The Cluny, Ouseburn
In the heart of Newcastle’s most stylist neighbourhood, Ouseburn’s Cluny is a Geordie institution, and an in-demand venue for artists across the country. The cosy bar sits adjacent to a 300-capacity venue, whilst the basement holds a second venue, Cluny 2, which even features a pitched seating area. Upcoming performers include ska-punk band Millie Manders and the Shut Up, and thrashcore group Tortured Demon.
The Star & Shadow, Sandyford
In the heart of the student-dominated suburb of Sandyford are the welcoming lights of the Star and Shadow, a community-run cinema that doubles as a pleasingly ramshackle gig venue. Come for the screenings of movie classics, stay for the daring left-field performances, including an audiovisual show from experimental noise musician IKLECTIK coming on 9 November.
The Lubber Fiend, St. James’ Boulevard
Founded just two years ago, the Lubber Fiend is a hidden gem of the Newcastle live music scene. An unassuming staircase leads to an interior festooned with fairy lights including a well-stocked bar and seating booths. Gigs range from doom metal pioneers Deep Cross (11 Nov) to the monthly ceilidh complete with live band (9 Nov).
The Grove, Byker
Byker’s 1970s housing estates and industrial parks may not sound like a likely location for a live music hub, but the Grove, situated in a former Victorian stables, is up there with Newcastle’s best venues. Make the most of the premium cocktail bar whilst enjoying the likes of indie favourites Martha Hill and Liz Lawrence, who play the venue on 10 and 14 November respectively.
Cobalt Studios, Ouseburn
Already the talk of the town amongst students as host venue of the Jazz Orchestra Society’s popular jam nights, the spacious Cobalt embodies independent spirit of artsy Ouseburn, with an emphasis on using ticket sales to support the local community. Jazz minimalist Tara Clerkin and her trio (14 Nov) is the pick of the upcoming concerts, plus frequent life drawing evenings.
