The lead up to Pride weekend brings some of the most vibrant sets to Brighton’s music scene. This week’s must-see gigs include experimental jazz, folk and electronic music, as well as the varied line-up of Pride in the Park. Whether you are hoping to party outdoors or visit a more intimate venue, Brighton will have something for you.
Chloe Leigh @ Back Beat Bar, Monday 29th July
Brighton-based singer Chloe Leigh is a folk artist whose unplugged instrumentals accompany her lyrics of love, loss and heartache. Inspired by the likes of Laura Marling and Leonard Cohen, her set promises an evening of mellow acoustics featuring songs from her recent debut EP, ‘In Bloom’. Her set will be backed by her new band, The Willow Trio.

Back Beat Bar, 8pm – 11pm. Free (Additional fees may apply). 18+. 5-6 Western Rd, Hove BN3 1AE
Joe Bayley @ The Gladstone, Tuesday 30th July
Joe Bayley is a singer, songwriter, producer and the lead of ‘The Steady Letters’. The London-based artist will be headlining the Gladstone’s vibrant Open Mic night. Bayley’s sets feature both original songs and covers, and his versatile style ranges widely from rock, indie, folk, pop, blues and soul.

The Gladstone, 10:30pm – 11:30pm. Free. 18+. 123 Lewes Rd, Brighton BN2 3QB
John Butcher & Olie Brice @ The Verdict, Wednesday 31st July
John Butcher is a Brighton-born saxophonist whose work explores quirky acoustics and improvisational sound. He will be performing alongside double bassist Olie Brice, whose Quintet was named ‘one of the most interesting and satisfying bands on the current UK scene’ by Richard Williams. Head to Brighton’s cosy jazz venue, The Verdict, this Wednesday for a night of improvisational and experimental music.

The Verdict, 8pm – 11pm. Tickets £6.50 (+BF) 159 Edward Street, Brighton BN2 0JB
Nimmo @ The Green Door Store, Thursday 1st August
Nimmo is coming to The Green Door Store this Thursday in order to ‘kick off your Pride weekend’ (One Inch Badge). Childhood friends Sarah Nimmo and Reva Gauntlett united nearly 10 years ago to form their electronic duo. Their youthful sound and contemporary disco beats have led Nimmo to be named ‘one to watch’ by the Guardian. Nimmo’s supporting acts include CHLOE BODUR and DJ Delasflores.

The Green Door Store, 7pm – 10pm. Tickets £9.20 (+BF). 18+. 3 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4FQ
The Big Push @ The Lion and Lobster, Friday 2nd August
Influenced by the likes of David Bowie and the Velvet Underground, The Big Push’s music has a distinctive rock and punk sound. The Brighton-based band are widely known for performing live on Ship Street every weekend. The trio met through busking, but will be heading to The Lion and Lobster to bring their promising setlist to a more intimate setting.

The Lion and Lobster, 8:30pm – 11:30pm. Free. 18+. 24 Sillwood St, Brighton BN1 2PS
Kylie Minogue @ Pride in the Park, Saturday 3rd August
The highly acclaimed Australian-British singer and songwriter, Kylie Minogue, will be headlining Brighton’s very own Pride in the Park this Saturday. The much anticipated festival returns to Preston Park this weekend as a part of one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ events. Other unmissable artists in the line-up include Clean Bandit and recent X-Factor finalist, Fleur East.

Pride in the Park, 4pm – 10pm. Final Release Tickets £40 (+BF). Preston Park, Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 6SD
Tim Eriksen @ Toy Museum Folk Club, Sunday 4th August
Tim Eriksen puts a refreshing twist on American traditional song and ballads. His many acoustic and folk collaborations include working with Omar Sosa on the Grammy-nominated record, ‘Across the Divide’. His upcoming performance in Brighton’s Toy and Model museum will not only give visitors the opportunity to hear his chilling vocals within a unique setting, but to visit the museum after-hours.

Brighton Toy and Model Museum, 7pm – 10pm. Tickets £10 (+BF). 52-55 Trafalgar St, Brighton BN1 4EB