Live @ Aloft Music Series

Aloft London Excel has announced the expansion of its popular music series, Live at Aloft Hotels, adding twice monthly gigs, two different acts per evening and introducing new artists. The affordable design hotel in London’s Docklands is welcoming a programme of musical talent, curated by musician and promoter Tony Moore, into its w xyz bar each month, offering guests and music enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy free one-off live performances from emerging artists and bands.

Tony Moore started his career in music as one of the early members of Iron Maiden and in 1997 founded The Kashmir Klub in London. A place for emerging talent to perform acoustic sets, The Kashmir Klub stage saw debut performances from the likes of Damien Rice, Tom Baxter and KT Tunstall. Aloft London Excel is delighted to be working with Tony to bring London’s most talented up-and-coming artists to its stage. The Live at Aloft Hotels gigs illustrate the hotel’s ongoing dedication to supporting emerging music and providing fresh talent with a platform to connect with new audiences.

The next Live at Aloft Hotels gig will take place at 8.30pm on Wednesday 6th August 2014 and will see Sky1’s ‘The Ones to Watch’ winner, Annie Afrilu, light up the w xyz stage.

The upcoming performers are:

Wednesday 6th August

20:30, Annie Afrilu – Afrilu shot to fame in 2014 when she was handpicked by singing sensation Paloma Faith to be her protégé on Sky1’s talent show ‘The Ones To Watch’. Afrilu is a sensational contemporary-soul singer songwriter who has come to be known for her empowering songs and bold vocal performances. www.annieafrilu.com/


21:30, Johnny Lucas – Fresh from the Glastonbury stage, Lucas will bring his fresh, feel-good music to Live at Aloft Hotels. Named ‘London’s Next Big Thing’ by Success Express Music, Lucas has been receiving critical acclaim wherever he performs. Taking inspiration from 60s McCartney to 90s Northern Brit Pop Lucas creates anthemic songs perfect for summer. www.johnnylucas.co.uk

Friday 15th August

20:30, Lauren Flynn - Originally from North Vancouver, Canada, singer-songwriter and performer Lauren Flynn has entered England's music scene with a splash. A mixture of class and sass, her songs and live performances reflect her personality perfectly. Flynn has been described as energetic, one of a kind, and with her fiery red hair and intriguing voice, she is definitely someone to watch out for. www.lauren-flynn.com

21:30, Tom Butler – Seattle born Butler started song-writing at the age of 10. After being discovered by music producer Rich Parkinson, Butler moved to London in 2012 to persue his career in music. Butler’s music packs an emotional punch with a strong indie and folk feel taking influence from Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling and Mason Jennings. His first EP will be released in 2014. www.tombutlersings.com

Friday 19th September

20:30, Ellie Rose – South-Londoner Rose released her first EP at just 18 and has gone from strength to strength since playing over 150 live gigs including performances at Secret Garden Party, Dot to Dot festival and Beach Break Live. Rose’s music is fun and fresh and music site The Flux has described her performances as having ‘presence, talent, beauty and personality’. www.ellierose.co.uk

21:30, ILONA - ILONA has gone from performing her first ever solo gig of one song to headlining festival stages and touring the UK and US. She has supported Newton Faulkner, Passenger, The Dunwells, Adam Ant, The Feeling, Paul Rodgers, Willy Mason, Daniel Bedingfield and Miss 600 to name a few, played SXSW in Texas alongside Marcus Foster and Eliza Gilkyson, and jammed with Ed Sheeran. ILONA is recording her debut album for release in late 2014. www.ilonamusic.com

Wednesday 24th September

20:30, Leoni Kennedy – Kennedy played her first open mic' night at age 11 and has gone onto perform at venues including the Blackpool Winter Gardens, the prestigious Bedford Pub in Balham and The Fylde Folk Festival. This year, at just 14 years old Kennedy shone out of 450 entrants, winning the UK's under 19's solo singer songwriter award at ‘Rock The House’. Kennedy has developed her niche finger-picking acoustic songs. www.leonijanekennedy.co.uk


21:30, HEX – Winners of Yamaha’s ‘Rock the House’ 2014, HEX have been named one of the UK’s hottest young bands of the year. Wowing audiences with their charismatic and extravagant rock and roll performances HEX made their mark on venues including The O2 Academy and The Cavern Club. HEX have shared the stage with NME favourites The Courtesans, Peace and The Struts. www.hexmusic.co.uk