Every second Sunday of the month (with the odd exception) Zak Barrett, (saxophonist for The Fellowship, Sunchaser and many more), returns to give you an afternoon/evening of Jazz, Soul and Funk.

This will be backed up by Jazz Turntable sets from DJ Funkendick, DJ Bob and DJ Packet Funk Master, expect to hear the classics and the rare grooves from the origins of Jazz to modern Nu Jazz.
Previous events have involed the likes of Guthrie Govan, Roberto Manzin, Dave Ital, Dan Parker, Dan Banks, Seth Govan and many more.
This is the perfect Sunday afternoon!

All ages – under 16 to be accompanied by an adult (Photo ID Required)

Jazz Sundays with Zak Barrett and Friends

Gigs

Chelmsford

Hot Box

Black Frog Presents Matt Woosey has made a career of defying expectations. His albums break down the confines of genre. His performances span from eyeball-to-eyeball solo sets in fans’ living rooms to thundering full-band explosions that shake the most prestigious venues in Europe. He’s an artist who slips the creative handcuffs of the industry, a trailblazer with no reverse gear, a guitar visionary whose palette bleeds into folk, rock, ambient and more, having been first turned on to the world of music by the blues.

Matt played at Hot Box last November the crowd may have been small but the response was large, we are delighted to have Matt return, his folk / blues songs and mastery of the acoustic guitar stayed with us long after the show was over.

“You’ve got to keep progressing,” reasons the British singer-songwriter. “Like John Martyn. Like Robert Plant. Like Radiohead…”

Here are some quotes about Matt.

“luminous originality and talent”

"Genio

​"Brilliant"

The Times

"Very, very good indeed!"

Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2

​“Completely convincing and a master at what he does – Matt is the real deal.”

Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

​"Compelling stuff!" 8/10

Black Frog Presents, offers almost all things music as it is run by musicians for musicians. It was set up by the late Vicky Martin and Nick Garner with help from Di Stone and we continue to present the very best live music

All ages under 16's must be accompanied by an adult

Matt Woosey Trio

Matt Woosey - Evil Woman Blues

Matt Woosey

Come down and use the space for a games night between you and your friends! We have a selection of games to pick from or you are welcome to bring your own!

See you down on the playing field.

All ages

Games Night

social

Social

Join us for a quiz of extraordinary musical magnitude. There will be questions spanning multiple genres and ages of music. Some questions will be laughably easy, others will be fiendishly difficult. There will be some really crappy prizes on offer, and a prize of £20 (increasing by £10 each month) to be split up between those teams that can answer Daves Dastardly Question. Book a ticket from dice (1 ticket covers a table of four) get down for 7pm and have your brains engaged. The bar will be open and drinks will be flowing. Have your team name ready and compete for the hot box top spot. Creative team names are encouraged.

All ages – under 16 to be accompanied by an adult

The Hot Box Big Music Quiz

Ignition returns to Hot Box for our regular Metal night. This evening features Kodama, a metal band hailing from North London/St. Albans, UK.

The bands sound draws from an eclectic range of influences. Seamlessly blending modern metal elements of tech & groove into songs which are focused and heavy; whilst lyrically exploring themes of human behaviour, conflict, life & death and everything in between.

MAZIAC is a progressive metal/alternative rock three-piece based in London. Their eclectic debut album ‘Forged’ and latest EP 'Permutations' were mixed and mastered by former SikTh vocalist Justin Hill. New single 'Acid' out 8th July 2022!

SILEN is a 3-piece progressive metal band based in Kent. Members Paul, Dean and Frazer got together in 2020 with a desire to bring back the raw and dissonant sound of early 2000's progressive metal.

The band take inspiration from the characteristics of nature that can instil both awe and despair. With that, their sound has been compared to early Mastodon and early Tool by combining crushing heavy sections, light melodies and enigmatic time signatures.

Silen debuted at the 2022 Metal 2 The Masses competition resulting in a personal invitation from Chief Organiser, Simon Hall to perform on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival alongside the UK's best up-and-coming metal bands.

This followed the release of their debut self-titled EP and marked the beginning of their pursuit to reintroduce metal fans to a progressive metal sound that is contemporary but nostalgic.

Doors at 7 tickets MOTD

All ages under 16's must be accompanied by an adult

Kodama x Mazaic x Silen

Kodama - Roulette

Maziac

Silen

Sunscreem are back with a Save Hot Box Show where all proceeds will go to the venue to help keep it going. Thanks to all those involved.

