What’s happening mid summer?
06 July, 2024Summer’s here and we’re half way through Wimbledon already. Blink and it’s gone. Being such a laggard, I failed to tell you in time about the Brazilian jazz trombonist Joab Reis’ London debut at World Heartbeat Embassy Gardens on the 1st July, and I’m determined not to get caught short again. So here are some highlights of the London scene that it behoves you to know about.
Systema Solar at the Village Underground, Shoreditch
It’s a bit tight, but there are still tickets to be had. The collective from Colombia’s Caribbean coast make their London debut on the 9th July. Their mission: to boldly create musical-visual shows with their own style they call “Berbenautika”, inspired by indigenous traditions. They create, adapt and reinvent music with an emphasis on joy and dance – as is only too obvious in this sample. Get your skates on and dust off your dancing shoes!
Ana Frango Elétrico at the Jazz Café
Mr. Bongo, bless its socks, has just us done us all the favour of re-releasing Ms. Elétrico’s splendidly entitled Little Electric Chicken Heart, so her appearance at the Jazz Café on Monday 15th July is welcome and timely. Unsurprisingly, the standing tickets have gone, but a few restaurant tickets remain.
Céu at the Jazz Café
Two days later, it’s Céu’s turn to sing us songs of her native Brazil. There appear to be tickets left. Here’s her fabulous version of “Concrete Jungle” from her eponymous debut to twist your arms.
Blessd at Outernet
Following a sold-out appearance at Electric Brixton back in 2022, Colombian rapmeister Blessd is back in the capital for one night only on the 23rd July under the aegis of ¡Como No!. Tickets for the Charing Cross Road gig can be bought here.
Marcelo D2 at the Jazz Café
It’s Brazil month in Camden (while not forgetting Black Uhuru and Johnny Osbourne)! Legendary rockin’ rapper Marcelo D2 makes his first appearances in London for the first time in five years on two consecutive nights at the end of July. Tickets appear to be available for either night.
Mexican Institute of Sound at the Jazz Café
It’s still a long way off and officially autumn, but I’m always likely to forget nearer the time. Grammy-winning composer, producer and pioneer of the Mexican electronica movement, Camilo Lara – known and revered as Mexican Institute of Sound – brings his band to the hallowed tables and chairs of the Jazz Café on 25th September. It’s not too early to book.
I love an institute that doesn’t take itself too seriously!
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