In 2017, Mark Watson – a man prone to considerable anxiety, with multiple phobias and a history of piss-poor self-esteem – was asked to go on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls. It really wasn’t for him at all because his favourite things include safety, comfort, food and not being scared and miserable. But the experience changed the shambolic comedian for the better, and now he’s written a sort of motivational talk about what it taught him. But still with jokes.

Richard Dawson, the black-humoured bard of Newcastle, returns to York with his band and his 6th record, 2020, an utterly contemporary state-of-the- nation study, that uncovers an equally tumultuous and even bleaker time. Here is an island country in a state of flux; a society on the edge of mental meltdown. This is England today.

An evening of mind melting animation, featuring Salad Fingers creator David Firth, featuring all 11 episodes of Salad Fingers followed by a Q&A with David after the movie.

**This show is rescheduled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. The show will now take place on Jan. 15th 2021 – AT THE FULFORD ARMS.
This is now a Aurelio Voltaire headline show and any other acts will be confirmed nearer the time.**

We’re very disappointed to tell you this show has been cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Refunds are available from your point of purchase.
Fingers crossed they do a 12th anniversary tour!!!

With ambient 80s-inspired big hooks, silky vocals and earworm riffs, York four piece Talk More may be fresh off the blocks, but in a short time they have created quite the buzz.

This show has been cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Refunds are available from your point of purchase. We’re very hopeful Boy Azooga will make it to The Crescent in York at another time.

This show is cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Refunds are also available from your point of purchase.

This show is cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Refunds are also available from your point of purchase.

This show is cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Refunds are also available from your point of purchase.

A DJ who dares to play something different: irresistible dance music from around Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America – Soukouss to Salsa, Roots Reggae to Rai, Soca to South African Township Jive.

**This show is now cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Refunds available from your point of purchase.**

*’This show is now cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Refunds available from your point of purchase.**

*’This show is now cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Refunds available from your point of purchase.**

**’This show is now cancelled due to governmental social distancing measures put in place to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Refunds available from your point of purchase.**

The hotly tipped post-punk, disco-funk phenomenon Squid visit York for the first time in March!
This will be buzzin.

The Haçienda, Manchester & beyond – Dave Haslam discusses his life and career as a DJ and writer.

Mathematician-turned-World-Slam-Champion Harry Baker turns 10,000 days old, celebrating numbers, words and life itself.

Glaswegian garage-rock party band Sweaty Palms return to York with equally hot supports.

Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winner Bella Gaffney (guitar, vocals) and acclaimed mandolin player Polly Bolton came together last year, fusing Celtic folk with bluegrass in an exciting new collaboration. Joined by Sarah Smout (cello) and Holly Brandon (fiddle) for 2019, this all-female four-piece is already establishing a fearsome reputation for their glittering live shows, onstage rapport and genre-busting original and traditional material.

A trio of excellent, leftfield, folky songwriters from Yorkshire.

York indie rock quartet Skylights return to headline The Crescent in February. Early ticket purchase recommended!

Four young York bands join forces to throw you a party in The Crescent.

Portico Quartet are modern pioneers, mixing jazz, electronica and more into five heady, spacious records for Ninja Tune, Real World and now Gondwana Records.

A shining light in York’s live music scene for the last couple of years, singer Bonnie Milnes has assembled a fab cast of musicians to back her country-ish pop songs.

As one of the brightest lights in British alternative folk music, Irish siblings Ye Vagabonds have stormed the years awards polls after the release of their second record, The Hare’s Lament.

The rightful King of Scotland Taylor Stewart AKA Romeo Taylor AKA T.S Lancelot is playing in York at The Crescent on Sunday 16th February.

His strange stories unfold with reckless abandon upon an idiosyncratic Guitar and Foot Tambourine accompaniment, influenced as much by the avant-garde as music from the middle ages and his home place in rural Ireland.

Join us in the Crescent’s front bar for York’s queer party ‘I Touch Roses’. DJ Gay Abandon will press play on a grab-bag of tunes from pop and disco to dance, alt, indie and whatever else takes his fancy. Whatever your relationship status bring your dancing shoes and best queer Valentine’s eleganza!!

The evening will see bands from across York compete to be crowned Band Band 2019. Musicians from the city’s secondary schools will perform a mix of covers and original songs.

Two-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Gill Landry, returns to York in February celebrating the release of his fifth record. Landry was originally from Louisiana and started out as a busker on the streets of New Orleans before becoming a contributing member of the band Old Crow Medicine Show with whom he recorded 4 albums and toured from 2004 to 2014.

The Greatest Rock N Roll Band In The World – in their third decade – surely has nothing left to prove but here they are with a resounding SUCK IT!

At the end of February, 8 members of NYBB will fly out to Rio to spend 10 days working with Favela Brass. They will take with them a stock of new instruments and Stu our sax player take his repair kit from his workshop. The Sunday afternoon family gig at The Crescent on 9th February is a fundraiser for Favela Brass.

The gang return with the sounds of Paul Simon’s classic album, as re-created by Gary Stewart (Hope & Social/Rosie Doonan) and his talented band. Expect the infectious South African rhythms and melodies of these timeless songs.

Parker Lee has been built around their debut album, “if you’re not serious, don’t say it”, released independently in June 2019. This first outing is an 8-track forgiveness rock record, produced by their resident renaissance woman Annie Prior and taking production and composition cues from Dinosaur Jr., Mitski, and Death Cab For Cutie.

The Arts Barge are bringing together their community big band Bargestra, gorgeous vocal duo We Are Hannah, The Arts Barge Little Blind Tiger Dance Band and the young and brand new Grapefruit Eyes for your pleasure on Sunday 2nd Feb!

Ooof! A hot-as-it-gets, tasty Independent Venue Week treat involving post-punk and weirdo-indie bands.
Rejoice!

Renowned for an action-packed pyrotechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, LIMEHOUSE LIZZY continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and Thin Lizzy alive.

Blues-rocker Oli Brown returns to The Crescent with his band. They’ve previously toured with John Mayall, Walter Trout and Robben Ford amongst others.

