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The Guide

Music Venues

Type of Venue	Location
Keywords

Arc

Big ARC strikes again: the all-rounder of entertainment venues. It provides the musical spotlight for all genres, from orchestral razzmatazz to the unsigned and up and coming: an eclectic and cultural stew.

Dovecot Street Stockon-on-Tees | 01642 525 199

Arts Centre Washington

Host to the regular 'Davy Lamp Folk Club', held each Saturday with regular live music nights.

Biddick Lane Fatfield Washington | 0191 219 3455

Bishop Auckland Town Hall

This Grade II listed building occupies a prime site in the Market Place in Bishop Auckland and is the premier arts venue for the people of South West Durham and beyond. Every strand of the arts is represented in our comprehensive programme - theatre, music, literature, dance, visual arts and practical craft workshops are all featured on a regular basis. The best in small-scale professional touring theatre – Hull Truck, NTC, Quondam, Reform and many more - visit to delight audiences in our very own Eden Theatre where we also screen films on a regular basis. Music features strongly and is always well received with artists of the calibre of Snake Davis and Vin Garbutt regular visitors. The McGuinness Gallery offers high quality, regularly changing exhibitions, while our award winning 'Book It' programme offers a variety of author and literary events.

Market Place Bishop Auckland | 01388 602610

Blaydon House Sports and Social Club

Brilliant venue, which features rock and blues bands on Saturdays and a well established jazz night each Thursday. 120 seats, cheap beer and fantastic atmosphere.

Blaydon Sports & Social Club Garden St. Blaydon | 0191 414 2791

Brinkburn Music Festival

Held at the Brinkburn Priory, this series of classical concerts and workshops is held annually which, as well as having beautiful surroundings has pretty impressive acoustics.

| 0191 2657777

Darlington Arts Centre

The Arts Centre offers an extensive range of musical delights with a huge range of genres covered. And it’s a very friendly venue to boot.

Vane Tce. Darlington | 01325 489094

Dr. Browns

Dr. Brown’s prides itself on giving new bands the opportunity to get behind a microphone.

135 Corporation Road Middlesbrough | 01642 213 213

Durham Live

A huge Australian-themed effort and one of the best places for watching sporting events in Durham due to its gigantic projection screen. Good food to be had, too (sautéed kangaroo with kakadu plum chilli sauce is a classic) and live bands, DJs and a cheap drinks to boot.

15 North Road Durham | 0191 3754630

Durham University Students Union

Easily the biggest venue in this list, Durham Students Union is one of the only places in the city to see acts of national significance.

Dunelm House New Elvet | 0191 334 1777

Folkworks

Founded in 1988 as a folk development agency for the north of England, Folkworks has grown from a regional company to become a nationally recognised presenter of tours featuring artists from all over the world. Festivals across the north plus a year-round programme of classes, courses and summer schools, helped established its international reputation and the Folkworks programme continues to develop and grow as an integral part of The Sage Gateshead working both regionally and internationally.

The Sage Gateshead Gateshead Quays Gateshead | 0191 443 4666

Gateshead Old Town Hall

Top quality programming ensures that you're always guaranteed many varied musical delights at the Caedmon Hall where African rhythm, folk, jazz and classical music all feature regularly.

West Street Gateshead | 0191 433 8420

Georgian Theatre

The Georgian is a 200 capacity venue and has seen the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, The Cribs and Lost Prophets boogie under its hat.

Green Dragon Yard Stockton on Tees | 01642 674 115

Head Of Steam

Having taken over from Reform Place, this brand-new addition to the venerable Head of Steam franchise is seeking to build upon its predecessor’s live music legacy.

3 Reform Place North Road Durham | 0191 386 6060

Independent

Really superb, independent (naturally) venue which has played host to the cream of up and coming indie music including: Klaxons, Maximo Park, The Futureheads, Pull Tiger Tail etc.

36 Holmeside Sunderland | 0191 5689770 | Sunderland Metro

Jazz Cafe

The Jazz Cafe is a well popular little place, which gets heaving thanks to its late licence, good entertainment and laid-back style. Jazz most nights of the week and also look out for their hot to trot salsa nights. The beret sporting proprietor is a local legend...

