One day. 100 new music acts. 15 venues across Shoreditch. 5000 (too-cool-for-school) music lovers. Last nights Stag and Dagger micro-festival was, more than anything, a good chance to check out some of the Shoreditch venues I’ve been meaning to go to.

After some debate/exchange of words, a small group of us finally agreed on a plan of attack for which bands we wanted to see, kicking off at the Electricity Showrooms. Feeling uninspired by the DJ and it being way too early to dance like a crazy fool on its famous disco floor, we swiftly moved onto Bar MusicHall to see the excellent reggae band Natty who didn’t disappoint. Apart from the typical slow service at the bar, this venue was more than adequate. We then headed over to The Macbeth to see a very average Australian band Operator Please which we could barely see anyway due to the pub being rammed. The good upstairs terrace was at least some consolation for the otherwise poor venue. Before we knew it the night was drawing to a close so we headed over to Brick Lane for the Filthy Dukes set at the Vibe Bar. No night out in Brick Lane is complete without a salt beef bagel bagel from The Beigal Shop which we devoured on the bus ride home.

So the idea of Stag and Dagger was a nice one, but in reality it just didn’t work out. There were just too many bands to see, not enough time and the transition between sets wasn’t quick enough. Lets hope the organisers pull off something better at Adventures in The Beetroot Field festival in Victoria Park later on this summer.

Tags: festivals