Laurel Canyon Music

For fans and musicians of Folk, Americana, Country, Blues, Singer-Songwriter, Rock, Roots & Acoustic and music from the Laurel Canyon late 60’s/early 70’s era.

LCM is a new co-operative music community, promoter, event organiser and on-line magazine to promote & support the music that we love. All the latest news, reviews and interviews

LCM is your indispensable insider guide to the wonderful world of independent music and beyond

We aim to help music fans connect and discover great new music and help indie musicians promote their music and help them build relationships with supporters and industry professionals.

Please join us now and explore our website.

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The Square & Compass - Worth Matravers

The lovely The Square and Compass began life as a pair of cottages commanding a little bluff known as Lychard (meaning Bank), which overlooked the village and a marvelous view of the Channel. It's one of Dorset hidden music gems and well worth checking out if you are in the area.  If you visit please also check out the Fossil museum and sample their home made cider.

 

History

Around 1776, it became an alehouse, owned by Wareham brewer cum clay merchant, under the sign of The Sloop. There were connections with smuggling, including skirmishes with excisemen at St Aldhelms Head. A new tenant landlord, a stone mason called Charles Bower, seems to have changed the name around 1830. He ran the place for more than 40 years, to be followed by his widow, then a series of tenants until 1907, when the Newmans took over. In the interwar years the pub became a fashionable watering hole for a creative set, the artist, Augustus John, cartoonist Low, pianist Harriet Cohen, actors Leslie Banks and Gwen Francon-Davis amongst many signatories of the Visitors' Book. During the war the clientele changed to include physicists and astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell and Nobel laureates Sir Alan Hodgkin and Sir Martin Ryle, all developing radar nearby. The Square evaded the heavy hand of modernisation during the 1960s. Its oldest clients, some in their nineties, remember reaching up to the same serving hatch with change for ginger beer in sticky hands.

Worth Matravers is beautifully situated on the limestone uploads of Purbeck, at the head of a valley running down between lynchet-striated slopes to the popular bathing ledges of Winspit. Once thriving on the local stone, farming and fishing industries, it has retired into a weekend refuge. It boasts an attractive church, one of the oldest in Dorset, once mother-church for Swanage. An ancient track, Priests Way, connects it to the resort as do rare buses. Folk relaxing on the wall or grassy slope in front of the pub look out over the village and the coastal setting beyond.

Calstock Arts - Calstock

  • Address: The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock. Cornwall PL18 9QX
  • Type: Folk, Jazz, Classical, Acoustic
  • Owners: Calstock Arts Ltd
  • Capacity: 120
  • Nearest Station: Calstock Station
  • Website: calstockarts.org
  • Contact: mail@calstockarts.org

Calstock Arts is a community arts centre located in a beautifully converted Chapel on the banks of the River Tamar. The venue was established in 2010 and is a not-for-profit arts venue and it is largely staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers. Initially set up as a Community Interest Company they converted to Charity status in 2015. They programme a wide range of events including folk, jazz, classical music, comedy, film, theatre, talks and exhibitions. The venue also has a fully licensed bar and pre-event food is now available for some events.

Calstock Arts was previously a Methodist chapel built in 1910 but completely refurbished by the previous owners, Peterloo Poets in the late 1990s, a time when grants were more easily available than nowadays! They are certainly grateful for this as it resulted in their iconic picture window that looks across the river Tamar to Devon and has visitors gasping in admiration. The venue has superb natural acoustics, which are greatly appreciated by both performers and audiences. The main auditorium seats 120.

Calstock Arts organises round 60 events around each year and these are split fairly equally between ticketed and free entry. Most of the free entry events are part of their Gallery Bar Special series and where they request is a donation which goes directly to the performers.

In addition to their ticketed events they also have Gallery Bar Specials, which feature live music and other events from well-known and emerging performers in the south west. The Old Chapel is an ideal venue for a variety of community events, exhibitions, conferences, weddings and private parties.

