The Weekly Steals 29th Nov-8th Dec

Every week Elle and I write a weekly section for Spindle Magazine called What’s On In London. But we must publish here as well so all you stealers know whats on each week!

Last week my partner in crime and ultimate Stealer-Elle Ford-beautifully presented you plenty of winter wonderly steals to ensure you have a jolly time. And because we give you the meanest steals which are free or under £10…well, you can revel in excitement and joy with no worry as to the cost that festivities involve.

This week it is my turn and if you are aware that I present the weekly A London Steal radio show on Hoxton FM then you will expect some serious music steals. And I am not one to disappoint.

So let me kick off this weeks events in the city with possibly the best combination known to man and woman. Music and beer. I’m not talking about some mass radio listening event on community sofas with endless bottles of lager (though watch this space because thats actually a great idea I may pursue). For the moment I present you with the Independent Label Market taking place in Old Spitafields Market this 30th November. And it is a very reasonable, stealer friendly price: FREE

Where does the beer come from? Well Warp Records: Independent Label Market pairs up once again with the London Brewers Market! So thats 20 of the best breweries in London providing the finest artisan beer this great city produces. Oh, and they’re also selling cakes. Yes. CAKES! The noble idea behind this intelligent partnership is to raise money for the Nordoff Robbins, a charity which provides over 50,000 music therapy sessions all throughout the year in care homes, day centres,hospitals, schools and also in their very own Nordoff Robbins centres.

So just to wrap up: you got beer, you got cakes, you got a great cause, you got sweet sweet music and there is no entry fee! Just to top that off nestled between the over 80 stalls there is a beer garden where you will find product sampling, live music ad DJ sets throughout the day.

But WARP Records aren’t just getting you drunk, they are also getting arty at Late at The Tate. On Friday 6th December, from 6.30pm-10pm. FREE, no ticket required, just drop in and check it out. However, due to the popularity of the event and the awesome live performances from Jeremy Deller and installations (Oneohtrix Point Never presents Melancholy, Hudson Mohawke presents Summer of Love and Rustie presents Rave), there is a limited capacity and a ‘first come first served’ mantra will be adopted.

Of course we know you love music and you love getting your art on but what is a stealers weekly guide without some shopping involved ey? And as someone who spends some time in Hoxton/Shoreditch area I like to show you the wonders of the east. I therefore present you The East London Design Show at Shoreditch Town Hall, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th of December for the moderate price of £5 entry (£3 concessions and free for under 15s).

Here you will encounter more than one hundred of the best independent, product, interior and jewellery designers in London in celebration of the event’s 20th birthday. When you shop, if you’re doing it right, you will end up exhausted and hungry, fact! So this year there will be a new food hall that will feature the best in local, national and international foods. Yum Yum! So be a serious stealer and grab yourself a future design jewel or just get involved in the sustainable gift-wrapping, hat making and toy making happening around the place.

Now, let me think. I’ve covered music market, arty event and shopping. Time for a literary steal perhaps? Let me tell you this one is awesome! Howard Marks, Welsh author of Mr.Nice and former drug smuggler presents his new spoke word show ‘Scholar, Smuggler, Prisoner, Scribe’ . You can presence this at The New Cross Inn, Sunday 8th December (12-3pm) for under £10! It’s £8 in advance or £12 on the door so do the stealer thing and get yours in now!

His hilarious honesty and adventure filled existence (he’s worked for the British Secret Service, and connected to the Mafia, the IRA, CIA and MI6) will guarantee his words to be heavy with knowledge. Described by the press as ‘the most sophisticated drugs baron of all time’ he won’t disappoint in terms of content.

And finally, I don’t know if you’re aware but a gig a week keeps you looking sleek. Well, you’re going to be looking damn fine as I have TWO gigs for the week.

On Tuesday 2nd December, The Slaughtered Lamb hosts the event eARmusic starting at 6.30pm. Line up (in playing order): SANSA, LAURA FLETCHER, LOVELACE, RICH AUSTIN AND THE WOODWARDS. I’d like to introduce you to The Woodwards. They are a band made from two parts; Painter Peter Schuyff and Bristish singer Stevie Guy. Peter writes the songs which are actually stories which he sing/talks whilst Stevie laces the stories with her silky vocals. They have released their album The Woodwards II which is produced by Attie Bauw (Judas Priest, Bootsie Collins, Simple Minds). Uncut gave them 8/10 and described it ‘…like a pulpier, sunnier Lou Reed’  You have to go now right? They’re headlining at 9.30pm 

Catch their interview on the A London Steal radio show, Hoxton FM 12-2pm December 7th

This second one is a jewel. An up and coming artist who has already featured on Chase and Status’ track ‘Count On Me’. Yeah, that brilliant track with the old school feel that makes you want to get up as soon as that first beat kicks in. You got it. MOKO!

Catch her gig at Hoxton Bar & Grill on Friday 6th December, £9 tickets. Under a tenner fun, that’s how us stealers roll.

Peace out stealers! And if you see Elle and I about please come and say hello!

Words: Irune ‘Rue’ Chamberlain