A week of discounted music gigs is coming to Merseyside this month.
Independent Venue Week (IVW) has been running for 11 years, and seeks to promote independent music venues across the country and the people that run them. Several venues across the region are taking part. Acts include legendary Scouse band The Zutons, a showcase of music students from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and American-born singer songwriter Tabi Gervis.
Arts Bar Baltic and The Jacaranda in Liverpool city centre, Handyman Bar and Brewery on Smithdown Road and Future Yard in Birkenhead will be hosting the events. Speaking to the ECHO last week, the owners of these venues argued the event was vital during a time when small and medium-sized spaces are fighting to stay afloat amidst rising costs.
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Tom Wilson, from Arts Bar, said: "I think there’s a national problem at the moment. A lot of the arena gigs are selling out but the medium-sized venues are struggling. From our point of view, it's lovely we’re still able to do a full programme of events all week. You've got to have some level of infrastructure to do things like this.
"Positively, from our point of view, we see so much amazing talent, it still exists. It's just about how we nurture that talent."
He added: “New artists can test out our venues then go onto something big. We should be the launching pad for gigs and exhibitions.”
IVW takes place from January 29 to February 4. Tickets for the shows start from £3, although many operate a ‘pay what you can’ system, where you can pay more or less than the advertised prices. Below are the events taking place in Merseyside. You can find out more about the event via its website.
January 29
LIPA Spotlight – 8pm, Arts Bar Baltic, 27 Parliament Street, L8 5RN.
January 30
Brad Stank – 7pm, The Jacaranda, 21-23 Slater Street, L1 4BW.
Ye Vagabonds – 7.15pm, Future Yard, 75 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6AB.
January 30
Tabi Gervis & Friends – 8pm, Arts Bar Baltic.
January 31
Hooton Tennis Club – 7pm, Future Yard, 75 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6AB.
Johnsyshots Presents – 8pm, Arts Bar Baltic.
February 1
The Kairos – 7pm, Future Yard.
Capeesh CIC Showcase for IVW 24 – 7pm, Handyman Bar and Brewery, 461 Smithdown Road.
February 2
Hinds – 7pm, Future Yard.
Capeesh X Handyman for IVW 24 – 7pm, Handyman Bar and Brewery.
Match Fixing and Friends forIVW 24 Special – 7p, Handyman Bar and Brewery.
February 3
Match Fixing and Friends IVW 24 Special – 7pm, Handyman Bar and Brewery.
Matt McManamon Full Band Homecoming Show for IVW24 – 7.30pm, Handyman Bar and Brewery.
The Zutons – 7.45pm, Future Yard.
February 4
Smithdown Festival Takeover for IVW 24 – 3pm, Handyman Bar and Brewery.
CVC – 7pm, Future Yard.
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