Latest news with #RonnieScotts
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why This Bar Is My Favourite In The World
The Jazz Bar stage and equipment The Jazz Bar Though it's been in business for over 20 years, Edinburgh's The Jazz Bar still feels like a hidden gem. A descent down the narrow stairwell from its entrance on Chambers Street reveals a basement bar that seamlessly blends the best elements of a speakeasy, cabaret, and music club. Alongside top-grade drinks and superb live music programming, the venue's true secret sauce is its rich community of musicians, staff, and patrons, which has continuously grown and evolved—and even saved the venue during challenging times. When his music bar burned down in 2002, Edinburgh drummer Bill Kyle was determined to start again. In 2005, The Jazz Bar opened its doors on Chambers Street, quickly becoming a musical home for many musicians, myself included. Kyle, who passed away in 2016, was a proper 'dour Scotsman'. Though his deadpan expression and manner initially seemed intimidating, it soon became clear how passionate he was—not just about staging great concerts, but also about creating a nurturing space for emerging musicians to hone their craft. London-based musician, composer and bandleader Steve Pretty, who has frequently played at the venue, compares it favorably to a well-known London jazz club that he's also had a residency in: 'I like Ronnie Scott's, and it's got an amazing history, but for me, it hasn't got the same sense of community,' he told me. 'That's one of the great things about The Jazz Bar—it's wonderful for musicians, but it's also really welcoming to punters. They take the music very seriously, but it's also a fun place for everyone.' The venue's musical fare extends beyond jazz, featuring funk, blues, Latin nights, and various jam sessions. And then there are the drinks: superb cocktails, especially the espresso martinis; homemade ginger beer, with customers determining the spice level for each drink; and my personal favourite, the Chocolate Swampie—a double shot espresso mocha mixed with a double shot of Cointreau or Triple Sec. Add in a respectable selection of whiskies and spirits (Kyle's go-to whisky was Caol Ila), and you have all the ingredients for something truly special. How The Jazz Bar Survived Closure Big Band rehearsal at the Jazz Bar The Jazz Bar With music venues struggling globally, The Jazz Bar itself nearly didn't survive. After Kyle's death, his daughter Edith managed the venue for several years, but she and her team soon realized that rising costs following the end of pandemic relief programs made the business unsustainable. Consequently, the venue closed in April 2024. However, venue manager Nick Mushlin, who had been working there since 2007, and his wife Justyna (also a former employee), decided to step in. They tirelessly worked to reopen the venue as a nonprofit social enterprise, providing significant tax benefits. Thanks to their dedication and a successful crowdfunding campaign, The Jazz Bar reopened in July 2024. The Mushlins and their team were proud to celebrate the venue's 20th birthday a few weeks ago. "If we hadn't taken it over, it would probably have ended up with some corporation," says Nick. "We're continuing Bill's legacy, because that's what's important to us." "There weren't many people who could have turned it back into what it was, continuing to do it right, knowing the structure and inner workings…but we do," adds Justyna. "We're just continuing what Bill started." The venue's prospects now look brighter: almost every gig hosted during the Edinburgh Jazz Festival sold out, and it will present 190 shows during the Edinburgh Fringe, one of the world's largest arts festivals. The Jazz Bar Community Author (third from left) playing with an expanded lineup of blues band The Blueswater in 2015 at The Jazz Bar. Diego Almazan Many venues offer great live music and drinks, but The Jazz Bar's broader community provides that extra magic. This community has inspired musicians to perform there for over a decade, motivated the Mushlins to assume substantial financial risks to save the venue, and supported a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised $55,000 from passionate fans and regulars. Edinburgh-based musician Mike Kearney, who has performed at The Jazz Bar for 15 years, considers it a sacred space. He met his wife there—she was a dancer working behind the bar—and has been involved in numerous bands and projects at the venue: "Now more than ever, I find myself wanting to play at The Jazz Bar. I'm as drawn as ever to its stage, the house instruments, the sound engineers, the bar staff, the