From the sounds of 1920’s rural Mississippi all the way through to the modern-day artists who keep the historic blues genre alive today. On Saturday 26th March, The Blues Chronicles will be telling the story of 20 of the most influential artists that have helped shape America’s Rock N Roll, Soul, RnB and Hip-Hop. A collection of incredible short films and first-class live performances will immerse guests into the songs and stories of the likes of Robert Johnson, Leadbelly, Muddy Waters, Sister Rosetta, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, Big Mama Thornton, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Dan Auerbach and Jack White to name but a few. This narrated show will take you on a musical journey through the decades making this an evening not to be missed. Find out more and get your tickets for this heart and soul-nourishing musical history lesson at www.theblueschronicles.com Date: Saturday 26th March Written by Rick Hartley Photography courtesy of The Blues Chronicles #Blues #EarthTheatre #music #TheBluesChronicles

The Royal Opera House Join The Royal Opera House for an International Women’s Day celebration at St. Pancras International Station on March 8th. You will be treated to free performances, behind the scenes tours and a live streamed event designed to celebrate the work of female artists, creatives, and industry leaders who have helped shape the history of opera and ballet. It’s going to be a jammed pack day, including: Seven mini-operas performed throughout the day at St. Pancras International Station, created by all female composer and librettist teams. A new HerStory tour, celebrating the many talented women who have managed, directed and shaped the history of opera and ballet. A free, live broadcast: Interrogating the Ballerina, with Former Director of The Royal Ballet Monica Mason, current Royal Ballet Principal Sarah Lamb, Curator of Dance at the V&A Jane Pritchard, and dramaturg Uzma Hameed. For more information visit https://www.roh.org.uk/international-womens-day Marylebone Village Marylebone Village will celebrate International Women’s Day with a week-long celebration (1-8 March). Feature a series of interviews, in-conversations, advice, mentoring tips and in store events from a selection of inspirational women. The line-up includes a host of inspirational owners, founders and female run businesses in the Marylebone Village community, including; Marielle Wyse, founder of WYSE LONDON, Henrietta & Orla, joint founders of RIXO, Lisa Chavy, founder of French lingerie brand LIVY Dinny Hall. You will also find BBC Radio London presenter Jo Good, talk about her life in Marylebone and the media. For the full programme and updates visit www.marylebonevillage.com Phlox Books celebrates the women behind the books To celebrate IWD Connaught Village invites indie bookshop, Phlox Books, to pop-up over the month of March with women-focused books and female authors. On 8th March Authors Abi Daré and Mona Arshi, will discuss their debut novels, guests can expect an evening of thought-provoking discussions, networking and drinks provided by Connaught Cellars. Tickets are free, but registration is required here, to book click here. Located at 12 Connaught Street, the pop-up will operate as a bookshop and events space where notable authors will discuss their work. Women Leading Sustainability at 116 Pall Mall Enjoy an evening of fashion, food and tipples at 116 Pall Mall by Searcys between 6:00pm-9:30pm on Tuesday 8th March for a motivational panel discussion on ‘Women Leading Sustainability’. Pioneering female leaders from the worlds of fashion, food and finance will share their expertise in how a sustainable approach is fundamental to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for people and planet. The evening event will start with networking, drinks and canapes, followed by a keynote speech and panel discussion featuring Dr. Bernice Pan, founder of sustainable fashion brand, DEPLOY London. Following the talk, DEPLOY will take to the catwalk with the evening finishing with a private shopping experience in the newly refreshed Champagne Bar. 10% of all DEPLOY sales will go to the charity, Women For Women, which helps women survivors of war rebuild their lives across the world. Tickets cost £45 (£35 for members), for details on how to book click here. Celebrate some of the city’s finest female vocalists at Quaglinos Visit Quaglinos to celebrate some incredible women in music! Enjoy a decadent three-course meal and an evening of live music from the extraordinary Dee and The Band on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th March. Or join Kedma and friends on Tuesday 8th March for a spectacular celebration on IWD with entertainment from some of the city’s finest female vocalists! Sip on a cocktail, sit back and soak up the music. It’s going to be one night you won’t want to miss! For more information visit: https://www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk #internationalwomensday #iwd

