And behind door number 22... a guide to some music of the more traditional kind
Catherine Munn and Jacob Martin list their Top 5 programmes to watch over the festive period.
And behind door number nine... some dazzling musical delights
The complete arts guide, for week 9
First up is a wonderfully Christmassy event, and a goldmine for present for Grannies everywhere, the annual St. Nicholas Fayre, opening all around the centre of York from Thursday through 'till Sunday. The fayre promises bustling stalls, carol singers and buskers, spread between St Sampson's Square, Parliament Street, Newgate Market, Coppergate Square and Barley Hall, and won't fail to raise some Christmas spirit in even the most Scrooge-like of you lot out there. Wrap up with a scarf, hat and gloves and wander through with a warm drink.
However, if you're looking for escape from the endless onslaught of Christmas (yes, thank-you The World of TV Advertising, I hadn't realised that we were going to have one this year until you started pelting me in the eyes with your nuggets of banality), Middleman, one of the most exciting bands coming out of Leeds at the moment are holding the launch of their second single 'Good to be Back' at Leeds Faversham on Wednesday. Following the mind-blowing greatness of debut single 'Blah Blah Blah' in July - please, for the sake of improving your life immeasurably, go here and listen to it immediately - 'Good to be Back' continues the Mike-Skinner-meets-Mr-Scruff in the Hacienda sound, but adds a more commercial sheen (unfortunately losing the pulsing synth bass). Whether this is the result of a conscious decision by the band to change style, or just an example of diversity of styles, it's certainly an interesting move and could mean BIG THINGS will poke its head over the horizon and proffer its beckoning hand.
If that's got you energised but you can't make it all the way to Leeds there are two, TWO!, excellent looking dance music nights in York this week. First up is At-It on Thursday, with the promise of oldschool (which the organisers wonderfully define as 89-93), ghettotech and jungle, and rapid-change DJ sets ensuring quickfire tunes. Basement Bar is a brilliantly sweaty venue for this kind of thing, and the capacity of just 100 means that the tickets, £3, or £2 with a flyer, available from City Screen, should be grabbed while they're still there. Then, with a full night's sleep to recover, the first ever Idioteque night kicks off on Friday at Judges Lodgings. The organisers say that each night will have a different musical genre, with electro as the theme for this edition. What's even better is the off-puttingly high drinks prices at Judges are getting a long overdue cut between 9 and 10 with 15% off. Are you one of those people who bemoans the lack of quality dance nights in York? Well now it's time to vote with your feet and make sure that these two fledgeling evenings get off to a flying start.
For another form of alternative entertainment, Basement Bar is hosting the Velvet Rose Burlesque Lounge on Saturday. The evening will consist of traditional comedy, performance and tease, culminating in ’The Tassle Off’, a burlesque battle where the audience will vote for the best newcomer of the evening. For more pictures and info check out the website here, tickets are £6 advance with a student card and are available from City Screen.
Gigs
Theatre
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