MODern History SE1 - Saturday 14th September 2013

A fabulous sounding street festival called MODern History SE1 takes place in Lower Marsh in Waterloo this Saturday, 14th September from noon until 7 pm. It is billed as "a celebration of music, art, fashion and culture... by spinning the clock back 50 years, Lower Marsh will be taken right back to it's 60's heyday and the market's most successful era".

The event will feature:

• Vintage scooter rally across London's bridges, from Tower to Westminster: https://www.facebook.com/events/561292677268866/
• Vintage market featuring vintage clothes, scooter spares and a host of other themed stalls.
• Vintage food - Pie 'n' Mash, toffee apples and old ice-cream vans.
• Vintage shop fronts - Shops will be dressed as they were in the 60's with a reproduction of newspapers and magazines.
• Live music stage on the piazza at the end of Lower Marsh mapping the influence of black music on British artists.

There will also be a number of well-known DJs playing a variety of genres from blues and ska through to reggae to indie. Venues and set times as follows:

Train to Skaville @ CARRIAGE, 34 Lower Marsh

Noon - Dave Edwards
1 pm - Smiler
2 pm - Chad
2:30 - Big Bob
3:30 - Dave Edwards
4 pm - Jerry Dammers
6 pm - Surprise guest

Blues x 6 @ WALRUS, 172 Westminster Bridge Road

Noon - Big Bob
1 pm - Nikki Shaw
2 pm - Rob Messer
3 pm - Smiler
4 pm - Dave Edwards
5 pm - Ryan B
6 pm - Guy Joseph

Kool Britannia @ HORSE, 124 Westminster Bridge Road

Noon - Miss Wicked
1 pm - Ian Punter
2 pm - Jerry Dammers
4 pm - Paul Tunkin
5 pm - Ian Punter
6:30 - Miss Wicked

Vintage Halloween Parties - October 2011

Well, it doesn't look like there's much going on on Halloween itself this year, it being a Monday and all, but fear not, there's lots to choose from over the weekend preceding it. Here's my round-up of this year's choicest, Halloween-themed, vintage club nights. Dressing up is generally not obligatory, but in most cases it is highly appreciated, and at some of the events may even get you a discount on admission.

FRIDAY 28th OCTOBER

Jukebox Jam Halloween Special
http://www.jukeboxjam.org/2011/10/halloween2011/

A night of rock 'n' roll, rhythm 'n' blues and sleazy exotica from live bands and resident DJs. Guest jockey this month is the great Ben Olins from The Stag O Lee club.

A Danse Macabre - The Halloween Ball
http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/halloweenball_28.html

An erotic, late-night ball featuring cabaret, burlesque, live bands and DJs including Dickon Edwards.

The Sizzle Suite
http://www.ginglik.co.uk/?page_id=224

Old school funk, soul, ska, r'n'b, swing, calypso and more from DJs Duke Skeleton and host Count Sizzle plus The Congo Faith Healers live and flamenco from Paula y Manu.

---

SATURDAY 29th OCTOBER

White Mischief presents A Ghost In the Machine
http://www.whitemischief.info/featured/oct-29-ghost-in-the-machine

Spectacular indoor festival in a multi-floored, converted Victorian cinema. Line-up features live bands, cabaret, installations, fabulous costumes and vintage DJs, including yours truly, spinning swing, blues, rock 'n' roll and more.

The Hideous Big Ten Inch Halloween Horror Show
http://www.bigteninch.co.uk/big-ten-inch-london/the-hideous-big-ten-inch-halloween-horror-show/

Mr "Ghost Train" himself, Jerry Dammers, joins Count Skylarkin on the decks to spin "devilish blues, ghoulish ska, coffin-rockin' rocksteady and buried treasure from Tutankhamun's grave".

---

Finally, should you fancy getting away from all the ghouls and goblins, there are plenty of other nights to choose from, on the Friday at least. Check out the Calendar for suggestions:

http://www.londondossier.info/clubs.php

Ghetto Lounge events - October / November

Saturday 15th October
Fela Kuti Birthday Tribute
@ The Jazz Cafe

This night will feature the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra who promise to perform "carefully re-orchestrated Fela favourites/classics". Their selection from Fela's repertoire aims to mark the changes and development in his music through the decades — from Koola Lobitos (highlife, jazz) through to Africa 70 (Afro funk) and Egypt 80 (Afro big-band sound, with longer, more intricate pieces). There will also be guest musicians on the night, paying their respects to Fela, plus DJ Koichi Sakai (Afrobeat Vibration) on the decks playing "memorable Afrobeat anthems".

The Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PG
Doors: 7pm - 11pm
Admission: £17.50 advance, £22 on the door
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1f004658c1a9681e?camefrom=cfc_uk_mama_jazzcafe&brand=jazz_cafe

---

Friday 11th November
Anthony Joseph album launch
@ The New Empowering Church

Inspired by some lines from the surrealist poet Ted Joans, "Rubber Orchestras" is Anthony Jospeh's third album with his Spasm Band. It has been produced by drummer and leader of The Heliocentrics, Malcolm Catto, and includes one track arranged and produced by 2 Tone legend Jerry Dammers (The Specials).

The opening words on the new album "The griot is the sound of universal culture" are key to understanding the universe of Anthony Joseph. Born in Trinidad but London-based for many years, Joseph has carved out a successful career writing and teaching poetry, as well as recording and performing with his band. His vocal influences include: Jimi Hendrix, Benjamin Zephaniah, Fela Kuti, Sly Stone and Gil Scott-Heron.

The new album, "Rubber Orchestras" (Heavenly Sweetness/Naïve) was released this month, and it will be followed by a new poetry collection of the same name in November by Salt Publishing.

Support on the 11th November comes from the Jon Speedy Band and DJs Jerry Dammers and Koichi Sakai.

The New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, London, E8 3RL
Doors: 9pm - 3am
Admission: £7 advance, £10 on the door
Tickets: http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?295428

---

Saturday 26th November
Afrobeat Vibration 3rd Anniversary special
@ The New Empowering Church

Saturday 26th November is Afrobeat Vibration's final installment of 2011 and its 3rd Anniversary. As always, the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra will be playing authentic Afrobeat including Fela's classic tunes as well as original compositions. DJ support comes from Koichi Sakai.

The "Music is the Weapon" documentary film will be screened from 9pm-10pm and there will also be contests for the best Afrobeat dancer and best Kalakuta dresser as well as a Nigerian meal after the show.

The New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, London, E8 3RL
Doors: 9pm - late
Admission: £7 before 10pm, £10 thereafter

Slim silk knitted ties from T.M. Lewin

I popped into T.M. Lewin today and to my great delight found they are currently stocking the holy grail of men's neckwear: slim knitted ties made of 100% pure silk. And what's more, they are currently part of one of Lewin's famous half-price sales. Known colloquially as Slim Jims, these are quite simply the ultimate, classic, 1960s mod style ties. They should be a staple in any well-dressed man's wardrobe, but are sadly as rare as hen's teeth these days. To be perfectly honest, I haven't seen such nice ties in London since Soho tailor John Pearce made up a batch a few years ago.

The ties are 5cm (approximately 2 inches) at their widest point and have a length of 150cm (approximately 59 inches). They also have a reinforced neck band. Being silk, they knot and drape beautifully and hold a dimple particularly well.

The ties have been slashed in price from £79 to £39.50 and are also part of a 3 for £99 deal. They are available from T.M. Lewin branches, subject to availability (the branch I was in had only one colour in stock) but are also available to buy online. Standard UK shipping is just £3.95 and they even ship internationally.

So take my advice and snap these up before it's too late! If you don't, I guarantee you will regret it when they are discontinued.

For more information, or to buy online, visit the T.M. Lewin website

John Simons and The Ivy Look

2010 will surely be remembered as the year that the Ivy League look returned to menswear in London. Penny loafers, Harrington jackets, Oxford button-down shirts, knitted ties and herringbone tweed suits are all over the high street and have had numerous mentions in the press this year.

The man who first championed the look in the UK in the late 50s, John Simons, opens his new shop on Tuesday 7th December. The address is: 46 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7QR

For further information on this legendary modernist and Ivy League gentleman's outfitter, check out his website: http://johnsimons.co.uk/

To find out more about the Ivy League style and its connection to the modernist look of the 1950s and 1960s, I would highly recommend you check out The Ivy Look, which was published this Autumn and serves as an excellent introduction to the style, with many great period illustrations, photos and advertisements. Written by well-known mods about town, Graham Marsh and JP Gaul, this pocket-size book focuses on the Ivy look as interpreted and adopted by London modernists over the years.

The Ivy Look: Classic American Clothing - An Illustrated Pocket Guideis currently available to buy brand new from Amazon for just £6.50 (including free UK postage).

John Smedley Sample Sale - 16 Nov

The next John Smedley Sample Sale takes place on Tuesday 16th November 2010 from 10am to 6pm.

