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Shabaka Hutchings & Britten Sinfonia

The Best Live Music Still Taking Place In the Capital Right Now

We are in a critical stage for the live music industry around the UK, with many venues and shows remaining closed since mid-March. And while there has been piecemeal financial support for sections of the sector from central and local government, many others have been left in a perilous situation, turning to crowdfunding and donations to stay afloat. While the wider conversation continues about what more can be done, we also need to do our bit to support venues and staff – and while posting on social channels and signing online petitions are crucial, it’s just as important (where possible for health reasons of course) to put your hand in your pocket and continue buying tickets for the venues and shows still open. There are plenty of great events happening in a safe, socially-distanced, and well-organised manner in the capital right now – and while they may not feature the full-blooded live rush of before, they're set to be magical shows all the same.

VARIOUS DATES - The London Jazz Festival

The London Jazz Festival is always an inspiring mix of bigger names and prodigious newcomers and this year is no exception. The Barbican, Kings Hall, and The Jazz Café are just some of the spaces hosting shows, and we’d recommend electronic genius James Holden (Radiohead are big fans) teaming up with clarinet player Waclaw Zimper for a special performance. Also sure to be mesmeric is UK jazz lynchpin Shabaka Hutchings from The Comet Is Coming teaming up with the Britten Sinfonia ensemble at the Barbican.

SAT 24 OCTOBER / SUN 25 OCTOBERChildren Of Zeus @ The Jazz Café

One of the UK’s most popular rap acts are playing four (!) shows over two days at the famous Camden haunt. They’ve worked with the likes of Moses Boyd, Jordan Rakei and Kamaal Williams in recent years and are a great live act. And while taking in hip-hop sat down instead of a tightly-packed dancefloor might be an altogether different experience, it’s also a chance to really savour these wordsmith MCs in action.


And while taking in hip-hop sat down instead of a tightly-packed dancefloor might be an altogether different experience, it’s also a chance to really savour these wordsmith MCs in action

SAT 24 OCTOBER – William Doyle @ Hackney Oslo

The man behind the 2014 Mercury Music Prize-nominated act East India Youth is hosting two socially-distanced shows at Hackney Oslo (and one has sold out already!). His 2019 album ‘Your Wilderness Revisited’ showcased his grand, orchestral pop and he’ll likely be unveiling new music at these special nights.

VARIOUS DATES - Fire In The Belly – Acoustic Season @ The Hackney Round Chapel

The East London church is one of London’s grandest music venues, and is a regular host to superstars doing special one-off shows. This autumn they have a season of acoustic shows that will sound magnificent in the hallowed space, and we’d particularly recommend the unique cosmic psychedelic madness of Henge (Fri 23 Oct) and the special night with Johnny Flynn and Cosmo Sheldrake (Fri 13 Nov).


The East London church is one of London’s grandest music venues, and is a regular host to superstars doing special one-off shows

FRIDAY 16 October - Bugged Out – Talking Heads Night Out

A chance to celebrate one of the great music films, Talking Heads’ epic ‘Stop Making Sense’ at this fantastic Bugged Out presentation showing the movie on the big screen in the beautiful Clapham Grand, followed by a special DJ set from London club legend Erol Alkan playing a ‘neurotic disco’ set inspired by the New Yorkers. This will be a magical celebration of one of the greatest bands of all time.

Dub London: Bassline of a City - Museum of London
From Kraftwerk to Chemical Brothers – The Design Museum

These final two aren’t live shows as such, but unmissable exhibitions showcasing two music scenes that the capital's played a vital part in. The Museum of London’s brief but excellent Dub London: Bassline of a City celebrates the history of dub and reggae in the capital through its music, record shops, people and parties. A wonderful selection of photos, videos, club flyers, and vinyls are beautifully displayed and it's perfectly soundtracked by killer bass-heavy cuts chosen by key players. Over on the other side of the city, the Design Museum’s extensive celebration of electronic music culture From Kraftwerk to Chemical Brothers features a magnificent archive of machines and music from over 100 years, from the early pioneers through to superstar DJs, culminating with a very special Chemical Brothers experience. Both shows are essential visits for music fans.

Dub London: Bassline of a City - Museum of London​ Dub London: Bassline of a City at the Museum of London​
Bugged Out – Talking Heads Night Out Bugged Out – Talking Heads Night Out