York’s Music Scene: When and Where to Watch

York is a city known for its history, culture and cuisines but it has also been home to many iconic bands and acts throughout the years.

From the memorable Shed Seven to My Wonderful Daze, York has bred much talent and continues to see the development of many upcoming acts.

The Crescent

Just a stroll away from York Station is much loved independent music venue The Crescent. The building itself has a history spanning over 100 years, as it used to be a working men’s club.

Now the building is a pillar of the York community and regularly hosts a range of events including gigs, album launches, stand-up comedy, zine festivals and slams.

The building has been a music venue for the past six years, owned by brothers Bob and Ed Leyland.

Over the years they have seen a wide range of acts perform, including local talent Beth McCarthy and King No-One.

Co-owner and manager of the Crescent, Bob Leyland said: “The Crescent is just for York because it’s such a small city, very small scene.

“I’ve been living here about 17 years now, so it was always very important for me to build a music scene when I got here and eventually, I don’t know how I’ve managed to do it really but we are here in the venue so it’s purpose is to give something to York, culturally.”

Coming soon to the venue is:

Wolfgang Flur (Kraftwerk)- 10th June at 7:30pm

Serotones, YouVee, Pavilion and Palava- 1st July at 7:30pm

Holiday Ghosts- 29th August at 7:30pm

Orlando Weeks (From The Maccabees)- 26th November at 7:30pm

To view more gigs and ticket information, visit here.

Fulford Arms

The grassroots music venue Fulford Arms is a cornerstone of York’s music scene. The 150 cap venue has both indoor and outdoor seating and has a wide selection of ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks. To keep updated with the latest performances check out the Fulford Arms website.

What’s on at the Fulford Arms:

The White Roses- 18th June at 7:30pm

The Rosettas- 25th June at 7:30pm

Newshapes- 31st July at 7:30pm

Church of Confidence- 9th August at 7:30pm

The Habit

The Habit is a Café and Bar which hosts regular live music. Located at Goodramgate, the venue sees many live bands take to the stage. Whether you’re in town for a bite to eat or a quiet drink, the Habit host a weekly Sam and special guests on a Sunday which is a firm favourite for many. To view the menu, drinks and more, visit here.

FortyFive Vinyl Café

Not far from The Crescent, is Micklegate venue FortyFive Vinyl café which is a prime city centre location for you to relax and listen to some tunes.

The café sells records, as well as serve food and drink, and it’s simplistic menu is favoured by many residents. The venue regularly holds music gigs and enjoys providing a platform to upcoming acts through allowing them to perform and displaying their performance on their YouTube channel.

Co-owner of the site, Dom White said: “I started selling records online and that developed into starting the idea of making a music venue café record store.

“Keep it simple, simple menu, we’ve got just standard coffee, grilled cheese sandwiches, live music, good music.”

Events coming to FortyFive:

Rachel Croft- 18th June at 7:30pm

Music Bingo- 25th June at 9:30pm

To find out more about the city centre venue, visit here.

Also, the Hard Rock Cafe is set to be coming to York city centre and you can read the latest here.