Nº 51: Fausta Joly
The spoken word artist recs the best cabaret and burlesque, tarot cards and tequila shots.
We’re back with spoken word artist Fausta Joly. Read on to find out what she’s into, and if you’re new here, hit subscribe for secret recommendations every Monday.
Fausta Joly a.k.a Joly Licks is a spoken word artist, writer and arts events producer with her company, Joly Licks. A born and raised Londoner, she doesn't care what you say, the Central Line is the best and she can still get it wrong travelling on the Northern Line. Due to release her first Spoken Word EP, I'm A Giver, later this year, she's currently working on a debut novel and planning the next Fervor Festival events.
☞ BRASS RUBBING AREA: I freaking love my city and how it will forever surprise me! Just last week, I took the 176 from my home in Camberwell to Trafalgar Square for a meeting with my Fervor Festival Co-Creator, Mark T Cox. He chose the St. Martin & The Fields Crypt cafe, where I was highly amused to discover the 'Brass Rubbing Area' and no, this is not a euphemism!
For the grand old price of £25 you can rub Sir Robert de Bures and take his image away with you as well as a host of others (at varying rates – to be fair Sir Rob is a 5-foot bad boy but what do we think, is £25.00 a bargain or crypt-light robbery?)
☞ VERDITA SHOT: Raise your hands if you love tequila... I do – I'm off the sauce and it feels oh so good but nothing beats a Verdita shot at Home Bar on Ravey street. Rasa is the most incredible bartender you will ever meet and in this tiny dive spot, you're bound to make friends and singing along to Rasa's song picks by the end of the night.
☞ FEMALE JAZZ: I'm sure the cool as fook readers of God Save the Scene will know about Bar Dōna on Stoke Newington High street, but what you may not know is, there's a brand new, female jazz jam going on down there! Produced by yours truly, Coven Jazz brings together an insanely good house band and then we have the Witches' Brew Jam! Open to all. So come on down, have yourself a Mezcalrita, order Tacos de Gambas, and enjoy a night of quality jazz! Next date: March 21st and all future dates on DICE Discount for students and musicians!
☞ CABARET AND BURLESQUE: Cabaret and Burlesque are wildly inspiring as performance art forms and really do cover everything from singers, drag, dancers, magic, and a lot of tomfoolery! One of the best parts of being an events producer is getting to support fellow creators and scout for new talent. Here are my top three picks of the moment:
Boudoir Burlesque London – up and coming and so freaking talented, a troupe made up of Bearlesque Wonder Deeva D, Brazilian Beauty, Donna Poderosa and the Stunningly Mischievous, Blu La Loux. Hosting nights around all parts of London, you have to check them out!
Lounge Onyx – run by the one and only Onyx Fatale. Her carefully curated nights are sure to set your night on fire! Starting off as a staple at the Phoenix Arts Club, this Spring they'll be at Vault Festival, March 19th which I can guarantee will be jaw-dropping and seat-wetting.
Fool's Moon Cabaret – Friend and host, the amazing Paulina Le Noir Guajardo produces the silliest, most joyful, imaginative, and inspiring nights. Can be seen at Soho Theatre – buy a ticket and discover the who's who in the clowning world.
☞ BOOKSHOP: Treadwell's Books on Store Street – the most epic people-watching as purveyors of the occult sweep in (usually very average joe attire – hardly a cape in sight!) I tend to pick up a book and read it on the sofa while eavesdropping on shoppers and their witchy requests. Had fun reading up on William Blake's magical London spots last time I was here.
Also, while you're there, you should pick up the Transient Light Tarot Deck, (HayHouse) a fabulous new deck redefining the bounds of tarot with gender-neutral interpretations and perfect for the modern witch. Plus, it's a work of art! Created by Ari Wisner, who also streams free readings on TikTok every Friday!
♪ LISTENING TO: Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul – anything this duo do, I'm down. Highly recommend their track Ceci N'est Pas Un Cliché when you're grappling with our lack of Vitamin D or you need a 'feeling myself' anthem.
☠︎ HATES: Open-toe shoes when you ain't got your little toenails painted! It doesn't take much and I'll even allow you topping up the few that are exposed. But every single one of your little piggies should be painted if you're rocking a flip-flop. And littering – for crying out loud – no need!