Venue Focus: Streetlife Leicester

Image: The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show

The Midlands' gem of a venue, Streetlife, is hosting an abundance of superlative music events throughout the beginning of the new year. From dub to hip-hop, garage to funk and everything in between, Streetlife is set to welcome some genre favourites to the city of Leicester.

Proceedings begin on Saturday 31st January when two pioneering reggae nights join forces for one huge bass-heavy event. Mungo's Hi-Fi and Jah Youth are set to bring the best in dub, bass and roots across two rooms with original rasta legend Brother Culture taking centre stage. Get your ticket here. 

The following Friday The Streets front man Mike Skinner is set to play a genre bending set at Streetlife. He's the mastermind behind one of the most innovative bands of the 21st Century, and when it came to an end Skinner took his hand to DJing, the perfect transition considering his eclectic taste in music (check out his Rinse guestmix above) and already existing expansive production skills. Head here for your tickets. 

The next day the drum and bass led Playaz 'On Tour' stops off in Leicester for their only Midlands date. Arena one will be headlined by the Playaz head honcho DJ Hype. The long standing Kiss 100 DJ is renowned for his jump-up DJ sets and emphasis on heavy jungle tracks. He's joined by some other key Playaz Hazard and Taxman. For the full line up and tickets here here.    

Fast forward to Friday 20th February and internationally reggae heavyweight Maxi Priest is performing live. His tours are still as popular as ever, even after 20 years on the scene. He'll be playing alongside his live band serving up a helping of classic, RnB infused reggae (check out his track 'Wild World' above). Grab your tickets here. 

Onto March and on Friday 6th Craig Charles is set to bring his Funk & Soul show to Streetlife. He smashed the festival circuit over summer and his master class in in all things funk and disco has led to the show visiting some of the biggest events in the country. Get your tickets for the funkathon here.