Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club to finally reopen on 19 September 2020

(Press release)

 On August 1st  the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club was to throw open its doors for the first time in 137 days having been closed due the global Corona Virus pandemic.  The government had announced that indoor live music venues could re-open, but then, just a day before the first act was to take to the stage, it was to postpone its decision and the club remained closed.

Following the huge disappointment from staff and customers alike, Ronnie Scott’s  are thrilled to announce it is to finally re-open on September 19^th

The Soho-based club will open with a reduced capacity of 50% , and with all the safety measures you would expect - deep cleaning, 100% fresh air air-conditioning, sanitizer stations in key areas, thermal checks on arrival and strict social distancing measures in place. It is particularly proud of the elegant screens that separate some seating areas which actually compliment the décor!  Modelled on the heady jazz joints of yesteryear and blessed with a warm, intimate setting and a unique seating layout, Ronnie Scott’s is able to observe distancing guidelines without losing any of the cosy atmosphere that audiences love.

Despite government restrictions being relaxed on August 15, the club made the decision to delay opening rather than risk further cancellations. The delay allowed the club to review its covid-safety measures with the benefit of hindsight, observing the practices of others in the hospitality sector. 

As Fred Nash, Ronnie Scott’s General Manager explains, “ We are proud to have scored 100% in a covid-safety audit without compromising the great atmosphere of the club and not putting in measures which are quite frankly, weird or unnecessary.  We’ve all experienced strange trips to a pub”, he continues, “ where you have to navigate a seemingly pointless one-way system, download an app to order a drink only to find it doesn’t work .  We believe we can welcome customers back safely whilst maintaining the old- school hospitality values we are known for.  We’re certain that when our customers return, they will  feel we have got it just right”.

The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, the last act to play before the closure, will  be the first to take to the stage on September 19.  Featuring vocal sensation, Natalie Williams and the club’s Musical Director, James Pearson, the band present the ‘The Soho Songbook’; classic music from the jazz greats.  Over the coming weeks, the club presents it usual mix of established jazz royalty and rising stars covering bebop to contemporary and cutting edge . Confirmed artists include jazz vocalist and Puppuni Sister, Emma Smith playing tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, young lion, Mark Kavuma, a prominent trumpet player on the British jazz scene, old-school jazz funksters, James Taylor Quartet, scalding hot saxophonist and rapper and Soweto Kinch and  genre-blurring pianist, Ashley Henry .

As Fred Nash observes, “We hope our customers, and our members, have missed live music as much as we have.  I think it is what everyone needs right now”

Ronnie Scott’s would like to thank everyone at The Music Venue Trust and UK Hospitality who have worked tirelessly with the government on helping to get businesses like theirs , to open again, safely. 

SEPT/OCT LISTING

Sat 19 Sept                        The Ronnie Scott’s Allstars perform the Soho Songbook

Sun 20 Sept (lunch)          Tom Seals

Sun 20 Aug (evening)      The Ronnie Scott’s Allstars perform the Soho Songbook 

Weds 23 Sept                    Emma Smith with Jamie Safir Trio - Portrait of Ella

Thurs 24 Sept                   The Ronnie Scott’s Allstars – ‘Time Out - A Musical Portrait of Dave Brubeck'

Fri 25 Sept                         Natalie Williams Soul Family

Sat 26 Sept                         Natalie Williams Soul Family

Sun 27 Sept (lunch)          100 years of jazz piano with James Pearson

Sun 27 Sept (evening)     Ray Gelato and the Giants

Mon 27 Sept                      Ray Gelato and the Giants

Thurs 1 Oct                        James Taylor Quartet

Fri 2 Oct                             James Taylor Quartet

Sat 3 Oct                            James Taylor Quartet

Sun 4 Oct (lunch)        Paul Ryan and Jamie Safir: 'Celebrating Tony and Bill 45 Years on’

Sun 4 Oct (evening)       Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion Quintet        Wed 7 Oct            Pete Long and Simon Spillett present 'A Celebration of The Jazz Couriers'

Thurs 8Oct                         Jason Rebello

Fri 9 Oct                             Ian Shaw

Sat 10 Oct                          Reuben James

Sun 11 Oct (lunch)           Celebrating Doris Day’s life in film, TV and on record

Sun 11 Oct (evening)       Cassidy Janson

Mon 12 Oct            The Horne Section - 10th anniversary celebration

Tues 13 Oct            The Horne Section - 10th anniversary celebration

Thurs 15 Oct                     Soweto Kinch

Fri 16 Oct                           Lianne Carroll

Sat 17 Oct                          Lianne Carroll

Sun 18 Oct (lunch)          Down for the Count

Sun 18 Oct (evening)      Tom Seals

Fri 23 Oct                          Ashley Henry

Sat 24 Oct                          Ashley Henry

Sun 25 Oct (lunch)       ‘Song for My Father': Celebrating The Music of Horace Silver                      

Sun 25 Oct (evening)       Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion Quintet   

Wed 28 Oct                       Byron Wallen

Thurs 29 Oct                     Omar Puente Cuban sextet

Fri 30 Oct                          Mark Kavuma Milestones and more

Sat 31 Oct                          Citrus Sun

Tickets and more information available www.ronniescotts.co.uk