Latest news with #JazzCafe
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
A-list Hollywood couple considering relocating to London because they prefer ‘colder climate' to balmy Los Angeles
The singer also gives verdict on having more children LOVING ALL OF UK A-list Hollywood couple considering relocating to London because they prefer 'colder climate' to balmy Los Angeles JOHN LEGEND and his wife Chrissy Teigen are practically US royalty. He is a Grammy-winning singer and she's a hilarious TV star, model and author. Advertisement 4 American singer John Legend is considering a move to London Credit: Gaëlle Beri 4 John with wife Chrissy and kids Miles and Luna Credit: Getty But now the A-list couple are considering packing in their life Stateside after falling in love with Blighty. John explained in an exclusive chat with Bizarre's Howell: 'We love it here. Chrissy loves it and the kids love it. 'We spent our last Christmas here and two or three Christmases ago we were here as well. 'We like to be in a colder place. We don't like to be in Los Angeles for Christmas. Advertisement 'It's too warm and sunny and we both grew up in a colder weather environment so it doesn't feel like Christmas if it's warm.' Asked if that meant they would consider relocating here, he added: 'Yes, we would. I mean, especially now. 'We always talk about the possibility of moving to New York or London. 'Those are two cities that we would definitely consider living in. We love walking cities. Advertisement 'There's something very appealing about both of them and Chrissy and I feel like we thrive in those kinds of environments, so it's something to consider for sure.' The All Of Me singer is such a fan of the UK that he chose it as the place to kick off his Get Lifted — 20th Anniversary Tour. AMERICAN music icon John Legend was left red-faced after reportedly playing to an 'empty' arena He wowed the crowds during the opening night in Glasgow on Tuesday, where he wore a striking white suit. Last night John performed in Manchester, ahead of Birmingham this evening and London's O2 Arena on Sunday. Advertisement The tour celebrates his 2004 debut album, which featured the massive hit Ordinary People. John said: 'It's fun to reminisce about this time. I tell a few stories in the show. We like to be in a colder place. We don't like to be in Los Angeles for Christmas John 'My last tour was like a solo show where I literally told stories the whole time. So this is a lot less of that and it's the full band and a lot more music. 'A lot more music' 'When I think about Get Lifted, I associate a lot of that early promo and those early shows with London and with the UK. Advertisement 'I just remember playing the Jazz Cafe and those early gigs, and Ordinary People especially took off here. 'It's perfect that we start the tour here.' John is now somehow juggling a six-month tour with work on his 11th studio album. He said: 'The way I'm approaching the next album is, how do I make that one the best one I've ever done? 'How do I collaborate with people who are going to make me better and bring out something special in me? Advertisement 4 John wowed crowds in Glasgow, where he wore a striking white suit Credit: Gaëlle Beri 'That's what I'm going to focus on and the awards will take care of themselves. 'We've written a lot prior to this tour. Most of it's written.' One thing you can't expect from John and Chrissy is a reality show, as he revealed they have turned down offers. Advertisement 'Yeah, we've been approached,' he said. You know, she's very entertaining and I'm like her straight man. 'Every comic needs a straight man. 'I feel like we share plenty on social media and we like being in control of what we share. So anything we would do on the unscripted side, it would have to be with us having control over what we share. Advertisement Bedroom encounters 'Shows are built around people arguing with each other. We're just not interested in that version.' The couple now have four kids. But asked if they would like more, John said hastily: 'No. That was a quick answer. I'm all done.' There's no doubt his soulful, sexy music has helped make plenty of other babies though. We always talk about the possibility of moving to New York or London John Asked whether fans tell him about bedroom encounters with his tunes as the soundtrack, he said: 'Oh, so many awkward conversations. Advertisement 'We hear about that. We hear about people getting married which is not as awkward. 'But either way, it just lets you know that you make music that is part of people's lives.'
Time Out
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Sirens of Lesbos
Sirens of Lesbos first made a name for themselves in 2018 with their reggae-infused single 'We'll Be Fine'. From October 2023 to September 2024, the band embarked on a European tour with stops at venues like Jazz Cafe in London, Paradiso in Amsterdam, and Fusion Festival in Berlin. Inspired by their time on the road, they also began working on their new album. With family roots tracing back to Eritrea and Sudan, sisters Jasmina and Nabyla Serag infuse their music with African instruments, linguistic diversity, and reggae influences. Recently announced as one of the first acts for The Great Escape 2025, Sirens of Lesbos are ready to bring their unique fusion of dance music to Istanbul.
