The Phoenix Cultural Centre CIC is in a small pop up shop where they stage originals live music nights, poetry workshops, arts and other cultural and community activities
It is a temporary small accommodation for the project which is run voluntarily by musicians and community workers trying to get Woking a community run originals min 300 cap live music venue that also provides space for arts, development and training acitivities
The team have been running gigs for six years in the area and are looking for a building they can take over as an asset of community value to welcome national touring bands and give local bands opportunities for support slots. They also run an outdoor festival and support music in the community with various outdoor events.
As well as playing feature acts who they network to other ethical promoters, radio and media as well as festival stages they run open mic nights for beginners who may be starting out and need confidence, The workers who are musicians and writers will help people with this, improving their instrument or vocal confidence, or giving mentoring and advice on management and other issues.
There are instruments to use for the casual visitor - piano, djembe, 2 x house cajon, bodhran, guitars (electric and acoustic) full backline
Books to browse and CD's from unsigned artists and local art for sale as well as retro and vintage wear and an info table on what is going on with music in the area
Normally the venue is unlicensed and sells tea and coffee but punters are welcome to bring in their own alcohol. Some feature nights do have an licensed bar
Open mics are charged at £2 to cover the cost of opening all go to running costs
Feature nights at £4 otd where £1 goes to centre costs and the remaining amount split equally amongst artists.
The venue can be hired for book or intimate CD launches at cost to community groups or local artists/ musicians
We don't hire it for rehearsal space as there is affordable studios nearby whose business we don't want to take