door staff, the regular clientele, and the newcomers, who all contribute to its unique energy. I hope to play there for a very long time." Earlier this month, Edinburgh cocktail bar Panda and Sons won prestigious awards at the renowned New Orleans global drinks industry conference, Tales of the Cocktail. Their deserved triumph will hopefully spotlight Edinburgh's many excellent bars—quirky historic pubs, superb whisky bars, innovative cocktail spots, and more. I've been lucky enough to enjoy drinks at most of them. Yet, as a musician who came of age playing at The Jazz Bar, this is the place that continually draws me back whenever I'm in the Scottish capital. It's a place where high-quality live music remains deeply valued, even as wider cultural, economic, and technological forces challenge musicians everywhere. It's where I can savor my precious Chocolate Swampie. And it's a place that I, along with many others, proudly call our nightlife home.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ronnie Scott's announces free street party this August
On Saturday August 2, the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club is hosting an al fresco street party from 11am until 5pm. The event is free to attend, and no tickets are party, which will take over Scott's home turf of Soho's Frith Street, is a long-anticipated follow-up the party the club held in 2019, to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Five thousand fans attended, and it's hoped this summer's bash will draw a similar crowd.
The Herald Scotland
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
World famous jazz artist announces gig at historic Scottish hotel
Pipkin has been described as 'one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano' and will perform in Stirling next week. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 9 and hotelier Gary Atinson cannot wait to welcome him to the hotel, which has connections to Rabbie Burns and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. He said: 'We're thrilled to have a true British jazz legend tinkling the ivories as we create Cronies Piano Lounge - a new home for superb music and classic cocktails. 'My partner Ros and I have had the pleasure of seeing Dom perform initially in Ronnie Scotts in London, with Morcheeba in Cologne and, of course, in our Aberdeen hotel a few times. Once he dons that iconic hat and starts to play his unique mix of Big Easy sounds and songwriting with blues, it simply takes your breath away. 'The Golden Lion is the oldest building on King Street and has famous connections to Rabbie Burns and we hope that we can create our own piece of history and culture by introducing a vibrant music and arts scene for a modern discerning local clientele. Read More 'We are already eagerly awaiting the appearance of Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin at this year's Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September. He will be joined at the hotel by singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Mull Historical Society's Colin MacIntyre and author Natalie Jayne Clark for The Whisky Night – a late-night dram with a blend of lively banter and songs.' Pipkin has played prestigious venues throughout his career and as well as being a touring member of Morcheeba as well as his own band The Ikos, he has played with artists such as Ray Davies and David Byrne. He has been performing the New Orleans style since discovering it in the 1990s and is a regular in that city. On screen, Pipkin stars in the Netflix thriller, Black Doves, and A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky Blinders. Pipkin will also return later in the year and the hotel is recruiting a regular line-up of top pianists to perform Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. The 66-bedroom hotel is almost 240 years old and housed Rabbie Burns during a stay there in August 1787 when he wrote he even wrote the famous 'Stirling Lines' and etched the verse into a pane of glass on the second floor, which he then later destroyed. Mr Atkinson added: 'Our Cronies bar & restaurant was named in honour of our Burns heritage and aimed to capture that spirit of revellers getting together to put the world to rights. We are bringing in a Baby Grand Piano and aiming to attract a younger generation to chat over great cocktails, coffees, relaxed dining and enjoy the stylish ambience.' 'We're proud to be part of such a great city, working with local tourism, businesses and the council to put the emphasis on superb hospitality and help promote Stirling for both local & Central Belt residents, as well as a UK and International visitor destination."