With 12 UK chart singles and four number ones in the US dance chart, Chelmsford-based band Sunscreem stood alongside The Prodigy and The Shamen in pioneering commercial electronic music.

Back in 1992 they signed a major record deal after only 6 gigs and the accolades started pouring in: MixMag Award for Best Newcomer, NME Favourite College Band, even Best Scottish Dance Act (not bad for a band from Essex!).

The single ‘Love U More’ hit number one in all three UK Dance Charts soon afterwards, a success that was repeated in the US Billboard dance chart. Then “Perfect Motion” with its infectious hook sealed their place in dance music history.

Since then the band have released 6 albums and over 200 tracks and remixes, touring all over the world and playing to hundreds of thousands of people. Their live show is energetic as ever, with new additions such as singer Lucia Holm playing electric cello on a Led Zeppelin cover!

The band have just returned from StreetRAVE festival in Scotland where they performed to a crowd of 5000, and are now working on a new studio album.

This is an 18+ event

Sunscreem - Save Hot Box Show

Sunscreem - B

Sunscreem

Come down and play some chess with Chelmsford Chess Club at Hot Box. All levels welcome.

Open and free for anyone to come down!

All ages

Chelmsford Chess Club

Come down and showcase your orignal music to local music lovers.

Please book a Musican ticket if you are looking to play/sing! If you are coming just to watch please book a spectactor ticket! Walk ins available to play too!

We will have the stage set up for Acoustic Guitar and Vocals, there will also be an aux to play backing tracks. To see the possibility of having more set up plese e-mail jon@hotboxlive.co.uk

All ages

Open Mic Night 

3 Foot High were formed in 2014 with members Tim Clark, Paul Davidson and James Gosling all deciding it was time to stop talking about jamming and actually get on with it.

Since that time they have worked tirelessly towards gigs and recording and have played venues that include the Brownstock Festival main Stage, O2 Academy Islington 2, Hideaways, 93 Feet East, The Fiddlers Elbow, the Civic Theatre, Chinnerys, Spice of Life and many more.

Their debut album 'Waves' came out in 2018 with the fan favourite tracks Ride the Lightning and Don't leading the way.

Now they are looking forward to releasing new music in 2023 with tonight being their launch night.

Support comes from Essex based band Age Of Discovery, the group are huge fans of ACDC and Metallica and fancied giving it a go. Their monthly spotify listens are pretty healthy so check these guys out.

Slumber return to Hot Box for the first time in several years. Asher Courtney (Vocals, Guitar), Tom McGuire (Drums), and James Coston (Bass) Jamie Haines (Guitar). They are from Essex, via Liverpool with a sound that fluctuates from song to song. Doors at 7

All ages under 16's must be accompanied by an adult

3 Foot High  x  Age Of Discovery  x  Slumber

3 Foot High - You're the Only One

The Exile Club is a five-piece Roots Band; fusing Rock, Soul, Blues and Country to form a distinctly British take on classic Americana.

Five professional session musicians who’ve toured to all four corners of the globe, bound together by a serendipitous meeting at the crossroads of their own respective musical journeys.

Their songwriting blends a cocktail of styles and sentiment into a melting pot that pays homage to the heroes of the past, whilst keeping their sights firmly fixed on a brave and bright future.

Tonight is a regular night hosted by the Three Rivers Band. They will be playing at each night, performing their unique repetoire of Country & Americana. The bands previous incantation of The Southern Generals recieved high praise for solid gigs across Essex and beyond including Bakerfield and Nashville in their sound. Their recent additions to the band have given the band renewed energy and direction. Doors from 7

All ages under 16's must be accompanied by an adult

Country and Americana Night

Alter States Promotions in association with Hot Box Events are delighted to present Atlanta psych-garage-rock 'n rollers GRINGO STAR.

The band return to their second home Chelmsford on Wednesday 28th June as part of extensive European Tour. Promoting their new album ‘On and On and Gone.’

Gringo Star have made a name for themselves as one of Atlanta’s most valuable rock & roll exports, carrying the torch for hazy, psychedelic garage rock in a city primarily valued for its contributions to hip-hop. Brothers Nick and Peter Furgiuele are the constant creative force of Gringo Star and have outlasted wave after wave of buzz bands and indie blog darlings, carving their own career path through constant reinvention and an unparalleled work ethic, amassing a loyal and enthusiastic international fanbase along the way.

