RIGHT ON! returns - Saturday 17th February, 2018

RIGHT ON! @ Hanway Social - Saturday 17th February

After more than 10 years' absence, London's much-missed vintage black music club night returns next month for a one-off 15th anniversary dance. Back in the West End where it all started, the night's new venue is an authentic old-school basement club with late-night bar and separate dancefloor. Expect nothing but the best vintage sounds from the all-star DJ line-up, which features some of the UK's top selectors:

JEAN-PAUL SÉCULAIRE (Right On!),
MARK NORTON (Gene Drayton Unit / The Fantastics),
TEXAS RANGER (Unique Radio / Trojan Explosion / Heritage Inn),
NATTY BO (Gaz's Rockin' Blues / Ska Cubano / Top Cats),
and the mighty GLADDY WAX (Notting Hill Carnival / Wax Unlimited).

DOORS: 9pm - 2am
ADMISSION: £10
VENUE: Hanway Social (basement)
ADDRESS: 20 Hanway Street, London, W1T 1UG
NEAREST TUBE: Tottenham Court Road

For more information visit www.right-on.org

Tropical Lounge launch party - Sunday 6th July 2014

Check out this new night of vintage Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin music and dance! The launch party takes place on Sunday 6th July with myself, Coco Girl, and the inimitable Natty Bo and all joining hostess DJ Lady Kamikaze on the decks for a mix of mambo, cumbia, boogaloo, calypso, mento, ska, samba, bossa nova, son and more. What better way to spend a Summer's Sunday evening?!

Admission is FREE and the event runs from 7pm until 1am.

Tropical Lounge @ Floripa,
91-93 Great Eastern Street,
Shoreditch,
London,
EC2A 3HZ

http://floripalondon.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tropicalyard

A Reggae Christmas @ The Ivory Arch - 22nd December

An interesting-looking reggae event is taking place at The Ivory Arch Indian restaurant on Saturday 22nd December, 2012 featuring live music from Skillosophi.

http://uk.myspace.com/skillosophi
http://www.ivoryarch.co.uk/

Gilles Peterson at Shiftless Shuffle - Sunday 21 October 2012

Message from the JazzCotech Dancers...

We have done it again! Shiftless Shuffle on Sunday 21st October at East Village features a one-off and exclusive collaboration of 3 of the most legendary DJs on the UK Jazz Dance scene: Gilles Peterson, Colin Parnell & Boo, famed for their respective sessions at Horseshoe, Electric Ballroom and of course Dingwalls. This is the first ever time they are united behind the decks and because of this, we have extended the session to run from 2pm until 8pm.

Shiftless Shuffle, now in its 12th year, is the brainchild of Perry Louis, founder of JazzCotech Dancers. The afternoon starts at 2pm with a 1 hour class in the specialist Street-Fusion Jazz Dance style From Funk to Fusion, taught only by JazzCotech. The class is open to Novices and experienced Dancers alike, providing the opportunity to learn from the masters themselves, including all of the rhythmical, intricate footwork and so-called drop moves that are iconic and exclusive to this style. The ensuing club session has people flocking to it from all corners of the UK, including some of the best and original Jazz Dancers the UK has to offer.

Billed as “the coolest thing to do in London on a Sunday” by Time Out, Shiftless Shuffle is THE place to hang out so why not join us to strut your stuff, take in the incredible music, or simply kick back with a drink or two and enjoy watching the many Dancers do their thing.

Shiftless Shuffle, Sunday 21st October @ East Village (Basement) 89 Gt Eastern Street. London EC2A 3HX. Old St / Liverpool St Tube/BR. Class at 2pm; Club Session 3pm - 8pm. £8:00

Hope to see many of you there!
JazzCotech Dancers
www.jazzcotech.com

London's best vintage club nights

As promised, I've now added a page listing my favourite vintage music club nights. I've also uploaded all of the remaining content from the old site, and reorganised it slightly. Hope you find the new website useful and easy to navigate!

The London Dossier is back

As you can see, I've got The London Dossier website back online — but now it's all hosted here on Blogger. I've uploaded most of the old content, with the exception of the club calendar. I no longer have time to update a calendar of events on such a regular basis, so instead I will probably add a page with links to regular club nights and other event promoters. Watch this space!

I do hope you enjoy browsing the site. Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions below.

Right On! - new vintage black music website launched

Well, I mentioned in my last post that I've been busy working on a number of projects. One of these I can now reveal — a brand new website for Right On! promotions to celebrate 10 years in the business (how time flies!)

Although I have plans to add more content, the bulk of the site is now finished and live on the web, including lots of different genres of music you can listen to. So, if you like vintage black music, be sure to check it out and join the mailing list!

www.right-on.org

The London International Ska Festival 2012

The London International Ska Festival returns this year, from Thursday 3rd May until Sunday 6th May, featuring another array of Ska and Reggae legends.

