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As the Newcastle venue celebrates 10 years as a coop, Damian Robinson talks to them about their unique set-up and how they’re planning on securing their next successful decade
Image: Keston Cobblers Club performing at The Globe in April 2022
As fans of live music, we’re likely to be acutely aware of North Eastern venues. Often, like football stickers, we pride ourselves on visiting each venue, checking out a show, and ‘collecting’ the unique look, sound and feel of the location.
For those of us who who’ve been ‘collecting’ tickets from North East venues, it’s likely that The Globe has become one of our favourite spaces, thanks largely to its award-winning, independent structure and warm and friendly surroundings.
Coming up to its tenth anniversary as a coop (and the first venue to be owned by a cooperative committed to live music), it’s no surprise that The Globe has become a success; it’s built, funded and run by people who genuinely care about live music. But, a decade in age doesn’t guarantee a decade more, and the diligence of running a business continues.
“The Music Venue Trust annual report said that 125 grassroots music venues closed in 2023 and the situation is getting worse,” comments Dave Parker, one of the founding members of Jazz.Coop, with board member Stephen Ferrell adding: “running a small music venue is often a struggle. I’m convinced that The Globe has succeeded because it’s community owned.”
Looking to celebrating both its anniversary, as well as its multi-genre approach to live music, The Globe, will be running their 10 Years A Co-Op festival from Friday 26th-Tuesday 30th April.
I’m convinced that The Globe has succeeded because it’s community owned
Supporting all genres of live music, the festival line-up will include rock, jazz, folk and acoustic; with national and local artists joining in. Taking us through the programme, Dave adds: “The festival will open with an evening of folk and Americana. Day two will focus more on punk/rock/pop and day three will be a day of jazz and swing, including a dance workshop. On the Monday there will be a concert to showcase participants in The Globe’s music courses and the last day of the festival will feature inspirational drummer Clark Tracey with his latest quintet.”
And yet a birthday party and a celebration isn’t the only thing The Globe team are focused on; they’re already thinking about the next 10 years and working out how to make the venue even bigger and better – starting with more support for local musical talent. “A commitment to education and training is one of the primary objectives of Jazz.Coop,” adds Dave, “we started running jazz workshops and jam sessions in 2013, and we encourage people to learn to play jazz. Over the last three years we have been running courses in folk, bluegrass and songwriting, which are very popular indeed.”
Additionally there’s still a chance to join the cooperative and be part of the next wave of musical development and adventure; Debra Milne, chair of Jazz.Coop, said: “We also hope that the 10 Years A Co-Op festival will attract new members. Although we have 230 members, we desperately need new people to join and help develop The Globe over the next 10 years. This is a unique opportunity to play a part in the running of a much loved and admired grassroots music venue.”
With plenty to celebrate, as well as lots of optimism for the future, now might be the chance for you to either ‘collect’ your Globe visitor sticker; or go one better and become a member of the cooperative. Like the best stickers, these chances rarely come around.
To find out more about becoming a Globe member visit www.jazz.coop/join-us-membership-form.
10 Years A Co-Op takes place at The Globe, Newcastle from Friday 26th-Tuesday 30th April.
