rise @ bluebird is our Acomb evening arts venue.
The space regularly plays host to live music, spoken word, art exhibitions, theatre, comedy, family- friendly nights and much more.
Rise aims to be a vibrant and independently-run creative hub, driven by love and support from the local community - and an ardent sense of adventure.
Pop down and check us out - we’re looking forward to you helping shape this place just as much as we do.
Gallery
What's on
- 18/09/2025
18:00
General
Free
Oktoberfest @ rise!
For the first time, we are joining in the Oktoberfest fun! The festival runs from September 20th until October 5th and we are stocking the authentic beers served in Munich. These beers - by Augustiner, Hofbrau, Paulaner and Spaten breweries are strictly limited, so when they are gone, they are gone! Join us for a special offer of buy one get one half price on our launch evening on these selected beers, music, dancing and pretzels, lederhosen optional........!!!!
-
Baps and Buns Burlesque
We are thrilled to announce that York’s Burlesque Queen, Freida Nipples, is back at Rise this September.
Freida is an internationally award-winning burlesque artiste who will seduce you with astounding aesthetics and enthral you with her captivating stage presence.
Alongside her will be a selection of sensational cabaret artists. From drag queens to acrobats, you always know you will be in for a fun night at Freida’s shows which have been sell-out successes across York for the past six years, at venues such as York Theatre Royal, The Basement, Impossible and more.
So - prepare yourselves for an evening of debauchery & glamour in Acomb. The big question is, are you ready for it?!
Tickets include a welcome drink on arrival. (Non-alcoholic option available).
-
September Rise Up!
Our monthly celebration of poetry and spoken word - join us to welcome Ian Duhig, Kirsten Luckens and Henry Raby!
Ian Duhig has published seven books of poetry, won the Forward Best Poem Prize once, the National Poetry Competition twice and his New and Selected Poems was awarded the 2022 Hawthornden Prize for Literature. His most recent book of poems, An Arbitrary Lightbulb, was the 2024 Poetry Book Society Winter Choice. Kirsten Luckins is a Teesside-based poet whose work explores ekphrasis, ecopoetics and experimentation generally. Her latest pamphlet, Offworld (The Braag, 2025) tells the journey of two runaways as they planet-hop through a disintegrating empire of colonised worlds, where octopi seek out strip clubs and anything can be bought at a spaceport. Beautiful, shocking, funny and prescient, this pamphlet presents us with glimpses of ruined and defiant futures. Punk poet Henry Raby's work has been described as playful, highly-charged, passionate and anarchic! Henry writes about anger and hope - the twin emotions to keep you fuelled for the fight. You'll find him gobbing verse at DIY venues, protests and festivals (Manchester Punk Festival, Deer Shed, Latitude, Greenbelt and Boomtown Fair). Henry has been published by Burning Eye Books and co-runs York spoken word organisation Say Owt. He co-hosts the Vandal Factory podcast, looking at the magic moments where art and activism meet. -
Art of Protest : Sip and Spray Workshop
Join us for a night of fun at our smash-hit spray paint and stencil workshops hosted by Art of Protest Projects at Bluebird, in York! You’ll learn how to use the wonderful medium of spray paint combined with stencils in this jam-packed workshop full of techniques that will allow you to create your very own masterpiece!
No experience is required, just lots of creativity and imagination! Our professional instructors will walk you through each step of the creative process, ensuring you’re having fun, being safe, and learning a new skill.
Classes are designed for both young people and adults to enjoy and we guarantee that even our more experienced hands will find plenty to do as they create their unique work of art. -
Tropica! Live Music Special
Afro, Latin, Islands Sounds & Beyond...special guest Suéli Gil . Pure Brasilian Soul
- 27/09/2025
18:00:00
DJ Nights
Free
Dusko!
Join us for Dusko — a pilot early-nighter of house music through the decades in a chilled-out café setting. These new nights will bring talented DJs to transport you right back to the old-skool clubbing scene - with classic uplifters, retro anthems and dirty beats. Pop down after work, grab a beer, catch up with mates and - when the music takes over - get yourselves on the dance floor. All with the promise of a full eight-hours of beauty sleep.* *any after-party activity is entirely at your own risk.
-
The Sunday Social Comedy Club
The Comedy Club is turning ONE!! Come and celebrate a year of laughs with us and get some free birthday cake - while it lasts! A fresh line up of 5 hilarious comedians - a mix of local talent and rising stars from across the circuit, hosted by the brilliant John Pease.
