Revamped venue well worth a pilgrimage this spring
Newcastle venue PILGRIM’s feelgood spring season is en route… we take a look at some of the shows which caught our eye and will treat everyone's ears
International DJs, brass-fuelled club classics, fiery funk from north of the border and a bunch of soul brothers back where they belong — that’s just a snapshot of new-look PILGRIM’s packed April programme.
The recently refurbished venue on Newcastle’s evolving Pilgrim Street is riding a wave of new-found positivity after finding itself up front and centre as part of February’s critically acclaimed MOBO Awards fringe activity.
Since its January relaunch, PILGRIM has hosted a slew of big-name artists and DJs. And this month’s big reveal that Grammy Award winner Macy Gray is playing PILGRIM in June has thrown fresh focus on the North East’s world-renowned home for a diverse programme of music and dancing.
“April really sees PILGRIM pick up the pace as we race towards what promises to be a spectacular summer,” explains co-owner Michael Lavery.
“My team and I are working around the clock to bring the very best talent to the region and after what’s been a frantic few months we’re finally seeing the fruits of our labours. One look at who we’ve got coming in April tells you everything you need to know about our ongoing commitment to musical quality and diversity in Newcastle.”
Good Friday — in particular — looks like being a real Easter treat with a superstar DJ double-bill featuring Baltimore’s DJ Spen and Paris DJ and producer Young Pulse joining forces to get the Bank Holiday weekend going.
From touring with LL Cool J and Run-DMC, to producing hits by Paula Abdul and Michael Jackson, Spen has a global following, while Young Pulse has forged a huge reputation for remixing and editing disco music across the globe.
“Good Friday will be a great Friday at Pilgrim,” added Michael. “DJ Spen and Young Pulse are at the very top of their game and this one’s going to be amazing, but there’s something for everyone in April and we’re excited to showcase our venue and the music we support.”
Glasgow-based Tom McGuire and The Brassholes are in town on April 4 with the eight-piece soul-funk collective — featuring band members from PILGRIM favourite Corto:Alto — kicking off a 12-date UK headline tour in the North East.
Two days later Tyneside’s own Smoove & Turrell bring their Red Ellen tour to PILGRIM with an exclusive Sunday afternoon acoustic show promising to be a very special return to the venue.
But April at PILGRIM doesn’t end there. As well as the venue’s regular Almost Heaven, Shake Down and DOSA (Disco On a Sunday Afternoon) events there’s a chance to catch Electric Clubland: Live at the venue on April 26 — a 10-piece live band that claims to ‘bring the timeless energy of retro Ibiza and classic dance hits to life’.
And Michael will be the star of his own show on April 13 as North East funksoulers groovetrain headline a hometown gig fresh from playing London’s legendary Water Rats venue.
“I’d like to say this one was the easiest to book,” joked the band’s co-founder and frontman. “But getting the groovetrain gang together always takes a while!”
For the full rundown on PILGRIM’s April schedule — and to book tickets and exclusive booths — visit www.pilgrimncl.music