DO YOU COME HERE OFTEN?
THURSDAY 9TH JANUARY
Session 5: 3.30m – 4.30pm
BEACON @ FUTURE YARD
DO YOU COME HERE OFTEN?
Ready to think strategically about your local live shows? Wondering how you can work shows that are slightly further afield, but near enough to make them do-able without time off work and travel expenses?
We’ve brought together two of the Future Yard bookers/promoters, alongside a couple of bookers that we consider to be our neighbours. We’ve talked about Alexander’s in Chester and The Ferret in Preston many times in our workshops as being really great options to avoid over-playing Liverpool – so we’ve brought them over for a chat.
We’ll be discussing what promoters are looking for when booking local artists and bands, what does the pathway look like from first support slot to headline show and what best practice looks like when working with a dreamy local band/artist. We’ll also be tackling the age old question of how many shows is too many, discussing how venues can work together to ensure bands and artists are developing, playing live and building audiences, but not flooding their home city or town with too many gigs.
MATT FAWBERT
Involved in Preston’s music & nightlife scene for many years, Matt Fawbert has worked across several venues in Preston & Manchester. Over the last 16+ years he has promoted many of his own independent events at The Ferret and now as Managing Director, Lead Booker & In-House Promoter, is doing this full-time. Since The Ferret re-opened after Covid, Matt has been responsible for bringing in many national and international touring acts while continuing to support the local music scene, encouraging young bands and DIY promoters to get involved.
MAT OLIPHANT
Mat is the Head Booker/Promoter at Future Yard and has been working in the Live Music Sector (more specifically Grassroots Venues) for 14 years. After a decade-long stint as Venue Manager at Hull’s New Adelphi Club, he decided to embark on a lifelong ambition and open a record store! Slipmat Records was open in West Kirby from 2020-2023 before closing its doors when Mat started his Future Yard adventure in Dec ’23.
JAMIE NORTHROP
Jamie Northrop is now in his tenth year of running Alexander’s Live based in Rufus Court in Chester. Jamie has worked in hospitality for over twenty years and experienced everything from pubs and bars, restaurants and nightclubs to live music venues. He feels like he has found his second home now with Alexander’s where he focuses on the programming of all the events. He has a passion for live music and feels extremely lucky to work doing what he loves.
LUKE DONE
Luke is a musician and in-house live music promoter at Future Yard. He works closely with up and coming artists in the local area, booking mostly supports for shows – as well as some national touring bands. Propeller is a tool used regularly by Luke to better understand the stage artists are at on their journey and how best they might fit into the live programme at Future Yard.