The first gig promoted by the With Just A Hint Of Mayhem blog promises to be a proper banging night with some of York’s finest young bands The Receivers, My Wonderful Daze + Lost Trends. All proceeds go to fab York charity SASH who work to reduce youth homelessness.

Miles and The Chain Gang mix influences from new wave, soul, pop and country to create an energetic, emotive hybrid of music. Fans of Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young will find much to enjoy in the band’s original material. Expect good hooks, plenty of soul and a nod to Christmas.

Kavus Torabi, Michael York and Steve Davis have fused Modular Synthesisers with conventional and traditional instruments to create a weird and joyous celebration of all that is good about left field psychedelic music.

Counted amongst the top 100 best prog bands of all time, their musical palette is diverse. and while they draw on influences from the golden age of seventies’ rock, they have developed their own unique sound and style that both captures some of the essence of that heady era and yet looks forward into the future.

The Howl & The Hum celebrate another great year with a party at The Crescent with their mates.
On sale now!

Glass Caves started out busking relentlessly on the streets of York and have now gone on to play many major UK festivals and built a loyal fanbase nationwide. Early ticket purchase recommended!

Hot young punk trio Lady Bird are the first band to sign on Slaves’ record label. They’ve just finished a tour with the duo and in the spring completed a nine date headline tour of their own in which every date sold out!

The year 2019 marks ten whole years since Blackbeard’s Tea Party first appeared. We know it’s amazing to think we’ve been doing this since we were 12 years old…! We’re delighted to still be here, rabble rousing and getting people dancing. To celebrate we’re embarking on a tour this Autumn and Winter. It would be wonderful to see plenty of you there!

Charismatic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman recorded and released acclaimed, ninth solo album The Well Worn Path on a short break from his whirlwind world tour with rock legend Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters in 2018. Seth has been touring around the world for the last year with Robert Plant, playing as part of his band and also opening shows with his own set.

Bruni return to York with their mesmerising blend of acoustic Scandinavian folk and traditional dance tunes from across Europe with ethereal vocal harmonies and an unstoppable beat.

Legendary punk-folk heroes The Men They Couldn’t Hang make a long awaited return to York and we’re delight.
Get yer ticket quick!

This rum-soaked sextet have run rampant across the UK, and further afield, since 2009. They raise hell and erase purgatory, a whirling dervish of guitars, folk and dancing. 2019’s The Story Is… embraces pop, new wave, even disco while telling stories from fears of living above an arsonist to Hawaii’s 38-minute missile warning – it’s an enchanting flick through tales told in their own inimitable fashion, and very much the Skinny we know and love.

The NYC dance-punk lifers have been chronicling the perpetual meltdown that is American society for nearly 20 years now, from the clattering full-band thrust of their instantly iconic 2003 single “Me and Giuliani Down by the Schoolyard (A True Story)” to the dark disco of 2017’s wonderfully eclectic Shake the Shudder.

Legendary psychobilly outfit King Kurt come to The Crescent for the first time in November!
Support from fine York garage rock duo Snakerattlers.

Massive party at The Crescent in November with Dub Pistols!
Come and help Barry Ashworth and his merry gang of outlaw reprobates celebrate their new album Addict in a brand new venue for them in November. There is talk of a band a documentary and their launching their own festival as 2019 looks to be a massive year.

A member of Kraftwerk during the group’s golden era, Wolfgang Flur was the band’s electronic percussionist from 1973 to 1987 replacing a drum machine.

And finally, Brian Christinzio brings his BC Camplight to York on the back of their most successful release yet, 2018’s gloomy pop opus Deportation Blues.

Warning! Danger! High Voltage! They want to take you to a gay bar, gay bar, GAY BAR…Back once more in York for your annual dose of the Electric Six raucous, funny, slicked-back pop juggernaut. Utterly joyous. And who the heck else other than Detroit’s Electric Six can write about their favourite cleaning fluid, the joys of being a graphic designer – or just Switzerland?

Yazz Ahmed is a British-Bahraini trumpet player and composer who seeks to blur the lines between jazz, electronic sound design, bringing together the sounds of her mixed heritage. Her music has been described as ‘psychedelic Arabic jazz, intoxicating and compelling’. This will be a rare occasion to experience Yazz’s new album, Polyhymnia, performed live in its entirety, by a 12-piece ensemble, featuring musicians from her Hafla band, players from the album and friends.

Sheffield singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan released Today Was a Good Day in 2019, her fifth album since arriving on the national scene in a hurry during the X-Factor in 2012.

One of the founding members of The Beta Band, Steve has also recorded under the names of King Biscuit Time and Black Affair and since 2010 has released three acclaimed solo albums under his own name including his latest, ‘About the Light’ in March. A very rare opportunity to catch Steve with his trio in York!

Music4Charity is a not for profit community of songwriters, producers & musicians. We create music together to help raise funding and awareness to support mental health charities. The Sound Minds album is being released on 1st November this year.

Skerryvore return to The Crescent in November after a sellout date on their boundary pushing EVO Tour.
Two time winners of the Live Act Of the Year at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards, this eight-piece whip up a pipe and fiddle led dance party like no other!

Holy Moly & The Crackers make riotous party music for the masses. Their third album, ‘Take A Bite’, is concise, passionate take on folk, blues and indie rock. The sound of a band who have been searching and experimenting for several years; arriving at a place where they can say “this who we are and this is where we want to go”.

If you made your way out of Whale City with your faculties intact, this one’s for you. Clams Baker, Lightnin’ Jack Everett, Mr Salt Fingers Lovecraft and The Witherer have been joined by Quicksand on cutting board and cheese wire and commis chef Cheeks on vibes. They’ve been cooking. Michelin stars. The finest ingredients money can buy: Kool Keith and Iggy Pop. Funk, punk, hip-hop and lounge rock. Love is real.

The year 2019 marks ten whole years since Blackbeard’s Tea Party first appeared. We know it’s amazing to think we’ve been doing this since we were 12 years old…! We’re delighted to still be here, rabble rousing and getting people dancing. To celebrate we’re embarking on a tour this Autumn and Winter. It would be wonderful to see plenty of you there!

