The lowdown on the best Northern Soul and Motown nights to go to.
Fresh from Broadway, Motown The Musical will be heading to the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre this February to tell the story of legendary producer Berry Gordy and his musical empire, Motown Records. In preparation for what promises to be the West End’s hottest new ticket, we’ve lined up our pick of the best Motown and Northern Soul nights taking place all over the capital to get you feeling soulful this January.
Hole In the Wall Soul Club - Euston
Taking place on the second Saturday of the month, the Hole in the Wall Soul Club promises to offer the very best of Motown, Northern Soul and 60’s RnB. Guest DJs are invited along each month and it is a firm favourite in the London soul community’s calendar.
To keep up to date with what’s going on at the Hole in the Wall Soul Club, check their Facebook page.
London Soul Club - Cavendish Square
For a classic soul music fix, head to London Soul Club’s night Soul of the 60s. They play the finest hits, from Motown and Northern Soul to Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll and Funk. Self-described as the 'first-choice danceathon destination on a Friday night in London', with a warning to wear sensible shoes, it promises to be a stormingly good night at the Phoenix. If you sign up to the online guestlist, entry is only £5.
For more information and dates, visit the London Soul Club website.
South London Soul Train - Peckham
Taking place at the legendary Bussey Building/CLF Art Cafe, South London Soul Train takes over all four floors of the building with Soul, Funk, Disco and Motown. Be warned, this twice-monthly event is extremely popular with advanced tickets always selling out in advance. Turn up early on the night to avoid disappointment, as their Facebook page warns the queue on the door ‘is always a roadblock, but once in it’s well worth it’.
For information on the latest South London Soul Train, visit The CLF Art Café website.
6T’s Rhythm and Soul Society All Nighter - Oxford Street
Staying true to Northern Soul’s roots, 6T’s Rhythm and Soul Society hosts regular all-nighters at Oxford Street’s the 100 club. Starting at midnight and lasting until 6am, this is recommended for the more hardened Northern Soul fan. They run around 10 events every year with no fixed dates, so keep checking their site to find out when the next event will be taking place.
Check out the 6T’s Rhythm and Soul Society’s site for more information.
Great Big Kiss - Cavendish Square
Great Big Kiss is a night celebrating the very best of Northern Soul and Motown, with a focus on 60s girl groups, taking place on the second Saturday of the month. As with Soul of the 60s, this night happens at the Phoenix in Cavendish Square, which is usually a rock 'n' roll venue. Entry is £6 for non-members and £4 for members; membership is free so well worth joining to get your monthly soul fix.
For up to date news on Great Big Kiss, visit their site.
Motown The Musical is showing from Thursday 11th February at the Shaftesbury Theatre. For further information and tickets, visit the website.