25 Pink Lane Newcastle | 0191 232 6505 | Central Station Metro

Jumpin' Hot Club

For around 20 years, the Jumpin’ Hot Club have been on a mission to bring the best of country, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, ska and any kind of roots music to the region. They’ve played a major role in helping stage some fantastic festivals around the region including the quite brilliant ska/reggae/roots Boss Sounds Festival each November.

Live Theatre Quayside Newcastle | 0191 232 1232 | Manors Metro

Libertys in Town

A firm favourite with student and regulars alike, Liberty’s in Town provides local music intermittently in the course of any given month.

266 Linthorpe Rd North Yorkshire Middlesbrough | 01642 231387

Metro Radio Arena

This massive 11,000 seat arena is the ideal place to catch some of the biggest names around.

Arena Way Newcastle upon Tyne | 0870 707 8000 | Central Station Metro

Middlesbrough Town Hall

The town hall will never see its facilities go to waste and has opened its threshold to many acts over the years, from Robbie Williams to The Music. Whether the tunes are blasting from within the main hall or creeping up from the depths of the crypt, Middlesbrough Town Hall knows how to put on a show with cheap drinks, flattering lighting in the toilets and plastic pint glasses by the case full.

Albert Road Middlesbrough | 01642 815181

Newcastle City Hall

With acts ranging from top bands, classical ensembles and some of the best stand-up comedians touring the larger venues, check out the local press to find out what's coming up and make sure you book early. A northern institution and rightly so.

Northumberland Road Newcastle | 0191 261 2606 | Haymarket Metro

Newcastle University Union

Host to numerous touring NME-type bands, many a good night has been spent leaping around here. Also look out for their club nights which attract some of biggest DJs in the country to the region.

Kensington Tce Newcastle | 0191 239 3926 | Haymarket Metro

Northumbria University

The main hall is one of the largest venues around and plays host to some of the country's best bands. The second stage often provides a useful chance for new bands to show their wares.

Rutherford Hall Ellison Place Newcastle | 0191 232 6002 | Haymarket Metro

O2 Academy Newcastle

This purpose-built music venue has only been open for a couple of years but it’s swiftly established itself as one of the places to be for a great night out.

Westgate Road Newcastle | 0191 260 2020

Queen’s Hall Arts Centre

The Queen’s Hall Arts Centre is a magnificent early Victorian building which faces Hexham Abbey in the centre of Hexham. The theatre started life as a music hall and became a cinema in the 1920’s. It now boasts two galleries, a 350-seat theatre, function rooms, an artist loft and various work rooms. Queen’s Hall Arts Centre has established itself as a strong base for an extensive range of artistic activity, attracting the best international and national artists from music, drama, dance, art, comedy and national touring to non professional shows performed by local community groups. This gallery is a participant in the Arts Council’s “Own Art” scheme which aims to make it easy and affordable for everyone to buy contemporary works of art. For more information please visit: www.artscouncil.org.uk/ownart

Beaumont Street Northumberland Hexham | 01434 652477

Shamrox

A good line in performances by touring regional singer-songwriters of repute.

91A Claypath Durham | 0191 389 4102

Studio Durham

Studio stretches high over two floors and hosts its fair share of live bands, thanks in no small part to local promoters Ten Feet Tall. Hot new things Pigeon Detectives and One Night Only put on an infamously sweaty show here in late 2007. Keep an eye on tenfeettall.co.uk for listings. See Clubs sections for more details.

15-17 North Road | 0191 384 3900

Sunderland Empire Theatre

The Theatre recently underwent a £4.6m refurbishment. The work has involved major backstage changes to allow larger shows to be performed (including some superb West End extravaganzas). The auditorium has had a good spruce up too, and oh, watch out for their brilliant pantos.

High West Street Sunderland | 0844 847 24 99 | Sunderland Metro

Sunderland University

Often plays host to a few decent national acts, and local bands on the cusp of maybe something big.

Wearmouth Bar Chester Rd. Sunderland | 0191 515 2000 | University Metro

The Angel Inn

In addition to a fabulous jukebox and a beer garden, this hard-rocking pub also offers performances from a fair amount of local bands throughout the month.

