By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 14:33, Monday, 18 February 2013

A deal has been struck to make sure that music showcases continue, despite the closure of a Carlisle nightspot.

It's Grim Up North 2 recently took place at Club Rock

Over the Under and South of Heaven used to take place in the city’s Club Rock, which closed last week.

But in the wake of the venue’s closure, showcase organisers have moved quickly.

Next month, the events will restart at another Botchergate nightspot, The Office.

The man behind both evenings told the News & Star he was looking forward to performing at the new venue.

Alex Adamson, said: “We loved working at Club Rock, and we loved how dedicated it was. Now it is about making this work – it’s important to keep going forward.”

The two showcases first began in 2009 and have taken place at a number of venues in the city, including the now defunct TC’s, as well as Outrageous.

Alex added: “We have always been versatile.”

The showcases concentrate on classic rock and metal music but also branches out into other genres like indie and drum and bass. “It’s just a nice place for people to come and relax,” aded Alex, 27, who lives in Caldewgate, Carlisle.

The evenings have a very dedicated crowd of regulars, but Alex is hoping the change in venue could help attract new followers.

He has been a long-time lover of rock music and promotes the evening with friend Billy Campbell.

Alex is one of four DJs who get behind the decks at the evenings.

Club Rock closed last week after owner Dan Russell revealed it had run into debt.

As a result, Alex has urged people in Carlisle to get out and support their local music scene, either through going to live acts or special club evenings.

“That’s the message I would like to get out,” he added.

South of Heaven will make its debut at The Office on Wednesday, March 6, while Over the Under will begin on the following Monday, March 11.

Club Rock, in Englishgate Plaza, off Botchergate in the city, shut its doors last week when the premises were emptied.

The venue, which opened in 2010, was put into liquidation after owner Dan Russell revealed it had run into debt.

Mr Russell blamed the financial problems with the level of rent demanded by the building’s London-based landlord.

Nearby Indian restaurant Teza closed its doors about 10 days ago, amid a bitter dispute over rent and fixtures and fittings.

First published at 14:25, Monday, 18 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk