There’s plenty of pubs and bars offering free live music in Brixton on Sundays, and we took a look around three venues this weekend.
Here’s what we saw:
Our first stop was at the Hand In Hand on New Park Road, where a new regular Sunday night jam session has been launched by local musician Ese.
Some talented musicians and singers contributed to some big tunes, covering rock, blues, folk and soul.
More pedals than the Tour De France.
Photographers ahoy!
Headlining the night was Alex & The Wonderland.
The next stop was down the road at our favourite Brixton venue, The Windmill, for the monthly No Frills Sunday Session.
Here’s how we described their nights:
With roaming Brixton folkies, the No Frills Band at the helm, this lively, round-the-table session invites musicians of all abilities to join in with new and traditional songs. Like a musical Whicker’s World without the airfare, expect to hear an earful of sounds from around the globe.
Peter Coughlan, lead singer of London Irish trad-folk-rock-band Hungry Grass, joined the lively jam session.
Our final stop was at the Club 414 on Brixton Road for their popular Grass Roots night, which stays open till late and has proved a big hit with locals.
Hosted by UB40 trumpet-player Patrick Anthony, backed by a talented house band, there’s always a night of uplifting blues, reggae and ska in front of a busy, old school mixed Brixton crowd in store.
Sunday night jam session details
Ese Sunday night jam
The Hand in Hand, Brixton
61 New Park Road, Brixton, SW2 4EN
7.30pm-midnight
Every Sunday. Admission Free.
More details here
No Frills Sunday Session at The Windmill
22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton SW2 5BZ
7pm – 11.30pm
Second Sunday of every month. Admission Free
Grass Roots Live Music at Club 414
414 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF
10pm-3am
Every Sunday. Admission free.
Other Sunday night music choices in Brixton
Down the road at The Junction (171, Coldharbour Lane, SW9, just past Loughborough Junction), there’s live music from The Nia Things, who are described as, “young hip and smooth a great way to finish up the weekend.” Run by musicians for musicians, The Junction is a new live music bar & café featuring jazz, blues and acoustic music, and closes at 11pm. Admission is always free.
The Effra Hall Tavern (above), at 38 Kellett Road, SW2 1ED, a short walk from the tube, hosts an excellent music jam that keeps Sunday drinkers entertained till 11pm. Admission is always free.
A short walk out of the centre of town takes you to Hootananny (95 Effra Road, SW2) , where there’s always live music on Sundays till 9pm to midnight. Admission is usually free.
