Tots Tunes
For parents and babies/toddlers (0-5s) Created and led by Tara Franks. This joy-filled class offers the opportunity for parents to sing, dance and shake along to songs from around the…
Wed 10 September 2014
Tue 09 September 2014
Sarah Gillespie Quartet: The Life of Bessie Smith
Bessie Smith is one of the most iconic artists in jazz and blues history. Her raw, visceral howl of a voice chronicled a life of gin-soaked bar room brawls, renegade…
Mon 08 September 2014
Aquarium
We’re delighted to welcome back rising star Sam Leak with his magnificent quartet. ‘This is assured and sophisticated acoustic jazz with deep roots in the tradition, that knows exactly what…
Sun 07 September 2014
Corey Mwamba & Deemer
Deemer The brain-child of Merijn Royaards and Dee Byrne, Deemer started life in 2006 as a weekly improvisation/electronics session in a warehouse in Hackney Wick. The project has since evolved…
Sat 06 September 2014
Still Waters: Henry Lowther / Dave Green / Paul Clarvis / Pete Hurt / Barry Green
A night of the finest music from those who were at the vanguard of the 1960s London jazz scene. HENRY LOWTHER During the sixties Henry was one of the first…
Fri 05 September 2014
Zoe Francis / Jim Mullen / Steve Watts / Gareth Williams
Zoe Francis started singing while living in New York, a time which cemented her love of the American Songbook composers and their lesser known songs. Now shoes making a name…
Thu 04 September 2014
The Grip: Finn Peters / Oren Marshall / Tom Skinner
Finn Peters, flute & saxes Oren Marshall, tuba Tom Skinner, drums Three of Europe’s most in demand and respected jazz musicians combine in a playful, freewheeling and energetic trio. Tonight’s…
Tots Tunes
For parents and babies/toddlers (0-5s) Created and led by Tara Franks. This joy-filled class offers the opportunity for parents to sing, dance and shake along to songs from around the…
Wed 03 September 2014
Sara Mitra 7tet
Sara Mitra is a singer, songwriter and bandleader whose new music forges an original, alternative sound at the junction of folk, jazz and country blues. Tonight Mitra previews tracks from…
Tue 02 September 2014
Jason Yarde / Oli Hayhurst / Eddie Prévost
Following the critical acclaim for drummer Eddie Prévost’s bold series of recorded concerts in 2011, join us for this unique monthly live series, revisiting the Meetings With Remarkable Saxophonists recordings…
Sun 31 August 2014
Opendecks
Wwith DJ Soxee. Collectors playing their music – strictly vinyl only! Soul, Jazz, R’n’B, HipHop, Funk, Reggae
Sun 24 August 2014
Hannes Riepler / Martin Speake / Sam Lasserson / Dave Dyson
Hannes Riepler, known as the host of the London jazz jam session at the Vortex Downstairs, appears with this quartet with saxophonist Martin Speake (sax), Sam Lasserson (bass) and Dave…
Jazz Open Decks
Jazz Meetup Members bring their jazz records (vinyl or cd), play music and simply have a nice afternoon together. New members and interested people welcome! Cocktail happy hour from 4pm…
Sat 23 August 2014
DJ Night
Minimal Sound System playing Electronic Dub Funk
Day 3: Learn the most beautiful songs from Eastern Europe and the Balkans
Tutor: Gundula Gruen Who is it for? All ages –children below 13 must be accompanied by an adult Anybody who loves to sing – no previous knowledge necessary Mixed level,…
Fri 22 August 2014
DJ Night
Dubratz & Slauka play Ska, Reggae, Dub
Closed Aug 22 – Sept 1
We’re closed for a summer spruce up and will reopen on September 2nd.
