Following my recent visit – and ensuing gush-fest – to Jimi Hendrix’s restored London flat last month, shortly afterwards I got invited to a secret Jimi Hendrix-inspired gig.
Now, although I’m not a gambling girl (lol, apart from my aspiration of being a pastel-hued bubble-permed old lady whiling away my retirement years on the slots in Vegas), the event was hosted by gaming site bgo to launch their psychedelic new casino game based on the guitar legend himself.
I loved the venue, The Gallery, in North London – and not only for being on my actual side of town (for ONCE). Just a five minute walk from West Hampstead station (like LITERALLY; my main Foxy Lady Amy and I opened cans of G&T ‘for the journey’ and we’d arrived before the ring-pulls were fully pulled back, looool).
Anyhoo, when we finally made it downstairs into the basement area, we’d missed the demos of bgo’s new game on the iPads (oops) but you can give it a spin here if that sort of thing floats your boat (gamble responsibly though kids, yeah?).
The setting was super cute and intimate: all reclaimed timber and exposed brickwork with twinkling fairy lights, church candles, cosy seating and whisky cocktails on tap.
We were treated to acoustic performances from three up-and-coming musicians who each played a couple of original songs plus a cover of a Jimi Hendrix classic in their own style.
Sadly we just missed Tom Butler‘s set (soz Tom), and admittedly, I was slightly distracted by the arrival of the handsome lil’ hamburger sliders and cheesy fries (WHAT?!), but it was nice to be serenaded by three talented souls while we feasted.
Rory Gilmore (above) covered The Wind Cries Mary, one of my favourite Hendrix songs. Aside from his throaty, intense vocals and sweet guitar licks, Rory had the stage presence (AKA “bantz”) of a true front man, and I will watch his progression with interest.
Tbh, Joe Bernie (above) had me at ‘gypsy scarf draped over mic stand’ and his guitar was beautiful – but he also had the voice to match, resulting in a captivating, folksy performance. Also: I want that guitar strap pls.
| Vintage fringed jacket: Beyond Retro | Skinny printed scarf: ASOS (similar) | Trousers: Zara (similar) | Silver boots: Office | Embroidered tote bag: charity shop |
All too soon I could Hear My Train A Comin’ and so I headed home in a Purple Haze.
Hangs with one of my faves while being served up cheesy fries and Jimi Hendrix vibes? My kinda evening and you can bet’cha bottom dollar (gambling pun, do you SEE?) that I’ll be back to this cute lil’ venue real soon.
The Gallery: ilovethegallery.com
bgo: bgo.com
#bgoHendrix
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