Birmingham’s award winning soul and retro nightclub The Night Owl is hosting its first ever festival this summer, themed around the famous Woodstock festival. The American music festival, which took place in August 1969, had some of the biggest acts in the world play including Janis Joplin, The Who and Jimi Hendrix and is claimed to be the best festival that ever existed (NME). As the festival nears its 50th anniversary, The Night Owl have created their own day filled with peace, love and music on Saturday, August 3rd, aptly naming it Owlstock.
By taking advantage of their large, wooden sprung dance floor, mezzanine balcony and hand painted, paisley themed garden, the club and live music venue have a whole day and evening filled with tribute bands, DJs, stalls and more. Topping the bill is the trio Are You Experienced – the most authentic tribute to Jimi Hendrix in Europe. The West Midlands based tribute act encapsulate the spirit of Hendrix perfectly with a theatrical, skilled and authentic performance. They’re joined by The Strange Doors, the UK’s leading tribute to The Doors, as well as Hammond organ led soul group The Backbone Slips, folk/acoustic act High Horses (performing as a trio) and the Janis Joplin-esque singer Cate & Co. As well as a day filled with live music, DJs Joey Smith (The Exploding Bubble), Richard Bamber (Chicks Dig Jerks) and Tracey Screamcheese (Sensateria) will be playing an array of rock and roll, 1960s classics and more into the night.
Woodstock fans can also expect local artists and craft makers, record traders and vintage fashion throughout the independently run club, as well as street food, themed cocktails, visuals and more. This immersive experience is something The Night Owl is well known for, having hosted themed events based on The Rolling Stones’ ‘Rock And Roll Circus’ concert, an annual ‘Stranger Things’ Halloween party as well as nights in tribute to late artists David Bowie and Prince.
The Night Owl, based on Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth, opened its doors in 2015 as a soul focused nightclub, hosting all nighters with famous Northern Soul DJs before expanding into a range of retro genres. From funk and soul club nights to Britpop themed brunches, live psychedelic bands, disco dance offs and rock and roll and tributes, The Night Owl is a welcoming place for any music fan. Recently, The Night Owl won best club night for Le Freak, a monthly disco night themed around the 1970’s television show Soul Train, and have previously won best club in the Birmingham Mail awards.
The Night Owl’s Owlstock: Celebrating 50 years of Woodstock takes place from 12pm on Saturday, August 3rd. This is a ticketed event, however children can attend for free with a paying adult. Tickets include entry into the weekly Dig? Soul and retro club night afterwards.
The Night Owl, 17-18 Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth, B9 4AG
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