There will come a time in your freshers’ year when some alternative guy forces the conversation towards the music “scene” in York. He will take over the conversation with his four-syllable words, name-dropping of bands that don’t sound real, overuse of “musical” words and plainly loud, arrogant tone.
Because I hate these people, here is a run-down of the major music venues in York. So that you can beat him at his own game. You can also beat him, but that requires more physical effort.
In no particular order – here are the top five music venues in York.
Fibbers, Toft Green, York
Probably the most popular amongst non-YUSU funded nights, Fibbers changed location this year and has us all in hot coals waiting for opening night. Under its old roof, it hosted many lives, ranging from indie rock and tribute bands, to electro rap DJs. As the most well-known alternative stage in York, it is the one that gets the most well-known bands we get inside our walls. So, expectations are high for this season; with a bigger stage hopefully we’ll have a chance to hear bigger, better bands. The increase in space may also help, in my opinion, with a more complete concert experience. Fingers crossed people!
Get a look at their upcoming gigs here.
The Basement, Coney Street, York
Located in the downstairs ‘basement’ of York’s City Screen cinema, The Basement markets itself as a venue for live music, poetry, comedy and the arts. Frequently hosting a multitude of talented crooners and singer songwriters, The Basement also has a regular comedy club night every Saturday which is always a winner. If mainstream generic pop has become too much for you, a night of live music at The Basement will always refresh your enthusiasm for the original and the talented.
Here’s what they’re up to in September.
The Duchess, Stonebow, York
Equally prominent on the York gig trail as the aforementioned Fibbers, The Duchess has an informal, open layout with comfy armchairs and small sofas around the edge of the dance floor. But it’s not all about sitting back for easy-listening as The Duchess welcomes a mix of artists with plenty of chance to get moving and have a dance. Also fairly well-known, The Duchess often hosts great tribute acts and smaller bands and has a very user-friendly website with what’s on for the year.
Check out what they have planned for Term 1 here.
The Phoenix, George Street, York
Feeling sophisticated? To use a couple of well-used but apt cliches, the weekly jazz nights at The Phoenix would be something of a legend in their own lifetimes if they weren’t one of York’s best kept musical secrets. For those who consider themselves as Jazz-novices, you will be more than pleasantly surprised; the back room in this gloriously authentic York pub is candlelit and mesmerising as an array of talented jazz musicians play the evening away to a typically spellbound audience of students and locals. For the even fancier, plan ahead and you can get yourself a live quartet!
Their classy events are listed here.
The Barbican, Barbican Road, York
The Barbican is sleek, impressive and enticingly close to University of York campus and residences. Great for a special occasion, or boasting when your friends & family visit, it hosts anything from Morrissey (yes, really) to musicals. In April, they will even host the Moscow City ballet. You won’t find many student-friendly events though, unless your idea of student-friendly is an ELO tribute.
Their events listing is right here.
And the rest…
And if you needed yet another reason to be joyfully happy you are now living in York, here’s one more: we are only 20 mins from Leeds and the musical mecca which ensues. Pretty much every band you’ll ever want to see will stop here at one point in their lives. Favourite venues include The Cockpit, and Leeds Met University.