LIVE TECHNO meets PUNK with AUDIOVISUALS. NOT for the FAINT HEARTED.
Scalping are a Bristol outfit formed in 2017 through a love of their hometown’s visionary off-the-wall dance music and full throttle noise and punk.

Yorkshire ​outfit​ POLO might hail from Leeds, but the ​band’s glacial atmospherics and lush, r’n’b-tinged pop are an ethereal world away from the spit’n’sawdust DIY scene that the city’s best known for.

UK guitarist Kris Barras is known for his high-energy hybrid of no-nonsense rock, blues and country. Winners of ‘best new band’ in the 2018 planet rock awards, The Kris Barras Band have become one of the UK’s fastest rising acts.

Rozi Plain brings her band back to The Crescent after the release of a quite wonderful fourth album in April this year. And we’re delighted!

Following on from the amazing success of their label launch gig at Fibbers in May, Vinyl Eddie Records continue their support of young local talent by presenting a superb bill of some of the best bands around at the moment at the Crescent on Friday 18th October.

This show replaces the planned engagement with Sarathy Korwar who has unfortunately had to cancel. Vipertime are so good however that we figure a way of getting them to pop over anyway. It’s three quid and it’s a bargain. We also get to welcome new York-based 11-piece fusion outfit Jabberwocky Orkest to The Crescent floor for the first time.

Due to a scheduling conflict this show is now cancelled. Sorry everyone. Refunds are available from your point of purchase.
Hopefully we’ll have a new date in the spring.

HENGE is a band of extra-terrestrials that bring with them the sacred sounds of Cosmic Dross – a musical form known in other parts of the universe that has, until now, never been heard on Planet Earth. There are no human words to adequately describe the Cosmic Dross experience.

The AMAZING She Drew the Gun return to York in October!

**This event is now SOLD OUT**
Now settled in fertile east London, Snapped Ankles maintain the feral energy of the forest. Fight or flight. Primal motorik rhythms, the rush of white noise and post-punk angles; an aural onslaught played out on homemade log synths, electrified guitars and sticks beating hell on taut animal skin.

Their work, from their earliest performances as a psychedelic band who were contemporaries of, and shared stages with, Syd Barrett’s Pink Floyd and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, all the way to being one of Europe’s best known ‘fusion’ groups, has influenced several generations of bands, and continues to be name-checked by today’s hip experimentalists.

Come and celebrate The Strawbs 50th Anniversary with Dave Cousins alongside longtime band members lead guitarist Dave Lambert and the astonishingly versatile Chas Cronk, who together formed the front line of the classic 1970s Strawbs.

**RESCHEDULED DATE** and **SOLD OUT!**
Powerful Irish post-punk band The Murder Capital are a blistering live band who’ve already more than held their own on stages opening for big hitters IDLES, Fontaines DC, Slaves and Shame. Their debut album has been gathering rave reviews across the board.

As a drummer, composer or artist, Richard Spaven is one of the world’s most exciting and genre-defying. His career has seen him play for many of music’s most innovative artists both on stage and in the studio: Jose James, Flying Lotus, The Cinematic Orchestra, Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Gregory Porter to name but a few.

Savage Mansion AKA Glasgow-based purveyor of scuzzy slacker guitar pop Craig Angus released his debut album ‘Revision Ballads’ earlier this year on Lost Map Records.

Legendary former Amen Corner singer and guitar player for the stars, including stints alongside Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Bill Wyman, Andy Fairweather-Low brings his band to The Crescent in September!

Before it touches your lips prepare your chakras for total combustion. The Sweet Berry Elixir is here and is ready to share with you their unique brand of psychedelic carnival folk. Fronted by Yorks very own curly haired busker, Charlie Swainston, and featuring an elite assortment of multi talented musicians.

The modern-day leaders of Ghanaian highlife music are back!
Theri new album ‘Obiaa!’ is a deep and soulful journey into the heart of Ghana’s indigenous highlife music celebrating the timeless and iconic voice of Pat Thomas, the 72 year-old “Golden Voice of Africa”.

Multi-award winning Korean indie-pop band Say Sue Me pop back to the UK for a handful of autumn dates to finish another fine year gathering loads of new fans including new friends The Beths, Yo La Tengo, The Ravonettes and Snail Mail!

Two legendary names on the British folk and acoustic music scene share this very special evening in tribute to Roland Walls, who was the lead organiser of York’s award winning Black Swan Folk Club for over 30 years, promoting many hundreds of shows in that time.

A charity live music event showcasing the talent of York’s railway community, featuring Limited Edition, The Cable Thieves, Vintage, The 102’s and Kan O Wurmz! Running order tbc.

Encouraging The Loony is a highly unique instrumental duo featuring Karl Mullen on piano and Neil Scott on drums. Focussing heavily on entertainment, high level musicianship, and improvisation, the band gleefully reimagine and combine anything and everything from the worlds of pop, rock, jazz, blues, reggae, and classical music.

Man founded in 1968 are a much loved “progressive” rock band formed in Wales. Sometimes called the UK equivalent of the “Grateful Dead” due to their ability to go into spontaneous “jam” sessions. The band are currently working on their latest album at The Coachhouse Studio in Hesdin, France.

The Furrow Collective is an English/Scottish band consisting of four talented and individually prominent performers: Lucy Farrell (viola, voice & saw), Rachel Newton (harp, fiddle, voice), Emily Portman (banjo, concertina, voice) and Alasdair Roberts (guitars, voice).

Dan Webster plays an accessible mix of Folk/Americana and has been building loyal fanbase ever since breakthrough album ‘Diamond Land’ featured on the likes of Hollyoaks, BBC Radio 2 and BBC 1. They finish the summer with a home town show at The Crescent!

Lockeland is straight-up contemporary country with a throwback twist; the trio’s blend of talents complement one another to “go down smooth” naturally and instinctively. The group’s polished, easy-does-it dynamics, intricate three-part harmonies and simplistic, meaningful storylines are its signature.

