Looking for an interesting place to have a drink and take in some live music? If variety is the spice of life, be prepared for a choice of flavours at the London Music Club. With three performance rooms – the Front Room, the Big Hall and the Cellar Lounge – this old house can have two or three different musical acts playing at the same time on any given Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. This seems to be a popular spot for 
both local artists and musicians on tour who are looking for an intimate venue when they hit London.
The club hosts a mix of music genres, and with more than 300 shows a year you’re bound to find something you like. On one visit I enjoyed a performance by Julian Lennon’s stepsister, Chloe Charles. Seeing as she has no genetic connection to John Lennon, I wondered if she was just cashing in on her two degrees of separation from the Beatles legend, but thanks to her sweet and sultry voice my suspicions were pleasantly proven wrong.
Check out the London Music Club website and you’ll find lots of options to choose from – blues, jazz, pop, rock, folk, bluegrass, even some country and rockabilly, and more. There’s a nice mix of price points, but fans of the Drinks Diva know I’m big on free and frugal and you’ll always find a few of those, with the majority of covers ranging from free to $20.
You can’t beat the Thursday night Electric Jam or the Friday night Acoustic Open Mike for an affordable and entertaining night out. You never know what you’ll hear – from aspiring newbies to seasoned performers who just want to have fun and mix things up a bit.
For Electric Jam, which takes place in the Big Room every Thursday starting at 8 p.m., the stage is set with amps, bass and drums in place, just waiting for musicians to bring them to life. While the evening is hosted by Robbie Antone, the musical menu can range from blues to rock or country or… whatever… it’s all good! Thursday is also Big Rock night — a 20-ounce glass of Grasshopper on tap for $5.25 — sweet!!
Acoustic Open Mike is held every Friday at 9 p.m. Be prepared to toss in a toonie to get in the door. There’s a roster of regulars, both on and off stage, and folks are genuinely supportive of everyone who takes the spotlight. If 
you’re planning on playing you’ll need to bring your own instrument.
LMC is a little off the beaten track, but well worth checking out. There’s a fine selection of drinks and a limited but tasty menu. But mainly this place is all about the music. People I’ve chatted with are unanimous in their admiration of London Music Club’s affable owners, Pete and Jan Denomme, and the way they have been able to bring their vision to life: the power of music to transform, celebrate and express life.
London Music Club
470 Colborne Street, London
519-640-6996
londonmusicclub.com
The Drinks Diva is raising a toast to the most interesting drinking establishments in London and area. Your suggestions are always welcome at DrinksWithDiva@gmail.com.
