Following the success of the Tropical Yard event back in May, DJ and compiler Liam Large embarks on a series of one-off parties in conjunction with Jazz Stroud, focused on bringing some of the most renowned and distinguished all-vinyl selectors to the town, often for the first time.
Currently celebrating the release of his landmark compilation “Une Voix M'appelle”, a survey of Lebanon’s Voix De L’Orient record label, Ernesto Chahoud is the co-founder and figurehead of the Beirut Groove Collective. Launched in Beirut in 2009, the BGC was conceived as an alternative to the city’s more commercially driven nightclub scene, firstly showcasing Lebanon’s lesser-known but illustrious musical past, and expanding its remit to incorporate similarly captivating sounds from the wider Middle East and Africa. The nights quickly gained international attention, once being included in New York’s magazine’s list of the world’s top 15 clubs. In turn, Ernesto toured extensively, bringing the BGC’s unique sound to audiences far and wide. When the late Anthony Bourdain visited Beirut to film his travel show in 2015, the much larger than life Chahoud featured prominently as a host at his mother’s communist bar.
In recent years, Ernesto has relocated to London, putting on regular events across the city alongside his Beirut Groove Collective co-founder Natalie Shooter. The pair continue to return regularly for one-off parties in Beirut. In addition, Ernesto hosts a monthly radio show, ‘Beirut Daze’ on NTS.
This event marks Ernesto’s debut DJ appearance in Stroud, making this a rare opportunity to catch the Beirut Groove Collective sound in the intimate setting of SVA. In support is Liam Large of Jazzman Records and Tropical Yard, who is well accustomed to the BGC vibe, having appeared with Ernesto and Natalie at several of their London events.
LINKS:
‘Taitu - Soul-fuelled stompers from 1960s-70s Ethiopia’
Ernesto Chahoud Boiler room set
Tickets: Pay What You Can £6, £8 or £10
Strictly over 18. Photo ID required