Soul Music

**SOLD OUT - The next workshop is on Sunday 8th March** **[https://tinyurl.com/yfhstksx](https://tinyurl.com/yfhstksx)** **Safo Music's – Songwriting workshop** **Sunday 25th January** **11:00am – 6:00pm** **Safo Studios, 23–27 Crouch Hill, London N4 4AP** **£40.00** **Led by Laurence Hobbs – gold & platinum-selling songwriter, producer, and owner of Safo Music.** *** After our sold out workshop last month, we'd like you to join us for a full-day **Songwriting workshop** at Safo Studios – a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the joy of writing songs. Whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, this is your chance to connect with others and explore the craft of songwriting in a supportive, inspiring environment. ### What to Expect: Small group co-writing sessions in professional studios A relaxed space to share ideas and build confidence Meet like-minded musicians and discover new collaborators Personal mentoring and guidance from Laurence Hobbs throughout the day Working in teams, you’ll co-create original songs from scratch – blending lyrics, melodies, and experiences into something fresh and exciting. It’s all about enjoying the process, learning from each other, and celebrating the art of songwriting. Bring your instrument, your notebook, or just yourself – and spend the day writing with us. [ ](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WJTRS3LACZ6CS)**[Tickets: £40.00](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/WJTRS3LACZ6CS)** Spaces are limited to keep sessions intimate – book now to secure your place. See you on the 25th January

This is not a real Meetup - just an event to add people to the 'London Music Showcase' What'sApp group. I don't always have the chance to get numbers when we're out - Just message me your number if you want to join us 😄

Whether you wanna throw it back with Biggie, Missy, or The Fugees, or keep it current with Drake, Kendrick, or Kanye, this is YOUR moment to shut down the stage. No judgment, no stress – just energy, laughter, and the best people. Grab the mic, show out, and let’s make it a night to remember. Free entry

This is not a real Meetup - just an event to add people to the 'London Music Showcase' What'sApp group. I don't always have the chance to get numbers when we're out - Just message me your number if you want to join us - get to know new people and make new friends! 😄

The concept is simple: No-commitment private jam sessions for the ladies of London, organised for you. All you need to do is turn up with your instrument. Find friends, potential bandmates, and have fun. This event's artist is 💖 Chappel Roan! 💖 A selection of her songs will be listed for everyone to learn, and we'll have fun jamming out. If there's popular demand, we may be able to add more dates. **Here's how it works:** 👋🏻 Register your interest by hitting attend on this MeetUp event, and join our Whatsapp group. -Introduce yourself and specify the instrument you'd like to play. 🎟️ Once enough interest is generated, session players will be picked based on who can make the event, and what instruments are needed and a mini whatsapp group will be made for that 'band'. A 'set list' on Spotify, covering up to 7 songs will be sent out ready for the band to jam to, or can be agreed upon by the group! 📍Location will be sent out once enough musicians are sourced (to ensure safety and privacy) but the rough location will be in North London, around Hackney/Dalston way. 🌈 It will be a purely first come-first serve basis. We do not judge on experience or ability, as long as you can play the tunes on the day and have a positive attitude. If there is an over-subscription in interest, do join our [Whatsapp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DlZIi2ui0zu8QC0L01RL2J) where you can post your own ads for jam sessions based on your own genre/album/artist preferences! **🎸 Who do we need?** -Singer -Backing singers (optional) -Guitarist/s -Bass player/s -Whatever other instrument you think could be fun! Additional instruments are always welcome. (Drummer is covered for this session but if there is popular demand, we may need more!) **💖 Girl Band** is a FLINTA (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans and asexual) group, so we do ask that you identify as such. 🎵 Beginners, all ages, and those new to jamming are welcome and encouraged (but please make sure you can play the pieces by the time the jam session occurs). Rock up and rock out! Lana x

I am proud to announce that we having our jam at the Temple Of Art & Music in Elephant & Castle!! The jam is called MIC DROP and it is a freestyle jam meaning there is going to be no setlist. The aim is for everyone to have fun and jam with an emphasis of trying to come up with new original sounds/songs and improvisation. The Temple Of Art and Music is a live music venue and bar in Elephant & Castle so I encourage anyone attending to bring friends as it will be great fun for them even if they are not playing. The venue has a PA system, drum kit, mics and guitar/bass amps. There is no guarantee that there will be cymbals or drum accessories with the drum kit at the venue. Drummers please being your own if you can. Like all our other jams it will be a chance to jam with other musicians playing the music that you love in a gentle environment with no judgement and no pressure. This jam also uniquely gives the opportunity to play in front of a crowd! Tickets are **£10 online** message us let us know what instrument you play and we will confirm if there is space and send you the Eventbrite link for the jam. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this jam and London Jam Sessions. At London Jam Sessions we have an active community on WhatsApp where we all discuss the upcoming jams and future events. Everyone in the community is encouraged to ask questions and bring forward new ideas. Dm me and I can add you to our Whatsapp group.

