The Heptones live @ The Hootananny - Sun 19 July

The legendary Heptones (minus Earl Morgan) are to perform live at The Hootananny in Brixton on Sunday 19 July.

Led by Leroy Sibbles, The Heptones are one of the greatest vocal groups in the history of Jamaican music. Following a stint at Caltone, this soulful trio came to prominence in the late 1960s recording immortal rocksteady classics for Studio One. For this London date, the group are backed by Basque Dub Foundation (BDF).

When The Heptones played The Hootananny last year, the gig understandably sold out, so make sure you get your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Heptones @ The Hootananny
95 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF. (020) 7737 7273
Tickets: £12 in advance
Doors: 8pm
Info and tickets: www.hootanannybrixton.co.uk

You can find out more about Basque Dub Foundation and listen to some of their music on MySpace: www.myspace.com/bdfbasquedubfoundation

The Dualers live @ The O2 - Thu 16 July

South London's ska dynamic duo are to headline their own show at The O2 on Thursday 16th July. The Dualers are one of the most authentic 60s style ska vocal groups around at the moment and have supported legends like Prince Buster in concert. They have a loyal following of their own, thanks not only to their vocal harmonies, but their youthful good looks, great stage presence and fantastic dance moves.

DJ support on the night comes courtesy of DJ Cello from Coast To Coast who has an enviable collection of rare ska 45s.

For more info and to book tickets, visit: www.thedualers.com

Swingin' at The Jazz Joint with JP - Tue 30 June

I've been invited to DJ alongside JazzMonkey at The Jazz Joint @ The Last Days Of Decadence this coming Tuesday, 30th June.

Held in the basement of this elegant club, The Jazz Joint is a night of swinging jazz; from Charleston and big band swing through to 60s organ grooves, flighty bop and honking R&B stompers. On top of this, there is also live jazz upstairs in the lounge bar.

Beginners and intermediate level Lindyhop classes are held at the beginning of the evening, between 7pm and 9.15pm, so you can learn some steps to try out later in the night. The club session itself runs from 9.15pm til just before midnight.

The Jazz Joint @ The Last Days Of Decadence
145 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE
7pm - midnight
£5 for lesson or club session / £8 for both lesson and club session

For more info check out: www.tomkerwin.com/thejazzjoint
To find out more about the venue visit: www.thelastdaysofdecadence.co.uk

Mose Allison @ Pizza Express this week

The great Mississippi blues-jazz composer/singer/pianist Mose Allison returns tonight to Soho for his week-long annual residency at The Pizza Express Jazz Club. Once hailed as a "Jazz Sage", Mose Allison is acclaimed for his witty and intelligent lyrics, authentic blues voice, laid-back stage manner and fast-fingered piano playing. He has been recording and performing since the late 1950s and still shows no sign of slowing down. Although his voice is not as strong as it once was, he is still an excellent singer and if anything his piano playing is better than ever. Whether you are familiar with his music or not, if you are a jazz or blues fan, make sure you do not miss him.

Mose Allison live @ The Pizza Express Jazz Club
10 Dean Street, Soho, London, W1D 3RW
Monday 15th June - Sunday 21st June
Doors: 7:00pm
Tickets: £22.00

Note: Dining is not compulsory, but if you do wish to eat (and the pizzas are pretty good!) I would advise you to arrive early in order to finish before the music begins.

For further information and to book tickets, call 0845 6027 017 or visit www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk

To find out more about Mose Allison check out moseallison.com

The Story of London @ Tate Britain - Fri 5 June

On the first Friday of every month, Tate Britain presents an after-hours evening of free performances, music, talks and films. Half-price entry is also offered to current exhibitions (no concessions).

This month's Late At Tate Britain takes place on Friday 5th June, and sounds particularly interesting. The theme is London's many histories. Highlights include:

* A walking tour of the Tate's neighbourhood to find out how today's gallery was shaped by an imposing prison, a Victorian sugar baron, a military hospital and abandoned yet ambitious schemes

* Discussion of Black History in London including the 1975 film "Pressure", widely acknowledged to be the first feature film drama to be made by a black film-maker in Britain

* A recreation of William Blake's 1801 Soho exhibition and a talk about Blake's Life

* Explorations of the Tate's archive including rare Blake images, Hogarth engravings, Dore illustrations and other early images of London

* A programme of silent films from a Lost London brought to life with a newly-commissioned score; from the bustle of the Victorian commute to the ordeal of the Blitz

On top of this, The Shellac Sisters will be present playing a selection of original 78s on their vintage 1920s gramophones. They'll be in Room 9 - "Romantic Painting in Britain" - for the whole evening.

The Story of London
Late At Tate Britain
Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG
Friday 5th June. 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Free admission

For full details visit www.tate.org.uk/britain/eventseducation/lateattatebritain/lateattatebritainjune2009.htm

To find out more about The Shellac Sisters check out: www.shellacsisters.co.uk