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Tynemouth SURF CAFE

Tynemouth Surf Cafe has carved out a reputation for providing the perfect backdrop for live music in an intimate setting. It seemed fitting then, that it should host Sofar Sounds Newcastle for their first jaunt to the coast on a late August evening. With it's quirky decor, soft lighting and all-around laid back atmosphere, the Surf Cafe transforms effortlessly from daytime cafe to out and out music venue.

Sofar Sounds is something of a global sensation, and while the Newcastle arm has been flexing continuously for a few years now, the movement remains something of a well kept secret. After being founded in a London living room in 2009, the Sofar Sounds concept has now spread to over 400 cities worldwide.

If you're completely new to the Sofar name then it's worth finding out the gist of it here. Essentially though, a Sofar show is all about discovery - new music, new places and if you're feeling sociable enough - new friends! At the centre of it all is a mutual respect for the artist. A Sofar show is regularly blessed with the sort of pin-drop silence that seems to be increasingly rare when watching live music.

For this occasion, the crowd was kept entertained by the acoustic talents of Joel Gardner and the dazzling Geordie twins VK2, before the sound was turned up a notch for the return of local lads Shields - as they heralded in the release of their new single - `Evidence'. A great way to kickstart the August Bank Holiday.

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If you'd like to attend a Sofar Sounds yourself - then head over to Newcastle's page to see what's coming up. And if you fancy checking out some live music at Tynemouth Surf Cafe, then their Facebook page is perfect for keeping abreast of their upcoming shows and regular gigs - including buskers night (Wednesday's) and Sunday Sessions.