Hate the end of the weekend and wish it was longer?
Looking for a distraction from the washing and chores that Sunday normally brings? Guess what, new event Love Shelter is just what you want!
This recent addition to the calendar has popped up from new events duo Aquarian Promotions and the bonus is that it's fortnightly (every 1st and 3rd Sunday).
The event starts at 6pm and doesn’t stop until you get kicked out at midnight. Between then you’ll be dancing away with uplifting vocal deep house and tribal beats from resident DJs Smokin Jo & Miguel Pellitero.
The venue is obviously fairly new; but is definitely catering towards women. There are 3 toilets – 2 female and 1 male (all very spacious but with a clear sign indicating that the toilets are only designed for one person at a time!). The Shelter was heaving and I had to drag myself out to get the last train home as I am one of the boring people who had to get up in the morning for the mundane 9-5pm office job – but this event did it’s job in that I didn’t even have time to think about the end of the weekend, it was home, shoes off and into bed having burned off all the calories from my earlier Caribbean lunch and then some!
Important to note, the bar is cash only; however there is a free cash machine 5 minutes down the road in Tescos or a LINK cash machine with a £1.65 charge just 3 doors down (both left out of the bar).
Love Shelter takes place at The Shelter at 267 Kingsland Road (nearest train station is Haggerston on the East London Line).
A recent addition to the fairly quiet Sunday scene is a little known but fast growing secret that goes by the name of ‘Blake’s Soul Food Sunday’.
Organiser Nat Blake has taken inspiration from her own family gatherings and created a delectable masterpiece. A perfect combination of music, food and conversation in a friendly environment. Just right for a chilled out Sunday afternoon. Heck, the jerk will even clear your hangover!
DJ Dukey BigBiz provides sweet Sunday vibes, playing the best in Rare Groove, Reggae, Soulful House, Soca plus so much more but at a level where you can enjoy the food and conversation.
Bar Titania hosts this food-centric; family event which runs from 4pm-11.30pm; with the food being served at 5pm. Just £2 entry if you just want to enjoy the atmosphere; play a few games and chill out, or £7 if you want an amazing plate of delicious food. We spotted at least 3 people go back to the door and upgrade once the smell of the freshly homemade jerk chicken wafted through the bar! The idea is genius; take your family homemade food and relaxed atmosphere and invite the family – the LBQ family that is! I tried the jerk chicken drumstick; the curried mutton; the macaroni cheese; the fried chicken wings; the coleslaw and the salt fish fritters. Ok, so I tried it all! It was amazing and reminded me of the food my ex-girlfriend’s mother used to make on a Sunday. A very typical Caribbean feast and well worth every penny. Nat had also worked with the bar staff to come up with a somewhat lethal yet tasty cocktail. Made with 2 types of rum; pineapple juice and strawberry syrup – it had a good kick but a smooth taste – I highly recommend them! (Don’t forget to use your My Pocket Planet app loyalty card when buying your cocktails to earn free drinks!) This month was no ordinary month; it was Nat’s birthday so in addition to the usual food there was also a delightful song from close friend and a gorgeous red velvet cake! Despite it being Nat’s birthday, she was the perfect host and introduced us to the many people who help put together this feast – many of which are her own family!
What I found particularly nice was the personal touches. Nat admitted the inspiration was her Nan’s Sunday family gatherings and whilst she isn’t here any longer; her photo was on display in a nice frame by the front door as a homage to the idea.
It is no wonder that Blake’s Soul Food Sunday has been nominated and shortlisted for a #PlanetAward for ‘New club night/event of the year’. We have no doubt that this event will go from strength to strength.
Blake’s Soul Food Sunday takes place 4pm-11.30pm every 3rd Sunday at Bar Titania. By Naomi Bennett-Hall
A new night has popped up at Bar Titania; and if you missed it, well you missed out. The night is called Naughty Girl, and I’m not sure it is quite what they meant but by the end of the night there were women snogging each other and boobs being flashed. Shots were downed and everyone was in good "spirits".
The night certainly brought out the naughty side of several lesbians in London! Were you one of them?
Naughty Girl gave us a new DJ to dance the night away to; DJ SpineDoc is new to the scene and filled the bar with prime RnB, classic hits and a few chart songs thrown in for good measure – all from the noughties and nineties. All this was done expertly on an iPad mini – yep; we’ve really gone digital folks!
Entry to Naughty Girl is FREE which means you have even more money in your pocket to spend on fantastic cocktails and cheeky flavoured shots.
The next one is on Friday 7 November, and promises the addition of dancers this month. We’re hoping this will become a regular 1st Saturday event. Check it out and let your naughty side out.