The well known and loved Old Street speakeasy Nightjar will be bringing its late-night jazz and art deco interiors to Carnaby in April when the doors of its second location open – Nightjar Carnaby. Found in the basement of Kingly Court, Nightjar will recreate the low-lit magic of its Old Street home with vintage cocktails and late-night live music. The 85 cover venue will provide an ideal spot for theatregoers, cocktail lovers and couples alike. The drinks menu will continue to honour three distinct historical eras in 20th Century cocktail-making – Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition and Post-War – alongside beloved Nightjar Signatures and large-format Sharing Cocktails. Guests can also take advantage of Nightjar’s unrivalled selection of vintage spirits and liqueurs, offering a once-in-a-lifetime taste of spirit history as far back as 1863. Nightjar Kingly Court also has a great selection of sharing cocktails serving two to four people, ideal for romantic dates or a night out with friends. There is also a comprehensive no-low cocktail list. Creative small plates are available including Manchego boards, Smoked Mozzarella and Jamon Serrano Toastie, Catalonian Romesco with Olive Crackers or smaller snacks such as Castelvetrano Olives, Smoked Macrona Almonds, Fuet Fingers and Fennel Tarallini to go accompany the innovative cocktails. Opening Times: Wednesday & Thursday – 5pm-1am Friday & Saturday – 5pm-3am Address: Kingly Court, 49-51 Carnaby Street, London, W1F 9PY Website: www.barnightjar.com Written by Lenny Wright Photography courtesy of Nightjar #carnaby #carnabystreet #livemusic #nightjar

The award-winning House of Burlesque announces the return of Burlesque Idol. Europe’s oldest burlesque competition is taking up a monthly residency at The Hippodrome’s underground cabaret bar, Lola’s, from Friday, 25th March. Lola’s hides beneath The Hippodrome, an iconic cornerstone of West End entertainment that continues to push boundaries and provides a platform to support and showcase emerging talent. Burlesque Idol 2022 will be its 13th year, and the competition invites tassel-twirling starlets from the length and breadth of the UK to shimmy, tease and lampoon their way to victory. Each guest receives a ballot paper allowing them to cast their all-important vote, and whilst votes are counted, guest performers from the judging panel will take the stage! The panel, made up of some of burlesque’s brightest stars and chaired by House of Burlesque founder and internationally renowned Tempest Rose, will put performers through their paces on the last Friday of every month. Burlesque Idol kicks off on 25th March, before the best of the best go head-to-head in the grand final on Friday 28th October. Location: The Hippodrome Casino, Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square WC2H 7JH Tickets: start from £15 (over-18s only) and can be booked via Design My Night, by clicking here. For more info visit: www.houseofburlesque.co.uk Written by Lenny Wright Photo credit: Photostorm Photography 2015 #HouseofBurlesque #TheHippodromeCasino

Never too early to start planning fun for the Summer, Marylebone Village has sent out the ‘save the date’ for their eagerly awaited annual summer event. Taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June 2022, it is Marylebone’s yearly cultural summer festival, including everything from an open-air cinema to dog shows. There will be alfresco bars, live music performances, and family-friendly activities, organised and funded by The Howard De Walden Estate in partnership with Greenhouse Sports, a local Marylebone charity whose goal is to change young lives through sport. As with all Marylebone Village’s festivals and celebrations, the event will highlight shopping and dining outlets through an exciting array of in-store activations, exclusive discounts, special menus and extended opening hours. The full schedule of events and activations will be announced soon so keep an eye out on their social for the latest updates – @MaryleboneVillage Dates: Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June 2022 For more information visit: www.maryleboneVillage.com Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Marylebone Village #marylebone #marylebonevillage #summerfestival

