Maxïmo Park have been on an evolutionary journey since the release of their debut album ‘A Certain Trigger (2005), a multi-platinum selling, Mercury-nominated breakthrough in every sense.
As a pop band, Maxïmo Park aim to produce songs that are hooky, melodic, and memorable, and are constantly influenced by a plethora of diverse genres. The overarching goal for them is to achieve genuine connection with their listeners which they accomplish time and time again. The band tour year-on-year to thousands of adoring fans across the globe and continue to release groundbreaking emotional music.
Sheffield outfit Bromhead’s Jacket had a successful run in the mid-noughties, releasing a couple of albums (Dits From The Commuter Belt and On The Brain) and a string of singles, and even getting called ‘The Streets with guitars’ at one point. They toured hard and had a fearsome live reputation, their sound a tougher, more garage-y one that many of their contemporaries. Things petered out around a decade ago but they re-emerged last year with a new line-up and a self-released single Juiced Up, an account of messing it up first time around, with its lyric ‘the second album was a mistake’ – which definitely suggests they’re not going to mess things up twice. (Lee Fisher)
Four years after the pandemic brought their decade long run to an end in 2021, the Watford based four-piece are back. Inspired by mod culture and pulling inspiration from electronic to jazz, 70s punk to ska and soul, the Spitfires had built a loyal fanbase before having to step back from the limelight at a farewell show in Camden’s electric ballroom just a week after the release of their fifth album. Made up of singer and guitarist Billy Sullivan, bassist Sam Long, drummer Matt Johnson, and keyboardist Chris Chanell, their MO is powerful social commentary delivered as a dynamic blend of punk, reggae, ska and soul. (Kate Relton)
Starting out in Newcastle, alternative pop powerhouse Imogen & the Knife are back in the North East bringing delicate and thoughtful musicianship to Stockton Calling.
Supported by bandmates Jack Banjo Courtney (trumpet) and Evan Abell (baritone sax), Imogen’s haunting and ethereal vocals and piano performance have rapidly become her signature.
Adding subtle brass accompaniment to her poignant and vulnerable vocal lines, Imogen says her tracks are usually about exploring love in all its forms.
Favouring rich, brooding orchestral arrangements, listen out for splashes of influence from artists like Kate Bush, Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. (Kate Relton)
Made up of childhood friends Anton Jackson (bass) and Dillon Kelly (vocals), along with Jamie Wild (drums), Oliver Stone (keys) and Tom Donoghue (guitar), the Liverpool five-piece are a riot of bluesy soul, bringing big anthems, big emotions, and even bigger choruses.
Named for The Wigan Casino – a nightclub in Wigan in the 70’s known as a trailblazer for Northern soul – the band are a juggernaut of retro beats, vibrant brass and an easy funk attitude that wouldn’t be out of place in the days of their biggest influences, from the La’s to Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. (Kate Relton)
Weathership’s debut Splendid Beast album was one of the most anticipated of 2024 and it didn’t disappoint with a near sold out Georgian Theatre launch show in November. Blending a rich Americana with heart-on-sleeve songcraft, Weathership are a mainstay on the regional gig circuit and are at their best in front of big festival crowds where their expansive dualling guitars and reverb drenched emotive vocals are really allowed to fill the room. Tracks such as The Blue and The Swimmer will already be familiar to many while likely set closer For The Dark Is Beautiful should be a big festival highlight to those in attendance. (Steve Spithray)
Seducing fans and critics alike with her debut solo single Fool Like Me in 2023, Teesside soul and R&B artist Marina Josephina is hard to resist.
Growing up listening to jazz, soul and R&B, you’ll hear echoes of artists like Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse and Joy Crookes in her vocals.
Breaking onto the scene with a searingly honest account of grief and its long lasting impacts, Josephina has carved out a space for introspection and thoughtful sincerity which has proved cathartic and relatable for listeners across the country.
Expect smooth glossy sounds, with all the mellifluous warmth of a summer evening. (Kate Relton)
Line-ups are subject to change.
ARC is a charity that uses arts and cultural activity to support our local community.
We have events and activities going on all year round for everyone. These include live performances, film screenings, workshops and classes. We are particularly keen that people who might feel that the arts isn’t for them are able to take part.
Our work brings people together so we can all better understand and enjoy the world and experience new ideas.
Access information
ARC’s building is fully wheelchair accessible. There is level flooring throughout the building. A lift is available. There are accessible toilets on every floor. ARC 1 is located on the first floor of the building.