John Smedley make some of the most beautiful and finest quality knitwear available anywhere in the UK, but their pieces don't come cheap. Their sample sales are open to all and are the perfect way of picking up some lovely items at a fraction of their retail price. You'll find end of range and slight imperfect garments, but arrive early as the best stuff sells quickly - especially in the most common sizes.

Payment methods of cash, debit, visa and mastercards are accepted.

Where? The Rootstein Hopkins Space, London College of Fashion, 20 John Princes Street, London, W1G 0BJ. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus.

Skinny silk tie clearout at John Pearse

Soho tailor John Pearse is currently clearing out hundreds of lovely hand-made slim silk ties in dozens of different designs. I have a few of John's ties myself (such as the one pictured) and they are amongst my favourites. They are lovely looking, very narrow and just as importantly they tie extremely well.

The ties have been reduced to £30 each or three for £60 - bargain! Some of these designs are very limited with only one or two left, so get down there now to check them out. And don't forget to say Jean-Paul sent you!

To find out more about John Pearse visit: www.johnpearse.co.uk

Adam of London launch website

Excellent West London menswear boutique Adam Of London have finally caught up with the 21st century and launched a website.

Run by former mod Adam Shener, Adam Of London has been in business for many years selling well-cut mod style suits, coats and shirts but has never had an online presence until now. Although the layout is quite simple and still seems a bit buggy, the site is fairly easy to navigate and it is even possible to purchase online.

Check it out here: www.adamoflondon.com

Adam Of London is located at:
Unit 11, Portobello Green Arcade, 281 Portobello Road, W10 5TZ
Telephone: (020) 8960 6944

The Magic Theatre - 24 November

The Magic Theatre is a glamourous sounding new club night coming up at the gorgeous Rivoli Ballroom on Saturday 24th November.

The idea behind the night is to hold to a diverse and magical event for "whoever you are or whoever you want to be". It is aimed at people of all sexualities and gender identities - anyone who loves to dress up and dance.

Musically the night promises to cover 60s Soundtracks, Brazilian, Lounge, Library Grooves, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Sixties Soul, 60s French and Italian Pop, and Jazz Dance courtesy of DJ Weegee. There will also be live music from The Roadhouse 5 who play Rat Pack Jazz, Soul and select Pop.

The Rivoli Ballroom should be the perfect venue for this unique night and was chosen especially as a fitting stage for costumes and outfits that are quirky, sensual and spectacular. In other words, a place to make a grand entrance, and to dance into the early hours.

The Rivoli is one of very few remaining original ballrooms in London. It apparently started life as the Crofton Park Picture Palace in July 1913, before being converted into a ballroom with a large sprung maple dancefloor in the late 1950s. Its beautiful original decor includes red velvet, flock wallpaper, chandeliers and glitter balls.

The club runs from 8pm til 1am though doors will open at 6pm for a Dressing Room, pre-club Costumier and Make-up Service with professional nail technician. Tickets are £12 and the promoters are highly recommending buying tickets in advance due to high interest and a strict capacity of 500.

The Rivoli Ballroom, 350 Brockley Road, SE4 2BY (opposite Crofton Park train station)

For tickets and further details visit: http://www.therivoli.co.uk/

Steinberg & Tolkien closes down

I heard this news a while back, but forgot to post anything about it. Popular King's Road vintage clothes shop Steinberg & Tokien have apparently closed down.

Though geared more towards women than men, I still have fond memories of this place. It was in this quirky little boutique that I bought my first silver tie clip many years ago.

Full story from Time Out here:
http://www.timeout.com/london/features/3330.html

V&A 60s music event

The Victoria & Albert Museum is hosting a free Sixties Fashion exhibition until the 25th February 2007.

To celebrate this the museum is hosting a free event on Wednesday 9th August called "60s Underground Lost and Found" - an opportunity to "relive the 60s underground scene with a day and night of Northern Soul, Bluebeat, Ska and Rocksteady"... or so they say!

The event runs from 1pm till 9.45pm and includes films about Northern Soul and a DJ and dance session with selectors Gladdy Wax, Keb Darge, Andy Smith, Ady Croasdell and the Tighten Up crew.

There will also be an after party at the Jazz Cafe from 11pm till 2am. Admission to that is £5 with a special V&A voucher.

For full details of the event visit http://www.vam.ac.uk/activ_events/events/60s_underground/index.html

For more information on the 60s Fashion exhibition visit http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/1960s/sixtiesfashion/index.html