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:30 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 7:00 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 8:00 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 9:00 PM–12:30 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £12 two classes 6:30 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

Our 40th Spiritual Creatives gathering - in person! Come and join us for a lovely walk and talk around Hampstead Heath. We are meeting just outside Hampstead Heath station (London Overground train) at 11.00 on Sunday the 25th of January. Please note: This is NOT Hampstead Station on the Northern Line! It is the Hampstead HEATH station. The Google link is here: [https://goo.gl/maps/AJCNoxkKNj6K9Gp77](https://goo.gl/maps/AJCNoxkKNj6K9Gp77) We will wait for people to arrive until 11.15am and then we will begin walking. If you arrive later, you will only be able to catch up with us at Kenwood House approximately between 12 and 12.30pm. You should be able to find us sitting around as a group having a drink. If the weather permits, you'll find us outside the main café, towards the back. Look for the guy with the multicoloured scarf... that's me! After a short break of 20-30 minutes, we then walk back through the Heath, taking the long way round to Parliament Hill, and conclude our stroll back to Hampstead Heath overground station around 2 to 2.30pm. (Please note that you may become so involved in your conversations that you end up losing sight of the main group! Unfortunately, there is no way for you to catch up with us once we have become separated (and we do NOT check our phones for texts or messages during our walk) so please be mindful and conscious to stay with the main group if you want to keep up. Also please bear in mind that Hampstead Heath can be muddy sometimes, so please wear the appropriate shoes). After returning to Hampstead Heath Overground station, many of our (usually hungry) members like to continue the camaraderie over lunch at one of the local cafés or restaurants. As our group has grown over the years, these gatherings can be quite large, so we usually have to split into smaller parties and explore different venues. Some of our favourite spots are Dominique’s Café (dominiquescafe.co.uk) and Silverberries (silverberry.net), both of which offer a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. It’s a great way to wind down the walk and continue our conversations. Spiritual Creatives is a warm-hearted and popular meetup group, as you can see from our ratings and comments! We hope to meet you then! :-) Best wishes Cliff **Find out more about us at [https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk](https://www.spiritualarts.org.uk/).**

Due to the weather this week we'll be meeting at Pirate Studios, Notting Hill. My genres are: rock, blues, folk, singer-songwriter but anything goes. For jamming, we'll pick a chord progression, something not too complicated and then we take turn to improvise melodies on top of it (both guitar solos but also vocalising). Intermediate level and above ideally but any level welcome but you should probably be able to play some chords (to get the most out of it). Other things we will do: 1. We can play songs - whoever wants to, not going to go round the circle forcing people to play. The songs can be either originals (your own songs) or known songs. 2. We can chat about music or other things 3. Have a drink - bring your fave drink (wine, beer, non-alcoholic) 4. Food goes too (bring your own) When we've had enough, we say goodbye and go home. People can leave early too if they've got other stuff to do or the whole thing is not their vibe (no hard feelings). The studio costs a bit to hire so contributions towards that are welcome!

Calling all Queer singers, songwriters, poets, public speakers, and performers... Join Queer Open Mic London at legendary venue [The Cock Tavern](https://www.thecocktavernlondon.com/) for a night of artistic expression from the LGBTQIA+ community. **If you'd like to perform please get in touch with Josh (co-organiser) beforehand to secure your slot. You can click on his profile to message him, give him a shout in the event chat on this page, or contact him [on Instagram](www.instagram.com/joshandthejumpstarts/).** This event is designed as an informal showcase for Queer performers. Non-Queer friends and allies are more than welcome in the audience. **Sunday 25th January, 2026** **5:30pm-8:30pm** **The Cock Tavern** 340 Kennington Rd London SE11 4LD Local buses within minutes of the venue include 3, 59, 133, 155, 159, 196, 333, and 415. Oval Underground station is 8 minutes walking away while Kennington Underground station is 10 minutes walking. Vauxhall station is 14 minutes walking from the venue, or a short bus ride. *Queer Open Mic is a free entry event and you can support the event and the venue by purchasing drinks at the bar. Absolutely no outside drinks are permitted.*

