David Rodigan

AROUND this time last year, a little nervous about this approaching virus, we settled into the Roundhouse to witness the power of incredible Brittany Howard – and earlier Nadine Shah – at BBC 6 Music Festival. If I had any idea this would be the last gig I’d attend for a year, I’d have attended every second of the festival’s packed schedule to cram my head with memories to keep me going through the live culture drought.

Now there are moves to tentatively open up, festival and gig dates are flowing, some rescheduled, some still online and others playing it safe with dates in late 2022. But the warnings are still there. As each relaxation leaves a five-week-gap to consider the impact, if the data says otherwise, the timetable may shift. Flexibility is key for the near future.

So, we’re holding our breath, pretending like several million (no idea of actual figures) unwitting innocent breathing schoolchildren haven’t just been unleashed on society and hoping this doesn’t convert into a spike and ensuing consequences. Hopefully, when we do start enjoying live music again, enough vaccines will be had and measures in place so events and travel don’t contribute any further to this pandemic.

For now, note the dates below and prepare to treat gig-going with the same flexibility as many work-from-home initiatives. If we hear of any changes, we’ll let you know.

• Kentish Town band This is the Story, which last year featured contributions from neighbours in lockdown single The Year Of The Mask, is keeping things local with the release of new single Been Asleep Too Long. More than 100 people joined an online community Zoom organised to thank Lissenden Gardens and nearby residents, where the song was first played during lockdown in a series of backyard concerts to overlooking balconies. Hear the single at https://thisisthestory.bandcamp.com/track/been-asleep-too-long

• A few online events continue before venue doors open soon. Nitin Sawhney streams a one-off live set from Shakespeare’s Globe on March 27 to celebrate new album Immigrants followed by a Q&A with Anita Rani; country music fans can enjoy a one-time only free Facebook stream of C2C Berlin highlights on Saturday (March 13) featuring Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Brett Young, Kassy Ashton and many more.

• For those starved of music, festivals are a great way of upping the band count in no time!
Rearranged dates: Kenwood’s summer concerts have shifted slightly in response to government announcements. Now Nile Rodgers & Chic are on June 18. Rag ‘N Bone Man + Will & The People (June 25) and David Rodigan & The Outlook Orchestra ft Freddie McGregor, Horace Andy and Bitty McLean, Gentleman’s Dub Club, YoLanda Brown, Channel One Soundsystem, Norman Jay MBE and Don Letts (June 27). Artists are yet to be announced for June 26.
Upcoming festivals: Brighton’s Great Escape has been moved online this year (May 12-15); Standon Calling Festival (July 22-25; All Points East (Aug 27-30); Eastern Electrics (Aug 28).