Time Out
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Camden's Jazz Cafe is turning an old east London theatre into a new venue
Opened in 1992 in an old branch of Barclays bank, Camden 's Jazz Cafe has long since established itself as a legendary London music venue. Over the years, the 450-capacity spot has played host to some truly iconic acts from the world of jazz and soul music, including D'Angelo, Bobby Womack, Gil Scott-Heron, Pharoah Sanders and local legend Amy Winehouse. The venue's inaugural Jazz Cafe Festival was a hit last summer, and will return to Peckham 's Burgess Park this August. We're therefore expecting big things from the Jazz Cafe's new project, which was announced this week. Jazz Cafe owner the Columbo Group has been granted planning permission to transform a disused theatre into an east London outpost for the Camden institution. Built in 1896, Stratford High Street's Rex Theatre has gone through multiple iterations over its 130-year history, initially hosting theatre and opera before being converted into a cinema in 1933, a bingo hall in 1969 and later a nightclub. After being repossessed by Newham Council in 2013, the building has been largely vacant since, but will finally reopen as Jazz Cafe East after the council accepted a bid for the venue. Operating since 2006, the Jazz Cafe group owns several other major London venues alongside the OG Jazz Cafe, including nightclubs XOYO and Phonox, music venue chain The Blues Kitchen and north London pubs The Parakeet and The Old Queen's Head. The business's foray into Stratford has been enthusiastically welcomed by the local community. Speaking of the plans for the new venue, Newham's mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said: 'Jazz Cafe East promises to let residents in Newham have world class entertainment on their doorstep. It is a show of confidence for the future of the borough, which will bring with it jobs and prosperity. Businesses are waking up to see all that the borough and its people have to offer.' The new venue will follow a slew of major cultural openings in Stratford, including new dance theatre Sadler's Wells East and the V&A East Storehouse, the purpose-built museum archive which opens at the end of the month. It's no wonder we named the east London neighbourhood one of the UK's best places to visit in 2025!
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Popular bar to close after 10 years as heartbroken owner says it's ‘no longer sustainable' leaving regulars ‘devastated'
Fans have shared their love for their 'favourite place' ahead of its closure LAST ORDERS Popular bar to close after 10 years as heartbroken owner says it's 'no longer sustainable' leaving regulars 'devastated' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR bar is set to close after 10 years of trading, with its heartbroken owner blaming "unsustainable" rising costs. The retro venue in Newcastle city centre, influenced by speakeasies and cabaret bars of 1920s prohibition America, will shut its doors for the final time in just months. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Prohibition in Newcastle will close at the end of July Credit: Google Maps 3 Musician Sam Fender shocked guests when he played an impromptu piano track from his then-new album at the bar two years ago Credit: Instagram / @prohibitioncabaretbar Prohibition was first built in a converted railway arch in neighbouring Gateshead in 2015, attracting large numbers of followers for its classic feel. It then moved across the river in 2018, taking up the location of the famed former Jazz Cafe on Pink Lane. However now, owner Mitch Mitchell has shared the sad news that his iconic venue will be closing in July. He explained that "upcoming rises to running costs" have meant the business was "no longer sustainable" in the format it was running. Faced with the tough choice of having to compromise on the bar's "core principles", Mitch felt it was better for the venue to close but be able to hold its head up high. In a lengthy heartfelt post on Facebook, Mitch and his team wrote: "We've filled this last decade with so many amazing memories and fun times and we will cherish those dearly. "Lately though, we have been up against it financially, we have been for some time, but thanks to the tremendous support and generosity we've always treasured from our wonderful customers, as well as, of course, the talent and dedication of all the acts that have brought so much to the bar, we've been able to defy the odds and keep going - until now. "From the very beginning we insisted that we've never been about profit or 'in it for the money' and we have proudly and rigidly stuck to our mission of being the home of free live performance here in Newcastle, believing that the culture and joy that live entertainment brings to us all should be for everyone, regardless of their circumstance." Mitch added that the business had "only ever just about broken even", due to its commitment to keeping the outlet affordable for people in the bustling city. He continued: "But with the many recent and upcoming rises to our running costs, we would never have been able to continue and keep our heads above water. Huddersfield Station Closure: £70 Million Revamp Set to Transform Travel "We are no longer sustainable in this format and would not work or would have had to compromise our core principals in any other, therefore, we accept that it is time to wrap this show up and lower the final curtain knowing we did our absolute best and have had an incredible ten years doing so." The iconic venue found itself in the spotlight after musician Sam Fender played an impromptu piano track from his new album in 2023. Prohibition had been a platform for countless musicians, singers, and bands from across the North East over its 10 years of operation. Mitch said fixtures and fittings in the bar, including the piano Sam played on, would be sold off in a bid to cover costs for the "good old fashioned liquor joint". The venue will close for good on July 31 with the "heaviest of hearts", Mitch added. In a touching tribute to the fans "devastated" by the closure, Mitch said: "Thank you, all of you, for all the love and support you've shown for Prohibition over the last ten years - this place would have been nothing without the live music and performances and of course, your much treasured and always appreciated custom. "All I ever wanted was to make great memories and create something unique that will be remembered with love and fondness for years to come - I think I managed that. "I don't think I could have given much more, that's for sure, I'm mentally and physically exhausted and definitely look and feel ten years older. "But for all the stress and worry it's been, I honestly wouldn't change it for the world. "I've learned so much and can look back on this chapter of my life and career with a great sense of achievement and a heart full of pride - for that, I am truly thankful." Beloved pub with 170-year history to shut for good leaving landlord 'devastated' A MUCH-LOVED pub with a 170-year history is shutting for good, leaving its landlord "devastated". The popular establishment is planning a closing party with "last night deals on offer". The Station Inn in Nantgarw Road, Caerphilly, officially closes its doors on Saturday, April 26. In a post shared on Facebook, a pub spokesperson revealed the situation is "out of our control". They penned: 'I'm devastated to tell you all that The Station Inn will close its doors for the last time on April 26 and our lovely welcoming warm and friendly pub will be no longer open as a public house. 'This is not our decision, not something we want or haven't fought for. Unfortunately, the landowner has his reasons and it's out of our control. 'The last three months have made me cry, chuckle, bang my head against the wall, stick my head in the glass washer, drink a fireball whiskey shot and beam with pride. "What a bunch of amazing people we have met, grown to love and will miss terribly.' Nearly 300 emotional comments have been left underneath the bar's closure post, with many saying how "heartbroken" they were at the news. One fan of the bar wrote: "Gutted to read this Mitch. "Prohibition has been my favourite place, and I'll miss you all. Crying now." Another added: "So sad. Devastated for you. "You've done such an amazing job with an incredibly lovely team. "Thank you for making my life and the lives of so many north eastern people so joyful. Much love." A third issued a lengthy tribute, saying: "I feel I've just heard about a relative handed a terminal diagnosis. "This is such a unique part of the city you've all been part of. "From the amazing hound clubs, to the unique and talented acts you've all had on and the laughs we've all shared with Bunty. "We all know guys and how hard this must have been to reach the conclusion. "Thank you all for some amazing memories that will last forever. "My thoughts are with you all at this time. "Hope the future holds something bright in these dark times."
