Want to see more shows at OTO this year but can't afford tickets?
Pleased to say we offer free membership to people on low-incomes or unwaged. Discounted tickets, at least 1 free show a month, discounts in the shop & more
Sign up here, no questions asked
We are very excited to share the news that we’ve received funding from the Culture Recovery Fund! We’re incredibly grateful to
@ace_national
for their support which will be a massive help in seeing us through the next few months.
#HereForCulture
We're pleased to announce that from today, if you are unwaged or on a low income and are unable to afford the current ticket prices at OTO, we will be offering FREE Venue Membership. More information on the membership and how to set it up here:
Cafe OTO is 15 years old this week! To celebrate, we're offering 15% off everything on the website (tickets/records/books/posters - the lot) all this week. Just use the promo code "OTO-15" at checkout. Thanks, as ever, for all your support! X
We're going to start hiring out Cafe OTO as a rehearsal and recording space to help keep us afloat over the coming months. If anyone is interested please email hamish
@cafeoto
.co.uk and fielding
@cafeoto
.co.uk (copying both in)
RIP to the incredible Alvin Lucier. An artist who we were never able to welcome to perform at OTO, but whose work was performed here numerous times. His influence on experimental and marginal music is insurmountable.
Farewell to the wonderful Phill Niblock. We will miss you.
Pic by Bradford Bailey taken at his final show here on the 6th of May 2023, in a trio with Rie Nakajima and Thurston Moore.
Today we celebrate 16 years since Cafe OTO first opened its doors. Thanks so much to everyone who has joined us for the ride, and made OTO what it is.
Tonight, it's the final night of [Ahmed]'s 4 Day residency. Come see some brilliant music and celebrate with us ♥️
Like so many others we're deeply in shock to of hear of the passing of Jaimie Branch, who was due to play OTO next Monday. A terrifically talented, fiery artist who was a key force in contemporary jazz and outer musics. It was an honour to host her here in the past. RIP.
Today we celebrate being open for 10 years. Thanks to the incredible artists, audiences and everyone who continues to support us on this adventure.
We are closed today from 5pm.
Jim O'Rourke has gone all Wu-Tang Clan on us and offered to do a single edition album of unreleased music with a handmade and personalized cover for our special fundraiser auction. The music will never be released anywhere else! Bid away folks...
Its a great honour to bring together this amazing group of musicians to celebrate Peter.
Three day passes now on sale to members and on general sale next week. Full details to follow.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Russell. A remarkable musician with a generous spirit and infectious sense of humour. We'll miss him dearly.
📷by
@MrPilatusP
Happy to announce our new digital-label venture TAKUROKU. Releasing new music created by artists currently in lock-down. Support artists & OTO during these difficult times! Out this Wednesday: New releases by Steve Gunn, Ashley Paul, HARRGA & Malvern Brume.
Pleased to announce on the 16th of November we'll be teaming up with Hyperdub to celebrate 10 years since the release of Laurel Halo's remarkable 'Quarantine' album.
Featuring a listening session, discussion with Kode 9 & Laurel Halo, & DJ set by aya.
We are in deep shock to learn of Peter Rehberg's passing. Peter provided so many unforgettable moments in OTO's history, both with his own music and the Editions Mego nights he presented here. He will be sorely missed. RIP.
Thanks to Mica Levi who has donated 3 sheets of original orchestration 'scratchings and notes' from the award-winning Under the Skin score to our fundraiser auction.
We are very pleased to announce that Cafe OTO is the 2024 recipient of the Instant Award in Improvising Music, presented to outstanding contributions on the present and future of improvisation. Full details -
We turn 13 years old today!
Thank you everyone for the support over the years 💙
We have a few treats to celebrate, starting with this special Wojciech Rusin designed OTO flute:
More treats below in the thread 👇
Very pleased to say that we'll be live-streaming all four of our concerts dedicated to Peter Brötzmann this week! Streaming tickets for some pretty incredible line-ups now bookable on the website (free for OTO members) -
Photo by Dawid Laskowski
Super happy to announce a large set of new shows for 2024 today.
Come and support amazing music and your local small venue in the new year!
Thread below... 🧵
Check out our lovely billboard on the corner of Gillett Square. Design by Malcy Duff 👀
Support your local venue Cafe OTO! 🎶
The billboard includes some 2024 programme highlights, a few of which are on sale now.
Today we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of pianist Keith Tippett. We were extremely lucky to host Keith here at OTO various times, presenting his unforgettable solo sets, various group formations, collaborations & more. We pass our condolences to Julie and his family.
So excited to welcome Loren Connors and Alan Licht to OTO on the 5 & 6 May.
