WEEKLY ROUND-UP (24.2.25)

Image: Max Cooper by Ella Mitchell

Every week we pull together some of the best events taking place across the region, from music and theatre, to comedy, art and film. Read more on these, and other events, in the latest issue of NARC. magazine in print and online.

MUSIC
State Champs

They might argue that the day of euphoric, stadium filling pop-punk is dead. They might say the era of Blink 182 or Green Day is behind us, or that there isn’t a band who are writing those energised, crowd pleasing choruses that feel written precisely for setting a live audience into a giddy frenzy.
I’d say, they haven’t heard State Champs. It only takes one listen of the tracks that bookmark their latest release to know that this genre is not only surviving, but thriving. The New York band’s self-titled record feels like a victory lap; while it may not push or challenge any of the preconceptions of the form, it undeniably packs inside everything you could want, and sets it ablaze.
With a cohesive through line of technically stimulating instrumentation, which mixes high octane grooves and hooks with infectious pop melodies and commercial sensibilities, this feels like THE State Champ sound, finalised and perfected.
With some of the biggest dollops of nostalgia you can find in 2024 being flung around with such joyful abandon, their album is one of the sharpest and genuinely exciting pop punk records of the decade.
The only way to improve these tracks would be to immediately hear them sang back with an impassioned crowd, and luckily State Champs are coming to NX for a night of precisely that on Tuesday 25th February. I cannot think of a night more dedicated to pure, unbridled fun.

Tuesday 25th February @ NX Newcastle

Image: State Champs by Manuel Barajas

CULTURE
Craftalong Screening Masters of the Universe
Fancy some cheesy 80s movie goodness with a slice of crafting? Bring your own craft-in-progress to this relaxed screening of the cult classic He-Man movie, designed to be a fun, inclusive experience. Knit alongside Skeletor, doodle your way to Castle Greyskull, or just sit and enjoy the silliness. You have the power!
Tuesday 25th February @ Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle

MUSIC
Max Cooper

On Friday 28th February, electronic music pioneer Max Cooper brings his 3D AV live tour to The Glasshouse, promising an unforgettable night for fans of immersive audio-visual experiences. Known for merging intricate techno with stunning visual art, Cooper will be performing in support of his latest album, On Being.
Renowned for pushing the boundaries of electronic music, Cooper’s live shows are as emotive as they are innovative, blending his background in computational biology with deeply personal melodies. On Being represents his most profound work to date, crafted from thousands of anonymous confessions shared during its creation. Audiences can expect hypnotic rhythms, powerful basslines and a raw emotional evening unlike any other.
Having performed at iconic venues like the Acropolis and developed groundbreaking formats such as Dolby Atmos sound, Cooper’s Gateshead show is an unmissable opportunity to witness a true visionary at work. Don’t miss this unique chance to experience Cooper’s masterful combination of sound, science and art in an extraordinary live setting.

Friday 28th February @ The Glasshouse

MUSIC
Knats album launch
Geordie Jazz enthusiasts are in for a huge treat as the super talented Knats are launching their highly anticipated self titled debut album on Friday 28th February on Gear Box Records with a special show on the same day at Newcastle’s The Lubber Fiend. This local jazz group made up of lifelong friends are bursting with joy and erupting with talent, having drummed up an electrifying buzz from their live shows over the past few years. Their modern, funky, absorbing arrangements, sweet sunny melodies, playful percussion with irresistible danceable rhythms and so much more have been wonderfully captured in this superb album, demonstrating just how painstakingly gifted these musicians are.
You can feel their friendship in the recordings; smooth and bright, almost leaking out of one connected brain. It’s free flowing as moods change with ease, intertwining and looping through groovy beats, guiding you through so many different influences from traditional jazz, nu jazz to more intriguing influences like the drum and bass inspired percussion.
Knats will be presenting their beautiful, fresh and bold take on jazz at their upcoming launch party; a chance to catch all of these vibrant new jams from start to finish – this is one not to be missed.
Friday 28th February @ The Lubber Feind, Newcastle

Image: Knats by Ellie Slorick

COMEDY
Steam To Grin

Inspired by the Discovery Museum’s captivating Steam to Green exhibition, which explores the North East’s powerful impact and relationship to greener technologies, this chortlesome night of stand-up comedy features a host of familiar names including Bethany Black, Cal Halbert, Chris Kehoe and host Si Beckwith. Steam to Green is open now and runs until September 2026.
Friday 28th February @ Discovery Museum