The Adelphi Club in Hull (Photo: Josh Moore)
When: 23rd – 29th January 2017
Where: Venues around the UK
£: Ticket prices vary, depending on the event
What is it?
Independent Venue Week is back for its fourth consecutive year, from Monday 23rd to Sunday 29th January 2017.
The annual event is staged at 137 venues around the UK, supported by Arts Council England, giving tens of thousands of fans and hundreds of artists their first taste of live music each year.
This year’s Independent Venue Week will see venues across the whole country hosting special shows, with 30 new venues taking part in the event for first time. These include The John Peel Centre in Stowmarket, Halifax’s Grayston Unity (which has a capacity of just 18), The Bungalow in Paisley and London’s iconic Roundhouse.
Following the likes of Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood and Frank Turner, Independent Venue Week’s ambassador for 2017 is Tim Burgess, frontman of The Charlatans, solo artist and author.
Tim Burgess said: “Independent venues are where every band starts and where music fans get to see emerging talent. Without them bands would not get a chance for their all-important first hometown gigs and subsequent tours. These venues and bands need our support and the best way you can do that is by having a night out. Lots of venues are closing – we definitely need to stick together and stop this happening.”
Burgess will perform live at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room on Monday 23rd January, with support from Tear and Pheromoans. There are further Independent Venue Week shows taking place across the UK under Burgess’ Tim Peaks banner.
Other unique shows taking place during the week will include special gigs from Richard Hawley, Simian Mobile Disco, Martha Wainwright, Cabbage, Declan McKenna, Beans on Toast, The Moonlandingz, The Carnabys, Skinny Girl Diet, Shame, Dream Wife and Goat Girl. While Sam Duckworth, formerly of Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, will perform ‘The Chronicles Of A Bohemian Teenager’ with his new project, Recreations.
Independent Venue Week will also feature a host of gigs with line-ups hand-picked by the likes of SXSW, Huw Stephens, Killimanjaro, Domino Records, Bugged Out, Springboard, Trashmouth Records, Field Music & Independent Presents, and Melting Vinyl.
Founding partner, the Musicians Union, is once again onboard to support the event. As is PRS For Music, who will tour the country in association with PPL and BASCA, staging a series of events for local music communities, including songwriting master classes, and how to maximise your revenue. In addition, PRS for Music’s M magazine will be curating a live show at East London gigging institution, the Sebright Arms. Taking place on Thursday 26th January, the night will feature some of M’s favourite up-and-coming PRS for Music members.
Independent Venue Week will also continue its work with Attitude is Everything, expanding access for all gig goers; as well as working with Stay Up Late’s gig buddy scheme, which links up adults with learning disabilities, and volunteers who have similar taste in music so they can attend gigs together.
More info: www.independentvenueweek.com