Live music is thriving in the UK and it is due in no small part to the dedication of our local pubs, clubs and bars where acts are welcomed to hone their talents.
Independent Venue Week (January 26 to February 1) is back for the second year with Frank Turner as ambassador to encourage us all to celebrate and support this vital part of the music industry.
Here in Hertfordshire The Horn in St Albans is one of the venues taking part and will host a gig by ’drunk folk singer, barefoot troubadour and cult legend’ Beans on Toast (pictured) on Thursday, January 29 with support from local musicians Broken Boat, Saving Sebastian and Two Beats Apart.
But don’t stop there. The Victoria Street venue also has gigs by Luton rockers Exit Black on January 24, the Blue Angel Acoustic Cafe night on January 25 and February 1, a Music Industry Meet and Greet on January 27, Deadset and Moments of Glory on January 28, The Slaves on January 30 and Boot-Led Zepplin on January 31.
There are also plenty of other local venues pumping out music over the next fortnight.
Covers band Rev2 will be playing music from the ‘70s to the present day at The White Lion in Sopwell Lane on January 27, Trailer Trash Orchestra frontman Grae J Wall will be playing a mix up of folk, country and blues with band Los Chicos Muertos at The Boot in Market Place on January 28 and The Farmer’s Boy in London Road will have a gig by Bob Dylan tribute band Zimmerman on January 29 and acoustic covers from Steve Oakman and Gary Sear on February 1.
The White Swan in Upper Dagnall Street has folk band The Wednesday Session on January 28, Billy Mac’s Solo Show on January 29, covers band The Natalies on January 31 and pop rock singer Bill Lennon on February 1.
Chris Flegg and Friends will have a jam session at The Portland Arms in Portland Street on January 29. Earlier that night you can hear rock covers from Crazy Dog at The Amble Inn in Harpenden and ‘60s and ‘70s covers from Moose on the Loose at The Great Northern in Hatfield.
Trestle Arts Base’s latest Live Music Project line-up is on January 31 and includes hippy trippy jam band Silverspace, four-piece The Maida Vales, country/folk inspired Navaro and husband and wife alternative folk duo The Portraits (pictured).
Also on January 31 Roger Kiesa will play covers at the St Albans Consevative Club in Hatfield Road, the Sounds of the Suburbs will be playing music from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s at The Blacksmiths Arms in St Peter’s Street, The Believers will bring their retro covers sound to The Robin Hood in Victoria Street, and Phil Murray’s Diamond Dogs will play glam rock covers at the Black Boy in Bricket Wood.
Details: lemonrock.com, independentvenueweek.com
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