The Kazbar is finally old enough to drink some of the alcohol that flows from her tubes. On Saturday 28th September she turns 18 years old, and like all newly fledged Clapham girls she’s gonna throw one hell of a party, inviting all her musical friends to perform and all the gays to get drunk, before, no doubt, she throws up in the high street gutter, as one of us holds her hair up. QX spoke to Craig Maritza, Kazbar manager, to find out more about the Duchess of Clapham’s celebrations…
Tell us about Kazbar why is it a particular gem in Clapham’s glittering crowd?
I think Kazbar owes much of its success to a varying degree of aspects. Geographically it’s attached and yet apart from the hustle and bustle of gay centric Vauxhall and it enjoys the village feeling that is associated with Clapham Xommon. It is also very accessible via Clapham Common and North tube stations as well as the overground and bus routes etc.
So you’re turning eighteen! What do you think is the reason behind Kazbar’s longevity?
Kazbar benefits from an eclectic crowd. My aim has and continues to be to have an inclusive venue where all are welcome, non discriminatory in terms of age and gender, and to allow Kazbar to be able to meet the needs of its clients, whether it’s a quiet drink in a friendly atmosphere after work or, as the evening progresses, especially at the weekends, we try and rev up the amps for those who enjoy a step back in time or dance floor grooves old and new, from kitsch to rockin’, from quirky to mainstream.
We have been particularly successful with guest appearances by well known DJs and some great names on the live music front. Something that is becoming the envy of other venues.
I have strived to make Kazbar’s business my business. I keep prices competitive and I’m always trying to think of new angles for the bar, reinventing and rehashing whilst keeping some of Kazbar’s original charm to satisfy both our regulars as well as visitors and new crowds. I value all our guests and try to make it a good experience for them.
I think Kazbar owes much of its longevity to the above and the ongoing loyalty of its crowd, for which I and the community at large are very appreciative. It’s for these reasons that Kazbar is and remains on the map. I have been in the industry for many years and I love what I do. I lead a great team of people, in this I am very fortunate.
And what special tricks can we expect for the big birthday party extravaganza?
The birthday party, well what can I say! With a line up of Janet Kay, one of the biggest Reggae legends in the world, Katherine Ellis, uber dance diva, Angie Brown beat boxin’ and all MC’d from the fantastic Lonnie Gordon how many more tricks could we give you! Oh yeah: Carol Jiani and Linda Lewis are rocking up, and hopefully performing!
We hear it’s owner Craig and performer Ms Lonnie Gordon’s birthdays too! How will they be joining in the fun?
Ms Gordon & Mr Maritza have been working on a track together, so if the mood is right we can expect a super soul duo performance from them, Al Green Style.
What’s this big duet ‘Rain’ about?
Rain is a collaboration from a group of very talented people who will be attending the birthday bash. It is currently in the hands of many remixers and due for release in Spring next year and Kazbar has the pleasure to have the debut live performance
And how are you supporting gay men’s health charity GMFA?
The party is free entry: no where else can you get such a line up for FREE? So we ask all to give generously to our chosen charity GMFA.
Finally, what’s Lonnie Gordon going to be singing?! We’re looking forward to being blown away!
Lonnie Gordon will be performing her new single ‘Illuminate’ produced by Mike Rose. We will have a film crew in to create the video for its release, so it may need a few takes but I’m sure the Kazbar crowd will enjoy being a part of the process.
• Kazbar’s 18th Birthday is on 28th September at Kazbar, 50 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UL. Open until 3am. Free entry all night.
