Top Picks
Independent Venue Week: Gigs Guide
Happy Independent Venue Week!
Taking place from 27th January – 2nd February 2020, Independent Venue Week is an endeavour to celebrate and raise the profile of amazing small venues around the country. We have some fantastic independent music venues in Cornwall who support local artists and host new ones from afar. Supported by Arts Council England, Wales and Creative Scotland, IVW aims to showcase the wider community impacts that a music venue can create. They can be a space for learning and creativity, collaboration and inspiration. What does your local independent venue mean to you?
Here are 20+ events coming up in independent venues near you this week.
For more live music events visit our listings here.
1. Woodburner Sessions
Thursday 30th & Friday 31st January
Lusty Glaze, Newquay
Alex Hart (30th Jan)
Returning to the Woodburner Sessions after more than a year ahead of her Winter/Spring tour is the beautiful and talented Alex Hart. Originally from Devon, Alex is a singer/songwriter who has been lucky to work with the likes of Terry Britten (grammy award winner for Tina Turner’s ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’). She is currently recording some new songs and incorporating a more folky feel to her music.
Miranda Brook (31st Jan)
19 year-old Cornish singer/songwriter Miranda Brook returns to Lusty Glaze this week. Her influences include the likes of Birdy, Gabrielle Aplin, Ed Sheeran, Alison Krauss, Duffy, Charlie Puth, Amy Winehouse.
2. Sound of the Sirens
Friday 31st January
The Acorn, Penzance
Westcountry folk-rock duo Sound of the Sirens released their brand new album “This Time” in early 2019 on independent label DMF Records. “This Time” is a collection of moments, emotions, challenges and stories,” say the duo. “We’ve collected lyrics, melodies and ideas from the past couple of years for this project. We created this album last winter in an isolated barn in Wales with only guitars, a piano, wine and the dogs for company. The themes of time, love, loss, perseverance, hope and clarity are intertwined in these songs.”
Throughout the album, Sound Of The Sirens – duo Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood – blend intoxicating vocal harmonies with beautifully crafted instrumentals to create a seamless collection of captivating tracks. Their live shows combine a natural facility for connecting with their audiences and unforgettable performances with warmth, humour and, above all, real conviction.
3. Sanguine, Godstone & O'Deus
Friday 31st January
Old Bakery Studios, Truro
Independent Venue Week Gig
January 31st sees the return of one of the Old Bakery’s legendary Rock Nights, headlined on this occasion by metal mayhem monsters Sanguine. Joining Sanguine for this epic night will be local heroes Godstone and O’Deus. It’ll be brutal, it’ll be loud and it’ll rock!
Sanguine are a four piece female fronted alternative rock/metal band from the UK, notorious for their live shows, their first album BLACK SHEEP was critically acclaimed by the press. “A brutal and beautiful album” 10/10
4. Stone Roots
Friday 31st January
The Old Alehouse, Truro
Stone Roots combine soulful vocals with tight-knit funk grooves, creating an infectious, energetic sound that’s guaranteed to get you moving. Cornwall’s ‘Best Music Act’ finalists with regular airplay on BBC Introducing, Stone Roots have gathered a strong following on the Cornish Music Scene, famous for their creative covers with infectious-funk grooves. From Destiny’s Child and Outkast to Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, there is something for everyone from this tight, creative covers band. Not to be missed!
5. 50 Year Storm, Penny Eyes & A Loner
Friday 31st January
Whiskers, Newquay
Described as sharp, alternative rock with a dark, heavy edge, 50 Year Storm are an unsigned three-piece from the Cornish coast. Formed in the Autumn of 2016, the trio quickly grabbed the attention of BBC Introducing with their ‘riffs and dreams’ songwriting philosophy, going on to perform regularly across the UK and rocking prominent slots at numerous festivals. Join them for a night of great music at Whiskers, along with local acts Penny Eyes and A Loner Lorenacustica.
