London’s finest jazz, soul, R&B and gospel performers will entertain crowds on two stages
There will be box steps, pivot turns, and jazz walks in Soho this summer as London’s world-famous jazz club Ronnie Scott’s hosts a free street party celebrating the capital’s independent venues.
The outdoor extravaganza will be held in Frith Street on Saturday, August 1, from 11.30pm to 4.30pm and is entirely free to the public. Crowds will be treated to two stages of live music, featuring the crème de la crème of London’s jazz, soul, R&B and gospel performers throughout the afternoon. The street will also host outdoor bars, street food kiosks and a programme of family activities.
Fred Nash, managing director of Ronnie Scott’s, said: “Before the festivals, the awards and the headline tours, there are independent venues where musicians can experiment, find their voice and connect with audiences for the first time.
“Those spaces are absolutely essential to the health of British music. The street party is our way of opening Ronnie Scott’s up to everyone.
“By bringing free live music into the heart of Soho, we want to celebrate the incredible artists performing today while also recognising the wider network of grassroots venues that helps make careers like theirs possible.”
Ronnie Scott’s is one of the staples of Soho nightlife, and was founded in Gerrard Street in 1959 by saxophonists Ronnie Scott and Pete King, introducing a generation of post-war Brits to the sounds of New Orleans. Within six years, Ronnie Scott’s moved to its current base at 47 Frith Street.
Famed for its evocative atmosphere, with dim lights, velvet booths, and a crammed calendar of jazz, soul, and blues, Ronnie Scott’s has hosted legends such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Jimi Hendrix and Chet Baker in its club.
Ronnie Scott’s free street party will be held in Frith Street, Soho, on Saturday, August 1, from 11.30pm to 4.30pm
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