Music Spotlight: The Stage Door venue in Crewe to host regular jam nights

Apr 20 2011 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

Jam nights were once an institution down Nantwich Road.

Crewe’s golden mile has seen some of the best ever staged in the town with The Royal even giving the likes of Elvis Costello a platform to perform many moons ago.

And in another guise, Clancy’s is still remembered today as a near institution for championing local talent during an era when tribute bands dominated the local landscape.

Despite Volume and The Box picking up that ball, the Pedley Street venue hasn’t honoured that time-long tradition of a free stage until now.

And, almost appropriately, it’s taken Crewe’s king of jam nights to get it rolling once more.

Singer-songwriter Scott D Thompson admits he’s acquired something of a reputation over the years.

“I started off at the Leisure Club and that was a cracking club,” he explained.

“I’ve done so many, from Clancy’s to Oddfellows, and in Crewe I do seem to have become this host kind of guy.

“I’d just finished two years down at The Jolly Tar and normally I only stay at a venue for a year.

“But I met some amazing people down there and it’s a cracking little pub.

“You always need a new challenge and after being in the Corner Bar and seeing what they had planned, I thought I’d give it a go.”

Renamed The Stage Door, renovations are ongoing to transform the venue into Crewe’s new dedicated Rock Bar to compliment The Box – including a new stage and full PA with backline.

“I’ve been talking about making it a real centre of excellence down there for local bands,” continued Scott.

“Ray (Bruchez) and the guys have put a lot of effort in to upgrade the system and facilities.

“They really want it to work and I’d love it to take off. We had a really great night when we did it in Clancy’s and hopefully we’ll recapture that vibe.

“Basically it’s a free format and a nice night for everyone at all levels.

“It’s what the spirit of jamming is all about. If you fancy a go you can jump on and we can go with a simple track that everyone will know.

“I was on stage with a young teenager last week and I was amazed, he was playing note perfect music.”

Local talent was the very thing that attracted Scott to the Crewe scene over two decades ago.

“I’ve lived in and around Crewe for a long time and something keeps bringing me back,” he joked.

“I did a college course here and met up with some local musicians that really blew me away.

“There was and still is some great talent around here.”

Jam nights aside, Scott is also a renowned musician in his own right with his tracks winning rave reviews and regular airplay.

He plays at Gregory’s as part of the Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival this Sunday, between 3-4pm and 5-6pm.

Thursday Jam Nights at The Stage Door take place every week, from 9pm until late.

For more information on Volume’s events, promotions and PR services contact them at their Nantwich offices on 01270 625384 or visit www.volumepr.co.uk.