Omeara, London Bridge (London)

  • Address: 6 O'Meara Street, London SE1 1TE
  • Type: Acoustic, Rock, Country, Americana, Pop, Singer-Songwriter
  • Owners: TBA
  • Capacity: TBA
  • Nearest Station: London Bridge
  • Website: http://www.omearalondon.com/
  • Contact: TBA

 

A new home for live music, creative events and club nights in London Bridge’s newly refreshed railway arches. With the sites heritage seeped in a background of music and late night parties, OMEARA will be carrying on the baton with a lovingly curated line-up of events, put together by the good people at Communion Music. They will be providing a creative events space for everything from the best emerging live acts to renowned DJ’s right in the heart of London.

Their pop-up friends in the arch next door offer a huge variety of top quality food. You can grab yourself a bite to eat, visit them at the bar, get a booth with your friends or come and check out the show that night. 

Carry on into the early hours with our line-up of club nights, drinks deals and our late licensed outdoor terrace. They are only 5 minutes from London Bridge, Southwark and Bermondsey stations, and a 10 minute stroll from Waterloo. There’s no excuse not to come along for a tipple or two. Whether that’s in the daytime, evening or early morning, that’s up to you...

St. Pancras Old Church, Kings Cross (London)

  • Address: Pancras Rd, London NW1 1UL
  • Music Type: Various
  • Owners:
  • Capacity: 100 (Fully seated) 150 (Mixed seating and standing)
  • Nearest Station: Kings Cross/St.Pancras
  • Website: http://www.posp.co.uk/old-st-pancras/
  • Contact:

Just a stones throw away from King's Cross/St. Pancras station lies one of the oldest church sites in the UK dating from the 4th Century. This is a working church but on some evenings the church hosts live music. Some great musicians have played here and along with the Union Chapel and Green Note is probably one of most musician's favourite London venues to play. With a maximum capacity of 150 it's cosy, intimate and almost perfect for acoustic music.

The church uses outside promoter to book their music events. To book directly please contact:

The Pheasantry, Chelsea (London)

  • Address: The Pheasantry, 152 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 4UT
  • Music Type: Jazz and acoustic acts as well as cabaret and other events.
  • Owners: Pizza Express
  • Capacity: ? (Seated)
  • Website: http://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/popVenue.aspx
  • Contact:

The Pheasentry is a  beautiful and historic building is located in the heart of the fashionable Kings Road. The grand entrance leads into a lovely large terrace garden which is ideal for al fresco dining during the summer months. The venue is located in the basement and reminds us of cruise ship, with a sweeping staircase located behind the stage. If you fancy some food, it is a Pizza Express as well.

The Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath, Birmingham

The Kitchen Garden Cafe is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Kings Heath. By day this Cafe serves delicious home-cooked food, Fairly Traded coffee & tea and homemade cakes & pastries. All with a nod to local and ethical sourcing. They cater for Vegetarians, Vegans and dietary issues.

On Sunday to Wednesday evenings we host the best music acoustic music in the City, specialising in Folk, Roots and Americana. On Thursday-Saturday evenings we host Pop-Up Restaurant events and are also available for private functions, weddings and parties.

The Greystones, Sheffield, Yorkshire

  • Address: Greystones Rd, Sheffield S11 7BS
  • Music Type: Various
  • Owners:
  • Capacity: ? Probably around 100-120
  • Nearest Station: Sheffield
  • Website: http://www.mygreystones.co.uk/
  • Contact: 

On top of a rather steep hill lies the spacious, traditional community, half-timbered 'The Greystones' pub.  Ideal for cask ales and with a great intimate room for live music. The performance space is great and the pub has an excellent friendly vibe. The music is always of a high quality, so really worth checking out, if you are in town. Very good food but if you fancy fish and chips, there is a great shop just down the hill. It a bit of a walk from Sheffield Station, so a taxi is recommended or the 83 bus stops outside the door

Are you interested in playing at The Greystones? They don’t book gigs directly at the Greystones. but they work with some excellent local promoters. Please email them if you are looking to play a gig and if they are interested they will get back to you.

Craig Allen – wagonwheelmedia@hotmail.co.uk
Kit Bailey – kit@martinsimpson.com
Stuart Basford – stuart@jewelspromotions.co.uk
Chris Wilson – boardwalklive@btinternet.com
Andrew New – andy@tinyteethrecords.com

Ent Shed, Bedford

  • Address: 118 Castle Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3QY
  • Music Type: Various
  • Owners
  • Capacity: 100
  • Nearest Station: Bedford
  • Website: http://www.entshed.co.uk
  • Contact:

Just a short walk from Bedford Town centre (slightly longer from Bedford Station) is a great music venue which is joined to The Gordon Arms. This 100 seater is a little gem with great sound and atmosphere. There are also monthly concerts which run by Michael Pipe and these are highly recommended. 