6. Acoustic Night
Friday 31st January
The Grapes, Falmouth
A night of some awesome local talent, amazing music and cheap drinks. Featuring local artists including Jake Pavey, the up and coming Change the Letter and the infamous Boundless Brothers, this event promises to be a night that you won’t want to miss. There’s no better way to experience Cornwall. With £3 entry on the night, all money raised will go to the Dig Deep charity.
7. Horses On The Beach + Long Tonic
Friday 31st January
Five Degrees West, Falmouth
Come along to Five Degrees West for a drink and a boogie! ‘Horses On The Beach’ are a six-piece Alt-Funk band from Falmouth, UK. Inspired by bands like The Cat Empire and Deluxe their sound draws inspiration from elements of Funk, Soul, Jazz and Latin music. Supporting them will be four piece blues/groove/folk/funk Falmouth band, Long Tonic.
8. Fable at Cafe Vittorio's
Friday 31st January
Café Vittorio’s, Wadebridge
Fable bring their folk fusion of harp and two flutes to Café Vittorio’s. With their own unique arrangements, plus a sprinkling of close harmony vocals, Fable are guaranteed to mesmerise and surprise. Come along and relax over a drink or a bite to eat, while you listen to their diverse repertoire ranging from the traditional Scarborough Fair to the timeless classic Stairway to Heaven. Free entry!
9. DM Street
Friday 31st January
Bunters Bar, Truro
This live music Friday, Bunters Bar Presents DM Street. DM Street are a 7 piece upbeat high tempo and fun sounding ska and reggae band, consisting of vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, sax and trumpet. Reasonably new on the local circuit, the members command a raft of experience in local and national bands, including ex members of acclaimed bands such as Ska’d for Life, Yellowstone, and Boho Road to name a few, plus established recording artist AKC.
10. The Tiger Tales Acoustic Gig
Friday 31st January
Farmers Arms, Penzance
The Tiger Tales are heading down West to the Farmers Arms in Penzance this Friday night. An entertaining five piece based on the Lizard peninsula, The Tiger Tales play an eclectic mix of original music. performing their funky/rocky/bluesy songs with an element of humour and familiarity.
11. Patchwork Live: The Trees + Charlie Louise
Friday 31st January
Patchwork Studios, Millbrook
Starting 2020 off as they mean to continue, Patchwork Live is proud to present Plymouth’s premier all-female foursome The Trees. The Trees introduce a new meaning to the term “girl band”, fusing intense vocals with rootsy strings, beats and buckets of passion. With massive potential and sold out shows across the board last year, be sure not to miss out on this new and exciting folk/soul/roots collaboration.
Up first is the exceptionally talented Charlie Louise, a solo singer/songwriter from Cornwall who has been making waves on the local scene for some time. Fresh from the stage of Plymouth Pavilions, some many remember Charlie from our pilot Patchwork Introduces event last summer, or from a cracking night in the Cross Keys, Cawsand just before Christmas. A perfect compliment to the evening, please arrive early!
12. Falmouth Soul Sensation
Saturday 1st February
The Acorn, Penzance
After a sell-out performance last year at the Acorn, the Falmouth Soul Sensation are thrilled to be returning for the seventh year running! This year their benefit gig is in aid of Cornwall Hugs Grenfell, the charity that started with a Facebook post a few days after the disastrous Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. The Falmouth Soul Sensation are Cornwall’s own 12-piece dance band, who have been playing the best of classic 60’s soul music for more than a decade. Expect music from Aretha, Sam and Dave, Otis, Dusty, Wilson Pickett and many others!
13. Phillip Henry – ‘Solo’
Saturday 1st February
Devoran Village Hall
Following the success of his critically acclaimed 2018 solo album, ‘True North’, Phillip Henry returns to the road in February 2020. His new show, ‘Solo’, continues to explore the virtuosic limits of his many instruments, from the 22 – string Indian chatturangui, to the Dobro and National guitars that made his name. He will also bring his showstopping skill on the harmonica, with train impressions, boogie blues, and his trademark beatbox harmonica that never fails to get the party started.
14. Brother Sea
Saturday 1st February
Haywood Cider Farm, St Maybyn
Brother Sea are a South West based Celtic-folk band that brings together the acclaimed duo Harbottle & Jonas, award winning song writers Kris Lannen and Richard Trethewey, and the haunting Celtic tones of Annie Baylis.
With hypnotic vocals accompanied by classic folk instruments Brother Sea create a sense of awe and intrigue with songs like campfire stories exploring heritage and folklore as they gently flicker through captivating soundscapes.
15. The Chris Woods Groove Orchestra
Saturday 1st February, The Old Library, Bodmin
Sunday 2nd February, The Acorn, Penzance
An award winning one man show from guitarist and composer Chris Woods. Taking you on a journey from minimalist solo guitar to looped cinematic sounds and explosive six string percussive explorations.
Chris began his career as a solo guitarist, originally catching the eye of the music industry for his creative approach to playing; using revolutionary techniques and a hugely individual approach to composition. Endorsed by the most acclaimed brands he honed his skills performing at prestigious guitar festivals across the globe.
16. The Rezner, Argh Kid, Mother Vulture, KAZAK & Facepaint
Saturday 1st February
Old Bakery Studios, Truro
Independent Venue Week Gig
February 1st 2020 sees the night being headlined by Cornish Rockers going places, The Rezner. The Rezner will be launching their forthcoming single “Wouldn’t You Like To Know” in February. They are joined by Falmouth’s hot new contenders Facepaint, Truro College Wonderkinds Kazak and from over the Tamar, the hotly tipped Argh Kid from Brighton. We’re talking a night of serious Indie/Alternative talent!
17. The Eyelids, Taunts, Sarah Marie Tyrrell
Saturday 1st February
Fish Factory Arts Space, Penryn
Independent Venue Week Gig
This Independent Venue Week brings 3 of Cornwall’s top acts to the The Fish Factory in Penryn. Join Cornish psychobilly scream queens, The Eyelids for their freaky horror inspired punk show or 2-piece power riff-rock, Taunts. Less than 6 months into their life as a band, Taunts are causing massive noise, both literally and figuratively, on the music scene. Last, but not least, ex-Honey frontwoman, Sarah Marie Tyrrell brings her americana/roots drenched solo material out for the opening set, expect some insatiatable blues to ease you in to the night.
18. In Fear They Follow + Patrons, Golitha & O’Deus
Saturday 1st February
Dead Famous, Newquay
Red Jackal Productions present a night of live music at the Dead Famous Liquor Lounge in Newquay. Headlined by Bristol metal band, In Fear They Follow, with support from Alternative Rock, Patrons, Rock and Roll band, O’Deus and 5-Piece Cornwall band Golitha, if you’re a fan of rock and metal music then this is definitely for you!
19. Emilio Ayto - Contemporary Classical Guitar
Saturday 1st February
The Knut at St. Just Plen An Gwari
Emilio Ayto is a guitarist based in Falmouth, Cornwall. His repertoire combines classical guitar with film soundtracks and alternative rock music, displayed in both original music and re-arrangements. He uses effects pedals and extended guitar techniques to create a sound that is both innovative and unique.
Whilst heavily inspired by classical guitarists Pat Coldrick and Milos Karadaglic, he also draws influence from the likes of John Williams (Star Wars, Jaws, etc.) and Metallica.
Tickets are £5 on the door.
20. James Dixon & Friends
Saturday 1st February
Falcon Hotel, Bude
Starting at 7.30pm enjoy an evening of Folk and Americana with James Dixon and Friends playing a selection of favourites new and old. Come along for a great evening of music and vibes, to support Friends of Bude Sea Pool.
Tickets are £7.50 on the door.
21. Dr Rock
Sunday 2nd February
St Austell Band Club
Dr Rock are a Hampshire and South Coast based band performing a great mix of well known classic rock hits to cater for everyone. Pink Floyd, Bon Jovi, Billy Idol, Queen, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC – Dr Rock do it all. Come and relive your favourite hits at the St Austell Band Club for Independent Venue Week.
Independent Venue Week
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
This post was published on Monday 27th January 2020