House of Vans London, the well-known music and skateboarding venue will be celebrating its post-lockdown return to main stage music with a special performance by neo-soul and psychedelic R’n’B singer Greentea Peng on 7th April 2022. Greentea Peng is a south London-born neo-soul musician who released her critically acclaimed debut album “MAN MADE” last summer and most recently returned with a new single “Your Mind” earlier this month. The inclusive link for free tickets was launched earlier this week as its ongoing commitment to supporting both global artists and emerging talent as well as providing free events to local communities. Alongside the music, House of Vans is offering a series of events throughout April including weekly skate skool, monthly community markets and open skate sessions – all free of charge. To book tickets to the free events click here. Written by Lenny Wright Photography courtesy of House of Vans #GreenteaPeng #houseofvans #livemusic #vans

After a 2-year break, one of Ireland’s best-loved and most unique festivals, Body & Soul is back but not in the usual format you would expect. Now a concise 3-day event (Summer Solstice 17th-19th June), numbers have also been reduced to elevate the experience, with half the tickets available and ‘a trust and be rewarded’ secret ticket commitment: purposefully launching without naming confirmed headline acts and with unparalleled creative experiences under wraps. This kind of system is certainly intriguing, could it be the start of something similar for other festivals? What we do know is that the 2022 theme is Betwixt & Between (apt) and that the festival will completely transform the grounds, woodlands and lakes of Ballinlough Castle. In the teams’ own words, ‘The strikingly smaller will be a grown-up affair, meticulously curated, and will reimagine the festival experience with a fusion of brand new artworks spanning disciplines including music, dance, comedy and performance’. There are set to be secret stages and intimate performances, running alongside Michelin star chefs, drag queen brunches, art installations and spoken word performances… And just about everything in between. With just 5,500 weekend tickets available (pre-sale already sold out), book fast to avoid disappointment. Tickets: Weekend camping tickets at 250 (euros) can be purchased online at https://bodyandsoul.ie/ticket-info Dates: 17th-19th June 2022 Address: Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon, Co. Westmeath Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Body & Soul festival #bodyandsoulfestival #festival

The eco-friendly electric boat company GoBoat makes a splash in the city as they open early this year! All London sites are now open, meaning you can charter an electric boat from Paddington, Kingston or Canary Wharf. Groups of up to eight people can hire a boat and set sail down London’s waterways without the need for a license. Guests can choose between one, two or three-hour trips and enjoy a leisurely cruise with the boats travelling at speeds of 4km/hour (the experience is both dog and child friendly with life jackets and buoyancy aids provided). You can now book online here: goboat.co.uk Locations: GoBoat London (Paddington), GoBoat Kingston and GoBoat Canary Wharf  | Time: 09:00 – 19:15 Prices: 1 hour – £95 2 hours – £135 3 hours – £175 4 hours (Kingston only) – £205 *No prior boating knowledge is necessary as staff give a full tutorial before setting sail. Written by Lenny Wright Photography courtesy of GoBoat #boat #goboat #sail

A fabulous tequila and mezcal show is returning to London this May; La Piñata, the only tequila and mezcal show open to the public in the UK. Now in its second year, the show will be popping up at London’s Tabacco Dock, celebrating agave spirits and Mexican culture and giving guests the unique opportunity to sample a huge range of Tequila and Mezcal in one dedicated space. With over 20 producers set to talk visitors through their ranges of tequila and mezcal, hear from the likes of The Lost Explorer Mezcal, The Butterfly Cannon Tequila, Dangerous Don Mezcal and Vivir Tequila. This year’s show will see the addition of a bar serving refreshing Paloma’s and Margaritas, which can be enjoyed with the wonderful Mexican and Latin American street food offering. Guests can also join in a range of masterclasses at the festival, where they will be diving deeper into the subject and appreciation of mezcal. Tickets: Available from Eventbrite For more information visit: www.spiritssociety.com/la-pinata Address: Tobacco Dock, Wapping Lane, E1W 2SF Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of La Piñata #laPiñata #Mezcal #Tequila

