a jam where other young talents come and blow. £6 entry – the future of British jazz might make itself heard here!
Big Joe Louis – 25 May, The Mall Tavern, Notting Hill (19-21.00 free entry)
With his Sunday residency at Blues Kitchen Shoreditch having ended, the Jamaican born blues guitarist and singer brings his special night to the basement of a chic Notting Hill pub. Expect different guests every week and exemplary blues music.
Thee Sinceers – 26 May, Jazz Cafe, Camden Town
LA Chicano low-rider soul ensemble return – these guys (and a girl) really deliver!
Flamenco Festival – 27 May – 8 June, Sadlers Wells, Angel
The Flamenco Festival returns to London with some of the finest talent from Spain kicking up a storm. Bringing a slice of Spanish culture to London with its trademark brilliance – it will leave you shouting ¡olé!
Ekkstacy – 27 May, Peckham Audio, Peckham Rye Station
Ekkstacy is a heavily tattooed Canadian singer-songwriter from Vancouver, British Columbia. He is known for his blend of indie, post-punk, and synth-wave music.
Steam Down – 28 May, Peckham Levels (19-23.00)
Leading East London jazz collective host a weekly jam session in the former car park.
Iggy Pop – 28 May, Alexandra Palace
Aged 78, Iggy remains capable of putting on a dynamic performance of primal rock’n’roll. If you’ve never seen him this might be one of your last opportunities. Normally I would not recommend going to a gig at the barn-like Ally Pally, but its Iggy…
Errol Linton – 28 May, Effra Tavern, Brixton (free)
Did you know that Iggy has played Errol on his 6 Music radio show? The Detroit magus recognises the Brixton man’s unique talent.
Glen Charles Trio – 28 May, The Vortex, Dalston Kingsland
A drummer whose compositions are rich in harmony, Featuring the exceptional talents of Sam Leak on piano and James Owston on bass
Nikki Yeoh Quartet with Denys Baptiste - 28 May, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho (note 5.30pm performance)
With John Coltrane's centenary approaching, Nikki Yeoh Quartet celebrates one of the legends of jazz. Music played with heart and soul from a place of unity in the spirit of John Coltrane. Yeoh is joined by long time transcendental musical collaborator, Denys Baptiste on tenor saxophone, rising star bassist Ewan Hastie (winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2022) and swinging Empirical drummer Shaney Forbes.
Coracle – 28 May, Cecil Sharp House, Camden Town
Paul Hutchinson, Karen Wimhurst and Hannah Cumming will transport you through a wave of musical magic; the British folk tradition at its heart with eddies of contemporary classical and early music.
Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory present Magnum Opus– 29 May, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho (Note 5.30pm performance - £5 entry)
Founded in 2015 in Brixton, this ensemble now features over twenty gifted London jazz artists. Kavuma aims to preserve jazz heritage while inspiring future generations, showcasing London's talent, and promoting diversity.
Salif Keita – 29 May, Koko, Mornington Crescent
The veteran Malian vocalist with the golden voice returns for what is likely his only London performance of 2025.