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Roots vibes mix with DJs and jazz stars as The Den prepares special events

The Den at the Cask is a regular Thursday night event, born out of the ashes of the former Blues Club in July 2014 and bringing a relaxed, informal vibe. It was a deliberate decision to make entry free (barring special guest nights), and thus redefine by dropping the club model for an open, welcoming meeting place for musicians and music lovers across various roots genres.

Attracting gig-goers of all ages, the ethos is described by Tom Townsend, one of the main organisers, as that of being “a sociable place, relaxed, funky, cool, where musical people can listen, dance and chat too – that’s what we aim for.”
The Tom Townsend Blues Band are the ‘house band’, but the focus is very much on bringing other sounds – more rootsy, jazz, funk, Americana and soul infused – as well as welcoming guest artists for special nights and holding regular monthly jams, open to all. The Den also plays host to semi-regular DJ nights showcasing these genres, and one such upcoming event is particularly special.

“We’ve been working in partnership with the Jazz Club (Wednesdays at the Cask) for a while to present some special nights, and now we are really excited about our upcoming festival fringe events,” Tom tells us. They will be hosting a special after-party on the Saturday of the Jazz Festival, from 11pm til 3am. Having found previously that there’s a definite desire for jazz fest attendees to carry the party on after the official evening end time, The Den team hope this will quench that thirst.

With some great DJ’s lined up – Mister Tooley, Adrian Riley, Mark Thompson, Filey Selassie – it has been billed as an ‘immaculate selection of cool and funky Jazz, Latin and Brazilian tunes.’ This event will be free for those with festival wristbands and just £3 on the door to all others.

The partnership between The Den and the Wednesday night Jazz Club has been strengthened of late by Tom’s instalment as drummer for the club, something which he is relishing and feels honoured to have stepped in to. Naturally progressing from this, the Tom Townsend Blues Band are providing the backline for the Jazz Festival.

The other jazz festival fringe event that The Den’s denizens are looking forward to is the special appearance by Alan Barnes on Thursday 24th September. Having made appearances at The Den a few times before, Alan Barnes’ presence is always popular. Best known for playing baritone and alto sax and the clarinet, he has performed with artists ranging from Clare Teale to Jamie Cullum, Westlife to Van Morrison, Bjork to Bryan Ferry, and his hard, urban, post-bop is infused ‘with so much passion and energy you could believe it was minted on the spot’ (The Guardian).

Other upcoming Den events include the appearance of Dom and the IKO’s. Pianist Dom Pipkin has accompanied Paloma Faith on international tour, but his heart lies with New Orleans soul, r&b and funk and this will be served à la Den on October 29th. “It’s our Hallowe’en party!” Tom declares, genuinely enthused about the event. Dom has also been working with Tom on the upcoming remake of Tom’s previous ‘Chasing the Birds’ album, something Yorkshire Coast Gigs will bring you news on in future. 

To keep up to date with events and news from The Den, follow their facebook page.

For more information on the Jazz Festival and other Fringe events, visit the website.

Alan Barnes with the Tom Townsend Blues Band, Thursday 24th September from 8pm, £5, The Cask Inn and Club.

Scarborough Jazz Festival After Show DJ Party at The Den, Saturday 26th September, 11pm-3am. Free with festival wristband, £3 otherwise; Click here for facebook event details.

Follow Tom via his website: www.tomtownsend.com – Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud