Happy New Year and all that! I’m writing because I wanted to tell you about one of my new projects. It came about whilst sat drinking (too much) Peroni and watching the ridiculously talented Vikki Stone perform an awesome parody of Lily Allen at Behind The Mic in December.

After being delightfully entertained by Vikki, I was overwhelmed with the urge to start up a new night dedicated to this particular genre of comedy. It’s two of my favourite mediums merged and I must add, a welcome respite from working in a serious and troubled music industry. (I am actually inlove with the serious side to the music industry but balance is important, no?… ‘let there be spaces in your togetherness’) Anyway, a quick Google later and it transpired (much to my surprise) that there were hardly any events catering to this fantastically entertaining medium, so I asked Vikki if she was up for starting a musical comedy night with me and henceforth, The Comedy Song Club was born.

I had been looking for new venues for other projects for quite a while and one day Peter Parkers Rock’n'Roll Club popped onto my radar. It’s located at 4 Denmark Street and seems ideal. For those of you unaware, Denmark Street has forever been associated with music thus earning the nickname ‘Tin Pan Alley’ back in the 1920’s. In the early 1800’s it was renowned for selling sheet music and rent was so cheap struggling artists could afford to set up home there, come the 1890’s music publishers had moved in and by the 1960’s, recording studios and instrument shops were springing up. One of the most notable studios was The Regent Sounds Studio, which was actually established on the same site as our Comedy Song Club’s home! It was here that the Rolling Stones recorded their first album and later welcomed the likes of Stevie Wonder. Anyway, I won’t rattle on with too much history. You get the picture, this really is one of the best musical streets in Europe.

So, The Comedy Song Club at Peter Parkers, 4 Denmark Street, Soho. Expect current pop parodies, original comedy songs, comedy bands, dance sketches, improvised singing and an audience participation jam - bring your triangle for the final song!

Vikki Stone, the Jools Holland of Musical Comedy will MC the night from the piano and introduce circuit favourites such as Pippa Evans (Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee 2008), Isy Suttie (Dobby from Peep Show), Earl Okin, Rob Broderick, Jay Foreman and sometimes top secret famous types trying out new stuff - ooooh.

Launch: Monday 1st February
Peter Parkers, 4 Denmark Street, Soho, London, WC2H 8LP
Doors: 7.30pm. Showtime: 8.30pm
Entry: £7/£5
Acts included for Feb 1st - Pippa Evans, Rob Broderick, Jay Foreman, The Segue Sisters, G3 & Olly The Octopus. MC, Vikki Stone.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Jen x

Below is a web flyer for my last Behind The Mic gig of 2009. Thank you to all you fabulous art lovers who have supported the night over the past year. I have plans to take BTM up a notch in 2010 and hope you’ll continue with me on the journey…more details in the new year! If I don’t see you on December 9th, have a great festive season!

Jen x

Below is the latest advertising campaign from Stella Artois named ‘Recyclage de Luxe’ - a Variety Show showcasing the idea that you can be green and stylish at the same time. Live from 1963 and introducing the ELECTRONIC GUITAR, Alain du Monde presents the sound of the future: Florence + Le Machine. The campaign went live earlier today. Check out the video below and if you’d like to add it to your blog/website and get paid for each click, visit: http://www.goviralnetwork.com

Jen x

‘If Amy Winehouse wrote poetry, she might sound like this,’ DIVA
‘Dirty, juicy, knowing and open- works for me,’ Stella Duffy

‘Blackwell’s poems deliver what poetry usually only promises….astonishingly intricate, precise, witty, self-aware and formally complete.’ Will Holloway

For more information about the event or book, please email Jen jr [at] jenroberts.co.uk or Sophia sophiablackwell [at] googlemail.com

More info…

Marcus Foster

http://www.myspace.com/marcusfoster

Marcus Foster is a London born musician and studies sculpture at the Royal College of Art. He grew up listening to Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and Sister Rosetta Tharp giving him a raw, honest and timeless sound. His songs are currently featured in two motion pictures; Twilight and Five Dollars a Day and he’s just returned from a tour of America. ‘Let Me Sign’ is written by Marcus Foster and Bobby Long.

The Cedars

http://www.myspace.com/theonlycedars

A UK based Alt-Americana quartet, with soaring vocals, infectious rhythms and blasts of slide guitar and banjo. Plying tales of lost love, revenge and rural homicide, The Cedars manage to straddle the divide between the dancehalls of the 20’s and 30’s and what’s going on in the scene right now.

“…this choice cut from a thoroughly juicy selection serves as a splendid introduction to a band currently at the forefront of the UK’s alt.country scene…”
R2 Magazine (Rock n Reel)

Her Make Believe Band

http://www.myspace.com/hermakebelieveband

Performing as a 4-piece band, Her Make Believe Band are renowned for their exciting and assured performances and well-crafted songs that beautifully blend their country, pop and jazz influences. Described as “sugary harmonies and classic songwriting coming together to create a truly gorgeous sound” by Rahda (MNYC at Proud Camden and Folkadot, London) and as “the best live act we’ve ever had” by Matt (Showcase 55, London) the full band version of Her Make Believe Band brims with lush guitars, vintage keyboards and stunning vocals.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14TH
The Library, 235 Upper Street, (opposite The Union Chapel)
London, N1 IRU. 8pm.