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Posted by: Bofem Sep 22 2010, 02:00 PM

A friend asked me what the music scene was like in Newbury and it got me thinking.

Are we doing OK, punching above our weight, or laughably dismal when it comes to bands/DJs/musical events etc?

Posted by: GMR Sep 22 2010, 04:17 PM

As far as I know, and see, it is only for the young. For older people there isn't that much, unless you included the Corn Exchange with occasional 'older' music.

Posted by: user23 Sep 22 2010, 04:36 PM

Newbury has it's fair share of dismal covers bands playing in various pubs every Friday and Saturday night however there are a few good things out there.

KOTG and the 36th Chamber have been running nights in Newbury (and of course the annual KOTG Victoria Park party) for around a decade now, then there's Bruce Hogg's open mic night formerly of the Canal Bar and Avenue, I guess of no fixed abode now unless anyone knows any different, always good fun. I should also mention the Fun House Twins too, playing at various venues round Newbury and the country and don't forget Jah Works UK, the Newbury based record label that has been running for over 20 years.

The Real Ale Festival has had a decent line-up of bands the past couple of years too and attract all ages, though of course isn't strictly a music event.

Posted by: Iommi Sep 22 2010, 04:48 PM

I think this is the one thing TRAF haven't got right so far, notwithstanding that I fear now that it has become too well known and subsequently attracts some of the more undesirables amongst the parish!.


I don't think Newbury has a great reputation for live music, all though it does have some history. It is also better now than it was in the recent past.

Posted by: GMR Sep 22 2010, 04:57 PM

I suppose on the bright side is that we've got the Corn Exchange and the cinema.

Posted by: blackdog Sep 22 2010, 09:59 PM

The Spring Festival is pretty good - shame it all happens in a couple of weeks though I'd go to a lot more if it were spread throughout the year.

Posted by: Newburymafia Sep 23 2010, 08:39 AM

Newbury's music scene is dead as doornails.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, WE NEED A VENUE. Not just pubs with timmy's first PA slung in the corner.
The Corn Exchange, nice though it is, is too big and expensive to hold live "popular music" gigs and Arlington is too far out of the town centre.
I see the Waterside as a missed opportunity. I'd love to see it go private as a venue, and it's going to become an expensive liability for the council if the vicky park pavilion doesn't go ahead.

Posted by: Simon Kirby Sep 23 2010, 11:26 AM

Well, when we de-parish Newbury the Town Hall will be available. How's this for a line-up:

Posted by: Bill1 Sep 23 2010, 11:52 AM

Secret Fridge Party and Relik playing Canal Bar tomorrow night. (SFPs CD launch) followed by DJ Drunken Monk into the early hours.

Onion supporting The Groundhogs at Arlington on Saturday.

The Screenbeats at LSB on Saturday.

Julian Tulk Band and Dry The River at Arlington on Oct. 2nd.

All worth checking out.

Posted by: Bill1 Sep 23 2010, 11:53 AM

I agree with that bit.

Posted by: David Allen Sep 23 2010, 11:55 AM

If it's a local venue you're after contact Ace Space, formerly the RAFA Hall, St Nicholas Road, RG14 5PR.
Decent sized hall and a separate bar area. Very keen and organized committee and well supported by the local community.

http://www.acespacenewbury.com/index.htm

Posted by: Newburymafia Sep 23 2010, 12:06 PM

They may well be, but they seem to be the only bands I ever see on bills in Newbury. Maybe I dont go out enough.

Posted by: JeffG Sep 23 2010, 12:28 PM

Looking at the map, isn't that where the TA hall is?

Posted by: Bofem Sep 23 2010, 03:05 PM

Lovely idea David, but they're unable to put on much amplified music due to one miserable neighbour.

Posted by: Bofem Sep 23 2010, 03:21 PM

What scene do you expect in a 35,000 town? CBGBs or the Marquee?

I think there's a good basis for a long supply of good quality acts. The rehearsal rooms in Boundary Road are much better these days, and there's a new recording studio at Greenham, the local radio is more supportive (esp BBC Berks), and most events now have local bands playing as a matter of course. Pubs are more amenable since the licensing reforms, even if it's only an acoustic night, and there are few local promoters operating semi-professionally.

There is of course room for improvement. Here's my top three:

Different buskers - introduce licences and grade the pitches accordingly (no scousers please!)
Decent music shop - if only we could move Sticks and Strings from Thatcham to Noobree
Pub equipment - landlords, please invest in some kit OR pay the lads properly so they can hire

Posted by: Newburymafia Sep 23 2010, 04:54 PM

There is a good basis for a strong supply of local acts. And there are good acts that are born in Newbury - particularly Studio 91 at Greenham.

The problem is, all the best ones dont play Newbury. They go play elsewhere because there's no where in Newbury that rewards the quality of the act anymore - both in terms of crowd, venue or payment.

Posted by: Bill1 Sep 24 2010, 12:59 PM

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=14635

Posted by: mamba Sep 29 2010, 12:15 PM

I'm in a fairly new local band and have just started booking some gigs. We would have loved to have played our first gig in Newbury along with some other local talent but there is just nowhere to do it. We probably would have done Avenue until it obviously shut down. We are looking into the football club or Northcroft to put it on ourselves with another band but it's far from ideal. Our first two gigs are in Swindon and Reading as there just isn't anywhere here.

p.s. We're called http://www.belowthefall.com in case you want to check us out.

Posted by: Bofem Sep 29 2010, 12:30 PM

Do you mean the Dolphin, Monument, Snooty Fox, AFC Newbury, Ace Space, et al all turned you down?

Posted by: mamba Sep 29 2010, 12:35 PM

The Dolphin and Snooty Fox only have cover bands.

Ace Space haven't replied to my email - although judging by previous comments this probably won't be a goer.

As I said, we are looking into the football club.

OK - The Monument is an option but it's not a great venue, is it.

Posted by: Bill1 Sep 30 2010, 12:46 PM

Only covers bands is a rubbish policy!

You could try the Canal Bar. Relik & Secret Fridge Party filled it last Saturday also LSB and KC have bands on occassionally.

Good luck!

Posted by: mamba Sep 30 2010, 02:11 PM

The Canal Bar may be worth an ask. Not sure the LSB would be suitable for 'rock' bands.

Ace Space have also now replied. As thought, noise seems to be their main issue, but they have invited me to their next committee meeting so we shall see.

Posted by: Bill1 Sep 30 2010, 03:23 PM

It is worth talking to LSB as the guy who puts bands on there also does a bit of local promotion, his name is Iain and he likes his RAWK

Posted by: Roost Oct 1 2010, 06:00 PM

I don't think that there's anything wrong with covers bands per se. God knows that I love a bit of Lynyrd and Black Crowes on a Friday night (as Bill will be able to vouch for!)

BUT it should not be the overriding policy when booking bands locally.

I think that each venue / promoter tends to look more at what type and size of crowd the band will bring in. Convince them that you have an alcohol-purchasing (legally!) and sizeable crowd following you and you should be fine........

Posted by: admin Oct 18 2010, 08:25 AM

dfsdfsdfs

Posted by: Strafin Oct 18 2010, 07:59 PM

Should this be in the thread about the old MFI unit?