Following an explosion of 5-star reviews for the scandalous drag-tastic parody, Mulan Rouge has returned to The Vaults with an extended schedule, running until the end of August. After the shows epic few years in theatres, The Vaults have welcomed back this camp cabaret with open arms and hearts. A four course feast and cocktails fit for the green fairy accompany this infamous show of kings, queens and in betweens, celebrating the resilience and resurgence of marginalised creatives in London. What’s more is that we have been gifted a glorious gift for all of our readers, in the form of a 15% discount. Use the code STAR15 for 15% off, and leave your gender at the door, or risk bringing dishonour to us all. Show written and directed by ShayShay. Produced by The Vaults Times: Wednesday – Sundays at 7.15pm, until 28th August 2022 Tickets: From £35 For more information visit: www.mulanrouge.co.uk Address: The Vaults, Leake Street, SE1 7NN Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of The Vaults and Mulan Rouge #mulanrouge #thevaults

Pergola Paddington, one of London’s most loved rooftops, will see its biggest transformation to date with its brand new summertime pop-up Pergola Paraiso. From the 28th of April, visitors can expect fire performers, dancers, live percussion and DJs until late. Pergola Paraíso, inspired by the balmy beaches of Mexico, will be home to pop-up restaurants from Crudo Cevicheria and Dos Mas Tacos, an extensive menu of Margaritas, a centrepiece dance floor and much more. The beach club is Tulum-inspired, offering guests an immersive drinking and dining experience like no other. Pergola’s food hall-style seating will be replaced with an abundance of Mexican plants and foliage, traditional rattan furniture, hammocks, kilim rugs and hanging ornaments for a lighter, more luxurious atmosphere. There will also be bookable cabana-style day beds, ideal for al fresco celebrations with friends, from lunch dates through to late-night parties. Unlike previous pop-ups, Pergola Paraíso will largely remain free to enter with no need to purchase a ticket. The venue will host weekly ticketed ‘Dusk’ events showcasing dancers, fire performers, live percussion and DJs bringing Tulum-style boho flamboyance to West London. Address: 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY More information visit: www.pergolapaddington.com Written by Lenny Wright Photography courtesy of Pergola Paddington #alfresco #Paddington #PergolaPaddington

180 Strand is an interesting building. Not only is it home to TikTok, it’s also home to an exciting co-working situation and a regular slate of happenings and exhibitions, thanks to the enormous underground footprint the building boasts. The latest exhibition is ‘Future Shock’; a vast audio-visual feast for the senses that is all about blurring the physical and virtual worlds to ‘challenge viewer perceptions’. Curated in association with the Fact magazine, expect a mix of light, sound, smell, and environmental elements to delight and excite the senses. Multiple artists created works specifically for ‘Future Shock’ offering a mix of AI and 3-D digital mapping, generative and interactive algorithms, to imaginative laser work. Some pieces are purely film, while others are purely audio, but all offer the viewer an absorbing mix of atmosphere that doesn’t just make for an immersive stroll; the experience soothes the soul. Most are specifically commissioned for this show, meaning you won’t have seen them before. Some standout pieces are specifically through holographic projections and ground-breaking electronic music. Make sure you spend some time at ‘Daydream V.6’ by Paris-based Noemi Schipfer and arch Takami Nakmoto. The room is a dual-colour, multi-screen show that mesmerises you as it creates different patterns and weaves between compositions. The result is a meditative experience that captures the viewer and stays with them long after you’ve finished updating your Instagram. Artists at ‘Future Shock’ include Ryoichi Kurokawa, UVA, Caterina Barbieri and Ruben Spini, Lawrence Lek, Actual Objects, Gener8ion, Weirdcore, Gaika, Nonotak, Ben Kelly, Hamill Industries, Ib Kamara, Ibby Njoya, Object Blue and Natalia Podgorska. ‘Future Shock’ is open 11am – 7pm at 180 The Strand until 28 August 2022. To book your ticket, visit: https://180strand.seetickets.com/timeslot/future-shock Written by Paul Armstrong Photography by Jack Hemes #180TheStrand #Art #FutureShock #thestrand