Vortex Jazz Club Open Mic

Name: Open Mic at Vortex Jazz Club
Location: Vortex Jazz Club

Vortex Jazz Club Open Mic — Quick Facts

Dalston's Sunday-night free jazz jam at 11 Gillett Square, N16 8AZ — flagship jazz venue, full backline including piano, 10-minute slots.

✓ Verified active Last verified 28 Apr 2026 Source: vortexjazz.co.uk + venue confirmation

The Details

Everything you need before you turn up

DaySunday

Start9:30pm

Sign-up9pm walk-in

Slot length10 min

EntryFree · 18+

Capacity~120 standing

Performer typesMusic · Jazz

Sound engineerIn-house, included

Where

Vortex Jazz Club 11 Gillett Square
Dalston
London N16 8AZ

Contact

Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team

Highlights

Free entry

Full backlineIn-house engineer

MusicJazz18+Walk-in

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What's on Stage

PA + monitors

Drum kit

Guitar amp

Bass amp

Keys / keyboard

3 vocal mics

In-house engineer

The Vortex is one of London's flagship working jazz clubs — paid bills most nights, Sunday late-jam is the open session. House piano and rhythm section drop in to back any singer or instrumentalist who steps up.

~2.5 hours, 15 acts at 10 minutes — though the format is loose; players form ad-hoc combos.

Sign-up process

Sheet at the bar at 9pm. Walk-in.

Getting there

11 Gillett Square, N16 8AZ. 6 minutes from Dalston Junction (Overground).

The venue

First-floor jazz club above the square. 18+. Capacity ~120 seated.

Common Questions

Seven things people ask before turning up at London's Vortex Jazz Club open mic.

How do I sign up to play at Vortex Jazz Club open mic?

Walk-in sign-up only, opens at 9pm. Arrive early — slots fill on the night. Backup options if you don't get on: other London open mics the same week.

What backline does Vortex Jazz Club provide?

Full backline: drum kit, guitar amp, bass amp, vocal mics, plus an in-house sound engineer. Bring your own instrument and pedals. Want a similar setup elsewhere? Filter the open mic directory by “Full backline”.

How long is a slot at Vortex Jazz Club open mic?

10 minutes per act — typically 3 songs solo or 4 for a band.

Is Vortex Jazz Club open mic free?

Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most London mics are free; browse the list.

Can I bring a band to Vortex Jazz Club open mic?

Yes — full bands welcome and the backline is set up for it. Once you've played a few of these, see our guide on how to get paid gigs in London.

Where is Vortex Jazz Club?

11 Gillett Square, Dalston, London N16 8AZ.

What's the audience like on a Sunday night?

Mostly fellow musicians, friends and London regulars who turn up across the London live music scene. London open mic crowds tend to listen attentively — this isn't a chatter-over-the-music kind of night.