Venue Spotlight: Blues Kitchen - Brixton, Shoreditch & Camden
This week, we find out more about the Blues Kitchen venues in Brixton, Shoreditch, and Camden.
We spoke to Talent and Promotions Manager, Sam Smith, who tells us all about London's home of rhythm and blues.
Click on the venues below to see their full listings.
The Blues Kitchen Brixton >>
The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch >>
The Blues Kitchen Camden >>
Venue details - about The Colombo Group (The Blues Kitchen owners):
Operating since 2006, The Columbo Group owns and manages several of London's best music venues and nightlife institutions. Owned and operated by Steve Ball and Riz Shaikh, they have forged a culture of commitment, responsibility and pride within our venues which transcends hierarchy.
Tell us a little about the venue and your role there...
The venue was established in 1990, but The Columbo Group took over it 2 years ago (The Columbo Group also owns Old Queens Head, Camden Assembly, Phonox, XOYO and the three Blues Kitchen venues). I'm the head of Marketing and Press.
Have the venues gone through any major changes since they opened (location, renovation, style of music etc)?
Each has it's own style - Camden is more rock n roll, Shoreditch leans towards New Orleans soul, and Brixton hosts more classic soul & brass.
How many gigs or club nights a week do you host?
There's music every night of the week, with two live shows and DJs on weekends.
Which band that's played in your venues have gone on to be the best known?
We've had many big names across many varieties and styles including The Libertines, Seasick Steve and Martha Reeves.
Which band that played your venues deserved/deserves to be better known than they are?
Acantha Lang, an amazing soul singer from New Orleans who plays in our venues regularly.
Grab your tickets to see her perform at The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch in October and November here >>
Do you host events besides gigs and club nights?
Yes, some special events like hot dog or chicken wing eating competitions, 4th July specials, and other food and drink related events.
If you could change one thing about the live music industry, what would it be?
Removing national promoters and giving more power to smaller venues and promoters to develop grassroots music.
What's been your proudest moment working at the venues?
Selling out back to back shows with Motown legend Martha Reeves, who is responsible for some of the biggest songs in history.
What's the best show you've put on recently?
Mud Morganfield, son of blues legend Muddy Waters, played three shows across the venues in July.
Find more details about The Blues Kitchen venues here, to keep up to date with all forthcoming events. You can also catch them on their official website, YouTube channel, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.