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jessie J Played a Show Right After 5 Breast Biopsies: ‘I Didn't Want to Cancel'
Jessie J was laughing through the pain and fear as she faced her breast cancer diagnosis. Just days after revealing she has 'early' breast cancer, the singer reflected on her health journey in a new video, revealing she had undergone several breast biopsies shortly before a scheduled performance. The singer posted a video of her onstage at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club from back in April, where she played several stripped-back versions of her songs and took her time to crack jokes about her breasts, despite what she was going through behind the scenes. More from Rolling Stone Jessie J Diagnosed with 'Early' Breast Cancer: 'I Need to Process It and Talk About It' Olivia Munn Almost Quit Acting Before Landing 'Your Friends and Neighbors' Role Anjelica Huston Reveals She Was Diagnosed With Cancer 6 Years Ago, Now 'In the Clear' 'Being truthful in who you are, not your mates or your family or everyone else, but like what you love and who you are, what makes you special. That's all I want you to focus on,' she said onstage during the April show. 'And my huge, perfect tits.' The video highlighted how visibly nervous Jessie was while using jokes to get through the show. In the caption, Jessie shared that she was 'in some discomfort' after the five biopsies but wanted to make sure the show continued. 'I was so hyped to do it and I didn't want to cancel,' she said. 'The more I watch this show back I can see my brain working in complete over drive trying not to blurt it all out.' She added: 'Laughing and making jokes in hard times 🤝🏻 me.' On Wednesday, Jessie revealed the news about her health, stressing that she had been diagnosed with 'early' breast cancer. 'I'm highlighting the word 'early,'' she said. 'Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding on to the word early. I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period.' Jessie said she shared her diagnosis to help herself process it and connect with others, saying openness brings support. 'I'm getting to keep my nipples. That's good,' she said, later adding: 'I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball [on June 15] to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive tits and more music.' On her Instagram Stories, the singer said she had been holding onto the cancer news for nine weeks, admitting she needed 'to process it and talk about it.'Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Jessie J gives health update after cancer diagnosis as she shares performance after ‘five breast biopsies'
JESSIE J has given fans a health update after her cancer diagnosis, sharing a video from her latest gig after undergoing 'five breast biopsies'. Singer Jessie, 36, shared a video on Instagram from her set at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, explaining that she was in discomfort but chose not to cancel the show. 7 7 She wrote in her caption: 'I had 5 breast biopsies the night before this show. I was in some discomfort but so hyped to do it and I didn't want to cancel. "The more I watch this show back I can see my brain working in complete overdrive trying not to blurt it all out. "Laughing and making jokes in hard times [handshake emoji] me. And I am in-fact under your bed.' The footage showed the pop star performing a stripped-back set and interacting with the crowd in between songs. During the show, she asked the audience: 'Anyone here from Joe & The Juice?' "On my first album, Who You Are, I know a lot of people called it Who Are You, which completely changed the meaning. Who are you? Where have you been? Pet peeve - people asking me, 'Where have you been?' Where the f**k have you been?'" She added: 'Being truthful in who you are - not your mates or your family or everyone else, but like what you love and who you are. What makes you special. That's all I wanna focus on. 'And my huge, perfect t**s. You know what I mean?' Despite being in pain, Jessie was full of energy, at one point quipping: 'I don't know why I'm w**king off the mic. "Okay, it's time for me to end this set because I'm getting too wild.' Jessie J reveals she's been diagnosed with breast cancer & will have surgery She wrapped up the set by asking the crowd if anyone had any questions - and then answering herself with: 'Under your bed. I gotta sing this song on repeat.' It was on Wednesday that the Price Tag songstress revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and would undergo surgery in days. The former Voice coach, who shares a son with basketball player Chanan Colman, opened up about the sad news on Instagram. In an emotional post she told fans: "I was diagnosed with early breast cancer." She added: "Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding on to the word 'early'." 