Ealing and surrounding areas Area Guide

An opportunity to celebrate the life and music of Dick Esmond - drummer, band leader and charter member of Ealing Jazz Festival - who passed away earlier this year. Dick's big band, Sound of Seventeen, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 at Drayton Court, and this event follows on from the hugely enjoyable memorial here in the summer.

“Let the World Be a Question”: Monika Lidke Album Launch! Monika’s band will perform songs from their album “Let the World Be a Question” and beloved jazz standards in their unique, jazz-folk style with Latin accents. Line up: Monika Lidke - vocals Matt Chandler - guitar Tom Ollendorff – guitar Jakub Cywinski - double bass Adam Teixeira - drums Monika Lidke is a singer-songwriter of Polish origin, currently living in London. She creates exciting and original music that truly connects with the audience. Her songs blend jazz, folk, and Latin grooves with Polish and French roots to create a mesmerising live show. Her debut album, Waking Up to Beauty, was released in 2008, shortly after moving to the UK from Paris. The album achieved critical acclaim around Europe, especially in Poland, where it was championed by well-known radio presenter Marek Niedźwiecki, who described it as “beautiful, delicate, addictive!” Monika’s subsequent albums – ‘If I Was to Describe You’ (2014), ‘Gdyby każdy z nas’ (2017), and ‘Let the World Be a Question’ further explore songwriting within the wide umbrella of jazz, world, and folk music, featuring collaborations with outstanding guests including Basia Trzetrzelewska, Janek Gwizdala, Marek Napiórkowski and Shez Raja, and resulting in invitations to perform at prestigious venues such as Agnieszka Osiecka Studio in Warsaw, Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza Express Jazz Club, 606 Club, as well as major festivals including the London Jazz Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Jazzahead, and Rhythms of the World Festival. A keen collaborator, Monika co-writes songs for film and TV with international composers, poets, and lyricists.

This workshop invites participants to reflect on how identity is formed, expressed and transformed, particularly within hybrid or migrant contexts. Through conversation, analysis of artworks, creative making, and storytelling, participants will explore their own cultural narratives. Each participant will produce a visual piece and the option of a recorded story, contributing to a growing archive of Anglo-Polish experiences. The workshop will be led by artist, Ania Ruszkowski [https://www.aniaruszkowski.com/]and inspired by our current exhibition, My Country is My Home: The Polish Community in the United Kingdom

Join us this festive season for the gigantic return of Jack and the Beanstalk. ‘Fee-fi-fo-fum,’ Jack is back and climbing their way to the Lyric’s stage for a panto of gigantic proportions. When Jack swaps their beloved Daisy the Cow for a bag of magic beans, little do they know a soaring adventure awaits. Join Jack for the climb of a lifetime as they battle giants and thorny baddies in hopes of finding fortune that will save them! Expect the full Lyric treatment as we breathe new life into this fairy-tale delight, complete with live music, dance and whip-smart comedy, a perfect night out for the whole family. “The Lyric Hammersmith panto has a reputation as the coolest Christmas show in town” (What’s On Stage) and this new production promises to be no exception.

Calling all adventure lovers! Gripped London is your ultimate destination for an action-packed day out. Feel the rush as you conquer high ropes, zip lines, bag jumps, and more. With a variety of thrilling attractions, including the extreme speed slides one twisty and one vertical drop, get ready to unleash your inner thrill-seeker. Don't miss out on the excitement - visit Gripped London for an unforgettable aerial adventure experience!

An event for everyone in our community! Individuals, couples, friends and families! A wide choice of karaoke songs, and the ticket package provides you with a welcome drink and snack. It is a BYO Drinks All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, thank you. There will be songs from all eras, so hopefully something for everyone to have a fun social evening!