Fancy some dancing to live music in the fabulous retro Rivoli Ballroom? Our ever-popular monthly Saturday nights have a lively buzz, great jive, swing, rock and roll and original R&B music.
Jive Party is for beginners and experts alike. Every month we bring you a top live band playing Jive, Swing, Rock and Roll and original Rhythm 'n' Blues music designed to keep you on the dance floor. The night gets underway with a jive dance class aimed at beginners, to give you some pointers on jive partner dancing. Between two sets by the band, and afterwards, DJs keep the music flowing until 1am. A licensed bar, a fabulous spacious maple sprung dance floor, and the uniquely glamorous interior of The Rivoli Ballroom make for a brilliant night out. If you've not yet been to a Jive Party, why not make this a date and find out why the Rivoli Jive Party is one of the longest running dance events in the Capital? We'll have been going 30 years this November. See below for dates and bands.
UPCOMING DATES:
APRIL 15TH with Jump 66
Jump 66 are a lively 6-piece band with thumping double bass, honking sax and pounding piano, belting out a raucous mix of retro Rhythm & Blues laced with swing, soul and ska. They've honed their performances over almost 15 years both on the London club circuit, and at festivals from Ealing to Glastonbury. New for 2023, the band's joined by charismatic front man Paul Kissaun ex Flying Pickets and keys man Pete Saunders ex Dexy's Midnight Runners / The Damned. We're delighted to welcome them to Jive Party for the first time, though eagle eyes may have spotted some band members who have performed at The Rivoli in other bands too!
MAY 20TH with Memphis Lee & The Creepers
A welcome return for Memphis Lee & The Creepers after their sell-out gig at last November's Jive Party.
If you're a fan of that authentic rock n roll sound, you won't be disappointed. The Creepers deliver the sounds of Bill Haley, Eddie Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry to name but four, in style, with two guitars, sax, piano, bass and drums topped with belting vocals. The band members have worked with many famous names from the rock n roll and rockabilly scenes - names like Mike Sanchez, James Hunter and Si Cranstoun, and some that might surprise you, like Eric Clapton and Imelda May. So be sure to book your spot at The Rivoli on May 20th - whatever the weather outside, it's going to be one hot rock n roll night inside.
JUNE 17TH WITH The Cadillac Kings
A Jive Party regular and ever popular. Now here’s that rare thing – a British band who can cut the mustard! Powered along by a top class rhythm section, with wild harp and standout guitar. Stick in their authentic hollering vocalist and you’ve got a pretty hot combo! They’re good!!” – Ken Smith, Red Lick Records
Six of the UK’s top blues & roots musicians, playing hell for leather on the Rivoli stage – a recipe for an unforgettable night if you love your jive, rhythm n blues. The Cadillac Kings play music inspired by the sounds and styles of the ’40s & ’50s, with a mix of mostly original songs and a few well-chosen covers from the likes of T-Bone Walker, Roy Brown & Champion Jack Dupree. The Cadillac Kings are firm favourites on both the blues & jump-jive scenes, and tailor-made for the Rivoli Ballroom.
“Entertaining, authentic & infectious – The Cadillac Kings’ high energy swinging R&B is enough to put a foaming head on a pint of real ale! This is pure good time music that left The Darlington Arts Centre audience dizzy, long after they’d left the building.” - Darrell Parsons, Blues in Britain
JULY 15TH WITH Laura B and Her Band
Hot favourites with everyone in the know, Laura B and her band are back on the Rivoli stage for yet another blistering night of good time, jive, swing and R&B. You'd have to be comatose not to enjoy this night with some of the very best musicians in the country recreating that authentic 50's sound.
AUGUST - NO EVENT. Details of September to December to follow.
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More about Jive Party
Jive Party is one of the Capital's longest-running dance events, going right back to the early 1990's. Jive Parties were initially held at Leicester Square’s Notre Dame Hall, before our move to the larger Rivoli Ballroom, a totally unique, Grade II-listed venue that’s perfect for dancing to live music. The large maple sprung dancefloor is lit by chandeliers, glitter balls and over-sized chinese lanterns. The walls are adorned with red velvet and flock wallpaper. You’ll recognise it as a backdrop in countless photo-shoots, pop videos, TV shows and feature films! Read what The Independent had to say about it.
A friendly, inclusive and welcoming greeting awaits you. If you've not been to a Jive Party, why not? Here are some of our recent reviews from Design My Night customers:
"great band, great dancing. fantastic venue" - Paul
"Fantastic evening , amazing venue and great music and dancing" - Amanda
"So great to be back at the Rivoli for jive night! The Cadillac Kings were bril, and such lovely atmosphere." - Jan
"A wonderful night as always. The smooth way to get in was as easy as normal. The friendly faces welcoming you. The dancefloor was a joy. I try and go every month to this fab ballroom." - Duncan
"My first Jive night and I absolutely loved it!! Such an amazing venue, filled with so many wonderful humans all having so much fun and wonderful live music. Thank you! I will be back for more this year 3" - Phoebe