Feature Escobar Leeds

We visit a Wakefield institution that has taken up residence in Leeds

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Sketches

Over the years Leeds has suffered from an absence of an arts district, but Great George Street looks like it may be evolving into a real live music strip. For years Carpe Diem have hosted local bands on their humble stage, last May A Nation Of Shopkeepers set up, erm, shop and has brought impressive line ups covering the art rock scene. The latest addition is Escobar, which slots neatly in between existing venues - both literally and musically - promising straight down the line indie rock.

“We were originally looking around the Calls area, as that is where most of the independents are,” explains Escobar owner Sean Cunliff. “Three years ago we had a look at The Ashes bar, it must have just closed, as most of the stock was still in the fridges, but the rent that the landlord was wanting we thought was too much for the venue.” Since then, tides have turned with recession. “In early 2009, with the climate being as it was, we noticed that the venue was still available, so we put our heads together.” Thus the Leeds project went ahead.

You may be familiar with the Escobar name from it’s mother venue in Wakefield. It was the first Wakey venue to lay down a strict music policy. Playing indie, rock and alternative, they branched away from the R&B mainstream, creating a niche venue and a thriving music community in the area. But they’re being light footed with their Leeds approach, with a low key launch meaning they can find their own footing in Leeds live music landscape.

“At the moment we are putting on acoustic gigs,” says Cunliff, who prefers to quietly building a reputation before getting carried away with the large bookings. “We are planning to put bigger gigs on.”’ he promises. There’s little doubt that he will deliver. Gigs at Wakefield’s Escobar have included a homecoming for The Cribs and sets by Carl Barat and Arctic Monkeys.

Their DIY ethics will also make Escobar popular in Leeds. The associated record label Louder Than Bombs that Sean runs with live promoter Chris Morse saw the release of Sketches’ debut single last year. Their ear for guitar-based indie could become a celebrated platform for new guitar bands, bridging the space between, as well as compliment itss neighbouring venues Carpe… and ...Shopkeepers. With a 6am licence paving the way for late night music activity, and plans for a Mexican cantina, it seems Escobar is helping to tailor an exciting new music hub for the city centre.
Escobar, 23-25 Great George Street, LS1 3BB, ww.myspace.com/escobarwakefield

Posted on Wednesday 3rd March 2010
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