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Peacock Theatre
The Peacock is a small venue in the West End, part of the Sadler's Wells complex, hosting dance and music performances, including things like parodies of modern dance or performances from less-established companies.
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Pizza Express Jazz Club
Believe it or not, this is one of the most consistently popular and excellent jazz venues in London. It's a bit of a strange arrangement, having a small basement venue beneath the main chain restaurant, but it seems to work well. Patrons listen attentively to modern jazz, and lots of big names perform here.
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Ronnie Scott's
In the 1960s, this was the only place the British public could listen to modern jazz - luminaries like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, plus Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Sarah Vaughan. Even rock bands like The Who played here. The atmosphere is excellent, but talking during music is a big no-no. Door staff can be terribly rude and the service slow, but that's how they've always been. Gigs usually last until daily.
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Roundhouse
This former railway engine shed and then 1960s counterculture magnet is back - not for the first time, but this time hopefully for good. As the name suggests, the auditorium is round, making it just as good for circus/dance performers like Fuerzabruta as it is, after rearrangement, for eyes-forward musical concerts.
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Salmon & Compass
It's all about music here, be it in DJ or live set form, with young and trendy Islingtonites crowding in over the weekend. There are large sofas for sitting, but it's mainly standing, drinking and dancing that take place, illuminated by fairy lights and a couple of sky lights during the day, when the bar serves Thai food. Monthly comedy nights are held here, too.
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The Borderline
Through the Tex-Mex entrance off Orange Yard and down into the basement, you'll find a packed, 275-capacity venue that really punches above its weight. Read the writing on the walls (literally, there's a gig list): Crowded House, REM, Blur, Counting Crows, PJ Harvey, Lenny Kravitz, Debbie Harry, plus many anonymous indie outfits, have all played here. The crowd's equally diverse but full of music journos and talent-spotting record-company A&Rs.
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Troubadour
Bob Dylan and John Lennon have performed here and this friendly café-bar remains a wonderfully relaxed boho hang-out decades later. There's still live music (folk, blues) most nights and a large, pleasant garden open in summer.
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Vortex Jazz Club
This was Stoke Newington's (and London's) favourite jazz place before relocating to the Dalston Culture House in 2005. Many feared the Vortex would never reopen, but all are celebrating its return to the live jazz scene. While the venue still feels a little new, the programme is as good as ever, with musicians from the UK, US and Europe.
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