The Clubs

THE GOLDMINE

Throughout the mid 70's and 80's there were specialist nightclubs all over the country that catered for the Jazz Funk and Soul enthusiast, however being from the south of England - namely Kent this page will focus on the clubs that i frequented and those around London and the South East. The most famous club at the time was The Goldmine on Canvey Island Essex this was the mecca for funkateers to the extent that you did not feel a fully fledged member until you had been. It also had the top DJ Chris Hill known as the godfather. Chris was also the main attraction at Caister Soul weekends which still continue to this day.

Three part interview with Chris Hill recorded in the 80s - The Tube Channel 4

Part 1

Part 3

Part 2

STAGE 3

Stage 3 was based in Leysdown on the Isle of Sheppy Kent and was my second home from around 1979 - 1985 Its owners Robert and Mark Wilson had obviously invested quite a lot of money into the club at that time as it had all of the latest equipment and lighting aswell as a smoke (Dry Ice) machine that I swear I can still smell when I think about those days! ( FOR MORE INFO SEE THE PAGE DEDICATED TO STAGE 3)

THE ISLAND HOTEL

Also based in Leysdown Isle of Sheppy was a small venue - The Island Hotel. This was the first real Jazz Funk and Soul venue that I attended in early 1979 and although it lacked the modern technology that was on show at Stage 3 - The music (for me) was superior as it was aimed more for the hardcore Jazz funk/fusion fans like myself. The majority of good dancers were into Jazz Fusion and therefore The Island Hotel attracted those that were serious about dancing and some of the best dancers from around London and the South East There were two regular Dj's at The Island one being Nicky Peck who was active at many clubs around Kent and the other's name has now slipped my mind. In late 79 The owner of the Island - Tony "Shades" Valence put up a 1,000 pound prize for the winner of their dance competition. I am sure that you can appreciate that this was a massive amount of money in 1979 and consequently attracted some of the best dancers around the country. The competition had heats over a 12 week period with the winner of each heat going into the final. The final was a fantastic show of probably the best 12 dancers from the south at the time and was won by Phil Tan from London.

Unfortunately the Island Hotel was short lived as its owner or his wife (Cant quite remember) committed suicide and therefore it was closed around 1980/81 however the building still stands today and is ( (I believe) a home for the elderly.

THE ORCHARD SPOT

Tucked away in Bearstead ( a small village near Maidstone in Kent) along a winding country lane, lies the Orchard Spot. Throughout the late seventies to mid eighties The Orchard Spot held a Jazz Funk and Soul session each Monday night. This was an extremely popular venue attracting hundreds of funkateers every week - infact it was so popular that if you did not arrive before 9.00pm the chances were that you would be turned away (Quite an accomplishment for a weekday evening). The orchard spot is still going strong to this day and still has a music element being a retaurant Bar that has regular tribute acts and other such evenings.

JAZZ FUNK & SOUL

For those who like to groove!