The fourth free Brixton Performs festival presented by Brixton Business Improvement District (BID) starts on Tuesday (12 March). Comedy kicks off this year’s offerings …
Tuesday 12 MARCH | COMEDY @ POP BRIXTON
Headliner at the opening event of Brixton BID’s Brixton Performs festival is Aurie Styla, an award-winning comedian, actor and writer from London. He has established himself as a powerhouse of presence and humour and one of the most charismatic and versatile performers in the UK. Sold out.
Wednesday 13 MARCH | COMEDY DOWNSTAIRS AT THE DEPARTMENT STORE
Stand-up comedian Daniel Cook took his solo show Carpet to Edinburgh in 2018 with Berks Nest. It played to sell-out audiences and received a shower of four and five star reviews. Other credits included Poldark, Man vs Bee (Netflix), Babylon and Toast (C4). 7pm.
Wednesday 13 MARCH | ACOUSTIC @ THE LAUNDRY
A live acoustic set from 7pm at The Laundry. In her previous artist project, Effie, Ayda Rose carved a name for herself as a vocalist in the dance world. Now, she looks to the future with soul as Ayda Rose. 7pm.
Thursday 14 MARCH | COMEDY UPSTAIRS AT THE RITZY
A final night of comedy will feature Tom Ward. Another award-winner from London, he has appeared on Live at The Apollo and Live from The BBC, The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2)and QI. 7pm.
Thursday 14 MARCH | FEMI FEMI & HANDSON FAMILY @ SATAY BAR
The Satay Bar hosts Femi Williams (aka Femi Fem) who kicked off his career running the Family Funktion/Shake & Fingerpop warehouse parties in the 80s with Norman Jay and Judge Jules, with SoulIISoul and Jamiroquai hailing from the same scene. Later Femi began writing, producing and remixing for artists inclduing Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé. As a DJ and promoter he has played events for Prince, Janet Jackson, Stella McCartney, Jade Jagger, Gucci and the Russian Embassy. Plus local luminaries Handson Family.
Thursday 14 MARCH | JAZZ @ FRANZINA TRATTORIA
Brixton’s Sicilian eaterie on Coldharbour Lane hosts vocalist Heidi Vogel, part of The Cinematic Orchestra, who has opened for Erykah Badu and performed at Montreux Jazz festival for Quincy Jones, alongside MOBO-nominated guitarist Femi Temowo.
Thursday 14 MARCH | CABARET @ BRIXTON HOUSE
The Cocoa Butter Club is a cabaret celebrating everything from neo-burlesque and poetry through drag, hoops and voguing, and promising only the best from the most exciting Black performers and performers of colour. Sold out.
Thursday 14 MARCH | DJs @ BRIXTON BREWERY TAPROOM
The taproom collaborates with Brixton Radio for an exclusive live stream event, broadcasting across all their channels. Featuring DJs Kaya M, Mr. Ben, and Flaxman of Stack Up Sound – spinning roots, dub and reggae from 7 to 11 pm.
Friday 15 MARCH | GUEST DJ @ PURE VINYL
A late-night music special with a Pure Vinyl special guest DJ. Bring a bottle.
Friday 15 MARCH | PARTY @ HAUS
For “a retail experience that embodies the spirit of a house party”, join DJs, under-represented artists, and creatives at Haus plant shop and community space at 400 Brixton Road and shop for plants and vinyl while socialising in a plastic-free space surrounded by nature and music. 7pm to midnight.
Saturday 16 MARCH | THEATRE @ BRIXTON HOUSE
Le Gateau Chocolat presents Duckie, a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s Ugly Duckling with a message of tolerance and self-acceptance and set in an animal circus. Walking a little differently? Sounding a bit strange? Join Duckie on an adventure of self-discovery, asking questions of the “happy ever after” in a celebration of difference realising that being different is a strength. Originally created by cabaret superstar Le Gateau Chocolat, family-friendly glamour and glitz takes centre stage with Julian Brett starring as Duckie. Noon and 3pm.
Saturday 16 MARCH | CLASSICAL @ BRIXTON REC
The acclaimed Brixton Chamber Orchestra will start with Rossini’s La Cenerentola overture, then play the thrilling but rarely heard Symphony in D major by another Italian, Luigi Cherubini, said to have been regarded by Beethoven as the best composer of his era. It’s St Patrick’s weekend, so to celebrate the contribution from the large Irish community in Lambeth, the second half will be a selection of traditional Irish music led by renowned fiddle player and Brixton local Dermot Crehan. Dermot is internationally recognised as a leader in traditional Irish music, and has been a member of some of the best orchestras in the UK. 7.30pm. Only standing tickets remain.
The orchestra will hold an open rehearsal at the Rec’s 3G football pitch from 3 to 6pm, so you can see first-hand how orchestra practices work “We kindly ask for silence during the rehearsal,” say the organisers.
Saturday 16 MARCH | BRIXTON VILLAGE
The first 2024 Brixton Village Late of the year, hosted by the Handson Family, will combine fantastic music and culinary delights from village eateries including Jalisco, Kaosarn, Fish, Wings & Tings, as well as the newly opened Veg & Tings.
Sunday 17 MARCH | POETRY @ BRIXTON HOUSE
Poetic Unity presents The Laugh Word, a regular event in South London for the past five years. It’s an intimate night of live poetry, comedy and interactive games with some of London’s best performers. This night includes Lara Grace Ilori (poet), Mya (poet), Junior Booker (comedian), Yovan Chamroo (comedian), Ragz-CV (host) and Minus Anthony (DJ). Sold out.
All free entry, but reserve soon – some events are already fully booked