A European one-off. No other shows. An extremely rare chance to chance to catch both solo & in collaboration.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - OTO DIGITAL RESIDENCY. We are excited to announce a call out for our Digital Residency for artists aged 18-25, supported by Talent Development Partnership in association with Youth Music. More details:
Thanks SO much to everyone who played these live streams over the last week, and to our wonderful staff & supporters who made it all happen. They will all be archived at . In the meantime do stay safe & healthy everyone x
Happy 80th birthday to the brilliant Evan Parker, who has keen a key figure in our OTO community since we opened.
We celebrate his birthday this weekend with a small festival curated by him. Still a few tickets left for Sunday's shows:
Cafe OTO stands in solidarity with black communities in the US, the UK and around the world in fighting against the systemic racism embedded in our societies. If you are able to make a donation to support those engaged in this struggle, here is a good list
Folks we're so moved by the response to the live stream tonight. Thanks to
@AliRobertsMusic
for the beautiful set. More streaming sets coming this week.
A reminder that if you are unwaged or on a low income and are unable to afford the current ticket prices at OTO, we are offering FREE Venue Membership. More information on the membership and how to set it up (quick & no questions asked) here:
We're deeply saddened by the loss of Philip Jeck and Mira Calix over the past few days. Both were important and influential figures in our community here at OTO, and will be sorely missed. Sending our love to their friends, fans and family xxx
We launched our Takuroku digital label originally as a platform to support ourselves & artists we love during the pandemic. We've so far amassed over 140 releases, with more to come.
Today we turn 1 years old. Thank you for the support ❤️
TONIGHT: A live stream inside an empty Cafe OTO from 8.30pm UK time
With live sets Charles Hayward, O Yama O, Merlin Nova & Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip)
Live stream will be available here:
Please support/donate if you can!
Just announced: A festival to celebrate Oren Ambarchi's 50th birthday, and the 10th anniversary of his Black Truffle label. 11th, 12th & 13th of May 2019
For those who are interested, here is the set list for Keiji Haino and Apartment House's set at St John on Bethnal Green last Thursday.
Thanks to everyone who came to the 3 Day Residency concerts!
GET DOWN, GET IN... A TRIBUTE TO PETER REHBERG
1, 2 & 3 July 2022
Feat: Oren Ambarchi/Julia Reidy duo, Powell, Klara Lewis/Nik Void duo, CM Von Hausswolff, Mark Fell/Jim O'Rourke (remote) duo, Farmers Manual, Bruce Gilbert Russell Haswell (DJ) & many more
Now on sale! Keiji Haino - Three Day Residency. 24, 25 & 27 of May 2023.
Featuring brand new collaborations between Haino and great new music ensemble Apartment House, and progressive choral collective, MUSARC, as well as a night of Haino solo.
Pleased to announce that throughout the month of January we'll be waiving our fees on the Takuroku catalogue, meaning 100% of any purchase will go directly to the artists.
Full catalogue of over 100 releases here:
In consideration and solidarity with the strike this week led by Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda, 5GATETEMPLE have decided to strike and re-schedule tonight's show until the 20th of February.
OTO respects this decision and echoes their demand for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
We did it! Takuroku has reached 100 releases 🎂🥳
We celebrate today with new work by Maggie Nicols & Usurper.
Check out our wide-ranging international catalogue here. Support marginal artists & OTO! ❤️
Mark Fell and Jim O'Rourke present new work together at OTO on the 2nd of July as part of the 3 Day Festival dedication to Peter Rehberg (PITA, Editions Mego)
Happy Birthday Marshall Allen - 100 today!
So many memories of the Arkestra at OTO over the years from the never ending ash cloud residency to Marshall celebrating his 95th here and cutting a pyramid shaped birthday cake on the bar top.
Photo by Dawid Laskowski, OTO Nov 2014
We were very sad to hear over the weekend the passing of bassist, composer & improviser Simon H. Fell. We recommend Rhodri Davies' text & music-based dedication to him via this link. RIP.
Big announcement alert! Tyshawn Sorey makes his long-awaited debut at OTO on the 18th of November, presenting a first time duo with Pat Thomas.
On sale next Monday (26 June) for OTO members. Sign up to become a member here:
This weekend we celebrate the life and legacy of Peter Rehberg (Editions Mego / PITA) with a packed 3 day festival of close friends & collaborators. Unmissable!
Thanks SO MUCH for everyone who tuned into the live stream, and to the artists for the lovely sets. Same time tomorrow (Friday) at 8.30pm with Hannah Marshall / Alexander Hawkins / Matt Wright (trio) & Alexander Hawkins (solo) 💖
Due to factors beyond his control, Edward George is facing eviction, and needs urgent help to stay in the flat he's lived in for over 20 years.
100% of ticket sales for Strangeness of Jazz this Thursday will go to him. We'll have a donations box too.