Auger are very excited to return for a 3rd show in York, after previous storming shows in the City at both Fibbers & The Fulford. Support is from Momento Mori UK & Rain Children.

A fantastic triple bill. Charlie Parr returns and this time he’s hooked up with JD Wilkes of the Legendary Shack Shakers and local legend Boss Caine to bring the house right down. This is our kind of party!

Ravin’ Rascals in the new family-friendly event hitting York this summer, providing the ultimate rave experience for children and parents alike!

We’re delighted to welcome back this charismatic Scottish pair. Aidan Moffat’s deadpan delivery and humourous poetry has been instantly recognisable ever since Arab Strap emerged in the mid-nineties. Aidan has teamed up with (fellow SAY Award winner and) percussive guitarist RM Hubbert a few times over the years and recorded two excellent albums.

One of our favourite young singer-songwriters, Kitty VR is throwing a big party here in August to launch her new EP ‘All In Her Head’ with a bunch of special guests!

This House Is Haunted are a three piece from York. Zak, Dom and Jenn blend influences from early post-hardcore and metal with influences from Thrice, Alexisonfire and Deftones alongside narratively styled instrumental bands such as Mew, Mogwai and Explosions In The Sky.

Tiny Ruins are a band based in Auckland, New Zealand. Conceived in 2009 by songwriter Hollie Fullbrook to describe her solo output, the group now includes Cass Basil on bass, Alex Freer on drums & Tom Healy on electric guitar. Traversing early influences of folk and blues, Tiny Ruins’ sound draws on ethereal and grungy soundscapes alike.

Imarhan’s tender, soulful, intense vision of a genre of music that was already flooded with talent and exposure still managed to float to the top and be heralded as a pivotal record of the “New Wave Of Tuareg Music”. Record two is a huge leap forward, whereas their debut was anchored in the meditative desert blues tradition, Temet blows clear of any such notions, finding bounce and drive by stirring their sound with funk, fuzz, disco and rock.

FOXHΛUNT are an alternative rock band from York, UK. They infuse traditional British sounds with a unique spin on alt-rock, with influence from Alexisonfire, Linkin Park & Don Broco.

Sam Oliver is a York Based Singer songwriter, he has been playing in bands in York since 2011. Earlier in the year with the help from Young Thugs Studios he recorded his first solo EP. Sam creates dreamy post-pop whilst dipping into psychedelic sounds derived and inspired by his past bands.

A full local billing of some of the great local talent that York has to offer with Flooded taking on another headliner this time at The Crescent. Their youthful indie pop sound which is catchy and toe tappingly great.

Coldharbourstores are a dreamy pop band from London who formed in 1998. Their fourth album Vista was recorded and produced by Bark Psychosis legend Graham Sutton and has just been released on Enraptured.

Three very fun bands from Amsterdam, Glasgow and Manchester plus added Blood’s BAD BABY bingo.

Brooklyn Brewery deliver the goods with their first foray into rock’n’roll in York.
Sunflower Bean are veterans of the Brooklyn DIY scene, drawing from a wild myriad of rugged lo-fi sounds, psychedelia and hypnotic rock riffs.

Yama Warashi, meaning small child like mountain spirit, are a Bristol based art rock ensemble fronted by Zun Zun Egui’s Yoshino Shigihara. Inspired by Japanese folk dance, free jazz, tribal African music and heavily saturated in psychedelia. Lyrically outlandish and charming, melodically addictive and mythical.

This show has now been cancelled and full refunds are available from your point of purchase. If you’re struggling with that drop us an email via our contact page.

The Stroppies are a four piece guitar-pop band from Melbourne, Australia. Their new album on Tough Love Records recalls the classic eighties Flying Nun jangle-punk of The Clean and The Verlaines; and college rock silliness of Guided By Voices and Pavement.

Join us as we celebrate the launch of York Music Forum Jazz Orchestra’s new album ‘Mist and Reflection.’
The band will play two sets and you’ll have the chance to get your hands on the first copies of the CD!

Brainchild of the Guitarist Al Morrison, (New York Brass Band) The Blues Experience went from a tribute to BB King Band to a original group with its own sound.

The Band is a 10 piece and features, Horns, Guitar and sweet harmonised vocals!

The Band started in 2008 at the Hull Jazz Festival and has played all over the UK, bringing back the Guitar and Horn led Blues popular in the 1960’s.

The gig will feature original tunes and covers by John Mayer, Cream, BB King, Albert King and Ray Charles.

North Yorkshire pop-soul singer John Newman is coming to play a very intimate show at The Crescent. Famous for his number one hit ‘Love Me Again’ as well as working alongside big hitters Rudimental and Calvin Harris. John presents The Out Of The Blue Tour with a special stripped back performance.

An evening of jazz from York Jazz Initiative’s three ensembles: Big Band, Jazz Choir and Jazz Initial.
We promise fun, flair and a bit of funk!

Chechelos is Argentina’s latest popular music revelation. The cello duo that nationalized the instrument and built a bridge between traditional Peñas and theatre.

Black Rose Events bring us a triple bill of dark, alternative rock headlined by Bad Pollyanna.

Say Owt brings you an opportunity to catch this hugely popular poet in The Crescent. Hollie was the winner of the Poetry Society’s Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry in 2016 and counts Kate Tempest, Pink, Tim Minchin and Benjamin Zephaniah among her fans.

Parker Lee launch their debut album, “if you’re not serious, don’t say it” at the Crescent with a little help from their friends. Indie rock, post-punk, alt-folk genius and an ex-Soul Candy/Black Box DJ to follow – we’ve got what you need, baybee.

After our highly entertaining Mark Wynn & Mark Wynn show in February, we’re very pleased to be able to tell you were all at it again in June. Whilst likely to have some similarities to that grand display, there will definitely be no Timmy The Tiger.

Counted amongst the top 100 best prog bands of all time, their musical palette is diverse. and while they draw on influences from the golden age of seventies’ rock, they have developed their own unique sound and style that both captures some of the essence of that heady era and yet looks forward into the future.

