Beat the January blues with the best gigs, talks and fun events across the country
Opens 12th: Cirque Du Soleil – TOTEM (London)
Back by popular demand and even extended, Cirque Du Soleil are back, taking over the Royal Albert Hall to give us another chance to experience the internationally known circus extravaganza. Exploring the themes of evolution and the power of the human body, Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Totem’ is an alternative option for an unforgettable night. Expect to be shocked, enthralled, and amazed all at once. Until 26th February.
Tickets: http://bit.ly/2El9jq6
13th: Black Presence in the National Gallery (London)
Beyoncé and Jay-Z took over Paris’ Louvre Museum for their exceptional video ‘Apes**t’, subtly navigating the immersive black presence of art in the cult Parisian landmark. So in the spirit of The Carters, why not participate in a similar activity at the National Gallery? A guided tour, lead by a expert in Art History, will explore the African portraits within prehistoric paintings and displays, dating from 1500s to 1900s. Be sure to pack your camera to get some great pictures for Instagram!
Tickets: http://bit.ly/2PDmt3I
19th: Afrobeats Burnout Dance (London, pictured above)
If you’ve ever wanted to try out dance but worried that it’s not for you, then with this New Year it’s time to shake off the cobwebs, and give it a go! Hannah-Ruth, a professional dancer and Dance Ambassador for Decathlon UK has teamed up with Decathlon to make dance more inclusive for everyone – and from 12pm-1:15pm at Decathlon Surrey Quays, she’ll be holding a FREE Afrobeats Burnout Dance Class with live Djembe drummers. Aiming to empower young girls, women and the wider community through dance and fitness, it’s the most fun way to learn that dance really is for everybody!
To take part, sign up for free at www.jamtotalsport.com! Decathlon Surrey Quays, from 12pm, Saturday 19th January.
25th: Aretha: Respect Tour (Telford)
Unclutch your pearls – the Queen of Soul hasn’t miraculously come back to us, but the talented Janine Johnson will be bringing the spirit of Aretha to the UK public! Over more than 25 dates this year, soul singer Johnson will honour the late Detroit legend with a showcase of some of her greatest hits – so you can expect renditions of ‘I Say A Little Prayer’, ‘Ain’t No Way’, and ‘RESPECT’. Starting in Telford, the Respect tour will also hit locations such as Watford (1st Feb), Cheltenham (22nd Feb), Wolverhampton (29th March), Bournemouth (24th May) and Guildford (14th June).
For Oakengates Theatre, Telford booking: 01952 382 382; for more info and dates, follow https://www.facebook.com/JanineJohnsonArtist/
27th – 1st Feb: Ledisi (London)
Twelve-time Grammy nominee and all-round R&B and jazz powerhouse Ledisi is a magnificent addition to wintery evening. Over four nights, Ledisi headlines at the Jazz Café as part of the ‘Let Love Rule’ tour, which will surely add some soul to you schedules. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a boogie, and we can’t wait to have one here.
Tickets and info: http://bit.ly/2ElVQy8
Words by Monique Munroe
