Belle Stars singer ‘Red’ Jen Matthias invites Bar Solo regulars to sing Ska on stage
Published: 03 March 2011
by DAN CARRIER
IT is a dream held by many – to clamber on stage in a Camden Town venue and give the audience a lung-busting rendition of your favourite tune.
Well, now you can! Legendary singer “Red” Jen Matthias and her backing band The Orange Street All Stars are offering the chance to step out of the karaoke booth and belt out your favourite ska number at a new night starting this week.
Camden’s “Red” Jen – who first had hits with the groundbreaking 1980s combo, The Bellestars – has teamed up with Bad Manners keyboard player Martin Stewart, brass musician Damon Brown and guitarist Merton Otrem.
They are taking over Bar Solo in Inverness Street on Saturday, and, as well as performing their own ska favourites, they have a song list of 35 numbers for the brave and the talented to have a go at themselves.
Jen told the New Journal that the idea came about when the band saw how many of their regular gig-goers joined in from the floor.
She added: “People have always got very involved when they come and see us. We decided to would be great to let them share the experience of doing it up front instead of on the dancefloor.”
The show starts at 8pm and entry is free.