Thu 21 August 2014
Parker/Russell/Edwards
The Vortex welcomes Evan Parker for his monthly residency EVAN PARKER saxophone A major force in European improvising, Evan Parker has collaborated with everyone from Cecil Taylor, Paul Bley &…
Wed 20 August 2014
The London Klezmer Quartet
The wonderful London Klezmer Quartet are having a party to celebrate their new CD. Due out in September, their third album features the extraordinary voice of Indra Buraczewska, the band’s…
Tue 19 August 2014
Fete Quaqua NIGHT THREE
Three nights of cutting edge improvised music directed by guitarist and Mopomoso founder John Russell. Each night will begin and end with a short ensemble piece with all of the musicians, with…
Mon 18 August 2014
Fete Quaqua NIGHT TWO
Three nights of cutting edge improvised music directed by guitarist and Mopomoso founder John Russell. Each night will begin and end with a short ensemble piece with all of the musicians, with…
Sun 17 August 2014
Fete Quaqua NIGHT ONE
Three nights of cutting edge improvised music directed by guitarist and Mopomoso founder John Russell. Each night will begin and end with a short ensemble piece with all of the…
Sat 16 August 2014
DJ Night
Continuing the Vortex Outdoors party two local newcomers play a mix of ska, reggae, r’n’b and more DJs Jeisha and Awet
Vortex Outdoors
The Vortex moves outside into Gillett Square for a celebration of all things Summer. With live music during the day, moving into the Vortex for the evening until late. Pop next door…
Fri 15 August 2014
DJ Night
The Vortex Downstairs presents: Soxee and Steeley Sessions, Myhouse Yourhouse Playing soul and funk
Kefaya
We’re very excited to welcome this band back to The Vortex, with their fantastic energy and kaleidoscopic musical influences, every show they do is absolutely spellbinding. Kefaya is a musical…
Thu 14 August 2014
Heidi Vogel
The Cinematic Orchestra vocalist, Heidi Vogel has worked with Isaac Hayes, F-ire Big Band, The Brand New Heavies, Cleveland Watkiss, Eska and others. Tonight performs material from her debut solo album, ‘Turn…
Wed 13 August 2014
Mechanical Moon + Olivia’s Owls
Mechanical Moon Mechanical Moon present an eclectic song cycle based on poems by the great American poet Elizabeth Bishop, combining elements of jazz, folk and storytelling. This project, the first…
Tue 12 August 2014
Susanna + Matt Stevens
For her Vortex concert tonight Susanna plays with her trio: Susanna on vocals and piano Helge Sten (Supersilent/Deathprod) on guitar Fredrik Wallumrød (former Span, El Caco) on drums and vocals.…
Mon 11 August 2014
F-IRE Collective present Fumi Okiji / Ben Davis / Fred Thomas / Zac Gvirtzman + guests
Performing music from the forthcoming album “Living Standards”, this dynamic group, part of the innovative F-IRE Collective explores the edges of jazz territory, re-imagining the poetry of the standard, its rich…
Week 2: Vocal Song Writing and Interpretation
Tutors: Yvette Riby-Williams and Bruno Heinen Led by the world renowned ‘Boxettes’ singer Yvette Riby-Williams and critically acclaimed pianist and composer Bruno Heinen, this week will be a fun, friendly…
Sun 10 August 2014
Death Shanties + Dan Haywood + Joanne Robertson
A night of free jazz and folk out-sounds as Death Shanties launch their brand new LP “Crabs” out on Fuse records. DEATH SHANTIES Death Shanties is a new mixed media…
Sat 09 August 2014
DJ Night
Ska from Retro Dom
Barb Jungr: Hard Rain – the songs of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen
Barb Jungr: Hard Rain – the songs of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen “a four star show built around her enthralling collection of songs by Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.”…
Day 2: Saturday 9th August: Improvisation taster day
Tutors: Bruno Heinen & Kristian Borring In this fun crash course in improvisation we will be learning a few songs by ear written by the greats of jazz and blues.…
Fri 08 August 2014
DJ Night
Siriusonic night playing minimal tech, hip hop, breakbeat and jazz
Shirley Smart Trio
Shirley Smart Trio featuring Bruno Heinen on piano with special guests to be announced. Seriously jazzy Eastern-flavoured music! Shirley Smart After 10 years living in Jerusalem, Shirley Smart now lives in…
Thu 07 August 2014
Dreamtime
Over the years Dreamtime has existed in three different forms, a quintet, a sextet and a ten piece. This is the most recent incarnation of this long standing band. This…
Wed 06 August 2014
Woven Entity
Woven Entity are a unique proposition. Built round the percussive talents of Patrick Dawes, Lascelle Gordon and Paul May (whose credits range from Groove Armada to Beth Orton to The…
Tue 05 August 2014
Bruno Heinen / Kristian Borring / Alex Davis / Pat Davey
Bruno Heinen, piano Kristian Borring, guitar Alex Davis, bass Pat Davey, drums Bruno Heinen is a London based contemporary pianist, composer and bandleader. His recent endeavours include collaborations with Julian…
Mon 04 August 2014
Week 1: Introduction to Improvisation
Test Led by critically acclaimed pianist Bruno Heinen, and guitarist Kristian Borring, this course is aimed at musicians who would like to learn more about how to improvise in a…
Sun 03 August 2014
Overground Collective & Madwort’s Menagerie
Madwort’s Menagerie After a momentary glimpse in a misfiring big band rehearsal, Tom Ward has been bugged by an overheard snippet of a weird quartet comprising bass clarinet, flute, trumpet…
Day 1: Big & Small
Tutor: Tara Franks A cross-generational jam where together we devise a new piece of music from scratch using instruments you bring along, your voice and/or percussion. Come and have fun making music…
Sat 02 August 2014
Dj Night
Awet plays ska, reggae and rock
Riepler / Speake / Thornton / Draper
This is a one-off meeting, featuring original music from each of the musicians, whose paths have crossed many times on the London scene, be it at Ronnie Scott’s or on…
Fri 01 August 2014
DJ Night
Jimmy Nelson’s breaks and beats and bits & pieces. Although originally a deep/tech house DJ, Jimmy’s selection has long since matured to include blissful beats, nu-jazz, intelligent drum & bass…
Maurizio Minardi
An electrifying quartet led by pianist/accordionist Maurizio Minardi with the stunning cello of Shirley Smart (from Vortex favourites Melange), Michele Montolli on double bass and Jason Reeve on drums. Weaving…
Thu 31 July 2014
Funmi Olawumi NIGHT TWO
Nigerian singer Funmi Olawumi, the leader and founder of the glorious Yoruba Women’s Choir, performs two very special intimate shows – her only London shows of 2014. Across the two…