Union Chapel, Islington (London)

 

Just a short walk from Highbury and Islington station, the iconic Gothic style Union Chapel is one of our favourite London venues. It was the winner of 'Time Out's' favourite London music venue of the year for two consecutive years and for good reason. It is a beautiful music venue. The Union Chapel hosts a variety of music and comedy nights and has a variety of rooms to hire including the church itself.

The Union Chapel is one of London's most characterful venues. A typical gig here involves sitting on a church pew (bring a jacket or jumper for a cushion), drinking tea from a mug whilst enjoying great music in one of London's most beautiful churches. For atmosphere it cannot be beaten.

As you enter the Union Chapel you can literally grab a pew and wait for the gig (seating here is unreserved) or you can head back to the back of the church where there is a full licensed bar on the first floor. The bar also serves home cooked hot food, with proceeds going to help the Chapel's 'The Margins Project'. No alcoholic drinks are allowed in the chapel, but you can buy hot drinks, soft drinks, ice cream and snacks from the kiosk in the chapel foyer.

The interior of the church is beautiful, with the ground floor being a large octagonal shape with a balcony wrapped around above, all stone arches, stained glass windows and the like. The domed ceiling and stone walls mean the acoustics are superb, and every act I have seen here sounded fantastic. I would recommend getting here early enough to get a seat downstairs, as you feel a little bit further away from it all upstairs. 

Top tip (1) Seating is unreserved so arrive in good time before doors open (2) They have lovely hot chocolate too....with marshmallows and cream...yum! Very important for winter gigs (3) Bring a cushion as the pews can be a little hard or of course you can join the Union Chapel and they will lend you one.

The Slaughtered Lamb, Farringdon (London)

sl outside.jpg
  • Address: The Slaughtered Lamb, 34-35 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell. EC1V ODX
  • Music Type: Various
  • Owners:
  • Capacity: 100+ (Mixed standing and seating)
  • Nearest Station: Farringdon
  • Website: http://www.theslaughteredlambpub.com/
  • Contact:

The Slaughtered Lamb is a famous pub music venue a close to the City. It's gigs are held in the basement. The Lamb is a very intimate space and is great for acoustic music. Many musicians have chosen to release their EP's or albums at the venue. Try the craft beers as well, they are very good.

Servant Jazz Quarters, Dalston (London)

  • Address: 10A Bradbury Street, Dalston, London N16 8JN
  • Music Type: Jazz, blues and folk to pop, world music and beyond
  • Owners:
  • Capacity: 50 - 100 (Mixed seating and standing depending on configuration)
  • Nearest Station: Dalston Kingsland
  • Website: http://www.servantjazzquarters.com/
  • Contact:

A two minute walk from Dalston Kingsland station on Bradbury street you will find the cosy and intimate Servant Jazz Quarters. Despite the name, they are not strictly a jazz club. SJQ has a history of hosting music events before opening as a fully licensed venue in February 2011. SJQ is dedicated to music from many genres and supports innovative artists from all backgrounds and particularly those from the Hackney area. The music program varies from night to night so you will need to check the website for updates on gigs and events. Expect an eclectic mix of music ranging from jazz, blues and folk to pop, world music and beyond. 

The Lexington, Angel (London)

  • Address: 96-98 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9JB
  • Music Type: Various
  • Owners:
  • Capacity: (TBA) Mix of standing and seated.
  • Nearest Station: Angel (Northern Line)
  • Website: http://www.thelexington.co.uk/
  • Contact:

The Lexington is one of Islington's finest music venues and lounge bar. A slow burning glow of downbeat decadence and bluesy class - with perhaps just a dash of burlesque elegance thrown in for good measure. The Lex is a short walk from Angel tube station. The music performances are held in the large upstairs room of the venue.