***Slow down and use intuition to navigate urban spaces to uncover the hidden treasures which lurk just out of sight.*** Many of us live disconnected from the flow of the world around us. By quieting the mind and focusing on the liminal space between thought you may find a more spontaneous way to navigate your life leading you to the hidden treasures which lurk just beyond sight. Join me, and I will ease you into the art of listening and hunting with discernment, not hunger.

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit, today’s hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious to share views on the following intriguing observation. Growing up in the west, Friday and Saturday nights meant going out with your mates for fun to enjoy music, dancing, drinking, eating, comedy, singing, fun silly moments and random conversations with strangers. Taking drugs even. Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings was for doing the same stuff but with work collegues hence the workplace use to be a great place to make new lifelong friends. Weekend daytimes were for doing healthy but social stuff like playing sports, pub lunches, visting galleries/museums, theatre and watching movies together at the Cinema or around a mate's house. Fast‑forward 2026 - it feels like everything changed: Despite public transport running all night (it wasn't when I was in my teens/early 20s yet my peer group stayed out late most weekends) - on a Sat night "young" people head home at 10pm, skip the dance floor for board games in the pub, avoid bar banter, jokes and rarely engage in organic spontaneous chats with strangers. Whatsmore the stats are wild — data show virginity rates among men hitting record highs by age 30, social anxiety and social skills off-the charts. So what's happened? We’ll explore questions like: * Is this just nostalgia talking, or has something genuinely shifted? * Why has typical multi generational fun pastimes (1950s to 2010s) lost its spark for the 20‑somethings? * How much does health, economics, mobile phones, social media and gaming explain the trend? * Are certain professions (like tech/IT) changing the social landscape, or just attracting already‑very introverted people? * Why are some stats so **contradictory**? Think higher reported male virginity rates by 30 alongside rising STI rates in young people. Despite tanking alcohol sales - UK alcohol related death rates per capita are still rising. What's going on? * Target audience demographics for commericial music radio stations (Capital, Kiss etc) is still 18 to 24 suggesting young people still consume music and other popular culture but are not going out to enjoy it. Why? * Is it harder for younger people to make genuine friends today and if so why? * Dancing is natural to all of us - every kid moves instinctively to music. So beyond a less joyous social life what happens when these innate behaviours get suppressed as adults? What has this healthy exercise and creative expression been replaced with? * AI is predicted to take over technical job and tasks - the most future‑proof skills will be things like interpersonal skills & emotional intelligence built through real‑world socialising. Employers already complain that young people lack these skills. How will they get non-AI jobs? * Levels of emotional intelligence and self-awareness - particularly amongst men - are at an all time low. Wiill social anxiety worsen further as the introversion trend accelerates? * What does all this mean for dating, relationships, and starting families? Expect lively debate, sharp humour, and a host (a former news journalist) that isn’t afraid to ask awkward questions. Bring your curiosity, your stories, and your caffeine tolerance — we’ll stir the coffee pot on whether the young have really become more boring or have they’re just discovered new fun activities - if so what are they? And if you are in your 20s - I would love to hear your views! Lucas - The alcoholic 3am Eternal singing break-dancing geriatric

Whether you're a new member or not, this is your chance to meet others, shake off the January blues and your body as Mi-Soul’s finest DJs ignite the dance floor with an irresistible blend of soul, house, R&B and classic club grooves. **Happy Hour till 8 pm \|** **£5 Pints, £6 Wines, £7 Cocktails** Mi-Soul delivers the ultimate Friday night soundtrack. It was founded by Gordon Mac (formerly Kiss FM and Colourful Radio), with long-time business partner Martin Strivens. Having left Colourful in June 2011, Mac launched Mi-Soul as an internet radio station in July 2012. It commenced broadcasting on the Switch London 2 digital radio network on 27 June 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi2AaDZznDw&list=TLGGunyCURFYvucxNDA4MjAyNQ&t=24s **Tickets:** £3.00 booking fee https://boisdaletickets.co.uk/p/12195 **When?** Friday 30 January, entry from 5pm and DJs play 7pm - 2am. I'll be there from 7pm. **Where?** Boisdale Canary Wharf, Hine Bar and Garden Terrace (1st Floor). Meet at the venue.

