Music : House, Alternative Dance, Techno, Drum and Bass, Alternative Electronic and Disco
AKA, The End’s rebellious little sister, reaches its 10th birthday on 31st July this year, and celebrates a decade in the business with an extravagantly themed party. This year, you’ll step off the hot July streets and into the cool, surreal and magical word of Narnia, with a ‘The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe’ themed bash. Sip cocktails beneath the snow covered pine trees, take a dalliance with the dark side in the White Witch’s castle, before retreating to the safety of Aslan’s camp, complete with life sized lion!
This year, as it’s the tenth, we’ve pulled out all the stops, inviting back three of the acts who played the opening night a decade ago – Basement Jaxx (DJ set), Gilles Peterson and Fabio (playing an old school set). They will be joined by The Shapeshifters, Jimpster, Luke Solomon, Johnno (playing a Guilty Pleasures set), Luke Solomon, Chris Woodward, Rap Saunders & Dennis Christensen, Rob Summerhayes & Ali Tillett, Jim Wood, Johnny Sedin, Georgia Girl and Simon Lindley.
Ten years is an age in this fickle world of bars and clubs, and DJ bars are on every corner these days, but a decade ago AKA really kick started the movement in London, and showed how to do it in style by placing as much importance on the music programming as on the extensive spirit, cocktail and champagne list. The friendliness and expertise of the bar team, plus the (then unheard of) ‘no dress code’ policy at the door meant AKA was a real breath of fresh air in London’s late night scene.
A decade on and AKA’s innovative approach to programming means the venue is as fresh and relevant and it has ever been – with a constantly changing programme of events bringing some of the brightest talent to central London and providing a welcome haven of great music and smiley faces in the heart of London’s suited and booted West End. AKA hosts residencies from forward-thinking labels such as Freerange and Nocturnal Groove, and DJs including Mr C, Luke Solomon, and Sancho Panza – not forgetting the riotous Sunday morning afterparty Jaded. Guest DJs over the years have included talent such as Laurent Garnier, Danny Tenaglia, Frankie Knuckles, Little Louie Vega, Erol Alkan, Steve Bug and Loco Dice.
Come and raise a glass to one of London’s best loved venues, and don’t forget to dress up – guests are requested to wear something white or silver to fit in with the wintry Narnia theme. Happy birthday us!
AKA - Thursday 31st July 2008 – AKA Tenth Birthday – 2200/late - £10 - Fully licensed bar until close
DJs: Basement Jaxx (DJ set), The Shapeshifters, Gilles Peterson, Fabio (old school set), Jimpster, Luke Solomon, Johnno (Guilty Pleasures set), Chris Woodward, Rap Saunders & Dennis Christensen, Rob Summerhayes & Ali Tillett, Jim Wood, Johnny Sedin, Georgia Girl, Simon Lindley