Probably one of the best "Live" Music Venues in Southampton, The Joiners is a brilliant venue for seeing new bands whether signed or not and boasts having played host to the likes of Oasis, Coldplay, Suede and many more top names. On first entering into the bar area you wouldn't think that such great names had appeared on the venue's stage, but when you hear the calibre of the acts that are put on you will see why this is such a popular venue.

Going in you are usually met by Pat or Jacko who keep a vigilant eye on the door and the goings on of the evening. Great chaps who are friendly and tactful in carrying out their tasks. Let's start in the bar - always the best place to start a night off and losen up. Small and L-shaped with seating for those who get there early enough you can take in the array of different artists and bands who have performed at this vanue. A3 posters decorate the walls from ceiling to floor with ads for forthcoming events and for great past shows for you to take in. The bar staff are brilliant - really friendly and always quick to serve. They always have a smile and are always rushed off their feet. Bar prices are normal - what you would expect to pay in a pub - not bad considering you're getting live "music". OK, moving through the bar area - you reach the main music arena. A large, again L-shaped room, with a stage at the far end facing the entrance to the room. Soundproofing all round ensures that the neighbours don't complain about the noise. The stage seems high up and you can always get a good view of the great bands who perform here. The sound system is housed in front of the stage and is quite formidable considering the size of the venue. The sound engineers, including the extremely competent though quiet Steph, work hard to achieve the right sounds and levels for each individual band performing. Theyknow their job and they know the venue and what is needed to make any event a success. They work with the bands to achieve that perfect balance. There is plenty of room to "mash" about and there is very little furniture to hurl around - good thing on nights when the audience gets excited!

The entertainment provided by the venue and the varied promoters who use it ranges from Rock to Punk to Metal To Dance Nights and even Acid House and Drum 'n' Bass. There are shows most nights of the week which can range from small showcases of local talent to events featuring signed bands on tour. Fangfur Promotions are the official promoters of the venue and Fangfur is run by Vic Toms, a really great guy who is looking to make the venue the best in the whole area. We thinkhe's done that already but he has good outlook and intent and we are sure he will achieve his objective. Vic treats everyone really well, is fair and is a really likeable guy.

For bands there is an area downstairs for chilling out and relaxing before and after a gig. the walls of this part are covered with signatures from artists who have performed there. I'm still looking for Noel & Liams! I would say the only drawback is that you can't go from here straight on to the stage without going through the crowd, but apart from that it's well cool.

For music lovers - well the venue is situated right in the heart of town and has strong support from the local college students, as well as others. You don't have to worry about dress code - there ain't one. Most of the time the punters are friendly and receptive of good bands and music. The venue usually opens between 7.30pm and 8.0pm and the shows go on till late, with sometimes 3 or 4 bands appearing. Entry is really affordable and usually around the £5 mark - which ain't bad for seeing 3 to 4 bands. Some more special events are dearer but that is about the normal price. Whatever, it's always good value for your money. Bands usually play for about 45 minutes to an hour each.

To sum up this is a great place to play and a great place to go. CDDKMUSIK.COM are pleased that they can hold their Shows and Showcases there and hope to do so for a long time to come. See What's On At The Joiners Here. Come along and have a great night out and see some excellent bands.