“IT’S MY TOWN, HONEY!”
#1 – IPSWICH
As part of a brand new series where we ask music lovers from across East Anglia to talk about their local scenes, Amy Wragg from Get On The Soapbox promotions tells us what’s going on in Ipswich.
After relocating to Ipswich only a year ago, I found myself struggling with what appeared to be a sporadic and uninspired music scene - but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Hidden between the multitude of covers and tribute bands lurks an exciting and dedicated community of bands, promoters and fans, throwing their heart and soul into supporting new music.
Top of the list for me is Val and her awesome team at The Steamboat Tavern, whose musician-centric ethos and supportive nature officially make them the best music pub in Ipswich. All ages are welcome (a rarity in Ippy) and Val’s knowledge of local, live music is unparalleled (test her, I dare you); I was recently humbled as she completely out-geeked me with her tales of great gigs past including a wicked story about those brilliant lads from Dingus Khan, my new favourite band.
My pick of the (many) brilliant upcoming gigs at The Steamboat are: Lucy Hall’s night of singer-songwriters on Monday 16th April; Ellie Gair’s CD launch on Thursday 19th April; a May Day Festival fundraiser on Friday 20th April; a rare Sunday night shindig for the New Town Kings on 29th April; and the return of the magnificent Goldmaster Allstars – a huge, 10-piece reggae band – on Saturday 5th May.
Every month for this column I’ll be taking a particular focus on one of Ipswich’s original music pubs and venues doing their bit for the town’s vibrant scene. Next month it’s The Grinning Rat and Gargoyle Apocalypse promotions, both of whom I swear eat, sleep and breathe music.
So it is with the love of original music in my heart I bid you farewell ‘til next month, dear friends. Support your local music scene, for this world is a better place with new songs in our ears.
Get On The Soapbox promotions are involved in various gigs and events across Suffolk and Norfolk. For more information, visit www.getonthesoapbox.co.uk