"...sublime tunes from one of the greatest bands you’ve probably never heard of"
(Leesa Gentz [left] and Julz Parker from Hussy Hicks)
Hussy Hicks @ Surya (c) Tim Russell 2014
It was a chilly autumn night in London yesterday and the rain was teeming down. I had tickets to see Australian folk/blues duo Hussy Hicks, but as I peered out the door of my favourite lesbian bar in Soho, the idea of schlepping up to Pentonville Rd seemed less and less appealing.
After much dramatic sighing and wishing in vain for a break in the rain, I steeled myself against the wet and headed out to look for The Surya Centre. And girl was I glad I did, for I was treated to an hour and a half of sublime tunes from one of the greatest bands you’ve probably never heard of. It’s no wonder the duo of Julz Parker and Leesa Gentz have found themselves attracting quite a following amongst LBQ listeners since forming in 2006.
Hussy Hicks @ Surya (c) Tim Russell 2014
Their music defies neat labelling, but its emphasis on soulful lyrics and powerful vocal arrangements sits well alongside that of The Indigo Girls - one of their key influences, according to Julz. In fact Hussy Hicks supported The Indigo Girls in Florida in 2013, at the Pensacola Unleashed festival (think Glastonbury meets Dinah Shore), a career highlight for the duo.
The gig commenced with a nod to their loyal fan base in London; the first two songs were from their first ever album – Life Plays Out. It was an inspired decision, judging by the reaction from the room.
Audience members were offered a treat with the third song, Inside This Room. The song has not yet been recorded and whilst it will feature in their next album, currently the only way to hear it is to attend one of their performances in the UK or Australia over the coming weeks and months.
The fourth song would have blown the roof off the venue, had it not been situated in the basement. Placating, from their 2012 Album “Postcards and Previews” was anything but conciliatory. Piercingly honest lyrics were the hallmark of this track which, combined with a haunting acoustic melody, left this reviewer wondering why they weren’t supporting Ed Sheeran over in the O2 arena at that very moment.
(Gentz and Parker performing at Surya Centre on 15 Oct 2014)
In the next song they moved firmly into a blues number with Armageddon, from their 2013 Album, “The London Sessions”. The number of supporting musicians swelled to four, and each of them was given an opportunity to shine. From a snappy solo by Phoebe Cook on the violin to a lengthy jam by all the guitarists, everyone pitched in to what ended up being a song mashup, mixing Armageddon with Prince’s Sexy Motherfucker. And the numbers kept growing. By the end of the song there were eight cramped on the small stage, each of them a talented musician in their own right.
After this the structure of the gig relaxed even more, as audience members and players mingled, and tequila shots were passed around.
(Gentz and Parker jamming with some of the contributors to their most recent album, “The London Sessions”, Surya Centre, 15 Oct 2014)
In the next track Leesa took over the vocals, with My Fault, a classic lesbian angst song. The two girls of Hussy Hicks were undeniably the centre of the performance, however they are so ably supported by the instrumentalists that, in the end, the audience were treated to a seamless ensemble performance.
All too soon it was time for the final song, People of Passion. This song saw the girls return to the lyric based folk style so strongly evident in Placating. The melody was again carried by Julz, however she and Leesa also combined for some wonderful harmonies.
The rain increased in intensity as we all left the venue, but no-one seemed to notice. Hussy Hicks had successfully taken us out of our mundane world, even if only for a while.
Hussy Hicks continue their UK tour tonight in Stevenage, with further dates over the weekend.
Ani Difranco is currently touring the UK and Europe with upcoming dates in London. Her latest album Allergic to Water will be released on October 13th, to much anticipation within the LBQ community. Released on Righteous Babe Records Release Date October 13th 2014 The Ani DiFranco Canon pt I and II are some of the most played tracks on my iPod and I have been a fan of DiFranco since being introduced to her by my second girlfriend in 1998, who wouldn't be with such masterpiece albums as Living in Clip in the back catalogue?
Allergic to Water is moody and low key, intriguingly producing a Vinyl-sound via digital recording. DiFranco has never been afraid to take chances nor speak (sing) her mind. DiFranco’s new studio album, Allergic To Water, is another bold accomplishment and its music is her most subtle.
Opening track Dithering brings an eletro-industrial feel to the fore, establishing a slow rhythm that permeates throughout the production. See See See See takes us back to the trademark acoustic roots, and the steely strings are strutted with the aplomb we would expect, accompanied by the (un)surprisingly delicate vocals. Careless Words is the embodiment of Ani, encompassing lyrics, vocals, percussion and strings that make this song sound like it's been part of the canon for many years, yet at the same time refreshingly current.
