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Gig review: KAP at Saltbox Presents

To celebrate the release of her Still The Girl EP, Notts sensation KAP took to the mic as guest host / artist-in-residence for one night only at Saltbox, supported by a diverse array of local talent…

Gig review: Hamish Hawk at Rough Trade

Hamish Hawk’s latest album A Firmer Hand is here, and to celebrate, the Scottish singer-songwriter brought his witty lyricism and enchanting vocal performance to Nottingham’s Rough Trade for a good old-fashioned in-store gig...

Gig review: ACHB at JT Soar

Choosing a space at the fabulous JT Soar venue, Notts locals ACHB hosted a fun-packed, eclectic line-up of local acts. LeftLion contributors Gemma and Natalie experienced an entertaining evening, with a few surprises, too...

In photos: Red Fang at Rescue Rooms

Gig review: Hurray For The Riff Raff at Metronome

For well over 15 years, NY-based singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra has been enchanting fans the world over under the guise of Hurray For The Riff Raff. Making a rare pit stop on their mammoth world tour to the intimate surroundings of Metronome, we decided to don our best cowboy hats and head along…

Gig review: Fat Freddy's Drop at Rock City

New Zealand seven-piece Fat Freddy's Drop are renowned for their live energy and eclectic style. When they made a visit to Rock City recently, who better to send down to see them than super-fan LeftLion staffer Adam Pickering. He had no regrets...

Gig review: Sundara Karma at Rescue Rooms

When indie-rockers Sundara Karma played Rescue Rooms last Friday, it fell to the Rescue Rooms crowd to provide the atmosphere and energy, with the band looking like they’d rather be back at their humble beginnings than on the stage. LeftLion discovered some redeeming moments...

In photos: Tomás Doncker at Peggy's Skylight

Gig review: Love with Johnny Echols at Rescue Rooms

Cited as a major influence on rock luminaries including Led Zeppelin, The Doors, REM and Primal Scream, Love just might be the most important band you’ve never heard of. LeftLion stopped by Rescue Rooms for a night of psychedelic wonder, and much more besides. Support came from Midnight Rodeo and Bye & Bye...

Gig review: Rumkicks at Ye Olde Salutation Inn

Coming to the end of a gruelling 30-date European tour, South Korean Punk trio Rumkicks landed in Nottingham. We dropped in to The Sal to catch the action...

In Photos: The Fall of Troy at The Bodega

We chat to Bruce Asbestos about his monster exhibition at Lakeside Arts this summer

Whether it’s creating giant monsters, quirky fashion or video games, one thing that is always integral to the work of Bruce Asbestos is playfulness. With an immersive exhibition of abstract inflatable monsters currently showing at Lakeside Arts throughout August we sat down with Bruce to talk about art, AI, and being a creative in Notts.

Five free family events in Nottingham this summer

The summer holidays are here and with the cost of living crisis raging on; the budget for days out, trips and activities can soon get out of control. However, there’s no need to break the bank this summer as there’s a whole host of free events for families in Nottingham. We’ve gathered our top five and there’s something for everyone here with activities from charities, galleries and local organisations. So if you’re in the thick of it with the long summer holidays, check out these family friendly events – all free!

Theatre, cricket and LeftLion live. Here’s what’s on in Notts this week: 29 July - 4 August 2024...

The Summer holidays has officially started; LeftLion's here to help keep you and the little ones occupied. From romantic theatre, to radical punk, cricket and a special LeftLion live podcast, read all about them and more below...

Live Review: Stone Soup Academy Presents... Stand Up To Knife Crime at Metronome

Stand Up To Knife Crime has become an essential annual fixture in the Notts music calendar, hosted each year by the fantastic Stone Soup Academy. Delivering an impactful evening of music, film and spoken word designed to unite, raise awareness and change perceptions surrounding knife crime in our community, the LeftLion Music team went along to support this important event...

Join Us For A LeftLion Live Interview at Nottingham Central Library with Artist Emily Catherine

Next up in our series of LeftLion Interviews at Nottingham Central Library is the hip-hop inspired illustrator Emily Catherine on Friday 2 August at 7pm…

Review: Waterfront Festival at The Canalhouse

Nottingham's music scene is bursting at the seams, with new events popping up almost every month. Bassey spent a day at The Canalhouse and found himself spoilt for choice at the eclectic and charity-supporting Waterfront Festival...

Live Review: ME REX, Schande & ACHB at The Carousel

The Carousel over in Hockley is quickly becoming one of the go-to spots for excellent live music from up-and-coming local artists. Heading along to the venue for the first time was our writer Bassey, who managed to catch the trio of ACHB, Schande and ME REX...

In photos: Acoustickle Summer Showcase at Nottingham Playhouse

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Acoustickle, the local live music event representing original jazz, soul, RnB, hip hop and poetry artists from the UK. Since 2009, Acoustickle has established a fearsome reputation for being the spot to discover the next wave of artists. Last Friday's Acoustickle Summer Showcase saw emerging artists and promoters of the Global Ethnic Majority take over Nottingham Playhouse for a micro-festival within Transform Festival...

Gig review: Ben McElroy at By Our Hands, with R.Dyer and Leah Sinead

A special evening of experimental folk at the unique, intimate venue By Our Hands, in Sneinton Avenues...

Gig review: The Gaslight Anthem at Rock City

On the day when the whole city and country were somewhere watching the England vs Netherlands Euros semi-final, American rockers The Gaslight Anthem had the unenviable task of performing to 2,000 mildly distracted punters at Rock City. Taking the challenge firmly in their stride (and the result thankfully going England’s way), it made for a memorable night like no other in Nottingham’s most iconic music venue…

Gig review: Better Lovers at Rescue Rooms

Better Lovers rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the well-loved Every Time I Die, much to the joy of hardcore fans. At Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, they proved just why they are worth successors...

Gig review: Palm Reader at Rescue Rooms

All good things must come to an end, and sadly that includes bands, too. We were at Rescue Rooms as local metal group Palm Reader were given an emotional send-off...

In photos: Jimmy Rocket and Friends V2 at Mimm Studios

The second edition of the renowned Jimmy Rocket and Friends event at Mimm Studios featured sets from Lvndlxrd, Rukus Regardless, Stan, Kyeza, Vandal, Savage, Origin One, and of course Jimmy Rocket...

Gig review: Kings of Leon at Motorpoint Arena

While an abundance of live music is a daily occurrence in our great city, it is not often that arguably one of the biggest rock bands in the world pays a visit to Nottingham. So naturally when the Followill family announced they were coming over from Nashville and stopping at the Arena in support of their latest opus Can We Please Have Fun, we had to go along to catch the Kings of Leon in action...