Let off some steam and get wavey at The Crescent’s SUBMERGE. Our underwater-themed evening will showcase some of the best up-and-coming student artists in York.

Kris Drever, Martin Green and Aidan O’Rourke formed Lau in 2005. A band steeped in traditional Scottish music but with an artistry unwilling to be confined by that. Lau are now four time winners of Best Group at the BBC Folk Awards, they’re new album, recorded by John Parrish arrives next month.

Damon on acoustic guitar, Naomi on keyboard, the two of them alternating lead vocals and singing together in harmony. These duo shows are a stripped back, direct expression of their songs that they have travelled with around the world. Join them for an intimate 21st century evening of song.

Fusing slinky underground disco, deep electronic throbs, shimmering pop moments; this is dance music with a voice, a heart, and soul.

With one of the best live dance music shows on the planet, Crazy P have been leaving their mark on the landscape of British dance music for the last 15 years.

Traditional songs and tunes are given a heavy rock edge with earth shattering riffs, playful arrangements and driving dance rhythms. Blackbeard’s Tea Party believe a live music show should be a spectacle for the eyes as well as the ears. Outlandish outfits, costume changes, DIY props, unhinged stage antics and chaotic choreography all add up to an engaging, high-octane show that frequently leaves audiences cheering for more.

A special co-headline show from two top-of-their game Americana bands.

A fuzz filled trio of rock’n’roll delights from up and down the A64. Heady garage-punk for all the family brought to you by Trash City. Ace.

Delighted to welcome back explosive London quintet PYJÆN to York, fresh with a debut album, and off the back of sellout shows at prestigious venues like Jazz Cafe and Ronnie Scotts, as well as sessions for Worldwide FM.

A firm favourite of EVERYONE here at The Crescent, Amy May Ellis is getting the band back together for a tour in support of her new EP ‘We Got Fire’. A recent invite to one of the worlds largest emerging band showcases, The Great Escape Festival and a live session for Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music will hopefully help a bit more of the world hear this ace singer-songwriter. Top supports too!

Acts include Charlotte Hall, Kraken, and The Vanity Project, with a DJ set from Qwirk to close.

Hot on the heels of a breakthrough year, Bristol based electronic jazz outfit Ishmael Ensemble hit the road for their first official U.K. tour. Ishmael formerly released amazing house records through labels like Church and Wolf Music, and we are really excited to see what the new live band looks like in action! Teasers in the comments.

A Montreal-born Grenadian-Canadian, Kaia’s old-time banjo skills, jazz-fueled voice and deft song craft have garnered acclaim from NPR, CBC, Rolling Stone, BBC Music, and No Depression. Her 2016 release Nine Pin won a Canadian Folk Music Award and sent her on an 18-month touring journey from Ireland to Iowa. Kaia has just released her brilliant new album ‘Greanades’.

A great quartet of York based noise to put a grin on yer mush including the super-smooth styling of The Plastic Palm Trees. Fun.

Robyn Hitchcock is one of England’s most enduring contemporary singer/songwriters and live performers. A surrealist poet, talented guitarist, cult artist and musician’s musician. Since founding the art-rock band The Soft Boys in 1976, Robyn has recorded more than 20 albums. Blending folk and psychedelia with a wry British nihilism, Robyn describes his songs as ‘paintings you can listen to’.

Something special happened to Pip Blom at the tail end of last year. It was a busy twelve months that saw the release of her frenetic EP ‘Paycheck’, two A-Listed singles at 6 Music and support slots to the likes of The Breeders, Franz Ferdinand and Garbage. Capping that off, though, moments before stepping onstage at a sold out Lexington – the London stop-off on her debut UK headline tour – the band put pen to paper and signed to Heavenly Recordings.

Honeyblood’s third album sees Stina Tweeddale finding her most ambitious form and steely focus yet. Three albums in she has stepped forward to finally claim the mantle of the project she birthed seven years ago as a her sole vision. Stina takes the reigns in collaboration with super-producer John Congleton (Angel Olsen, St Vincent) for the most definitive Honeyblood LP to date.

We’re delighted to be hosting another performance poetry evening curated by York based promoters Say Owt. Jess Green is the 2018 BBC Slam Champion and her poem, Dear Mr Gove, has clocked up over 330,000 views.

Tenderlonious led jazz quartet Ruby Rushton and their 22a imprint have been at the forefront of the UK jazz scene since the release of their debut album ‘Two For Joy’ back in 2015. They followed that up in in 2017, with two albums — ‘Trudi’s Songbook: Volume One’ & ‘Trudi’s Songbook: Volume Two.’ Both albums were met with mass acclaim receiving award nominations and regular airtime from Gilles Peterson, Jazz FM, BBC Radio 6 and many more.

Started as the so called “Krautrock Guerrilla” in 2012, six years later the Berlin combo Camera are releasing their fourth full-length album. Customarily associated with the likes of NEU! and La Düsseldorf it is time to allow Camera to break free of the krautrock tradition and accept that they are very much doing their own thing now. Motto: “It’s not repetition, it’s discipline”

2017 was a terrific year for the red-hot Uxbridge based Bloxx – who arrived ferociously at the tail-end of the summer, with boundless energy and a fresh new charge of grunge-pop that the world was very ready for.

The return!!
NYBB pack a powerful punch of relentless drums, rumbling tuba and wailing horns… nothing kicks a party into gear like the sound of a smokin’ New Orleans Mardi Gras Jazz Band

Another cracker to look forward to in April when one man electro-psych machine brings his TVAM project to York for the first time after the release of debut album Psychic Data. ‘Hazy psychodramatic atmosphere that brings to mind proto-electro punks Suicide, the swaying noise of MBV, and the brooding nostalgia of Boards Of Canada. Quite simply this is a superb debut album’
Piccadilly Records (#5 Album Of The Year)

A truly singular talent, David Thomas Broughton is coming to The Crescent in April to play a solo show for new promoters Wildfowl. We know this will be an inspiring and unforgettable evening because all DTB gigs are. Do not miss.