-
Riley Catherall
Riley Catherall is a Singer-Songwriter based in Melbourne who has built a credible status as one of the country’s most promising songwriters through his poetic sincerity and alluring live shows.
"The Light, The Beautiful Liar" is Riley Catherall's second full-length record released in mid 2024. Singles "Bark At The Moon" and "Coming Down, Coming Over" flagship this collection of songs about the kind of love that desperately tries to endure the unwelcoming stark light of the morning. Sold out shows across the UK and Scandinavia, as well as appearances at prestigious festivals such as Woodford, Queenscliff and Maverick (UK) provided those who attended an insight into the workings of a prolific songwriter in the sophomore stage of his career.
Riley released his debut full-length album in late 2021: “When I Go” an amalgamation of songs about leaving, losing love, and finding somewhere to settle down. National praise came in spades for singles “Mother Please”, “Vacant Lot” and “Leave Me Out To Dry” – all receiving extensive streams, national airplay and an addition into ABC National's high rotation. Catherall’s writing has also attracted international attention with radio play across Europe and the UK – “A F***ing Virtuoso” Chris Jagger delicately put it after he appeared at the Maverick Americana Festival in Suffolk, UK where he was listed as a festival favourite alongside Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes and Hannah Aldridge.
Those with a keen eye at such festivals will notice Riley on stage playing guitar for the likes of those mentioned above, as well as having accompanied and collaborated with Kasey Chambers, Charm Of Finches, Alan Fletcher, Imogen Clark and Loretta Miller (Clairy Browne & the Bangin' Rackettes).
Riley is back in the UK/EU this year with the band in tow to promote his newest collection of songs: “From a Borrowed Room” - B-sides from his latest full-length album.
Just Amazing! – Carrie Grant, BBC London
One of the standout features of Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Riley Catherall’s debut album is that it is the sound of an artist in consummate control of his craft. - Chris Familton, Post To Wire
His songs are beautifully constructed and immaculately delivered. The find of the festival. – Three Chords and The Truth UK - 03/10/2025
19:00
DJ Nights
Free Entry
Resurrection - Indie Revival
Playing the best Indie tunes from the 80's & 90's.
-
UNDER THE INFLUENCE PRESENTS: JODIE NICHOLSON
Jodie Nicholson creates powerfully intimate, achingly human music. Alongside inspirations of Daughter, Lucy Rose, Warpaint, TEED and HÆLOS, Nicholson combines introspective lyricism, brooding piano, subtle electronics and delicate guitars to carve her own sonic identity. Praised for her captivating live performances, Nicholson has graced All Points East, Wilderness, Y Not, Liverpool Sound City, Cambridge Folk Festival, Focus Wales and Live at Leeds - not to mention sharing stages with Emeli Sandé, Bernard Butler, Nerina Pallot, The Howl & The Hum, Luke Sital-Singh, Tom Rosenthal and Siv Jakobsen. Join us to welcome Jodie to our rise@bluebird stage.
- 05/10/2025
15:00-21:00
Family Friendly Activities
Free
BYO Vinyl
The best vinyl collection on the decs - yours! Pop down for a half hour slot and some rather splendid wine and beer. What's not to love!
-
Pintxos & wine tasting
Join us for an evening of Pintxos & wine tasting.
- 10/10/2025
Doors 6pm
DJ Nights
Free
Reminisce
Join us for another of our 90's, Noughties Pop and R&B nights with our regular DJ Lisa. Any Acomb Boy Bands out there????!!!!
- 11/10/2025
Doors 7:30pm
Live Music
Joshua Burnell - SOLD OUT
BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR - RNR
"A creatively fearless artist... 5/5" - RnR Magazine
"Much of it would fit comfortably in a Peter-Gabriel era Genesis set (though said group never wrote anything as catchy as Don't Lose Your Faith). - The Observer
“His music takes on chameleon dimensions with alt-folk, glam rock, & classical influences – musics of the past which he skilfully brings to the present." - Irish Music Magazine
Joshua Burnell makes retro pop-rock for the modern world. His latest album, Glass Knight - which according to the Financial Times, "plays like a lost out-take from Spiders-From-Mars-era Bowie" - won over a lot of new fans upon its release in 2023. Expect hooky melodies drenched in warm, retro-synth textures, reverbing guitars, lush harmonies and words that make you think. Imagine The War On Drugs meets Genesis with “lashings of Peter Gabriel stylings,” - The Guardian.
