Howard Assembly Rooms Launches Grassroots Artist Showcase Series

New Monthly Platform for Emerging Talent

Howard Assembly Rooms, one of Leeds' historic cultural venues, is launching Spotlight Unsigned, a new music showcase supporting grassroots artists. Debuting on November 19, the event gives emerging and unsigned artists the chance to perform their music live at the 200-capacity venue. Beyond offering a stage, the event aims to be a regular space for musicians to connect with each other, gain experience with an audience, and strengthen the overall grassroots music ecosystem.

Opening Night Lineup Spans Hip-Hop to House

The opening night is set to deliver a diverse lineup, from hip-hop to electronic music and more, showcasing talent from across West Yorkshire. Burgz will open the evening with a set of storytelling hip-hop shaped by his own experiences and a distinctly Northern perspective. Leeds-based electronic duo Midnite Pharmacy will follow, blending electronic, indie, house and techno influences in a two-piece live act. Formed by Liam Jones and Si Martin, the pair uses live instruments to combine their band format with the production of electronic music on stage. The night will continue with a DJ set closing off the inaugural edition of Spotlight Unsigned.

Venue Partners with Grassroots Platform

The concept is the result of a partnership between the venue and Play One We Know (POWK), a grassroots music platform working to open new doors for independent artists, venues and music professionals. With a clear commitment to helping the development of grassroots musical entertainment, Howard Assembly Rooms and POWK aim to establish Spotlight Unsigned as a regular showcase in the city, bringing together live music, discovery and community under one roof.

The first Spotlight Unsigned event takes place November 19 at Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds.