Best Live Music Venues in Leeds
LS6 Clock Café (unfortunately closed)
Greatly supporting the local jazz scene, Wednesday jazz nights are my favourites. Starting off with a house band at 8pm, they kick off the jam session at 9pm for two hours! There is an open mic night on every first and third Sunday, and puts on artists on other weekday nights ranging from reggae to funk & soul.
Check out their website for more info on upcoming events!
LS6 Cafe, 14-16A Headlingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 2AS
Brudenell Social Club
A dedicated music venue located in Burley about a 10-minute drive away from Leeds City Centre, the selection of artists that play there is just so vast. I have seen Bob Reynolds who is a modern jazz saxophonist, as well as Paul Gilbert – no introduction needed! Plus, they do really good pies there!
A lot of sold out tickets, so don’t miss out!
Brudenell Social Club, 33 Queens Road, Leeds, LS6 1NY
The Wardrobe
Right at the heart of city centre next to the BBC Yorkshire and Leeds College of Music, this venue hosts a large space downstairs and amazing sounds. The styles of music are centered on alternative, hip-hop, funk, soul – you get the idea. Bands that I've seen there include Submotion Orchestra, which are a seven-piece band utilizing electronics and live instruments, and Abstract Orchestra, which puts together hip-hop and jazz using clever arrangements.
The Wardrobe, 6 St Peter’s Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH
Headrow House
The building used to be a textile mill, so it really holds its vintage style. A medium-sized venue, it creates good opportunities for up and coming bands as well as a good following for alternative music. The roof terrace is ace, and do try the steak & chips for only a fiver while you're there!
Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 6PU
Belgrave Music Hall
Another great place for chilling and hanging out with burgers, chips, pizzas, and friends, of course. When there's not a gig or event put on by Superfriendz, you will most likely hear a hip-hop/soul playlist, or you might even catch a live DJ performing if you're lucky! This all adds to the party-vibe, but once again, although a little smaller, its roof terrace is a direct competition to Headrow House!
Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds, LS2 8JP
Domino Club
Saving the best till last, this half-hidden speakeasy is situated at the Grand Arcade. You literally have to go through a barber shop to get there – talk about style! As its layout suggests, this is the perfect place for music influenced by jazz, vintage to modern, including swing era big bands repertoire and funk/pop covers. As you walk in, you instantly feel as cool as the place itself!
The Domino Club, 7 Grand Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6PG
Sela Bar - My Personal Favourite
Similar to the Domino Club where you enter the venue by going down a set of stairs into the ‘cellar’, this bar offers live music by blues and jazz bands most nights of the week. Jam sessions are very popular especially amongst students at Leeds Conservatoire because of its location, which is just to the side of the Headrow.
Sela Bar, 20 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU
Click below to watch a performance video of my jazz guitar trio playing a ballad called ‘You Don’t Know What Love Is’. For more videos please visit the video library section on my website.
O2 Music Mapper
This is a captivating interactive tool that traces the roots of UK artists back to their hometowns, including those from your vicinity. It’s a feast for the eyes and offers a unique way for local enthusiasts and music lovers to delve into the musical legacy of their own region.
In their own words: “We are on a mission to spread the word and highlight the musical gems of various localities, and your support in showcasing the talent from your area would be immensely valued.”
Check it out! https://www.o2.co.uk/music-mapper
