Alternative London Events to Enjoy this Leap Year

2012 is proving to be a special year in London it seems, with the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee on the horizon.

However another wonder occurrence in the calendar is the leap year, coming along every four years and meaning an additional day in February to you and I.

So to appreciate this we’ve come up with a selection of alternative events to enjoy this leap year…

Folklore at the Gallery Café

Folklore invite a wealth of unique talent to The Gallery Café in Bethnal Green, in the form of We are Willow, Dan Sheers & the Velveteen Orkestra, and Maggie Rose. We are Willow is a collection of self-released collaborations by artist/musician Chris Butler with three different friends/fellow musicians he admired. Meanwhile Dan Shears embodies the essences of European folk and bluegrass accented with guitar-based indie stylings of The Smiths and Radiohead. Lastly Maggie Rose is a young singer/songwriter already making some waves in the London Folk scene, wooing audiences with her subtle and intricate guitar playing and sweet haunting voice. Catch all these fantastic artists in an intimate setting while you still can. Saturday 3rd March, 19:30-22:30. The Gallery Café, E2 9PL.

Stop Look Listen

Stop Look Listen is an alternative live music event with a great atmosphere and stunning bands. On the 6th March see Orlando Seale and The Swell, a nine piece band with a full string section that creates a wave of euphoric music some call Orchestral Alt-pop. Also performing are the Alms with their folkish blend of intricate melodies and exquisite harmonies, and from Brighton, The Stars Down to Earth fresh from spending the last two years writing songs about hope in the face of disaster and danger. Finally, Zoe will deliver rousing tales through blazing guitar gymnastics, intense vocal melodies, edgy altered-tunings and irregular-rhythms. Come for free cake and brilliant sounds in a top venue. Saturday 6th March, 19:30-00:00. Native Tongue, EC1A 9PN.

Voice Meets Fashion

Voice Meets Fashion (VMF) is an exclusive monthly event which showcases the capital's most talented upcoming creative artists in fashion, music and further afield in the arts community. Taking place at the prestigious Sketch Club, the next edition of VMF sees upcoming artist Louise Golbey who has recently gained momentous radio support, take to the stage. Louise will be joined by urban star Anthony AD who will no doubt share flavours from his upcoming EP, as well as vibrant vocalist Jo Gunnel and Trinidad-born musician Garnal John. The Fashion part comes in the form of graduate menswear designer Juuhau Zane with his edgy menswear collection ‘The Urban Dwellers’ and Zoe Alexandria Paton Burt whose collections have featured in Notion magazine. Monday 12th March, 19:00-2:00. The Parlour at Sketch, W1S 2XG.

The Pale Blue Door (pictured)

Pop-up dining with a difference, Tony Hornecker’s quirky homemade residence characterised with alcoves, balconies, and art installations, in the setting for a comforting and boozy 3-course dinner. Hosted by Amazoid character ‘A Man to Pet’ is your host for the evening cementing a night of hilarious dining and drag experience. Thursday March 1st, 20:00 or 20:15. Secret Dalston location. Tickets £35 incl 3-course dinner, coffe & half bottle of wine.

Blanca Li Company

Elektro Kif Nightlife, street, and stage are brought together by French-based Choreographer Blanca Li fusing Parisian electro and dance which has been a big trend in Paris nightclubs since the early 2000’s. Eight dancers showcase moves such as breaking, vogue, popping and locking, to a soundtrack of specially commissioned techno, electro, house, and afrobeat – who needs nightclubs?! March 2nd-3rd, 19:30. Queen Elizabeth Hall, SE1 8XX. Tickets £10-£20.

Find more events in London in our London what's on guide

Words: KG