***Pizza Express Live The Pheasantry Group's favourite venue. Its lovely stage, lighting and great sound, complete with the classic Pizza Express menu make this a winner.*** **WE HAVE SOLD OUT ALL OUR PHEASANTRY 2025 SHOWS SO BOOK ASAP TO HEAD BACK TO THE KINGS ROAD!** We are thrilled to welcome back by huge popular demand, NZ singer-songwriter **Suze Harper** with her insanely groovy band. Her mix of raw, cool soul/blues and vintage styled songwriting, delivered with a powerful voice and great stage presence, has been a winner. Suze will be celebrating her brand new EP with us. Suze. also very specifically invited ***Si Connelly*** to perform, as an artist you just have to see llive "youre so gifted its just rude!") Never standing still as a remarkable live artist, songwriter. Si will be previewing live some incredibly powerful new songs in his extended set. *\- We meet at 6\.30pm \(order food and drinks and catch up\)* *\- Its a group table or adjacent tables so that we can all enjoy the great vibe together\.* *\- Live Music at 8pm sharp \(food and drinks still discreetly served\) with a lovely listening audience vibe and really class artists always\.* ***\*\*General Tickets £20 via the Pizza Express online Link HERE*** ***[TICKET INFO TO BOOK](https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/suze-harper-si-connelly)*** ***DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR EARLY BOOKERS*** ***We have just 20 tickets available at a special £15 discount if you are quick! These are only available by calling the Box Office on 020 3798 9192 and mentioning LONDON15 when booking.\*\**** Could you please quote **"LONDON LIVE MEETUP"** in the special requests/comments box when booking online or when calling the box office, to ensure we are all sat togethe. Cant wait to see you there - Friday Night Live Lovers, this one is for you!! Lorraine xx

Get your outfit ready for The Mansion Party, taking place at **The Mansion**, a beautiful 17th Century building in leafy Dulwich in south London on **Saturday 14th March 2026** This will be a great place to meet new people, friends night out, birthday celebration or simply just to let your hair down. We'll also be celebrating Jerry Bascombe's Birthday. You can either arrive early from 8pm and enjoy a 3 course dinner including fun & entertainment, Or arrive from 10pm 'til late to party in 3 rooms of music with DJs. Tickets start from £20 in advance for party only or from £50 for dinner & Party. Tickets available from [https://www.needaplacetogo.co.uk/jerry-bascombe-birthday-party-2026](https://www.needaplacetogo.co.uk/jerry-bascombe-birthday-party-2026) For more information and to purchase tickets either email [email protected] or call 020 8123 1262

**NAPTG** presents **THE VALENTINE'S PARTY** An evening of delicious Caribbean cuisine and musical memories. @**GOTG** Restaurant & Bar *(Formally Grill On The Green)* 152 Station Road, Chingford E4 6AN **Saturday 14th February 2026** 8pm - 3am We'll have music from 4 DJs playing non-stop Classics from 10pm - 3am: 70s & 80s SOUL \| REVIVAL REGGAE \| RARE GROOVE \| LOVERS ROCK \-\-\-\-\-\-\- **JERRY BASCOMBE** **MARTIN WYNTER** & **VIP BOOGIE** \-\-\-\-\-\- CARIBBEAN BUFFET & PARTY **£45** Dance only tickets **£15** THIS IS A TICKET ONLY EVENT! Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available from GOTG, Eventbrite, online at NAPTG and from the DJs. For more information call **0208 123 1262** Or email [email protected]

