Southside support grassroots music during Independent Venue Week

All the action in Lincoln during Independent Venue Week (IVW) will be centred on Southside from Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 1. 

“Southside is the only independent venue in Lincolnshire taking part in IVW this year, it’s UK’s annual seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them, and Southside is delighted to be supporting it,” said Southside’s Colin Webb.

We have gigs and events designed to draw attention to the independent sector with a variety of mainly local artists - it’s got a real Lincolnshire focus.”

Colin believes the grassroots music sector is on its knees in the UK – 30 to 48 venues closed last year with the loss of 6,000 jobs.

“The Music Venues Trust, the organisation that represents places like Southside, is absolutely committed to doing as much as it can to prevent these closures and campaign to government about the importance of grassroots music to our culture.

“Each generation has its pop idols, from the Beatles and Stones back in the sixties to Ed Sheeren, Adele and our very own Holly Humberstone in the present day. They learned their craft in independent venues before being picked up by the big boys – lose the base and the industry will lose out as well. 

“Independence is central to the philosophy of Southside. We want to have something for everybody, a place for local talent as well as more established artists to show Lincoln what they’ve got. Plus we can do that at the same time as offering a gorgeous, listed building as the venue, preserving heritage and creating a place at the heart of the community.”

The play list for Southside over the week is:

• 27/01 Life Drawing
• 28/01 - Junior Jam
• 28/01 - Jam Night
• 30/01 - Commuter Jazz: Derrick Harris Trio
• 30/01 - @southsidepresents: @lifeband + supports (pictured above)
• 31/01 - South of the Tracks Presents: @tinnedpeaches + supports (below)
• 01/02 - @tiesthatbindcollective Presents: @wearewyres + supports

Timings, tickets and info are all available at www.southsidelincs.com