Friday 12 November 2021.

Friday 12 November 2021. RAYE + JAZ KARIS live at Shepherds Bush Empire. Raye is a young female singer-songwriter who has had a couple of Top 10 hit singles. On 29 June 2021, Raye revealed that her record label, Polydor Records, has been withholding her debut album for several years. The statement received support from fellow artists including Charli XCX, MNEK and Rina Sawayama. Raye later went on a hiatus following the statements.On 19 July 2021, she announced via Instagram that she has parted ways with Polydor. ---------- Level 3 was closed as unsold but all the other levels are full. JAZ KARIS arrived on stage at 8pm for her 30 mins set. Jaz is a Brit School graduate who cites influences that include modern R'n'B and soul artists such as Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse...a decent 30 mins set. RAYE arrived on stage at 9.05pm and performed for around 85 mins. Her new record company are splashing the cash as we have a full stage production with podiums for her keyboard player and drummer and a very impressive light show. Raye is another artist who has been a support act at this venue and has always had her mind on headlining here, and she is over the moon about it. Raye seemed in disbelief of what she had achieved and showed so much gratitude to her fans. This humble attitude – along with the venue – altered the connection between Raye and her audience. It felt intimate and relaxed; Raye was in awe of her audience just as much as they were in awe of her. This natural and equal connection was emphasised when Raye took to the piano and showcased her more emotional and heartfelt style for a couple of tracks in the middle of the set. Otherwise, it was bouncy uptempo dance pop that the crowd really enjoyed. Her friendly stage banter and vocals have hints of Amy Winehouse, but her songs are much more livelier as she bounces and twirls around the stage with bundles of energy. From her new chart-destined material to her loveable larger-than-life stage presence, every aspect of the show tonight points to Raye’s inevitable stardom– which is surprising to no one but herself. It really was a surprisingly great show. Full RAYE setlist played tonight.... Love Me Again By Your Side (Jonas Blue cover) Tequila (Jax Jones, Martin Solveig, RAYE & Europa cover) Cigarette Check Decline Change Your Mind All Dressed Up Please Don’t Touch Walk on By Money Calling / Ferrari Horses Regardless (RAYE & Rudimental cover) Secrets (Regard & RAYE cover) Love of Your Life Call on Me BED (Joel Corry, RAYE & David Guetta cover) Encore : Natalie Don't / You Don't Know Me ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday 11 November 2021....8pm to 12pm... Sports Betting Hall of Fame Awards - Natural History Museum, London SW7. Sports Betting Hall of Fame was launched by SBC in 2016 to recognise and celebrate the individuals who have made significant long-lasting contributions to the industry. Its latest members will be honoured at a special ceremony in the spectacular setting of London’s Natural History Museum. A stunning setting where the lights are shining on the dinosaur bones hanging from the ceiling above. A DJ is playing dance tunes all through the evening. The gambling industry always put on great top notch lively social events. Around 300 guests here enjoying lots of complimentary food and drinks including various spirits & mixers (JD n cokes for me tonight) , wines, beers and four types of bowl food. At 9.15pm tv and radio presenter Kirsty Gallacher handed out the awards... The six people inducted were: Simon Bold – Founder, SBGL and Former CEO bwin International Vincent Caldwell – Founder, betinternet and Chairman & CEO, Virtual Software Ludovico Calvi – President, Global Lottery Monitoring System (GLMS) Clive Hawkswood – Former CEO, RGA and Former Chairman, RAiG Birgitte Sand – Former Director General, Danish Gambling Authority Jan Svendsen – Founder, Coolbet, Nordicbet and Triobet We left at midnight , but it was still in full flow as due to finish at 1am. A very enjoyable evening.

Posted 12th November 2021