We're back - after a summer break - and we want more voices and more instruments for our workshops and for our next public performance (optional, no pressure - but I know you'll love it). Ideal entry for singers new to our workshops. Classic Soul songs in full vocal arrangements with live band. Let's bring the backgrounds to the foreground (where they belong) and put them on an equal footing with the lead vocals. Visit the "Thursday" page of our new spreadsheet to see vacancies, current members, current repertoire, and to make and see suggestions for new repertoire: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Zb1cMKrOMDvxacsw9AoRRstkx-M7r_NIrF4tZJIREU0/edit?usp=sharing This is for you if you are: • a backing vocalist • a lead vocalist • a backing vocalist who wants to develop their lead vocal skills • a lead vocalist who wants to develop their backing vocal skills • a singer who wants to develop their percussion skills • a musician who wants to accompany singers and support them • a musician who wants to develop their own vocal skills • a guitarist, keyboard player, bass player, drummer, horn player, string player, percussionist Use your existing skills and develop new ones. The Soul repertoire offers an incredibly rich variety of vocal combinations. We will be able to choose songs to suit whatever combination of leads and backing vocals we get. Have fun singing essential, but often neglected elements of the arrangements. Vocal backgrounds play an important role in Soul - using call-and-response; creating variety of texture; defining sections of the song; differentiating repeats of the same section; building excitement. The workshop will be led by Andy Dummett. Andy has been privileged to play with many of the great singers, songwriters and musicians from Stax, Atlantic, Motown and more The way we use the studio has changed. This should be reassuring for those who are hesitant or cautious. Husky is a very Covid-secure venue and it’s important that all our members are protected, especially the most vulnerable. I would not be starting up again if I wasn’t confident in their procedures. Full details are available on the studio’s website: https://www.huskystudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Husky-Studios-Coronavirus-COVID-19-customer-guide.pdf Please read it all. It’s too long for me to copy it all here, but I’d like to draw your attention to some of the main points. · Wear a mask when you come in · Use the hand sanitiser at the entrance · Bring your own hand sanitiser for use in the room · Bring spare masks if you need them (they are available from the office – but for £5 each!) · Let me know you’re coming. If I’m expecting you, let me know if you’re not coming. · Let me have your phone number AND postcode for NHS Test & Trace · Microphones will be available and will have been disinfected. There is a deposit of £5 per mic, refunded on return · Microphone cables are not available. If you need to use a mic, please bring your own cable These workshops can support what you do in your own bands and in band workshops run by the Institute of Rhythm & Blues (http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/) Please check the studio's website for the latest Covid procedures: https://www.huskystudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Husky-Studios-Coronavirus-COVID-19-customer-guide.pdf Fees: Per session (drop-in): £15 Your fees include the group's costs for rehearsal studio rental and hire of mic's, PA, bass amp, guitar amps and drum kit. We will work towards a public performance. See our Calendar (http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/) for all Events http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/ To see details of individual Events (past and future), you can click through from the Calendar

We've got the songs, the charts, the enthusiasm and some of the people. All we need is more people and your enthusiasm and your song choices. All the standard elements of a Soul band plus orchestral instruments. Exploring the best Soul songs and the best arrangements - especially those featuring strings (violin, viola, cello), French horn, flute, brass, woodwinds, percussion, background vocals. Let's have fun learning and playing a bunch of great tunes from the Soul / R&B back catalogue. There will be well-known standards and lesser-known or even obscure gems chosen from anywhere in the entire history of R&B. This is for: lead vocals, backing vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, trumpet, trombone, French horn, flute, baritone sax, tenor sax, alto sax, woodwinds, violin, viola, cello, percussion. Visit the "Thursday" page of our new spreadsheet to see vacancies, current members, current repertoire, and to make and see suggestions for new repertoire: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Zb1cMKrOMDvxacsw9AoRRstkx-M7r_NIrF4tZJIREU0/edit?usp=sharing We'll learn some classic tunes by ear and play them. You do not need to be able to read music. Support is given in learning the parts (this may sometimes include written charts / tab). The workshop will be led by Andy Dummett. Andy has been privileged to play with a number of Soul legends including Stax, Atlantic and Motown recording artists - Eddie Floyd, Solomon Burke, Ben E King, Percy Sledge, Edwin Starr, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Memphis Horns, Steve Cropper, Teenie Hodges, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Leon Ware, Dorothy Moore. Please check the studio's website for the latest Covid procedures: https://www.huskystudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Husky-Studios-Coronavirus-COVID-19-customer-guide.pdf Fees: Per session (drop-in): £15 Your fees include the group's costs for rehearsal studio rental and hire of mic's, PA, bass amp, guitar amps and drum kit. We will work towards a public performance. See our Calendar (http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/) for all Events http://www.meetup.com/London-Institute-of-Rhythm-Blues-Meetup/events/ To see details of individual Events (past and future), you can click through from the Calendar