Christian nightclub Holy Joe's launched in Brixton

A BASEMENT in Brixton, London has become the venue for a Christian nightclub and discussion centre. "Holy Joe's began with a group of people who were cheesed off with the middle-class charismatic church," says Richard Nicholson, better known as radical singer/songwriter Billy Penn's Brother. The informal grouping that met in front rooms has now found a home in the basement of Teamwork's offices in Acre Lane. Once a month they hold a cabaret evening.

"We wanted something celebratory, and didn't want to sing Graham Kendrick songs - so poets and bands came. We wanted something non-heavy-Christians can come to and not feel threatened." Once a month they also hold a 'chinwag', with invited speakers in a question and answer session. As the basement holds a maximum of 70, these have been 'packed and sweaty'. CR

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