Friday Fun and local music round up 8th May 2026

 As is the tradition in Barnet Blogs (well this one at least), we start with a Friday Joke. I suspect a few of us will need cheering up today. This time four years ago, I was recovering from staying up all night at the election count. This time I didn't stand. As it became clear that the Tories had lost by a landslide, I saw one of their councillors at the tea stall. He looked dejected, having just found out he'd lost. He's a nice bloke, so I got him a cup of tea and had a chat. 

As we chatted, he said "I genuinely didn't expect Labour to win, in fact I was so confident that I promised my wife we'd go on three week cruise around the Bahamas if I didn't get in".

I commisserated and said "Well at least you've got something to look forward to now, a few weeks in the Sun to chill out, it'll be great".

He looked at me with a forlorn look "You don't understand, I hate boats I only have to look at one and I get sea sick, I only said it because I thought it wouldn't happen, now I'm lumbered. It'll cost a fortune and I'll hate it".

I never did ask how it all went.

And on to the round up of local music. First of all some news! The False Dots have re-released their 2022 mini hit "The Burnt Oak Boogie" video, rebuilt with AI to transform Burnt Oak into the world of 60's cartoon series Top Cat.

And even better, The band will be appearing at Nambucca in Islington next Friday 15th May from around 8pm. Click image for full details

Founded by Lee Thompson of Madness, The Silencerz deliver their unique brand of reggae-ska-pop to an ever-growing and loyal fan base. Their live shows blend crowd-pleasing covers with much-loved originals, drawing from influences like Ian Dury, Madness, and Prince Buster. The band have had headline shows at the famous 100 Club, Camden’s Dublin Castle and most recently at the Madness House of Fun weekender in Minehead. follow them on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSilencerz

DJ Rebska - North West London's top Ska DJ, long time collaborator with Lee Thompson of Madness, festival favourite and purveyor of the finest Ska tunes, with the odd smattering of Northern Soul thrown in for good measure. Sure to get you on your feet!

Friday 8th

Butchers Arms 9pm – midnight AWOL (Rock Covers)

East Barnet RB Legion 8pm – 12pm £5 on the door Bop Street

Kings Head 8pm – 11.30 Only Fools (Covers 70s to present)

Barrington Bar 8.30 pm - midnight Karaoke with Neil

The Arkley Club 7.30pm – 11.30pm £5 cash on door Cha Night (charity event)

Saturday 9th

The Three Wishes, Edgware, 9pm - MOT (Rock & Pop Covers, 6 piece)

East Barnet RB Legion 8.30pm – 12pm The Looters 60s/70s covers) 

Butchers Arms 9pm – midnight Xspired (60 - 90s Covers)

The Arkley Club 8.30pm – 11pm £5 cash on door Milly Soo band (covers)

Toolans 9pm –11.30pm Sheena Shannon

Sunday 10th

Ye Olde Monken Holt 7pm - 9pm Brian Connell & Keith Haggis (Americana)

Butchers 8.30 – 11.30pm Butchers Arms Jam Electric/Blues/Rock (Full backline available

Toolans 8.30pm – 11pm Frank Nelson

Bohemia3 Cellar Bar 7.30 -10.30 now £12 Afro Jazz Express

Monday 11th

The Three Wishes, Edgware - Jan's North London Jam 

Ye Olde Mitre Inn, High Street 8pm – 11pm (stables room) Barnet Acoustics Session

Wednesday 13th

Toolans 5pm – 8pm Two in Accord

Ye Olde Monken Holt 8.30 – 11pm Open Mic Night

Thursday 14th 

Ye Olde Monken Holt 8.30 – 10.30pm Irish Session

Sebright Arms Barnet 8pm – 11pm Open Mic Night with Jamie

Maddens 8.30pm – 11pm Ronnie Gordon Legacy (ska, reggae, blue, soul, latin)