Mandeville local Garage Rock and Fuzz Fiends return for their first show at the venue for a long time. Every show Mandeville showcase new ideas and give a more energetic and exciting performance than the last.

Third Dart return to Hot Box, they will treat us to their own unique collage of sound spanning genres and multiple time signatures. The group are one of the tightest bands around. Doors at 7 with tickets available now on DIce.

All ages under 16's must be accompanied by an adult

Gringo Star  x  Mandeville  x  Third Dart

Gringo Star - All Yall

Gringo Star

Mandeville

Third Dart

Live Jam with some amazing musicians, Bring your instrument or sing with us, or Just come join the party. Great Venue with an amazing atmosphere.  Expect some incredible musicians playing across many styles with several vocalists. 

All ages under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Uber Jam  at the Hot Box

HotHaus Drag Presents – A Night Of Celebrity Drag Impersonation: Divas & Divos

Who is your favourite diva or divo? We have so many drag impersonations lined up for you, that you’re bound to see one of your idols. There will be extreme glitz, glamour and gorgeousness to feast your eyes upon presented by your favourite HotHaus stars.

HotHaus is a safe space for EVERYONE.

Hosted by Kenzie Blackheart

This is an 18+ event

HotHaus Drag Presents – Divas & Divos

theatre

Theatre

The Best of 70s and 80s Disco, Soul & Funk. Have it large at HotBox with Masonic, Dr Funkendick and a very rare and special set from the one and only Packet Funkmaster.

This is an 18+ event

Boogie In The Box

With great success from our music quiz night we have added another quiz for the first Wednesday of each month for general knowledge!

There will be themed rounds on many different areas for everybody to enjoy. Some questions will be laughably easy, others will be fiendishly difficult. There will be some really crappy prizes on offer, and a prize of £20 (increasing by £10 each month) to be split up between those teams that can answer Daves Dastardly Question. Book a ticket from dice (1 ticket covers a table of six) get down for 7pm and have your brains engaged. The bar will be open and drinks will be flowing. Have your team name ready and compete for the hot box top spot. Creative team names are encouraged.

This is an 18+ event

Hot Box General Knowledge Quiz

"jazzy, bluesy, soulful and totally engaging, an astonishing talent" - Carlisle Blues Festival, 2021

Satin Beige is an R&B cellist and singer songwriter. Her music has been described by Getintothis as “cello infused, lyrically soulful R ‘n’ B” with “something of an Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys lovechild vibe”. She has performed for Sir Paul McCartney, received a special mention award at the UK Music awards (2017), opened the main stage at Africa Oye (2019) – The UK’s largest African music festival, played at Carlisle Blues Festival (2021), performed in the critically acclaimed production of An Octoroon at The Abbey Theatre, Dublin (2022), supported Roachford on his UK tour, regularly opened for blues singer Connie Lush, and has played sessions for local BBC radio stations and Scala Radio in London.

In Spring/Summer 2023 she is playing across the UK, opening for Tommy Scott of 90s Brit pop band Space, and promoting her new single "Running".

Local favourite Hannah Paris will be on the support duties this night!

This is an 18+ event

Satin Beige

A night of ethereal mixes, dreamy shoegaze tones and some beautiful melodies await with this stellar line up from JAR Records.

First to the stage is SHEER, a 4 piece band from Chelmsford. Think My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth esque and you are in SHEER territory. Having played for JAR before and blowing us away with their grunge shoegaze tunes we know they won’t disappoint. Check out their music on Spotify to get a taste of what they are about.

Alison headline, an amazing 4 piece who will blow you away with cascades of dreamy vocals and crashes of drowning riffs. With roots deep in sounds such as The Brian Jonestown Massacre & Slowdive but with a distinct tone to tantalise your music tastebuds.

Alison are building a strong fan base. These boys are local to Chelmsford, and having hosted them in Colchester, JAR Records can’t wait to bring them back to their hometown.

This is an 18+ event

Alison x SHEER

Sheer - Uneasy

Sheer

Alison

HighFly are an Indie Rock band based in Essex and Leeds. They are four best mates who have been playing music together for a year, now studying at Leeds Conservatoire. With lots of energy on stage and catchy songwriting, they’re sure to get any crowd moving.