7 7 The singer said she would be undergoing surgery after performing at the Summertime Ball in London on June 15. "It's a very dramatic way to get a boob job," she joked. She told fans she was hesitant going public about her diagnosis but that she decided to be "open" for multiple reasons. She said: "One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. "I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard. I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I'm an open book." The Grammy nominee, who also shared her ADHD and OCD diagnoses with fans earlier this year, added that she hoped to show solidarity with other cancer patients. She said: "It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse—that's the bit that kills me." Referring to her latest tracks No Secrets and Living my Best Life, she said "you can't make it up" - explaining she had no idea about her diagnosis at the time of recording. Fans and fellow celebs jumped into the comments to share their support. TV and radio personality Gaby Roslin said: "Sending you so much love and enormous hugs". One fan added: "Love you and your light! This won't dim you down". While another said: "You are not alone. May your recovery be gentle, peaceful, and full of healing. Sending you a tight hug and all the love my heart can carry." Her post read: "No (more) Secrets and is it too soon to do a remix called 'Living my breast life'? What are the signs of breast cancer? BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer. If it's treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Most breast lumps aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following: a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood) a lump or swelling in either of your armpits dimpling on the skin of your breasts a rash on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Source: NHS "All jokes aside (You know it's one of the ways I get through hard times) This last 2 months have been so amazing, "And having this go on along side it on the sideline's has given me the most incredible perspective. BUT… Your girl needs a hug. "Also not getting massive t*ts. Or am I? No no… I must stop joking." Health struggles This wasn't the first time Jessie had opened up about her health struggles. Last year, she opened up about her ADHD and OCD diagnoses, which she said were highlighted when she became a mum to her son Sky. She previously said online: ' Having a baby has, let's say… exposed it a lot more which was comforting in a way, as it made it feel less heavy and scary.' "But also in moments has made me feel like I can't talk about it. F*** that. Here I am talking about it." On ADHD, she wrote: 'I feel like it's a superpower as long as you look at it from the right perspective and have the right people around you that can navigate it with you.' "It's made me re think about my whole life," she said. "The way I've been, the way I deal with things. The relationships I have had. How I work and how I love. "It's empowered me and honestly sometimes has overwhelmed me all at the same time. I have always been honest in the journey I'm going through in life. Jessie J "If there is one thing social media has given me, it's the chance to relate, connect and heal with strangers that have kind hearts and are going through a similar thing. "I have always been honest in the journey I'm going through in life. "And I know there are so many people that are going through this same thing and I'm honestly just reaching out to hold your hand and because I need mine held too." On OCD, she reflected on cleaning her shoes with a toothbrush as a child and trying to rely on lists 'to not feel like life will crumble'. In 2021, the Grammy nominated singer also revealed she struggled with acid reflux. Taking to social media she told fans: 'I am doing a reflux acid test for 24 hours (why I have a tube up my nose). I am going to blame that as the reason why this [video] is so bad.' This followed a string of other health complications in 2017, which she hinted at in an interview. The singer told the Daily Star Sunday: "In the two years that I did The Voice in Australia, I was diagnosed with some health issues that I'm not ready to talk about that I had to really face as a woman." Getting back into the studio Her cancer revelation comes just months after the Sun revealed the singer was preparing to make her comeback after teaming up with Adele's favourite songwriting partner Ryan Tedder. An insider said: 'Jessie has recorded a string of new songs and has her fifth album ready to go. 'She's been through some seismic changes in her life over the past couple of years, most notably becoming a mum, and it's inspired her to get back into the studio. 'Jessie spent time writing with Ryan, who wrote her song I Want Love, and they've come up with some amazing new tunes. 'It has been a long time coming but the timing had to be right. 'She didn't want to keep churning out record after record, and wanted it to feel authentic and real. 'Jessie couldn't be more excited to share what she has been working on with her fans and she will be announcing her first song in the spring.' Jessie's last album, R.O.S.E, was released in four parts in 2018 but failed to have the impact the ex-Voice UK coach had hoped for. In 2023, she split from Republic Records after 17 years and told fans she was looking for a fresh start. Becoming a mum to son Sky was also a driving force. She said at the time: 'There's no negative spin, nothing's happened, it's not dramatic. 'It's just me literally saying, 'This doesn't feel right' and it hasn't for years.' 7
