A vibrant city filled with people with a strong appetite for the arts, Cardiff has a lot of music tastes to cater for. Here we take a look at some of the best venues the city has to offer where you can get your live music fix.
Dempseys
Located opposite the iconic castle, this Irish bar is a definite hot spot for jazz lovers out there, particularly fans of modern jazz. This venue is the perfect spot to catch the rising and established stars of the South Wales jazz scene, with gigs ranging from intimate trios to the best Big Bands around. The live jazz played here is just one of the main attractions alongside a variety of genres performed here, including rock, folk and indie.
You can find their upcoming events here: www.jazzatdempseys.org.uk/
St David’s Hall
With a 2000 people capacity, St David’s Hall is the perfect home to the Welsh Proms, as well as regular performances from Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC National orchestra of Wales. However it’s not just the place for classical music fans, as St David’s Hall provides a varied programme in comedy, performing arts and a range of music events from jazz, soul and pop.
With a range of events at this venue, there’s something for everyone: www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk/whats-on/
Clwb Ifor Bach
Established since 1983, Clwb provides music entertainment across three floors. With a focus on homegrown talent, this award winning live music venue showcases music from the latest local music acts, as well as international acts. While Clwb may be primarily known as a rock venue, it also offers varied club nights featuring alternative music.
You can check out all of the events here: clwb.net
Tramshed
A previous tram depot for West Cardiff, this venue has been transformed to become one of the city’s newest music and arts venues. Opened in October 2015, Tramshed is located in the centre of brand new creative hub in the city centre. As well providing a range of alternative entertainment, this bi-lingual venue also holds a bar and café using locally sourced ingredients.
You can find the events here: tramshedcardiff.com/listings/
The Richard Burton Theatre
A place to catch some of the best classical and jazz music from touring artists, as well as some occasional musical theatre and opera. If you’re looking to delve into the classical world and try out some new genres, then the Richard Burton Theatre is a great place to start; offering the chance to hear some of the most famous classical pieces at great prices.
The list of events can be found here: www.rwcmd.ac.uk/whats_on/all_events.aspx
10 Feet Tall
Not only is this bar and restaurant a favourite to try out some sensational cocktails available on the lower level, the upstairs of this charismatic bar also provides some live music to add to the atmosphere. This music venue offers regular performance nights, including Monday Club, where a new singer performs every Monday. If you fancy having a go performing yourself, there are also open mic nights to take part in.
Check out the events here: 10feettall.co.uk/10-feet-tall-events/
Live Lounge
A small music venue that doubles as a bar and restaurant, Live Lounge is the place to catch live music at any time of the day, seven days a week. It provides acoustic music throughout the day before taking it up a few gears to high energy cover bands for the night time, and switching to a DJ until the early hours where the stage becomes part of the dance floor.
Take a look at the website here: www.liveloungecardiff.co.uk/livelounge/
The Glee Club
Opened in 2001, The Glee Club has hosted a range of music and comedy acts, including jazz, blues, indie rock and pop bands. Situated in the bay, the venue has presented acts from all over the world, including some big names, such as The Staves, Laura Marling and Cerys Matthews.
You can find their upcoming events here: www.glee.co.uk/venues/cardiff
Gwdihw Café Bar
A multi-coloured building impossible to miss, this is a cosy venue that offers charm and a beer garden with its live music. With genres ranging from funk, soul, house and hip hop, there’s a night for everyone on offer here.
This café bar offers music events almost every night, check out the calendar here: gwdihw.co.uk/
The Full Moon
If your passions involve music and drinking hard liquor, then The Full Moon is your new favourite place. If you’re into folk and country music Thursdays are a must with their Acoustic Wonderland nights. If you’re into something more lively then the weekend is the time to pay this place a visit. If you’re particularly a fan of Motown, funk and soul then The Full Moon is the place to spend your Saturday night as it hosts its 5 Dollar Shake Night.
Check out their website and their impressive range of liquors here: www.thefullmooncardiff.com/
words ELIZABETH SZYMCZAK