The title track strips everything back to the poet; dark, intense, soul-interrogating. The playful, melodic Yeah Yr Right lifts the tone right back up with its Joie de vivre. Closing with the optimistic, up-beat (but not quite up-tempo) Rainy Parade, there's a residual sense of empowerment, and that despite everything, life's not that bad after all.
‘Allergic To Water’ was recorded at her Victorian home in New Orleans and at a nearby studio in an old church with an intimate group of musiciians and prominent guest artists, keeping a very personal feel - so personal that DiFranco produced and mixed the record herself. DiFranco is touring accompanied by guest artists and band, bassist Todd Sickafoose and drummer Terence Higgins on several
stops. Violinist Jenny Scheinman will open and sit in at some points, as
will keyboardist Ivan Neville. She reflects on her collaborations, "I think that my one grain of wisdom in my life, which serves me well, is that when I meet a great teacher, I follow them...I invent excuses to be near them. Whether it’s Pete (Seeger), Utah Phillips, or Sekou Sundiata, it’s made my life pretty great along the way."
Pout’s new location took place at the funky 3 storey bar in Balham, known as the Exhibit. Great transport links, from buses, trains and tubes to access venue.
First impressions: a great size room equipped with private bar and resident cocktail mixologist.
Elaine is a fab hostess, meets and greets everyone with a huge smile and welcoming hug that feels warm and lovely. Her personality shines at these events, bringing a community together from all walks of life.
Accompanied by a great spread of food: canopies, chips, hummus and pita, bread - for free - fantastic!
The lights were dimmed, and the disco lights turned on, spinning, with music pumping, it was set to be great night.
Another weeknight in London, so of course another night out, this time in Soho. Thankfully I was actually home last night, and so was Katie so I actually remember what she looks like right now! She is off being all cultural at a book reading with Stella Duffy at Gay's the Word. I however went for more of a drink-focussed night and headed down to Bar Titania for their Thursday night Open Mic Night hosted by ex-drag kings (yes, you heard me right) - Sam, Dee and Alice.
The first thing that might be confusing about this open mic night, is that Sam, Dee and Alice are 2 people... so who is missing, well actually they are all present! Confused, well let me enlighten you... Alice is in fact the guitar! Sam leads on the vocals with a somewhat sultry voice (even though she said she was sporting a sore throat tonight!) and Dee provides the guitar and additional vocals.
The night starts of with a few songs from Sam, Dee and Alice; by Sam's own admission they like the old ones. Tonight we were treated to some Amy Winehouse and Elvis before moving on to a Sam, Dee and Alice original. Later we get some Dixie Chicks, Pink and Bob Dylan. We got to enjoy a small set from a guest band and then more of Sam, Dee and Alice.
The main influences of Sam, Dee and Alice are soul, motown and country and every song is just beautifully put together. They bring with them a variety of instruments (a bongo, star shaped tambourine, and red maracas and Sam has a Harmonica too) for those who fancy joining in; and also encourage the audience to sing along. This night is promoted as a night without limitations and boundaries; and any performer is welcomed to participate as they wish.
What I liked was the diversity of the music, and that every cover is done in their own way. This event has a really friendly and inviting atmosphere, and is a nice space for a new budding artist to try out their music without the worry of hecklers.
Between Pink and Bob Dylan there was an opportunity to get a free hug from Sam. Dee tried to offer kisses too but Sam declined due to her cold. Where else would you get that?!?
If you are a fairly new musician and fancy joining in on this eclectic musical night, then get in touch with Sam, Dee and Alice via their Facebook page.
I will definitely be back to this night (when my hectic calendar allows), but I recommend you take a trip down to Bar Titania and enjoy this evening for yourself. It is every Thursday and the live music kicks off around 8pm. There is a great happy hour until 8pm and don't forget if you use the My Pocket App Loyalty Card you can earn free drinks as well!
If you are in town straight from work and looking for a bite to eat, I recommend dinner at Labels. They have a great petit plats menu that is absolutely amazing value and also have the best cosmos in Soho! Right now if you sign up as a member at Labels and quote 'Planet London' they will waive the membership fee.
Looking for a distraction from the washing and chores that Sunday normally brings? Guess what, new event Love Shelter is just what you want! 
The event starts at 6pm and doesn’t stop until you get kicked out at midnight. Between then you’ll be dancing away with uplifting vocal deep house and tribal beats from resident DJs Smokin Jo & Miguel Pellitero. 
The Shelter was heaving and I had to drag myself out to get the last train home as I am one of the boring people who had to get up in the morning for the mundane 9-5pm office job – but this event did it’s job in that I didn’t even have time to think about the end of the weekend, it was home, shoes off and into bed having burned off all the calories from my earlier Caribbean lunch and then some! 
