We're big fans of music and art in Middlesbrough so it's no surprise that there are a good range of venues across the borough that stage live acts and creative .

venue

Dr Browns is a brilliant little venue that was once the home of X-factor's Journey South; there are free jazz, jam session and cover band nights that pull in a good crowd most evenings. There's more live pub and acoustic rock at the Crown, the Princess Alice and the Dickens Inn, and the Cornerhouse and Middlesbrough Town Hall stage bigger acts, from the likes of Oasis, James and The Arctic Monkeys through to Mel C and Beverley Knight. Also head for Play at the Empire where you can jump around to rock classics and live bands in the glorious setting of an old, art-nouveau theatre. The music's energetic and it's great for catching upcoming acts before they make it big - recent gigs include the Kaiser Chiefs, The Ordinary Boys, Kasabian and Scissor Sisters. The Empire also plays tunes for the trendysomething on a Friday - look out for top name DJs, which in the past have included Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong and Roger Sanchez.

music events

In terms of big music events, Middlesbrough Music Live is one of the town's most popular festivals. Widely regarded as one of the most innovative pop and rock music events in the North East, the event gets everybody rocking across Middlesbrough, with non-stop live, electric sing-song in the town centre, parks, pubs and clubs. Acts in the past have included Keane, the Darkness and Razorlight.

Arts fusion is also big. Poetry, animation, breakdancing, performance art and digital projection are just a few of the highlights at Moshine Mix and Kenaz Live and Sassaris.

Also See

Editor's Picks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/tees/entertainment/music/index.shtml
Evening Gazette
http://www.middlesbroughmusiclive.co.uk/
www.tenfeettall.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/playrocknrolldisco
http://www.myspace.com/themiddlesbroughempire
http://www.myspace.com/clubsumo
http://www.myspace.com/thatchopchopnight