A new acoustic music night for Ipswich…

Welcome to The Living Room 

This autumn Hope Street Music celebrates six years of bringing the finest acoustic music to the city of Cambridge in the form of The Living Room by launching the acclaimed music night in Ipswich in The Blue Room at PJ McGinty.

Hope Street Music is a non-profit organisation formed in 2004 by four people involved in the local music scene to promote gigs in Cambridge and surrounding area by supporting local musicians and bringing others from around the UK and the world to play in the city. Although Hope Street Music has evolved over the years, with changes in personnel and the development of an eclectic portfolio of music projects, the ethos remains the same and The Living Room concept continues as the foundation of the organisation.

A permanent move to Ipswich by one of the Hope Street Music team, and his enthusiasm for the local music scene, means the planning and logistics surrounding running a successful The Living Room night in the town becomes somewhat easier.  

The Living Room has evolved since 2004 and as well as attracting artists from all over the world, also provides an opportunity for talented local performers to reach a new audience. Despite its success The Living Room has over the years maintained the same objective, to provide quality acoustic music in a unique environment to ensure an entertaining and enjoyable evening. Famous for decorating its venue with rugs, cushions, candles and subdued lighting to give an intimate atmosphere it is also an atmosphere conducive to listening to great music.

“Musicians love the night because the audience are attentive and listen to the music without talking and really show their appreciation of the performers. The audience love the night because the standard of performance is so high and the venue is unique and welcoming in the way it is presented”     Hope Street Music

The Living Room has a national and international reputation and has become one of the best known nights on the national acoustic music circuit to the point where many artists from the UK and abroad try to ensure it is included in their touring calendar.

The Living Room has become more than just an acoustic music night, as the list of some of the highlights/achievements demonstrates. Whatever is in store for the country in these difficult economic times it can safely be said that the future for acoustic music in Ipswich looks rosy indeed…

The Living Room venue is now one of the main venues within The Secret Garden Party music and arts festival. This year saw probably the strongest line-up since debuting in 2006, including a performance by chart sensation Eliza Doolittle. 

·         The Living Room Radio Show was featured on 105fm (209Radio Cambridge Community Radio Station) each week from April 2007 until the station’s closure in February 2010

·         “The Living Room Live” compilation album was released featuring 18 tracks recorded live at The Living Room and is available on CD and on download from iTunes. An iTunes Single of the Week by singer songwriter Jamie Woon was taken from the album

·         The Living Room hosted the VIP room at the UK festival awards in London at which several outstanding artists played.

·         The Living Room has further expanded and the music night will be launched in Ipswich from September.

Forthcoming shows

All shows take place on the first Thursday of the month in the Blue Room at PJMcGinty, 15 Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3BY. Doors open 8:00pm and music starts at 8:25pm.

Entry is £4 or £3 for concessions. Tickets can be bought in advance from www.wegottickets.com

Thursday 11^th  November

We’ve decided to avoid bonfire night and November’s show will be in the second week of the month instead of the first, although the line-up should still provide some fireworks…

Th’Parish (TBC)                          www.myspace.com/thparish

Fiona Bevan                                        www.myspace.com/fionabevan

Gil Karpas                                           www.myspace.com/gilkarpas

Buy tickets: 

Thursday 2^nd  December

Christmas comes early to Ipswich The Living Room providing a wonderful festive treat for everyone who ventures into the Blue Room…

The Half Sisters             www.myspace.com/thehalfsistersuk

Kerry and the Giants              www.myspace.com/kerryandthegiants

Charlene Soraia (TBC)            www.myspace.com/charlenesoraiajones