The Arts Barge

Arts on a Barge...obvs

Community-led repurposing of a local heritage barge
into a vibrant creative space.

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Joel Whitaker - Album launch

26th Sep 2026

Joel Whitaker returns to York to showcase his new album Furniture Music. A collection of instrumental guitar compositions composed over the last 10 years. Pulling influences from finger pickers in Folk, Classical, Jazz and Brazilian backgrounds, approached from a self taught angle. We’re delighted to welcome Joel for his first gig on the barge and […]

York Jazz Festival

1st – 4th Oct 2026

FOUR DAYS. SIX VENUES. ONE CITY. York Jazz Fest Thu 1 – Sun 4 October 2026 York Jazz Fest is a welcoming new festival celebrating jazz in all its forms — bringing together classic sounds, contemporary energy, great venues and live music lovers across York. Jazz is not one sound, one age, one room or […]

YJF: Alligator Gumbo

1st Oct 2026

Alligator Gumbo: Leeds-based seven-piece bring the sound of New Orleans jazz and Dixieland brass to The Arts Barge! Playing jazz from the hey-day of the New Orleans swing era when music was raw and largely improvised, melodies and solos happening all at once. Over ten years together and firm favourites on the British jazz scene, […]

YJF: Danny Lowndes Hot Club

2nd Oct 2026

Age 10, Danny picked up the guitar, inspired by records at home – Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry – The Beatles. Then the blues took hold – B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy – shaping his sound. By twelve he was playing in bands and gigging by fourteen. Danny’s winding musical journey, brought him to jazz […]