NEWLY-LAUNCHED Barrow venue THE LAB – Live Arts Basement is set to launch a unique open mic-style “jam club” this weekend.
CO:LAB arrives at the Dalton Road bar and night spot this Friday and Saturday evening, introducing a new live music concept to South Cumbria.
Running from 9pm to 2am on both evenings, the free event will invite musicians of all abilities to take to the stage to perform live. The genre and style of music will be determined in advance via an online poll, and the “interactive playlist” will feature personal selections from those in attendance.
Venue manager Dan Payne said: “I’m really excited about bringing CO:LAB to Barrow – I truly believe there’s nothing else like it around here.
“It’s a chance for musicians to join like-minded people in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and provide some great entertainment in the process.
“The beauty of it is that it will be a different genre each time, and everyone gets a say in what songs will be played. I hope that people really engage with this new and unique concept and that it helps to establish THE LAB as a local hub of creativity.”
THE LAB – Live Arts Basement opened its doors last month and has already welcomed renowned acts such as Atomic Brass and Jon Byrne to its atmospheric and intimate underground venue, situated underneath the Townhouse 211 bar and restaurant.
With a programme of fortnightly concerts already announced, this new programme of CO:LAB events will fill the gap in the schedule on the alternate Friday and Saturday nights.
An online poll is up and running now on THE LAB – Live Arts Basement Facebook page, where you can vote on what genres you would like the first two events to cover, with the results announced at the venue’s Thursday open mic nights.
Requests for the playlist will be added to on the night by both musicians and audience members, and there is no need to register to play in advance – just turn up with your instrument and any leads you need. A drum kit will be available, with a drummer available by request, and the venue will also provide safe storage for your equipment.
“We’ve already had a great response for our live music events so far,” added Mr Payne, “hopefully CO:LAB will be equally well-received.
“We want it to be welcoming and accessible, and the plan is to cover just about every genre imaginable over the coming weeks.
“Whether you are coming to collaborate or just to watch, it really should offer something for everyone.”
CO:LAB launches at THE LAB – Live Arts Basement this Friday and Saturday night, from 9pm to 2am. Entrance is free and more information is available at the venue’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LAB.Live.Arts.Basement/
September live events at THE LAB – Live Arts Basement
- Thu 12 – Open mic with Beckah and Kieran
- Fri 13 – CO:LAB 1
- Sat 14 – CO:LAB 2
- Thu 19 – Open mic with Beckah and Kieran
- Fri 20 – Folk Night feat. Paddy & Beak/Foragers/Chris Butler
- Sat 21 – King Eider/Paper Cranes
- Thu 26 – Open Mic
- Fri 27 – CO:LAB 3
- Sat 28 – CO:LAB 4
