A brief history
In 1966 Dalston resident Newton Dunbar, founded what was to become the iconic Four Aces Club on Dalston Lane. Known as a venue for Reggae, Ska, Soul and Dub music, it hosted musicians such as Desmond Decker, Jimmy Cliff, Count Shelly, Ann Peebles, Percy Sledge, Ben E King and Billy Ocean.
The Clash, Chrissie Hynde, Bob Marley, The Slits, Sex Pistols, Marc Bolan and Bob Dylan were also drawn to The Four Aces.
A mecca to London’s West Indian community, it came under the scrutiny of the local police in the early 1980′s, who raided it on a regular basis, claiming it harboured criminals and contributed to crime in the area. This led to tension between the club regulars and the local black community.
Over shadowed by a constant menacing police presence and Hackney council eyeing the location as part of the Olympics urban regeneration bid to build a new tube line for Dalston in 2012, it was the beginning of the end.
In 1999 Hackney council exercised its right to a compulsory re-possession, and The Four Aces bit the dust. It was the end of an era of a music venue, borne of a Windrush immigrant.
The building was demolished in 2007 to make way for three residential tower blocks, in the Dalston Square development.
Two Exciting Events
New Years Eve Party:
31st December 2010 9pm – 6am
Four Aces Promotions presents “Rise Again/ New Years Eve Party @ Open The Gate”
with DJ Green Papi, DJ Mr K and DJ Javier and more
Caribbean * Cuban * African Music
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The Four Aces Roadshow
1st Show of the Year & of the Roadshow!
Saturday 8th January 2010 – 9pm to 2am
FEATURING ARTISTS & DJS
• Dave West (DJ SET – Blues RADIO)
UP AND COMING SINGING STARS
• SIDDY RANKS, known for the album ‘True Love’
• Cess, with the album ‘Journey’
• Joy Mack, 70s HIT ‘You Have Had Your Chance’
TICKETS: £7 – £5 for members
Venue: Open the Gate – The Black Culture Cafe
33-35 Stoke Newington Road,
London N16 8BJ
