The iconic Blue Note Jazz Club is preparing to open its first UK location in London next month, according to NME. The new venue will be based on St Martin’s Lane in Covent Garden and is scheduled to welcome audiences from September 23.
The opening date falls on what would have been John Coltrane’s 100th birthday. Blue Note says the London club is intended to reflect the feel of its other sites in New York, Los Angeles, Milan and elsewhere, while also spotlighting British artists alongside international performers.
Five-time Grammy winner Robert Glasper will headline the grand opening on September 23 and 24, and he will return for seven more shows in November. Blue Note has also confirmed appearances by Erykah Badu, Jamie Cullum, Nubya Garcia, Yussef Dayes, KOKOROKO and Hak Baker, among others.
The venue will feature a 250-capacity main room with two shows each night, plus a smaller 100-capacity B-Side room that is due to open later in the year for emerging talent. Blue Note London will also offer dinner service and cocktails, and tickets for the first run of shows go on sale at 10am BST on Friday August 14.
The plan for a London Blue Note venue was first shared in May. According to NME, the proposal drew concerns from the Met Police and some nearby residents over late opening hours, but the Music Venue Trust welcomed the licensing decision.
