Summer special for music co-op as local favourites head-up holiday bill

The sun will set on the summer in style for Lancaster Music Co-op as it hosts its latest free monthly music night upstairs at The Pub.

Three exciting Lancaster bands will take to the stage as the co-op, homeless since 2018, continues to fundraise towards a return to its non-profit rehearsal facility, recording studio and music space on Lodge Street which has been undergoing major repairs.

The August music showcase, on Friday 29^th, will take the audience on a journey through the genres - from the heavier side of rock, to indie pop and indie grunge.

Headlining are a local band who have been making waves on the scene since their recent formation. Early Darts have become renowned throughout the city following performances with many of the bands who’ve graced the co-op stage over the last 18 months.

Lyrical and melodic indie rock, with slight grunge leanings, the three-piece are a live force to be reckoned with. Originally work colleagues, they take their name from their penchant for an early dart to escape to band member Ziah’s bedroom for a jam. Their ‘Demo’ EP is available on streaming platforms and the audience can expect an energetic live set with gritty guitar hooks, driving bass lines, and catchy melodies.

Second on the bill are Listen Twice, regulars on the local scene who have recently performed at the likes of Morecambe Music Festival, Ruskin’s Bar in Kendal and at Kanteena’s Love Music Hate Racism event.

Their infectious blend of indie pop and rock focuses on ear-worm melodies, classic harmonies and the soulful vocals of frontwoman Kate. Their recent single, Where the Movie Ends, is a real toe-tapper that gets stuck in your head after one listen and makes you feel like you’ve known it for years.

Kicking off the event will be The Sean O’Connor Band. Focused around multi-instrumentalist, Sean, the band’s explorations of the rock and metal genres have seen them gain a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting live acts.

Starting out as a percussionist, Sean went on to master the guitar and, after recruiting his uncompromisingly rocking backing band, he has developed into a captivating frontman. Their appearance comes hot on the heels of their most recent release, Dirty Halo.

Derek Meins, music co-op director, said: “We’re gearing up for another memorable night which is not to be missed.

“For those who haven’t been before, our monthly showcases are fabulous community events with a great atmosphere, and of course, some top-notch free music.

“There are opportunities to buy merch including a special edition 40^th anniversary t-shirt and donate as we raise funds towards the reopening of co-op HQ.

“The improvements to the building fabric in just a couple of years are really quite something, but we remain in real need of funds to fit out our refurbished building.”

Doors open at 7.30pm at The Pub on China Street and entry is free.

After building owners Lancaster City Council deemed the co-op premises unsafe and issued an eviction notice in 2019, it was eventually granted a long-term lease after a community campaign and support from city councillors. The building has since been undergoing major structural repairs funded by £1.2m from the government’s Community Ownership Fund, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Lancaster’s High Street Heritage Action Zone and the city council.

You can donate to the fundraising campaign here.