Two of the finest singers to come out of the UK folk scene in the last 15 years have joined forces to record a brand new duo album. Recorded at Kate Rusby’s legendary Pure Records studio and produced by musical maestro Damien O’Kane, the album contains a dynamic mixture of revamped traditional material and brand new original songs, and promises to be one of the most exciting records of 2019.

We welcome a new all day event to The Crescent in April with ten blues bands from across the region coming to play from 1pm onwards.

A triumphant return to The Crescent for York four-piece The Howl & The Hum after they spent 2018 busily touring, writing and recording in preparation for the release of their debut album. It’s not here yet, but it’s coming!

Tugboat Captain are a rotating crew of friends and family – recording, rehearsing and releasing music out of a terraced house in South London. The band have spent the last year gathering attention across the DIY Pop community through their relentless touring, homemade videos and bittersweet pop songs.

The Crescent and Please Please You proudly present Michael Chapman, with a full band featuring Bridget St. Cole, BJ Cole and Sarah Smout, who all feature on his newest album True North.

The infamous Haggis Horns hardly need any introduction, having been at the forefront of the UK funk scene since they came to our attention on the legendary album “Keb Darge Presents The New Mastersounds”. They have four funk-fuelled albums under their belt and they have been rocking crowds the world over for years winning fans with their distinctive northern funk sound combining ass-shaking breakbeats, afrobeat, soul and hip-hop.

We’re working alongside Leeds’ finest venue to promote a show for Benjamin Francis Leftwich in YORK MINSTER.
Tickets are on sale from us on Friday.

Oli has never lost the love of the Blues or his appreciation of the Blues fans that have supported him over the years. He has been enjoying the Blues gigs this year so here we have one more! Don’t miss the opportunity to see this young singer, songwriter and stunning guitarist.

The Wave Pictures return with the promised second album of the year, Look Inside Your Heart – a warm, joyous record celebrating friendship, happiness and drunken party times.

The evening will see bands from across York compete to be crowned Best Band 2019. Musicians from the city’s secondary schools will perform a mix of covers and original songs.

Indie folk-pop band Pelico, return with The World Turns, their first release in 4 years. This experienced outfit from York are regularly found playing venues and festivals across the UK, supporting the likes of Roddy Woomble (Idlewild) and more recently John Bramwell (I Am Kloot) and have also featured on Tom Robinson’s BBC 6 Music show as a highlighted band.

Crossfire Eagles are a Sheffield indie rock band who play a mix of covers and original music

Joe Solo is Scarboro’s answer to Woody Guthrie playing self penned protest songs with passion and a Billy Bragg like commitment

A Joker Among Thieves are a tuneful, riffy heavy rock band from South Yorks

All three are playing to benefit York Stand up to Racism and our campaign fund which is needed now more than ever in the face of a rising threat from the far right and racist groups across Europe.

The Orielles are back in York and have grown another member!
2018 has been some year for The Orielles. Having started it as one of the most talked about new band’s in the U.K. they delivered on the hype thanks to a much acclaimed debut album, Silver Dollar Moment in Feb and their breathtaking live show which saw them sell-out increasingly large venues across the U.K and play festivals from Latitude to Camp Bestival and End of the Road.

Ouroboros is delighted to welcome Kel Assouf to York. Stoner desert rock from the Sahara: a political Queens of the Stone Age meets Tinariwen. A very different kind of show for us, should be a lot of fun! Support comes from local psychedelic heroes Soma Crew.

Canadian traditionalist Sarah Jane Scouten returns to York on the back of releasing her third album When the Bloom Falls From the Rose. Ranging in style from classic honky tonk to indie-folk rock, Scouten has developed a big, lush sound on the album, coming into her own as a songwriter and performer, drawing from such modern approaches to country music as Sturgill Simpson and Emmylou Harris’ iconic album Wrecking Ball.

A great triple bill of left-of-centre sounds curated by Please Please You. Slacker garage-rock types Cowgirl headline, J Fernandez and his band are over from Chicago performing their offbeat, bedroom pop to Wild Nothing’s crowd most of the month and a rare solo show from Middle Child singer Rory Welbrock kicks things off. Class stuff all round and only a fiver.

Miles and the Chain Gang take their cues from songwriters such as Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and Neil Young. Add in a touch of country, some new wave influences and a pinch of classic soul, and you have a potent mixture. These are great songs, well delivered with punch and considerable heart. The band includes songwriter and poet Miles Salter (vocals, guitar), Tim Bruce (bass) and Billy Hickling (percussion).

Kate Peters and her Quintet come to The Crescent for a special Valentines show.

Following up her sell out Ella Fitzgerald Big Band show back in December, this is set to be a lovely evening. Expect fun, funky and jazzy takes on some classic numbers!

RAVELINGS OF EARTH, REBEL!

ABSORB THE MUTATED FREQUENCIES OF COSMIC DROSS.
THERE ARE NO EARTH WORDS TO DESCRIBE THESE SOUNDS.
BUT YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO LOVE AND DANCE AGAIN.
THIS IS YOUR FUTURE. PUT DOWN THE WEAPONS.

UNITE. AND COLONISE SPACE.

8th February 2019 will see the release of Rachel’s long awaited 1st studio album named Hours Awake, a collection of Rachel’s very first eleven songs written between 2014 and 2017. The album has been co-produced by Rachel herself and Dan Webster. The launch party held at the Crescent will be the very first live performance of Rachel’s original music as a band.

A prolific songwriter for nearly twenty years, Laura Veirs proves the depth of her musical skill on her tenth solo album, The Lookout., released by Bella Union earlier this year. Working alongside Grammy winning producer Tucker Martine, Veirs also roped in the talents of Jim James and Sufjan Stevens.

NEON AND THE DEONS (Rotterdam) fuse jazz, electronics and a party vibe to explosive effect…

A cosmic jazz rave! Support is a special set from VHB (Vanbrugh House Band)… Only 5 quid for this!