This is an 18+ event

High Fly

After the success of Leanne's SOLD OUT debut headline show last year in Clapham , she returns to her hometown of Chelmsford for an intimate gig, with an energetic night covering all her new material and some of her biggest tracks & mash ups to date

This is an 18+ event

Leanne Louise

HOT BOX has listened and HOT box has adapted

We will be spinning a continuous set featuring lots of NEW WAVE, SYNTHPOP & GOTH. Expect to hear artists like Depeche Mode, DEPECHE MODE, and yet more DEPECHE MODE, as well as BAUHAUS, BOWIE, HUMAN LEAGUE, ULTRAVOX, JAPAN, TALK TALK, SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES and others like this.

This is an 18+ event

DEPECHE MODE, NEW WAVE, ULTRAVOX AND BOWIE NIGHT

Depeche Mode - Leave in Silence

Depeche Mode - Leave In Silence

Lauded by music aficionados Stewart Lee and Stuart Maconie, Brighton’s Sairie bring their spellbinding and beautiful psych-folk to Chelmsford as part of the Folk Sunday events. The music of Emma Morton (vocals, autoharp), Jon Griffin (vocals, guitar), and Andy Thomas (bass) is a mix of original and traditional folk, inspired by their shared love of dark tales, folklore, mystery, and nature. The Wire magazine commented: “Their haunting style retains the English folk tradition nurtured by Anne Briggs and Shirley Collins.” This will be a rare treat to enjoy so book now to ensure you don’t miss out. The bargain cover price guarantees an afternoon of outstanding music with DJs spinning treasured folk platters. To book a coveted floorspot (if you play, you don’t pay!) contact hotbox@hotboxlive.co.uk

This is an 18+ event

Sairie

The name says it all, Electronic Music Open Mic or EMOM for short is an open stage night for local electronic musicians.

This free night will showcase up to 7 local electronic artists performing an array of different types of music ranging from house, techno, ambient, industrial, chiptune, looping, field recording, experimental electronica and more.

EMOM has become a movement over the last 2 years with regular independent nights hosted in many cities and counties across the UK. This night is aimed at giving local electronic music artists a supportive space to play live and experiment.

These nights are great fun for both artists and fans of electronic music, you never know what genre you might hear next!

The format is simple; each artist will get a 20-minute window (including set up time) to do their thing before handing over to the next artist. The only rule is no guitars unless they are being used to generate soundscapes or some other style of music in keeping with these nights.

If you’d like to play, please email controlvoltageemom@gmail.com to register. If you’d just like to come along and watch, just click the ‘buy now’ link to secure your place. The night is completely free whether you are playing or watching.

All ages welcome – under 16 to be accompanied by an adult.

This event is hosted by Control Voltage.

All Ages under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Control Voltage: Electronic Music Open Mic

Ignition returns to Hot Box for our regular Metal night. This evening features Ant Walking Aligator People, Every Min In Ruin, Acid Throne and Acorah

For the Weak, the Lost, the Feeble. Ant Walking Alligator People.

Every Mind In Ruin Colchester based Hardcore band who like to make noise

Acid Throne Borne out of fuzz on the altar of tone, Acid Throne are a beast from the east who take influence from classic rock, hardcore punk & black metal, serving up doom-laden cuts for banging heads.

Acorah Alt hard-core band from Chelmsford est 2015

Doors at 7 tickets MOTD

All ages under 16's must be accompanied by an adult

Ignition / AWAP / EMIR / Acid Throne / Acorah

A.W.A.P - Bigger Society

Awap - Bigger Society

Upcoming events

Chelmsford’s music, poetry and drag scene welcomed Hot Box Live to their streets in 2016, and since then it has become a go-to spot for music lovers of all ages to congregate safely to enjoy a wide range of music. Since it’s opening, Hot Box Live has sought to introduce the city to artists not normally seen in the city. The city was sometimes skipped over during U.K. tours in the past — when artists would frequently go from Southend to Colchester — so Hot Box Live has bridged the gap, making Chelmsford a rising city for touring artists to be welcomed into. With features such as Bar containing over 700 different alcohols, great lights and a state-of-the-art sound system, great quiz & chess nights, Hot Box is a new venue with the same old school aesthetics and values of accessibility that everyone can enjoy.

 

We are a Community Interest Company, and as such any money we do make is spent putting on minority and loss making events in an attempt to support the whole community.

Hot Box

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Upcoming events