After taking on south London’s Eltham Jazz Club in November 2022, vocalist Georgia Mancio and drummer Dave Ohm have launched the Crystal Palace Jazz Club. The club will present well-known jazz names on the first Tuesday of each month in the whisky and cocktail bar at Hopscotch Taprooms, in the heart of the trendy CP triangle.
Guitarist Nigel Price opened proceedings on 3 September and to come this year are flautist and pianist Gareth Lockrane (1 October), saxophonist Tony Kofi (5 November) and guitarist Sam Dunn (3 December). Judging by its booking page, it’s already popular enough to be extending its coverage to Wednesday night too.
Georgia and Dave, CP residents for the last 15 years, were encouraged to start the club by Hopscotch owner Matthew Clark and investor Andy Richardson, who prize live music as one of the key elements of Hopscotch. The Hopscotch is high up on Westow Hill, with views across London. A café with a courtyard garden by day, it transforms into a candlelit bar at night. Georgia and Dave say the club, which has seating for around 30-35 people, has an intimacy reminiscent of Mezzrow in New York.
Crystal Palace Jazz Club, Hopscotch Taprooms, 54 Westow Hill, London SE19 1RX. Tickets: £20 (booking ahead advisable) Times: 8-10.30pm (doors 7pm). Web: linktr.ee/crystalpalacejazzclub. Instagram: @crystalpalacejazzclub2024