Joshua and his band love what they do and it is infectious; they left the stage at Fairport's Cropredy Convention to a standing ovation, and similarly won the hearts of audiences at Towersey, Folkeast, Wickham and Moonbeams festivals last summer. Last year, they took the show on a tour of major UK cities including Glasgow, Cambridge, London, Sheffield, Bristol and Birmingham.Always leaving his fans and critics guessing, Glass Knight has yet again defied expectations: “coloured with glam, psychedelia and 70s folk/pop, Glass Knight is a redefining album in much the same way as Ziggy Stardust" (Folking.com).
Through his intricately crafted lyrics, Joshua creates a multiverse of settings, from apocalyptic love songs to reimagined fairy tales, and introduces otherworldly characters - the Glass Knight being resurrected from an old English folk tale to reflect the foibles of the modern-day world. This one’s for fans of Stranger Things, 70s art rock and everything in between. It is Joshua’s original songwriting, however, that has won the hearts of listeners and industry professionals alike. - 12/10/2025
Doors 4pm
Family Friendly Activities
£9 plus booking fee per child, accompanying adults free of charge
BookMagic, Monsters and Mayhem!
Celebrate witches, wizards, ghosts and goblins with storyteller Robin Simpson. The audience is in charge in this interactive performance, ideal for fans of spooky stories and silly songs! Perfect for years 5 and up, but smaller siblings and their grown-ups are very welcome too!
-
Dine-In with LFK; A Diwali Celebration
An exclusive 3-course Diwali dining experience with festive starters, a choice of mains, a trio of traditional desserts - and a sparkling surprise to end the night....Seats are limited, early booking recommended. Celebrate Diwali with food, lights & stories - the LFK way.
-
Pottery Power with The Wison Sisters
Have you ever fancied having a go at pottery? Well now is your chance! Join us for a four hour workshop where you will create three ceramic masterpieces including one on the wheel. All welcome, no experience needed, just bring an apron and a sense of humour!
- 17/10/2025
DJ Nights
On My Way
Our Northern Soul residency with Michael Toy & Dan Guest (Brighton Beach). Expect Northern soul classics along with some upbeat Motown to get you moving. Don't forget your talcum powder!
- 19/10/2025
Doors at 6pm, music from 7pm
DJ Nights
Free Entry
The Milkcrate Sessions
From Dylan to DJ Shadow via The Cure and Khruangbin.
Mat and Ed have been collecting vinyl for over 30 years across an unusually broad range of genres and now they’re booked to play the best of all of it for you.
All vinyl, all amazing songs, hand selected for your enjoyment. -
Curtis Eller's American Circus
Curtis Eller is a banjo player, songwriter, dancer, and storyteller. The beloved show business veteran started his career at the age of seven as a juggler and acrobat, but has since turned to the banjo because that's where the money is. The iconoclastic troubadour has spent thirty years relentlessly touring the burlesque houses, beer halls, underground theatres, and punk rock dives of North America, Europe, and Australia. His band, Curtis Eller’s American Circus, has developed a devoted international following based on spellbinding stage performances that combine compelling songcraft with silent-film-style physical comedy, and explosive rock & roll energy. This October, Eller will return to the UK for a limited run of club and festival dates, joined by a heavy-hitting, four-piece lineup of The American Circus featuring musicians from both sides of the Atlantic.
-
Heart in a Jar
Decadent Romance and sumptuous Body Horror to quicken your heart. Join storyteller Lara McClure for her annual Hallowe'en storytelling show at Rise, suitable for ages 16+
-
BETWE"EN TWO WORLDS: A Twin Peaks Hallowe'en special.
Join us for coffee and cherry pie (or crisps and ale) at Rise for a Twin Peaks spectacular. Come as yourself or as your favourite character. PLUS for one night only, newly formed band The Log Lady and the Axemen will conjyre up the haunting melodies of Twin Peaks. Featuring phantom of the keys, Tom Burgess alongside two guitar-riffing reapers: Finley Potter and Will Evans. Laying down the thunderous basslines will be Eddy Sutherland with wannabe Julee Cruise on vocals, Cordi Hobbs. This event is supporting IDAS charity.