Kings Place, Kings Cross (London)

kings place.jpg
  • Address: 90 York Way, London N1 9AG
  • Music Type: Various
  • Owners:
  • Capacity: Hall one (415 [302 stalls and 113 balcony]) Hall Two (260 standing / 200 theatre / 84 cabaret) Seated in both but sometimes Hall 2 is all standing depending on the gig
  • Nearest Station: Kings Cross / St. Pancras
  • Website: http://www.kingsplace.co.uk/
  • Contact:

Kings Place is a short walk from Kings Cross station and has two great 'state of the art' theatre style rooms for music in the basement of the building. It is worth keeping an eye on the programme as some excellent artists play at the venue. The sound is very good in both halls.

Gallery Cafe, Bethnal Green (London)

  • Address: St. Margarets House Settlement, 21 Old Ford Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PL
  • Music Type: Various
  • Owners: St. Margaret’s House
  • Capacity: 80-100?
  • Nearest Stations: Bethnal Green (Central Line) + Cambridge Heath
  • Website: http://www.stmargaretshouse.org.uk/thegallerycafe/
  • Contact:

 

The Gallery Cafe is another gem of a venue is the heart of East London. Part of the St. Margarets House Settlement, The Gallery Cafe is a short walk from Bethnal Green and Cambridge Heath stations.

The Gallery Cafe offers a delicious selection of vegan and vegetarian food, an exciting program of live events, and a new art exhibition from an up-and-coming artist every month. It is a warm and cosy sanctuary during the winter months. But it comes alive in the summer with its sun trap terrace and garden, making it a great spot to enjoy all year round.

They host a variety of live music nights, film screenings, comedy, and spoken word events throughout the year, as well as one-off festivals and special seasons. Most of their events are free and accessible for everyone, and those that they do charge for will always be very reasonably priced.

As one of the community projects run by St. Margaret’s House, all profit generated by The Gallery Cafe goes back into the charity. So by dining with them, you are also helping to support the local community. The complex has a number of spaces including the cafe itself and a small chapel in the Settlement.

Cecil's, London Bridge (London)

  • Address: 8 Holyrood St, London SE1 2EL
  • Music Type: Various (Including Jazz, Folk, Americana and Acoustic)
  • Owners:
  • Capacity: 150?
  • Nearest Station: London Bridge
  • Website: http://www.cecilslondon.com/
  • Contact:

Cecil's is another of London hidden music venue gems. Located in a basement of an old tea warehouse, a short walk from London Bridge Station, it is a venue full of surprises. Cecil's has a fantastic vibe and hosts some great music and comedy night. The venue is designed as a 1930's Shanghai speakeasy and once inside you feel that you have been transported to the Far East in a different era. They have great cocktails and a good selection of beers. Great music, great sound and great staff.

Cecil Sharp House, Camden (London)

  • Address: Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, London. NW1 7AY
  • Music: Folk, Americana, Acoustic
  • Owners: EFDSS
  • Capacity: Kennedy Hall (500 standing or 420 Seated) and Trefusis (120 Seated)
  • Nearest Stations: Camden Town + Camden Road
  • Website: http://www.cecilsharphouse.org/csh-home
  • Contact:

Cecil Sharp House is the home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) and also the spiritual home of UK Folk music. It contains the folk music archives in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, which were collected in some cases hundreds of years ago. This is a great venue and loved by the many musicians and music fans which visit each year. The venue has three main spaces, the two biggest being Kennedy Hall and the Trefusis Room located in the basement of the building. The venue also has a very good cafe and bar.

The Bedford, Balham (London)

  • Address: 77 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HD
  • Music Type: Various
  • Capacity: ?
  • Nearest Station: Balham (Northern Line)
  • Website: http://www.thebedford.co.uk/
  • Contact:

Originally a hotel developed in the 1830's, The Bedford has been the central community hub of Balham for its entire existence. In the late sixties and seventies it was a spit and sawdust live music venue serving as a springboard for early gigs by acts including The Clash and U2.

The legendary Bedford in Balham has justifiably earned a reputation for being one of the most important and critically acclaimed venues in the country. With a passion for performance, The Bedford is dedicated to discovering, developing and promoting the very "best of the best" in emerging acts, breaking artists and established performers.

With its three floors, five bars and five function rooms, the Bedford is a large venue. They also has hosted the legendary Banana Cabaretcomedy club for over 25 years every Friday and Saturday, as well as more recently a New Acts comedy night.

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