Upstairs at Ronnie’s will open in February following a year-long development as part of a major revamp of the Soho club.
The first floor has been completely transformed into an intimate 140 capacity auditorium with a bar and state of the art sound, lighting and acoustics – alongside a brand new kitchen where executive chef Steven Connolly will deliver dishes to match the elegant surroundings.
The opening public gig will take place on February 6 featuring from soul and jazz singer Dana Masters.
Other acts performing in February and March will include the brand-new Ronnie Scott’s Gospel Choir led by Daniel Thomas, and a new Piano Trio Series featuring the likes of Joe Webb, Ashley Henry, Bill Laurance and Charlie Stacey.
The first-ever Vocal Jazz Jam will be hosted by pianist Jamie Safir with a rotating line-up of vocalists – Natalie Williams, Emma Smith and Georgia Cécile.
Olivier Award winner Cassidy Janson, who won for her role in & Juliet and featured in the original West End cast of Wicked, will celebrate musical theatre classics with a jazz twist, and British alternative soul singer Tawiah is set to perform.
For the first time there will be a classical series featuring the Ronnie Scott’s Classical All Stars reimagining iconic classical works by the likes of Gershwin, Copland and Bernstein.
In addition, The Close Up Classical series sees cultural figures in conversation with James Pearson and Lizzie Ball with guests including film composer David Arnold and Highgate actress Juliet Stevenson.
The revamp aims to honour the six decade legacy of the club, which was founded by saxophonists Ronnie Scott and Pete King in October 1959 in a basement on Gerrard Street.
They were inspired by American clubs to create a venue for modern jazz, and since moving to Frith Street in 1965 it has since become a world-renowned venue, hosting legends like Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dizzy Gillespie.
The opening of the new upstairs venue will coincide with another first in the club’s history – opening its backstage spaces to the public with a brand new members’ lounge and artist space – The Greene Rooms.
Tickets forUpstairs at Ronnies sare on-sale now and available from www.ronniescotts.co.uk