53 Crossgate Durham | 0191 386 5561

The Big Jug

Not the biggest of places and unfortunately expensive but very friendly and serves regular guest real ales. Also hosts a regular poker night.

88 Claypath Durham | 0191 384 8354

The Borough

A well loved Sunderland pub, which stages some quite storming gigs and as a venue it’s quite a draw seeing that it attracts bands from right across Europe and the US. See pubs section for more info.

1 Vine Place Sunderland | 0191 567 7909 | Park Lane Metro

The Bridge Hotel

The upstairs room in this smashing, traditional boozer is the place to see anything from top acoustic acts to local bands on the up and up. See pubs section for more info.

Castle Square Newcastle | 0191 232 6400 | Central Station Metro

The Bunker

Studio, rehearsal space and music venue in one, The Bunker once hosted likes of the Clash and national acts Bloc Party and Kasabian...

Stockton Road Sunderland | 0191 567 1777

The City Hotel

Conveniently situated right at the heart of Durham and known to host the occasional Battle of the Bands event in addition to its semi-regular live acts.

84 New Elvet Durham | 0191 386 9936

The Cluny

This cracking bar has built up a great reputation for live music and you’ll find the cream of local talent - both experimental and traditional - as well as touring national and international acts, including the eclectic likes of Glasvegas, Graham Coxon, The Wombats, Seasick Steve, Hot 8 Brass Band, Kate Nash, Lethal Bizzle and The Arctic Monkeys. A real winner. See pubs for more info.

36 Lime Street Ouseburn | 0191 230 4474

The Cluny 2

Just across the way from The Cluny (see above) this is a smashing little venue (with seating for 160) which has a lovely glass-roofed continental-style café-bar, serving the best premium lagers, wines and high quality spirits.

34 Lime Street Newcastle Ouseburn | 0191 230 4474 | Byker Metro

The Cornerhouse

This is a literal and metaphorical cornerstone to Middlesbrough’s clubbing scene. The Cornerhouse attracts a wide range of up for it punters who love good music. Take caution: dress cool in every sense of the word because it can get very hot in here! It is an intimate club of nooks and crannies, but be careful not to become too engrossed in them because it doesn’t make for a pretty sight when the lights come on!

8-8a Exchange Place Middlesbrough | 01642 890588

The Cornerhouse

Jazz aficionados will vouch for the reputation of this place, which attracts virtuosos from far and wide. See pubs for more info.

Heaton Road Heaton | 0191 265 9602

The Cumberland Arms

As one of Newcastle's long-standing music venues, The Cumberland Arms offers a great space for live music with a splash of comedy also provided by the fabulous The Suggestibles gigs which are also packed out. The back room gives way to a great variety of regulars each week and this is a pub where you can come & satisfy your taste for indie, rock & jazz through to traditional folk. See pubs section for more details.

James Place Street Ouseburn Newcastle upon Tyne | 0191 265 6151 | Byker Metro

The Empire

The Empire selects only the finest live acts. You can’t argue against it...

Corporation Road Middlesbrough | 01642 253553

The Fishtank

Tiny though it may be, The Fishtank nevertheless serves up a wide range of live performances from local independent bands and those further afield.

29-33 Neville Street Durham | 0191 384 2685

The Gala Theatre

The centrepiece of Durham’s arts programme, the Gala Theatre houses a state-of-the-art modern theatre, spacious and comfortable café-bar and two cinema screens. Over the last few years Gala has developed a strong reputation for producing high quality in-house theatre productions alongside a programme attracting the country’s leading theatre companies, comedians, bands and musicians and dance performers. Alongside the programme in the main auditorium The Studio Sessions offer a range of jazz, world, folk, pop and bluegrass in an intimate setting with a dedicated bar and balcony and fabulous views across the city.

Millennium Place Durham | 0191 332 4041

The Hartlepool Community Studios

The Studio supports live music in its entirety and offers low admission prices to keep the love for the live strong.