Headline acts include Dandy Livingstone, Owen Gray (replacing Dawn Penn), George Dekker & Jackie Robinson from The Pioneers, Dave Barker and Freddie Notes. Other bands of note include London Dossier favourites Ska Cubano and The Dualers. DJs include Gladdy Wax, The Tighten Up Crew and Steve Rice (Downbeat Melody).

The venues for the main concerts are the Islington O2 Academy and the Islington Assembly Hall. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will also be after-parties down the road at Islington Metalworks, 7 Torrens Street, EC1V 1NQ until late.

I myself will be DJing at the after-party on Saturday night and can offer half-price admission to Metalworks for all London Dossier readers. If interested, you must let me know in advance.

For more information, and tickets to the festival, visit:
www.londoninternationalskafestival.co.uk

Ska LaVin NYE Party @ Troy Bar

As usual there are lots of vintage NYE parties coming up, but this one looks particularly good. Tommy Rock A Shacka from Japan is currently over in the UK and will be spinning alongside top London reggae selectors Tiny T and Asher G. Expect some great rocksteady, roots and ska.

Ska LaVin New Year's Eve Party
@ The Troy Bar

10 Hoxton Street,
Shoreditch,
London,
N1 6NG

31st December, 2011.
8pm - 4am.
Tickets: £10

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.

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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".

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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

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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

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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

Owen Gray's October concert cancelled

Sadly, the Owen Gray gig I wrote about that was due to take place on 19th October, has been cancelled.

The Phoenix City Social Club was to host the gig, but I've just been informed by the promoter that they will no longer be holding events at The Queen of Hoxton.

Instead their next event is planned to take place at Under The Bridge in Chelsea on the 2nd December, and Owen Gray has been added to the bill for that night.

Owen Gray live in concert - 19th October

Legendary Jamaican singer Owen Gray performs live on Wednesday 19th October at The Phoenix City Social Club, backed by The Sidewalk Doctors.

Owen Gray is a true veteran of the Jamaican music scene, being one of the country's first home-grown stars. He began his singing career as a teenager in the mid-1950s after attending the Alpha Boys School, which is well known for training many of Jamaica's finest musicians. With his soulful voice, he effortlessly recorded in a variety of styles over the years, from rhythm & blues and soul through to ska, rocksteady and roots reggae. Many of his tracks also became popular in the UK, released on labels such as Starlite, Island, Blue Beat, Dice and Pama. He moved to England in the 1960s, where he still lives to this day.

The Phoenix City Social Club is a new midweek session in a great, 200 capacity, basement venue, promoted by the man behind the London International Ska Festival. Musically, the night promises "ska, rocksteady, soul and 2 Tone" from well-known DJs and live bands. Guest DJ on the 19th October is Cello from the Coast To Coast club.

Advance tickets are available from londoninternationalskafestival.co.uk/tickets

Venue: The Queen of Hoxton (basement)
Address: 1-5 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX
Times: 7pm - midnight
Admission: £10
Website: www.facebook.com/PhoenixCityRecCo
Venue website: www.thequeenofhoxton.co.uk

Jean-Paul Séculaire - upcoming DJ sets - Aug-Sept

It's been a frightening and painful time for London and the UK recently, but it looks like things are starting to get back to normal again now. I say it's time to start getting out again!

I'm still working on relaunching the Right On! club night. Unfortunately, the venue I had lined up fell through at the last minute, but I am now researching alternatives. If you haven't already, do join the mailing list via www.right-on.org and "like" the Right On! Facebook page: www.facebook.com/rightonclub

Although there's no date for Right On! yet, I do have upcoming gigs at two other excellent, vintage black music nights in North London over the next couple of weeks. Details as follows:

Saturday 20th August, 2011
Sweet 'n' Dandy @ The Horatia
98-102 Holloway Road, London, N7 8JE
8pm - 2am. FREE before 11pm, then £3
www.thehoratia.co.uk

Friday 2nd September, 2011
Crawdaddy! @ The Wilmington Arms
69 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4RL
7.30pm - 12.30am. FREE
www.thewilmingtonarms.co.uk

Hope to see some of you out on the dancefloor soon!

Clapton Festival - 11th-12th June

The Clapton Festival takes part this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday 11th-12th June.

The festival includes live music, talks, film screening, food and drink, pop-up shops and markets, walks and more, but the highlight has to be Reggae Sound Connection featuring the Gladdy Wax Sound System.

This takes place at The Round Chapel on Lower Clapton Road and features Gladdy Wax alongside Solution Sound with guest DJs Trevor Sax and Manesseh. The event runs from 4pm - 10pm on Saturday and admission is £3 on door.

For the full festival programme visit: claptonfestival.com/programme.htm

Right On! meets Bande À Part - Sat 4 June

After the success of our encounter in 2010, I've been invited back to Shoreditch's premier vintage black music night, Bande À Part, to play another Right On! style set.

