Bournemouth Pier bar to host live music event for artists

Key West Bar and Restaurant’s initiative comes as many UK music venues shut down or scale back live shows due to rising costs.

The event, scheduled for Friday, September 19, is part of the Arts by the Sea Festival.

Key West aims to provide a platform for budding artists from Bournemouth and the promotional backing to go with it.

The initiative is a lifeline for the UK music scene, which has been hit hard by increasing rents, utility bills, insurance costs and reduced funding.

Adventure Attractions, which operates Key West, is supporting the event by using its marketing resources to promote the artists.

This includes advertising on the large LED screen at the pier entrance, as well as promoting through social media, the website and other in-venue channels.

This means thousands of residents and visitors will be aware of the artists even before the performances start.

James Balcazar, group marketing manager for Adventure Attractions, said: “We wanted to do more than just give artists a space.

“We’re using our platform, from our marketing reach to the pier’s huge LED screen, to raise awareness, attract new audiences and help these acts grow beyond one night’s performance.

“It’s about investing in the future of live music in Bournemouth.”

Among the acts set to perform are Velour and the Daisy Chains.

Velour, a synth-pop duo formed in 2021, consists of vocalist Brandon Moss and synthesizer player Joe Grist.

They draw inspiration from the 80s and have performed alongside Black Marble and CLT DRP.

The Daisy Chains are known for their indie-folk melodies and promise to deliver a captivating performance.

Adventure Attractions, which manages Bournemouth Pier, is a leading developer, operator, and consultant for visitor attractions, theatres and live productions.

The company was founded in 1992 and aims to provide world-class experiences through its unique destinations, including the RockReef indoor adventure attraction and the PierZip, the world’s first pier-to-beach zip line.

The company uses its experience to consult on projects globally, optimising returns economically, socially and environmentally.