- 02/11/2025
3pm - 9pm
Family Friendly Activities
Free
BYO Vinyl
Come and have a cosy afternoon with us and your vinyl - now the nights are dark, share our space and our decs and maybe share a nice bottle of red! All welcome, all musical genres welcome.
-
Unwritten: The Literary Improv Show
Improv based on your literary suggestions.
The Bluffs take classic short-form improv games and infuse them with storytelling flair. Every show is completely unique, shaped by audience suggestions and spontaneous creativity.
Last time we visited a James Bond themed restaurant, reimagined Married at First Sight (Australia) as a Shakespearean drama, saw Poirot solve the mystery of the killer toilet and experienced a musical based on a war novel. Who knows where this evening will take us. Expect an evening of laughter, surprises, and plot twists! - 07/11/2025
19:00
DJ Nights
Free Entry
Resurrection - Indie Revival
Playing the best Indie tunes from the 80's & 90's.
-
DBC3
Hot off the festival circuit, DBC3 and special guests are back at rise. Electro Dub with Dandy Dizzle, Sis Ananda, Nikki H on vocal duties & Col J on melodica, DJ Minesh & Sister Ananda on the wheels of steel dropping reggae classics before 8pm and after DBC3s's live set.
-
Blair Dunlop
“The busy crowd… is testament to Dunlop’s talents. Dunlop brings an air of tenacity while displaying a fine repertoire of well-crafted songs spanning traditional and contemporary. He’s determinedly taking the traditions of folk in his own direction” The Independent
Blair Dunlop is an award-winning British singer-songwriter and guitarist, who has released 5 albums, 2 EPs and toured around the globe.
Blair burst onto the scene with his debut album ‘Blight & Blossom’ in 2012, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and lyrical maturity, and was awarded a prestigious BBC Folk Award in the wake of its release. A string of critically acclaimed albums followed, along with headline tours and festival appearances in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. ‘Gilded’ and ‘Notes from an Island’ were released on his own label and singles ‘The Egoist’ and ‘356’ received national playlist status on BBC Radio 2. Following this, ‘Trails: Queensland’ (2021), Blair’s first live album, documented a tour of rural Australia, playing for isolated communities. From Glastonbury to Tuscany, Queensland to Palestine, Blair has brought his musicality and storytelling to audiences young and old. Album five was released 24th May 2024.
“From the outside, when listening to the music of Blair Dunlop, you get the impression that though he’s something of a natural talent he continues to work hard to progress both his songwriting and musicianship…. you can hear the folk heritage coursing through his veins as well as the originality he brings to the genre.” Songwriting Magazine
“A cult hero whose work is adored by those who come across it”
Clash Music
“An adept guitarist whose epic songwriting instincts prevail on a personal-political fourth album”
MOJO
“Blair Dunlop’s fourth album finds him fully ensconced as a singer-songwriter of maturity and sophistication…
‘Notes From An Island’ really ought to give Blair Dunlop the wider exposure he deserves”
RnR Magazine
“On his fourth full length LP, ‘Notes From An Island’, he develops a more mature sociopolitical undertone to his music…
Blair Dunlop could help bring the genre back to the forefront of the UK music scene.”
Guitarist Magazine -
Winter Botanicals Lino Printing
We are thrilled to host illustrater Lara Aitkin for the second time this year - join us for a greetings card workshop, with all materials provided. Mulled wine and our famous frangipane mince pies available to purchase to make the evening extra festive.
-
Edwina Hayes
Doors 7:30pm - Music 8pm
One of the finest female singer/songwriters this country has produced in years. Edwina brings together English folk, Americana and the rich Northern singer/songwriter tradition to create a sound that’s truly her own.
Highly accomplished she’s toured with such notable performers as Jools Holland, Van Morrison, Nanci Griffith and Loudon Wainwright III to name just a few.
Edwina numbers Michael Parkinson and Mike Harding among her fans and the title track of her album Pour Me A Drink was covered by Nanci Griffith who calls her 'the sweetest voice in England'.
Her cover of the Randy Newman song Feels Like Home was featured in the Cameron Diaz film My Sister's Keeper and has since had over twenty million plays on Spotify and over fifty million plays on You Tube.
Edwina's 4th album Ruby Rose was released in 2022.
'The sweetest voice in England. A wonderful young woman, so gifted and full of song.' Nanci Griffith
'Haunting, honeyed, solo songwriter.' The Guardian More events coming soon!