Many of you may already have seen the news that The Cross Keys is expected to close shortly.
This is extremely sad news. The Cross Keys has been the home of Leeds Blues Club since we began three years ago, and it has played an enormous part in helping us build the friendly, enthusiastic live-music community we now enjoy. We know how much the venue means to our members, musicians and everyone who has supported our gigs there.
However, I want to reassure you that Leeds Blues Club will continue. I have been making plans in the background for some time, including putting together an exciting programme of artists for next year. I have also identified a fantastic option for our new home: The Attic, an excellent live-music space that we believe can offer a very exciting future for the club. We will share more details about the venue and our forthcoming programme as soon as arrangements are finalised.
In the meantime, our next gig with the superb Thomas Heppell Band on Friday 25 September is definitely going ahead at The Cross Keys. This may prove to be our final gig at the venue under its current operation, so please come along if you possibly can. It would be wonderful to fill the room, enjoy a terrific night of live music and give The Cross Keys the send-off it deserves.
There is also still hope for the venue itself. Negotiations concerning the future of The Cross Keys are continuing with the landlord, and there is a strong possibility that a new operator could take over the pub. If that happens, we very much hope that Leeds Blues Club will be able to continue presenting gigs at The Cross Keys while also developing our new relationship with The Attic.
This is clearly a period of change, but it is not the end of Leeds Blues Club. We have built something special together, and we intend to carry that forward with the same passion for great live music and the same welcoming club atmosphere.
Thank you, as always, for your tremendous support. For now, please book your tickets and join us on 25 September for what promises to be a memorable and very important evening.