Weekly Newsletter - w/c Monday 6 April

The city's buzzing with live music once again, and it's shaping up to be a cracking week. Whether you're after something laid-back to kick off the week or ready to dive headfirst into the weekend's offerings, there's plenty to keep your ears entertained.

This Week's Highlights

If you're looking to ease into the week with some creative energy, Monday sees Bardic Inspiration at Hyde Park Book Club, promising improvised funk, storytelling, and poetry – a sure-fire way to spark some joy. For a more traditional open mic experience, Northern Guitars is your go-to spot.

Mid-week, the vibes shift. Tuesday brings a bit of dark wave to Headrow House with Mercy Girl, perfect for those who appreciate a more atmospheric sound. If you're more into the raw energy of pop-punk, Oporto has Two Trains Left taking to the stage.

As we head towards the weekend, things really heat up. Friday is packed with options. Over at Hyde Park Book Club, you can catch ARTHANA PRESENTS: GENERATIONAL JAZZ: STROLLIN' for a diverse jazz exploration, or dive into something a bit edgier with Omerta. For a truly unmissable experience, Soweto's own BCUC are playing at Brudenell Social Club, bringing their unique blend of indigenous funk, hip-hop consciousness, and punk rock energy. And if you're feeling the call of classic rock, Let Zep are doing their thing at the same venue.

Saturday offers a bit of everything. Belgrave Music Hall welcomes the experimental sounds of saxophonist COLIN STETSON, while City Varieties hosts the smooth sounds of Imelda May. For a full-on genre immersion, The Warehouse presents A Nashville Country Music Experience. And if you're after some high-octane rockabilly and R&B, The Critones at Northern Guitars are sure to get you moving.

Sunday winds things down but not without its own unique offerings. Brudenell Social Club has Dave McCabe and The Ukrainians for a mix of solo artistry and world music. At Wharf Chambers, Ambient Leeds: Dorr promises a more introspective listening experience.

Just Announced

Looking ahead, there are some cracking new additions to the diary that are definitely worth keeping an eye on. Get ready for some serious metal as Allegaeon & Gorod are set to co-headline Boom on Saturday, 12th September 2026, with another date announced for Monday, 12th October 2026. If you're into a heavier scene, the Nithered, BuckTrout, Nicky Bray, Doberwoman lineup at Fox & Newt on Friday, 17th April 2026, sounds like a wild night of diverse rock and metal.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 18th April 2026, as The Arches Social welcomes Eszter Vida, Isaac Jo & Emily Keeble for what promises to be an interesting showcase. For those who appreciate the craft of songwriting, Luke Hart is playing at Hyde Park Book Club on Saturday, 25th April 2026, and is already drawing comparisons to folk legends.

Further into the future, get ready for some serious sonic exploration with Telepathy at Wharf Chambers on Friday, 9th October 2026, bringing their post-metal sound. And for a dose of iconic 80s ska, keep an eye out for THE SPECIALS LTD 'Gangsters' who are scheduled for two nights at Brudenell Social Club on Friday, 23rd April 2027, and Saturday, 24th April 2027.

This is just a taste of what's on offer, so get out there, explore, and support our incredible local venues and artists. They're the heart of Leeds' music scene!