In The Mix

by Michael Landon

The Rich Mix cross-arts centre on London's trendy Bethnal Green Road always seems to have a diverse programme on offer.

This autumn 2009 is no different, with acclaimed British alto saxophonist and rapper Soweto Kinch organizing a season of concerts - In The Mix Sunday Free Jazz - in the bar area of the venue.

Kinch will be presenting a range of talented emerging musicians every Sunday, and the best thing is that these concerts are free.

So if your idea of a perfect weekend afternoon is chilling out with an ice cold drink while listening to some live music, Rich Mix's free concerts should be just the thing for you.

Last Sunday British musician Femi Temowo was down to fill the bar area with his diverse sound of funk and swing jazz tunes.

With a decent crowd inside the 400 capacity space, the atmosphere was laid back with the soft acoustics and cool lighting helping to assuage any feelings that didn't match the bubbly vibe.

Temowo, who has worked with Amy Winehouse, displayed his buoyant and cheerful sound much to the delight of those in attendance, with his amazing aptitude with a guitar, keeping the crowd attentive.

Drinks were available from the in-built private bar and all in all, it was a great evening of sultry music. 

The Rich Mix centre offers much more than just live music though. All 132,000 square foot and five floors of space is filled with the best in arts and culture.

There is a quaint three-screen plush cinema showing the latest films, as well as a performing arts venue delivering theatre, dance, spoken word, music and more.

Overall this up-and-coming cross arts centre deserves some recognition.

It is a fantastic space with a diverse programme and decent facilities. It is hard not to recommend some of the free events going on there right now, so head on down.

Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6LA

richmix.org.uk