Tower Street Cleveland Hartlepool | 01429 424440

The Head of Steam

Practically opposite the Central Station, this is a top pub. Set over two levels and with a wide range of European lagers and real ales you'll find the clientele made up of the trendier end of the market, drawn no doubt by the music policy which consists of funk, soul, dub and jazz. A good 'un and a superb venue for live music as they host the best up and coming bands around.

2 Neville Street Newcastle | 0191 230 4236 | Central Station Metro

The Ivy House

The Ivy is now becoming the place to be to hear all the new musical talent that is crawling from the wood works of Sunderland’s music scene. Thursdays see a varied line-up each week of indie and rock groups. See pubs section for more info.

Worcester Terrace Sunderland | 0191 567 3399 | Park Lane Metro

The Journal Tyne Theatre

This fabulous venue can seat 1100 and has some of the best acoustics around and plays host to everyone from household names to tribute bands.

111 Westgate Road Newcastle | 0844 493 9999 | Central Station Metro

The Kings Arms

Top quality blues, jazz and folk at this extremely popular bar.

Hanover Place Sunderland | 0191 567 9804 | Millfield Metro

The Ku Bar

The Ku Bar is your reliable venue for your indie, rock and alternative bands. Friday is their usual day of fancy, but don’t be surprised to hear the floor moving throughout the course of the week.

Regent House Prince Regent Street Teeside Stockton | 01642 860068

The Ropery

Perfectly located on the riverside, they have bands on most nights of the week.

Webster's Bank Deptford Sunderland | 0191 514 7171 | Pallion Metro

The Royalty

Another popular pub venue with local bands playing in the upstairs function room.

88 Chester Road Sunderland | 0191 565 9930 | University Metro

The Sage Gateshead

Ahh! A real jewel in the regeneration of Gateshead Quays and according to The Times ‘the most exciting music venue in Britain’. We’re not arguing. Opened in December 2004, The Sage Gateshead swiftly established itself as the new home for music and musical discovery. It houses three main performance spaces of acoustical excellence, a 25-room music education centre plus recording studio, a music information resource centre, five bars, a brasserie and a café. You can hear all types of music here including world, rock, pop, classical, acoustic, indie, country, folk, jazz, electronica and dance. The Sage Gateshead is also home to Folkworks (regional folk development agency) and Northern Sinfonia (one of Europe’s most exciting chamber orchestras).

Gateshead Quays Gateshead | 0191 443 4666 | Gateshead Metro

The Studio

The Studio supports live music in its entirety and offers low admission prices to keep the love for the live strong. It hails music of all genres, so expect the Studio to keep you guessing!

Tower Street Hartlepool | 01429 424 440

The Trojan Rooms

One of the newest music venues in the region and it’s down the coast at Whitley Bay. 250 capacity, with great facilities, fabulous sound system and some great bands – what’s not to love? Music policy runs from reggae to rock, ska to classic. Good stuff.

South Parade Tyne & Wear Whitley Bay | Whitley Bay Metro

The Tyne Bar

Champion little pub that pulls in some surprisingly well-known acts. Top atmosphere and some cracking little bank holiday sojourns. See pubs section for more details.

1 Maling Street Byker | 0191 265 2550 | Byker Metro

The Tyneside Irish Centre

Brilliant for all sorts of traditional folk and the occasional foray into pop. Good atmosphere guaranteed with the Guinness flowing, fiddles playing, and everybody up for a flamboyant jig. Watch out for their annual Irish Festival held in October - it's always a corker.

43-49 Gallowgate Newcastle upon Tyne | 0191 232 9422 | St. James Metro

Trillians Rock Bar

Attracting the best rock bands from far and wide, Trillians is legendary in Newcastle and well worth checking out. They’ve got a great stage and have just had a lovely refit to boot. You’re going to love this one. See pubs section for more details.

Princess Square Newcastle | 0191 232 1619 | Monument Metro

Whitley Bay Playhouse

The Playhouse originally opened in 1913, being refurbished in 1930, then transformed into a cinema. It's now currently run by a trust who ensures their programme is a lively mix of drama, dance, musicals and cabaret whilst keeping its cinema connections with its film programme. Seating 746 the Playhouse is complete with a bar and is well worth a visit.

Marine Avenue Whitley Bay | 0844 277 2771 | Monkseaton Metro