Promoters of live music in Leicester

This page is part of the music section

Promoters are people who organise live music events or who promote bands and artists. They provide the pubic with live music by hiring bands and venues.

Our list of Leicester Promoters

This page will be checked and updated for 2012

Promoter Profile: Adam Breedom of BB Promotions

ArtsIn: Tell us about your work as a promoter of live music.

Adam: To be honest with you Trev, I'm not fond of the word 'Promoter' ... too many people have tarnished the image and that scar seems to stick with musicians. I like to think of myself of an event organiser. I have a huge desire to bring local people in to the amazing world of live music that we have here in Leicester. I strive to do more than run an event. I want the bands to feel welcome and looked after, the venues and their entire staff to feel appreciated and for punters to have enjoyed the experience, to have become a new avid fan of local music.

ArtsIn: What made you want to organise live music events?

Adam: Well where do I start? The past four and a half years have been an educational learning curve in live, local music. I got in to local music because I wanted to help, the trigger was seeing how The Charlotte struggled and then finally shut. From that point I've been looking at ways to help whether it be via the Internet, through radio, magazines, events. With live music I want to take a different approach to how people organise and run event and that's something I can do. So, here I am making a difference.

ArtsIn: Which venues do you work with?

Adam: I work with The Musician, The Donkey, Crumblin' Cookie and my most recent venue is Uba.

artsIn: So, based on your experience, what makes a good live music venue?

Adam: See, this is the problem ... a venue is only one part of a good event, with a good event comes recognition for being a good music venue. For me a good venue is one that has the flame flickering for live music, one that is prepared to discuss new ideas, try new things but one that also publicises events held at the venue.

ArtsIn: Having booked a few bands, what things do you think matter most when you hire a band to play?

Adam: The first big thing is to enjoy themselves, followed quickly by commitment. I like to know that all the musicians will turn up on time with the equipment they need to bring and at the right venue.

artsIn: Some bands are better organised than others. What in your view makes a good (well organised) band?

Adam: Simply to listen and to know their place in the group, for each member to take responsibility for particular items or even something as simple as directions to the venue.

ArtsIn: What is the hardest part of organising a gig?

Adam: For all of my events I strive to create and sell and experience, an experience that people will talk about for all of the right reasons. Another tricky part of organising events is deciding what musicians to put together, it sounds easy but when you're trying to create a good experience you have to think about what the punters would want to here on that type and style of night. By creating these experiences I hope to get new people in to local music and it's a fine line that can have the reverse effect if done badly. We have an estimated population of 300,000 with an average weekly disposable income of about £22.50 ... how do we open their eyes to local music we have? I'll tell you when I find out!

Adam Breedon on Facebook |

Our list of Leicester Promoters

Music First Promotions

David Norris regularly puts on bands at Leicester venues

See our feature article on Music First Promotions (incourse of construction)

Find him on Facebook | Music First Promotions

Live in Leicester

Andy Wright puts on shows at lock42, Sumo, O2 Academy and other venues.

Live in Leicester on Facebook | Live in Leicester web site

Brandon Foster-Smith

Specialises in metal gigs

Brandon Foster-Smith on Facebook

Cheeseweasel Promotions

See the Cheeseweasel web site

Xander Promotions

Xander puts on shows at a variety of venues. Details from their web site.

Lay-Z Boi Music.

Leicester promoter Chris puts on shows featuriing local bands. Info from the Lay-Z Boi web site.

VJT Promotions

A busy promoter in Leicester, VJT organises the Original Bands Showcase, The Window of Opportunity for young bands and the obsUnplugged events that showcase acoustic talent. VJT Promotions on Myspace.

Donkey Song Club

is run at the The Donkey, Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 6BH by Gaz Birtles, tel: 07732 044 940 or find him on Facebook.

The Donkey Bar

Other pages you might like

Promoting Leicester's bands and artists (blog post)