Remember back in the day when the Saturday afternoon gig in Cape Town was a thing? Live bands, often playing outside, would pack spots like the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay, the Hout Bay Hotel and the old Hard Rock Cafe at the Pavilion in Sea Point. Could be rock, could be pop, could be jazz – but it was definitely a thing.
Now that vibe is being resurrected at the Wynberg Club in Wolf Street, opposite Maynardville. Chelsea Live is a “new” live music venue in an old lush garden in the heart of the Chelsea Village. The idea was hatched in the mind of Ian Cohen, lifelong musician (Bright Blue) and village resident, along with Guy Edmonds, the club manager, and Derek Craig (Shoreline Songs). Ian has lived in the ‘hood for 26 years, and says he often looked at the club while walking his dog Bindi, imagining the space as a band venue.
“The dream is to create a venue for musicians, the village and surrounding community; to
bring musicians to the people in an accessible, friendly and safe environment,” Ian explains.
He’s played bass in The Rosie Bruce Band for the past ten years, and it’s fitting that they’ll be the featured act when Chelsea Live opens on Saturday 14 November. “We are kind of locals in the village and have spent many hours sitting on the bench outside the Four & Twenty coffee bar. We practice in my studio and more recently, we recorded our first single here called Mother City,” says Ian. “So it’s going to be really cool to finally play in our back yard, as such.”
Bringing people together through music
Because both Ian and Derek are musicians, they’ll be paying special attention to the sound set up, and promise a great backline. There’ll also be food on sale, plus a bar. There’s a full line-up of bands booked until the christmas break, and service will resume in the new year with bands including the Congo Cowboys, Arno Carstens, The Betsies, Madame Freak and more.
“There’s something special about making music in the place you call home. Chelsea Village has always had a great sense of community, and we’re so happy to see live music becoming part of its fabric. Chelsea Live offers an opportunity to bring people together through music, while giving local musicians a platform to perform in a familiar and welcoming setting,” says Ian.
The new venue is a great addition to the southern suburbs’ music scene. With an outdoor setting, a bar and food on offer, it promises a relaxed way to enjoy live performances, without having to head into town or travel further afield.
What: Chelsea Live
Where is Chelsea Live: Wynberg Club, Wolfe Street, Wynberg, Cape Town (opposite Maynardville)
When: Saturdays from 2.30pm starting 14 November 2026
Line-up:
14 November: The Rosie Bruce Band
21 November: The Robin Auld Band
28 November: Watershed
5 December: Wendy Oldfield
19 December: Masala
Chelsea Live tickets: Quicket
WS