You can expect a fantastic mix of jukejoint sounds from the 1950s, 1960s and beyond, aimed firmly at the dancefloor, from myself and resident DJs Cousin Benson and Kimihiro Oue: RHYTHM & BLUES, DOO WOP, BLACK ROCK 'n' ROLL, SOUL, SKA, REGGAE, BOOGALOO and more - all on original vinyl.

Located just off the main Shoreditch strip of Old Street, The Troy Bar is an atmospheric, one-floor venue with tucked-away booths and a separate bar area, leaving dancers all the space they need to shake a leg on the wooden dancefloor.

Right On! meets Bande À Part
@ Troy Bar, 10 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6NG
Saturday 4th June, 2011. 8pm - 2am
FREE before 11pm; £3 afterwards

To find out more about Right On! visit www.right-on.org

If you'd like to RSVP to the event on Facebook visit:
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=213982018621214

Shiftless Shuffle 10th Anniversary - 19 June

Shiftless Shuffle, London's amazing jazz dance club session, celebrates its 10th Anniversary on Sunday 19th June.

Although this is a celebration, it will also sadly be the last one for a while as the club has to leave its present venue. So make sure you don't miss this one and help give the session the send-off it deserves. DJs for the night are: Perry Louis, Nick Hosier, Simon Mansell and Seymour Nurse.

Shiftless Shuffle 10th Anniversary Party
@ The O Bar (basement), 83-85 Wardour Street, Soho, W1D 6QE
5pm – 10.30pm (No dance class)
£6 before 6pm, £8 after

For more information visit www.jazzcotech.com/whatson.htm

The London International Ska Festival

The London International Ska Festival starts tomorrow, Thursday 21st April, lasting until Sunday and featuring an array of Ska and Reggae acts from around the world.

Headline acts include Jamaican legends Ken Boothe, Marcia Griffiths and, reuniting for the first time since the 1970s, Dave & Ansel Collins, who will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of their UK Number One single, 'Double Barrel'.

Also performing is foundation singer and Alpha Boys school graduate, Owen Grey - one of the first vocalists to record for Island Records and Coxson Dodd.

The festival will be held at the Clapham Grand Theatre, St. Johns Hill, Clapham Junction, London, SW11 1TT and promises 38 bands and DJs from 11 countries showcasing all Ska has to offer: from it's roots in American Rhythm & Blues, to the Jamaican originators, the progression into Rocksteady, Reggae and Two Tone, to the very latest 21st Century Ska sounds.

As well as the headliners, top names include James Hunter, Giuliano Palma & The Bluebeaters and DJs Clive Chin (Randy's Records), Mark Lamarr, Gaz Mayall, Jim Cox, Tommy Rock-A-Shacka, Greedy G and many more.

For more information visit:

www.londoninternationalskafestival.co.uk

The return of Right On!

I am planning to relaunch my respected and much-missed vintage black music club night, Right On!, this year and am currently working on the website and online presence. To that end, I have just created a page for the club on popular social networking site, Facebook. If you would like to be kept informed of the club's relaunch via Facebook or would just like to show your support or network online with fellow fans, please join the page by following the link below and then clicking the "Like" button (you will need to be logged into Facebook).

www.facebook.com/pages/Right-On-promotions/148484661874417

Of course the best way to stay informed is to join the mailing list by emailing me at paul@right-on.org

It would also be much appreciated if you could help spread the word to fellow lovers of vintage black music. Let's bring the club back with a bang!

To find out more about Right On! check out www.right-on.org

London Maps from Herb Lester Associates

Back in July 2010, I wrote about the excellent You Are Here map from Herb Lester Associates and mentioned that they were working on other London guides.

Though I've not gotten around to reviewing them until now, they actually brought out two other excellent maps late last year, with each map being even more beautifully designed than the last.

The second in the series is entitled May We Help You? and lives up to its promise of being a guide to "The best specialist suppliers in London". Though it covers such unusual services as bulletproofing, Japanese knife sharpening and taxidermy, this guide is more than a mere curiosity, offering as it does details of far more essential suppliers - from the sartorial (tailoring alterations, invisible mending, buttons, cobbler) to the practical (locksmith, umbrellas, stationery).

The third map in the trilogy, and the largest to date (at twice the size of the others), is an historic guide to London's lost gems of the 1960s. Billed as "a retrospective guide to London's shops, clubs, boutiques and sundry diversions, 1960-66", Wish you were there is a fascinating and extremely well researched insight into the era of Swinging London, when the city was perceived to lead the world in fashion and nightlife.

For more information on these maps, see the following links:

http://herblester.com/may-we-help-you/
http://herblester.com/wish-you-were-there

All three pocket guides are available to buy from select stockists, or online from the Herb Lester Associates website for just £3 (£4 for Wish you were there): http://herblester.com/buy-the-map/

Do yourself a favour and order your copies today!