Tim Burgess, best known as lead singer of The Charlatans, has also recorded three solo albums and one collaboration album with Peter Gordon. He’s bringing his band The Anytime Minutes to play an intimate show in The Crescent as part of Independent Venue Week on Feb 3rd.

Whether he be ragging his guitar, delivering a dead-pan rant, dancing along to classic rock on his mobile cassette player, dancing around to himself playing on his mobile cassette recorder, draping himself over a wheelie bin, dancing around a mop bucket or humping a monitor speaker – a Mark Wynn show is generally an unforgettable experience.

A special charity show supporting Karl Mullen’s mission to take a digital piano to the school he is visiting in Ethiopia! There will be a raffle, special guests and more! This gig is part of Independent Venue Week at The Crescent.

Come and drink away the January blues with Dan Webster and his cracking band.
‘Dan Webster played an impressive set at Maverick… performing under his name a permanent band… well honed, the mandolin of Polly Bolton, violin of Emily Lawler and cello of Rachel Brown weaving interesting lines and counter melodies… incorporates British and Celtic Folk and bluegrass but also draws on Springsteen…’ Country Music People Magazine

Kieff are a band from the Netherlands embarking on their first trip as a band to the UK. They play pysch punk math mind melt rock. They are a bit like xtc. They’re really good and really nice!

“I’m so thrilled to have the amazing Edwina Hayes, Dave Keegan and Simon Snaize join me in an evening of music and fun. Come along!”.

A rollicking four band indie-rock’n’roll show celebrating a cracking year for Honours being a band together with Violet Contours, THE FEENS and Honey Smugglers.

Come and join the brassiest band in town for a big Christmas knees up.
New York Brass Band are North Yorkshire’s only contemporary New Orleans inspired Brass Band. NYBB pack a powerful punch of relentless drums, rumbling tuba and wailing horns… nothing kicks a party into gear like the sound of a smokin’ New Orleans Mardi Gras Jazz Band.

+++ Apologies: Unfortunately this event has been cancelled. Any queries, please use the contact page to get in touch with us. +++

A special Christmas show with progressive folk-rock outfit Mostly Autumn.

Gomez singer and songwriter Ben Ottewell released his third solo album, A Man Apart, in May. It’s a record that crosses musical genres such as Americana, blues and folk backed by Ben’s unmistakable gutsy and gravelly voice. Co-written with childhood friend and former Tunng member, Sam Genders, and recorded in Los Angeles and Sheffield, the latter with Martin Smith (Richard Hawley).

We’re happy to welcome Blackbeard’s Tea Party back to The Crescent with their brand of gutsy folk rock. A mix of traditional and self-penned songs and tunes are given a heavy rock edge with playful arrangements and driving dance rhythms. This is all mixed up in an engaging, high-octane stage show that frequently leaves audiences cheering for more.
This will be their annual Christmas Show so expect some festive shenanigans!

Starting at 1pm from the Tap York Railway Station progressing in a 1920s route and venues through York featuring filming and photographs finishing with a live performance at The Crescent between 4pm and finishing at 7pm in a Peaky Blinders themed Ballroom with vintage cars as used in the new series.

We invited six-time World Snooker Champion Steve Davis to come and DJ at The Crescent whilst he’s in York working in December and he said yes!
Alongside his esteemed partner Kavus Torabi, they’ll be weaving uniquely through prog and krautrock to electronica and techno deep into the night.

After their triumphant sellout show in April, the Kate Peters Big Band return for another show in the run up to Christmas.

Yorkshire trio Drahla have recently signed to American indie Captured Tracks, toured with METZ, Ought and Parquet Courts and been recording with that MJ chap from Hookworms. Pretty good!
‘Blending wiry post-punk with unpredictable art-rock, Drahla found their identity in Yorkshire’s fertile music scene with their minimal yet robust bass-heavy sound.’

After three years constant touring, these genre-defying Geordies are back at it in November when they embark on their biggest tour yet!
Our last show sold out well in advance so get yourself a ticket sorted double quick if you want in.

East London folk band Stick in the Wheel are headed by singer Nicola Kearey, and guitarist/producer Ian Carter. Known for Kearey’s fierce, authentic delivery, this is culturally and politically switched on music with its roots firmly embedded in the genre’s traditional, working-class heritage.

Paul Draper (Mansun) will play his first ever full length acoustic tour this November, accompanied by guitarist Ben Sink. Hear a set of tracks spanning Mansun Official, Spooky Action and solo EP’s PLUS new and as-yet unreleased songs from his second solo album.

Twice winners of Scotland’s Traditional Music ‘Live Act of the Year’ Award (2016 & 2011), Skerryvore have been on a meteoric journey that has taken them from the remote Isle of Tiree on to International tours that have included performances in Central Park NYC, The Ryder Cup Louisville and the Shanghai Expo, China.

Known to many round these parts are one of the blue suits in Hope & Social and fronting his terrific Graceland cover band, Gary Stewart is a Scottish singer/songwriter who now resides in York after cutting his musical teeth on the Leeds music scene over the last 15 years. The Left-hander writes songs about love, paranoia and people’s misfortunes and delivers them with a Celtic flair and earthy guitar style reminiscent of Paul Simon and John Martyn.

One serious record collection. Previously running Soul Jazz’s 100% Dynamite in Edinburgh, and Ninja Tune’s Solid Steel night, he’s now more often found spinning soul shoulder to shoulder with dignitaries of the scene at Soul Provision. But he’s back on the attack for one night only, playing that good reggae music through Irie Vibes Sound System.

Luna Rossa bring their stunning 21st Century Acoustica to York this November, as part of a major UK Tour to promote their new studio album. Luna Rossa are Anne-Marie Helder and Jonathan Edwards – the same Award-Winning songwriting team behind the epic rock anthems of Panic Room.

Devon folk singer John Smith returned to the limelight last year with his 5th album ‘Headlong’ which he dedicated to his late mentor, John Renbourn. He returns to York with upright bass and acoustic guitar accompaniment and the brilliant Rachel Newton in support.

