Coming soon, Sarah’s Jazz Club.

Despite the economic struggles and recession over the last four years, there is an emerging cultural hub in old Nicosia within the Venetian Walls inside the Costanza Bastione gate - all on one road; Xanthis Xenierou. This is the new culture street of Nicosia, a destination for resourceful creativity, music, art, food, and a natural, healthy way of life. I took a walk down Xanthis Xenierou, which is one of the places I grew up and the location of the soon-to-be opened Sarah’s Jazz Club, and was excited to see the changes for the better on this lovely old road, which is near the Nicosia Town Hall, the shopping centres of Ledra and Onosagorou, and the hotels at Paphos Gate.

The resurgence in our cultural life within the old city is a steady trickle which I hope will become a flood, benefiting artists, musicians and those who believe in the ideals of living a healthy life and respecting the arts. It’s good for the city, attracts tourism, and builds the capital’s reputation for live music and art, as well as giving our talent a much-needed supportive infrastructure and the encouragement to flourish, produce and be society’s soul. When we have music and art coming from every doorway, we will feel uplifted on a daily basis, positive and inspired to see the world from different perspectives.

The iconic OXI kiosk.

So, what’s going on on Xanthis Xenierou road? Culture street is located just inside the Venetian Walls on an offshoot of OXI Roundabout that takes you on a short downhill on a narrow road lined with trees full of chattering birds. A mixture of small shops, traditional houses going back a century, and artistic venues, Xanthis Xenierou is a winding journey into history. On the parallel road Konstantinou Palaiologou is the Bayraktar Mosque and the weekly fresh fruit and vegetable farmer’s markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the iconic OXI kiosk.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, Nicosia residents have the chance to buy ultra-fresh vegetables from the lively market.

Farmers from around the island set up their stalls and sell traditional seasonal products along with just-harvested fruits and vegetables.

Bayraktar Mosque

As you walk down the hill, on the left is the Royal Hall, which opens regularly for special events like weddings, parties, fashion shows and other presentations. It’s a large venue that’s been redesigned in a contemporary style while keeping the traditional stone walls for atmosphere.

Just next to Royal Hall is Windcraft Music Centre, which specialises in teaching wind instruments and holding concerts in a small underground theatre. It’s really a pleasure to enjoy the concerts held here performed by the talented students and professional musicians.

Windcraft Music Centre.

A bit further down the road on the right is Manolito’s Pizza and Pasta which is also accessible from Konstantina Palaeologou Street. The food there is delicious and it’s fun to sit on their pavement cafe area and watch the farmer’s market and life just go by.

Opposite Manolito’s on Xanthis Xenierou 35 is the soon-to-be opened Sarah’s Jazz Club, which was conceived and created by my company Jazz Arts & Communications. The idea is to showcase local and international jazz and blues talent, plus related music like Rembetika and other quality genres. Building the name of jazz and blues has been part of my life’s work as a jazz singer, and with the help of innumerable friends, close family and my husband Savvas Hadjigeorgiou, one of my long-term dreams is about to become a reality. You can follow our updates and be informed of the opening date by liking our Facebook page or contacting us direct on [email protected].

Jazz & blues singer Sarah Fenwick.

Right next door to Sarah’s Jazz Club, the traditional Cypriot products workshop Little Treasures,
which specialises in beautifully branding local goodies like homemade jams, honey, lemonade, specialty salts, dried fruit and other delicious souvenirs of our diverse producers.

Little Treasures

Above Little Treasures is the recently-opened Write CY, a non-profit venture launched by professional writer and educator Sheridan Lambert as a creative centre for literary workshops and writing courses for aspiring novelists, poets and other types of writers. Judging from the success of their first Cyprus Writer’s Day held on December 5th, the centre is doing a great job of attracting and supporting writers, poets, publishers and adding to the literary community.

Both Sheridan and his wife Theopisti Stylianou-Lambert are writers and supporters of the writing scene and unleashing creativity on an unsuspecting (and lucky) society, and Xanthis Xenierou is the better for their enthusiasm and resourcefulness in community building.

Cyprus Writer’s Day

Around the corner from Little Treasures is Utopia Collectiva a peaceful space for wellbeing, education, personal development, and respect for nature. On December 5th, Utopia hosted its annual street festival, with crafters selling handmade bags, windchimes, jewellery and more. The street lit up with the sounds of dub reggae and soul mixed by the thought-provoking musician and peace activist Haji Mike, who most recently released his latest CD ‘Midnight Stories at 3am’ with special guest Dub Thomas.

Musician, peace activist and educator Hadji Mike performing at Utopia Collectiva street festival, Dec. 5th, 2015.

Just down the road and to the right on Xanthis Xenierou is the wonderful Academy 32, host to innumerable quality live music nights and the home of the Cyprus Music Academy run by the incredibly talented musician, composer and conductor Yiannis Hadjiloizou.

And that’s it for our walk down culture street, I hope you enjoyed taking it with me, and look forward to the next update once Sarah’s Jazz Club opens for music lovers.