Join us for an evening hosted by Rio Kai, bandleader of house band Stratos, alongside special guests, in our intimate, reimagined canalside venue.
Rio is a Mercury Prize-nominated bassist known for his energetic rhythmic phrasing and blistering lines. Hosting this one-off night, bringing special guests into the heart of our weekly jazz series. All our events are free entry throughout January.
Over the coming months, Rio will be inviting more guest artists to Grow’s Thursday jazz session, with a focus on rising women instrumentalists who are shaping the future of the UK music scene. This curated evening offers a rare chance to see Rio step beyond the usual Stratos lineup, spotlighting next-generation talent.
Rio Kai says:
“As someone who has had the opportunity to regularly play at Grow Hackney and have the overwhelming support of the team at Grow, as well as the local community, being able to share that platform with artists from all different walks of life and points in their careers holds a personal affinity for me. Being able to provide a space for visibility and recognition for artists that may not be as represented in the music scene holds great importance, and should also be a chance for artists within the community to connect with each other as well as new audiences.”
Special Guests
Laura Impallomeni is a London-based British-Italian jazz trombonist, composer and bandleader whose work places the trombone at the centre of contemporary jazz. She has performed at major UK festivals and venues, leads multiple projects, and recently recorded her debut album with leading figures from London’s jazz scene.
Mei Miyazaki Kirby is a multi-instrumentalist and collaborator known for her open, exploratory approach to sound and performance. Her work spans projects including Yumé NET, Wu-Lu and Momoko Gill, with a focus on curiosity, vulnerability and deep musical connection.
Our reimagined canalside snug becomes a warm, plant-filled stage space where you can sit just a few feet from some of London’s finest jazz musicians and savour every detail of the music and setting.
To mark the season try an extra-special seasonal Espresso Martini made with Honduras La Cidra guest beans from Square Mile Coffee Roasters.
The first set begins at 7.30pm, followed by a late-night jam session starting at 9.30pm.
About Rio Kai
Rio is a Mercury Prize-nominated bassist known for his energetic rhythmic phrasing and blistering lines . Rio is a core member of the 11-piece British jazz ensemble seed., and of Courtney Pine’s House of Legends. He has also served as Musical Director at Shakespeare’s Globe, most recently for this year’s production of Othello. His playing blends deep rhythmic intuition with a bold, contemporary approach, firmly positioning him among the most compelling voices in UK jazz.
This event is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the UK Government’s Creative Industries sector vision. £5 million has been invested to support Grassroots Music.
BOOKINGS
The first set is from approx 7.30 - 8.30. The second set is from approx 9.30-10.30pm.
Book a ticket and table via the OpenTable experiences, where we are offering a festive set menu.
Just a ticket in advance or on the door is FREE.
We reserve 30% of our tables for walk-ups, so still feel free to come down and grab a spot. There is plenty of standing room as well. We advise that you arrive between 6.30 and 7.30 pm to get a table.
If you’ve booked a table via the OpenTable, we recommend you turn up on time, as we cannot hold the tables for more than 15 minutes.
Please read our full FAQs before booking, where you will find information on refunds and exchanges
FOOD & DRINK
Our kitchen is open until 9 pm and serves a range of dishes and snacks. We have a range of drinks from the bar (open until 11.45 pm), including Grow’s signature cocktails.
Arrive early to make the most of excellent happy hour offers.