Doncaster garage-punk trio The Blinders set out on their biggest headline tour to date in the autumn and make their debut at the Crescent on the 2nd.

Sex and death are common themes from Aidan Moffat; since his early days with Arab Strap, he has explored these subjects with a grace and grit that plunges deep into the human soul. But this is no re-hash of the past, rather a further leap forward for Moffat, now teaming up with fellow Scot, singer and guitarist extraordinaire, RM Hubbert.

Like a hazily remembered dream, U.K. duo the KVB blend reverb-soaked shoegaze with minimalist electronic production to create their delicate and ephemeral sound. Working alongside such luminaries as Geoff Barrow (Portishead) and Anton Newcome (Brian Jonestown Massacre) the pair have recorded two albums of lush, gothy krautrock.

This show is now SOLD OUT.

**UPGRADED VENUE. PREVIOUS TICKETS REMAIN VALID**
Rough Trade Records have just released the self-titled debut album by Goat Girl. Produced by Dan Carey (The Kills, Bat For Lashes, Franz Ferdinand) in his South London studio, the record already has the press hot under the collar and has helped the four piece secure a rather sweet US tour with Parquet Courts and a bunch of fine festival slots in the summer.

We’re delighted to be bringing quite brilliant young Mancunian Kiran Leonard, along with his full band back to York. He has announced a brand new album to be released in October and its lead single “Paralysed Force” is up to stream here now.

Young indie-rock trio YAK are on the verge of releasing their much anticipated second album.

The band have previously toured with The Last Shadow Puppets and King Gizzard and recorded with members of Spiritualized, Pulp and Tame Impala.

Mercury nominated, Leeds based Jazz rockers Roller Trio return to York with a new lineup and a new sound. Support comes from local avant garde talent, Stocker/Eyes.

Say Sue Me are a Surf inspired Indie-Rock/Pop act from Busan, South Korea and cited as one of 2018’s ‘break-out bands’. Childhood friends Jaeyoung Ha (Bass) and Byungkyu Kim (guitar) met drummer Semin Kang and played in bands together since winter of 2012, when they met Sumi Choi at a tea shop in Nampo-dong. They liked her speaking voice and immediately offered her a spot as the vocalist in a new band that would become Say Sue Me.

Following five years of cyber-silence, York human, Epilogues has rebranded and recorded a new array of heart breakers for public consumption. Epilogues (now miles.) will be releasing Beauty for Ashes with their band at this gig. Expect ethereal landscapes under twiddling guitars over dulcet vocals about heart stuff. Definitely for the faint hearted.

Celebrating sound system culture in York every month for 9 years! Come and raise a glass with us. Thank you so much to everyone who has come down and supported reggae music.

We’re proud to present the unique songs of John Bramwell, the frontman/songwriter of I am Kloot. A Mercury Music Prize nominated musician, John has penned many critically acclaimed songs and the session will feature many new songs from his first studio solo album “Leave Alone The Empty Spaces”

Turin Brakes don’t hang about. The estimable London 4-piece released their eighth studio album through Cooking Vinyl in January and now they’re coming to play it for you including this intimate show in York.

Hampshire trio Blaenavon announce a run of intimate shows across the UK where they’ll be showcasing the new material live for the first time, taking in towns and venues that the band has never visited before.

Armed with only 2 simple ideas, to bring the best dance hits from this seminal decade back to the masses – and to perform them FULLY LIVE! This 7 piece band have found themselves in the eye of the 90’s nostalgia whirlwind and this last 18 months have seen them take the UK by storm.

With a sample-hunting, studio-meddling mindset, Skinny Pelembe’s music roams hazy afro-tipped soul with psychedelic tangents. Born in Johannesburg, growing up in Doncaster, he’s a sparkling multi-instrumentalist who blends his production, guitar, singing and MCing to tap into a unique, influence-weaving sound.

York Mediale 2018 opening party brought to you by ace local promoters Ouroboros and Bad Chapel.

All aboard the Last Train to Skaville! Leaving Kingston, Jamaica 1963 arriving in Coventry 1979. From Studio 1 to 2 Tone, join us on the musical journey of ska. Led by frontman Sam Thornton, this fantastic 9-piece band will play all the ska hits from The Skatalites, Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals and Prince Buster through to Bad Manners, Madness and the Specials.

Join a friendly bunch of zine lovers in the next of our monthly socials.

Last Thursday of every month!

Rainbow Heart, the new one-woman musical show from The Bleeding Obvious endeavours to describe the experience through songs and tales of joy, grief, happiness, loss and defiance.

***UNFORTUNATELY THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED. ALL TICKET PURCHASES CAN BE REFUNDED FROM YOUR POINT OF PURCHASE.***

A record fair with books and ephemera. 15 stallholders with a wide selection of collectable vinyl records and secondhand books. There will be three fairs at The Crescent in 2018, on 23rd June, 22nd September and 17th November.

Another forward-thinking jazz show for you with two great bands from Leeds.

Previously as a live member of Field Music and having Peter & David Brewis collaborate and produce his debut album as SLUG, Ian Black is proving his chops on eagerly anticipated follow-up HiggledyPiggledy. For this show SLUG will be a six-piece version.

Ian Svenonius – of groups The Make-Up, Chain & the Gang, The Nation of Ulysses, XYZ and Weird War – brings a drum box, a guitar, a cassette player, and a single slobbering, sinful voice singing out…for a way out.

A long overdue return to York for wonderful American indie-folk singer, Willy Mason.

We’re extremely pleased to be working with genius guitarist Steve Gunn once more when he and drummer John Truscinski are briefly in the UK with near-exclusive Gunn-Truscinski Duo shows at Golden Lion in Todmorden and The Crescent in York.

Storyteller extraordinaire, tour guide in BBC Documentary ‘Searching For The Wrong Eyed Jesus’, dishwasher, landscaper, lifeguard, cook, surfboard laminator, road builder, and New York City taxi driver; Jim White is also a genius songwriter. He returns to York after releasing the best received album of his career in October, ‘Waffles, Guitars & Jesus’.