The Independent
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Musician, 14, died in tragedy on Amsterdam boat trip as parents seek answers over death
The grieving parents of a 'virtuoso' 14-year-old musician who died while on holiday in Amsterdam are seeking answers over their son's death. Despite his young age, multi-instrumentalist Raymi Saldaña Rojas had won multiple prestigious awards and performed alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra at Maida Vale studios, while becoming the youngest person ever to play at London 's Jazz Cafe. But in July 2024, while on holiday with friends and their family in Amsterdam, the London-born teenager's life was cut short during a boat trip, when Raymi – who was unable to swim – ended up in the water. Raymi's parents, Jeanette Rojas and Carlos Saldaña, told The Independent that they are still seeking answers over the circumstances of his death at the IJ bay in Amsterdam's waterfront, at which point they said 'our world was destroyed'. While a coroner will soon hold an inquest, the family are not eligible for legal aid representation during the hearing, and are seeking to crowdfund the money required to pay for barristers and solicitors, via a CrowdJustice page. They have so far raised close to £20,000, in large part thanks to 'amazing support' from the Hispanic and Latin American community in London. But Raymi's mother and father – who are also musicians, from Bolivia and Peru respectively, and who played in a trio with Raymi called Sagrada Familia – remain a long way from the £58,000 target their lawyers advise could be required. Mr Saldaña said: 'We are crying a lot. I feel useless. I used to play instruments to support people because it's my [way] of life … and now I am stuck. I can't play because [everything reminds] me of my son and it hurts me a lot. 'So I really appreciate if people can help to solve what happened, because we don't know – we need answers.' Ms Rojas said: 'Since my son was little, he was always with us – we were together as a family. That was our way to live – with music, with family, with community. So all the community know Raymi. This is why the community is giving back, but still we are far [from the target].' Describing the impact of her son's loss, Ms Rojas said: 'One day we were as happy as any other parent, expecting [to see] our child – Raymi was our only son – growing more, achieve all their dreams, to have a family maybe.' She added: 'We are trying to understand – why us, why our son. I could die, but why my son? He deserved to live. As parents, we are grieving so much, but it is about my son – his voice was cut off. No one can explain. 'My son, as – all young children – had his own world, his own dreams, but now from one moment to another everything is gone. Every morning we try to say 'oh no, this is a nightmare and we're going to wake up'. But never. 'So we want to tell our story with others, because we don't want any other families to suffer a similar story. Maybe after we find some justice, if it's possible, honour my son how he deserves, [how great] he was. And maybe he can inspire other children. 'But for the moment we want to find the truth and this is justice for us to know what happened.' An obituary in The Guardian by journalist Silvia Rothlisberger, a family friend, described Raymi as 'passionate about peace, justice and humanity' and said he 'will be remembered for his kindness and humility'. Having gone to William Ellis school in Gospel Oak, Raymi was supported for four years by the London Music Fund and attended Music Education Islington, where he played as part of the flute ensemble. Aged nine, he won an award from Young Sounds UK, which saw him play at the Royal Academy of Music, Leeds Conservatoire, and the BBC's Maida Vale studios. In 2023, aged 13, he won an 'honourable mention' at the Royal Academy-hosted New Talent festival. Raymi was also an avid reader and poet, and his school has set up an English writing award in his name, as well as an award for music at Music Education Islington. His mother told The Independent: ' It's so beautiful to see how they are honouring him, but in the end that's not filling our empty souls. But what can we do? We have to continue. 'I hope that people can be touched by our story and support us … to ensure that we have a good investigation and go beyond – not just the inquest – to find real justice.'
