Floridita’s first live music season kicked off in September with a performance by Cuban legend Chucho Valdés. Its current season launched on 3 January, and The Artful Diner decided to take a look at some of the acts worth tuning into in 2012…

Wardour Street has a history of being the place where bands like the Rolling Stones, The Who and U2 cut their teeth. And in September, Wardour Street’s Floridita, which incidentally lives on the site of the famous old Marquee Club, decided to tap into that heritage. The club took a new direction, introducing a nightly programme of live music to showcase the up-and-coming talent of today.

“The new season has more of a focus on funk and soul,” says Geoff Todd, music consultant at Floridita and former general manager at Ronnie Scott’s. “There are more acts with a radio presence or records out.” An obvious example of this would be The Craig Charles Show on Thursday 16 February. Craig Charles is taking time out of filming the new series of Red Dwarf to bring his BBC Radio 6 Funk and Soul Show to Floridita for the night.

Funk band Smoove and Turrell, who are playing on Thursday 9 February, had a really strong 2011. In October the Geordie duo made their debut on a national radio playlist with Hard Work and follow-up single Gabriel made it on to the BBC Radio 2 playlist in November. They also recently played live on Radio 2 as part of its Christmas Eve Live session.

Another key date is Tuesday 10 January, when Mitch Winehouse [pictured above] will celebrate Sinatra with a classic set. “It’s a big event,” says Geoff. “It will only be Mitch’s third performance since Amy died, and hopefully the prelude to a concert fundraiser for the Amy Winehouse Foundation later in the year.” (Yet to be confirmed.)

Singer Louise Marshall from the Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra is another one to look out for. She’ll be taking the stage on Tuesday 17 January. The singer/songwriter, also famous for supporting Beverley Knight and KT Tunstall, will be performing her mix of R&B, jazz and soul. An “amazing voice”, adds Geoff.

Other highlights include a night of classic love songs from Shane Hampsheir and Nicola Emmanuelle on Valentine’s and a regular blues night every last Tuesday of the month. For a full list of all the acts playing, visit the Floridita Live Music page where you can book tickets online.