Concert pitch – Hackney’s live music guide for December
Acoustic Sundays @ The Crypt, Northchurch Terrace, N1 4DA – 4 December
Five nominations at the UK festival awards have crowned an eventful year for Acoustic Sundays, and for its ultimate show of the year expect some festive vibes. Pick of the line-up so far is the big man-big instrument and small man-smaller instrument duo the Barbarian Horde, as well as Afro-fusion project Nelson and Friends.
Clapton Ceilidh & Barn Dances @ The Round Chapel, 1D Glenarm Road, E5 0LY – 8 and 22 December
From Hoxton to Humberside, the Hoe Down is happening. Or so say a troupe of traditional musicians and Ceilidh dancers who will this month be throwing open the doors of the Round Chapel for a season of rip roaring dances. No experience is necessary and babes-in-arms get in free.
Christmas Carols with a twist @ Pickle Factory, 13-14 The Oval, E2 9DU – 9 December
A night of DJs, Christmas burritos and raucous Christmas hits played by a ten piece brass band are set for the Pickle Factory this month, with all proceeds from this ticketed event going to disability charity Hop Skip and Jump.
Christmas Carol Concert Hackney Singers @ St Peter de Beauvoir – 10 December
The Hackney Singers is one of Hackney’s oldest choral groups, and this month will see the 200-voice choir perform pieces from Bach’s B Minor Mass as well as a selection of carols for their annual Christmas concert. A “festive organ solo” is apparently also on the cards.
Never Fade Christmas Party @ Oslo, 1A Amhurst Road, E8 1LL – 12 December
The Never Fade label, set up to give a stepping stone to unsigned acts, hosts its Christmas party with Gabrielle Aplin, Hudson Taylor and Welsh singer-songwriter Hannah Grace set to perform.
Gold Panda @ Oval Space, 29-32 The Oval, E2 9DT – 6 December
And if the yuletide fare is all too much then electronica maestro and festival favourite Gold Panda is Oval Space bound this month. Expect to hear material from his new EP Your Good Times are Just Beginning.