 A Stage Further
Maggie Ryan, owner of Stage B Bar on Church Street, has come a long, long way from Tipperary.
Starting in the Irish pub trade at the age of 16, she has worked her way through the business, culminating in taking over Stage B almost exactly a year ago. From the beginning, her intention was to turn the place into ‘a space for artists with music on a regular basis’ and this certainly seems to be working. As well as an increasingly expanding music programme, Maggie is also putting on poetry, art exhibitions, dancing (including belly dancing), a kiddies’ disco and, er, Japanese lessons. An eclectic programme, certainly, but one which is bringing in the punters. She is increasingly busy, particularly at weekends, and is looking for new artists and performers of all descriptions. If you are interested in becoming involved, contact Maggie on 07732 177553.
The venue itself can best be described as a smart cocktail bar on two levels, with more space inside than looks apparent from the street. The atmosphere is friendly, the drinks affordable and the seating comfortable. Posters from long-gone but iconic concerts adorn the bright, upstairs bar, competing for space with the wide-screen TVs and large mirrors, while the atmospheric downstairs bar is where most of the music happens. Venues for live music are not that common in Stoke Newington, so Stage B should be welcomed. Maggie is obviously doing something right, and you have to admire her enthusiasm, determination and vision for the artistic future of the bar and of the area generally.
Regular events at Stage B
- Brick Lane Boogie Boys monthly residency, free
- Belly dancing lessons, Mondays, 8-9pm, £7
- Jazz with Brian Iddenden and friends, Sunday afternoons and evenings, free
- Kiddies’ disco, last Saturday of each month, for children aged 6-14 accompanied by parents
- Japanese lessons, Tuesdays, 7-8pm
Events in December As well as these regular events, Stage B is hosting Luxury Condo (2nd December), Motiv on the 5th, Club Harambe on the 9th, a fundraising party for Venezuela on the 14th, Jules and the Gamblers on the 17th, Donegal Donny on the 22nd, a Johnny Cash evening on the 23rd and Doctor Blue on the 30th. There is also a New Year’s Eve Party (obviously on the 31st), which is by invitation only. More information on these gigs can be obtained at Stage B.
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