Wake Up Gigs showcase new artists for parents to enjoy the best live bands and artists and the gig experience in a relaxed atmosphere, a parent friendly venue and at parent friendly times. ALL AGES WELCOME!

Baby friendly stuff: buggy space, soft play area, lifts, baby changing facilities

Parent friendly stuff: friendly people, licensed bar, Pizza East lunch available

Artists:

Avec Sans

Avec Sans are Alice Fox and Jack St James, from Manchester and Trinidad respectively, now living in London, UK. They make dreamy electronic pop music.

Signed to U.S. label Beverly Martel, Avec Sans’ single releases have achieved national radio play and media acclaim and their debut album ‘Heartbreak Hi’ charted in the top 50 on iTunes.

Avec Sans started performing live in 2014 and quickly gained recognition for their energetic shows. Aiming to break down the walls of electronic laptop performances, Jack hacked his Novation launch pad to display a light show and uses three of them in tandem tilted towards the audience. He’s filmed performances using 19 launch pads simultaneously and has worked with Novation to demo and launch new products online.

Avec Sans supported Ladyhawke on her 2016 UK tour and have played alongside acts such as Little Boots, Capital Cities, Bright Light Bright Light and The Pet Shop Boys. They’ve played live for BBC Introducing and at events such as SXSW, Cannes Lions, Canadian Music Week, CMJ New York, The Great Escape, Kendal Calling, Bingley Music Live, Butlin’s Weekender (Electric Dreams for Vintage TV) and various other European events

“Avec Sans, have been tipped as ones-to-watch for 2017 and are currently tearing up the festival circuits in the UK & Europe" - The Express -

“The Times ‘Marvellously bittersweet electro-pop" - The Times -

“More interesting production touches and melodic hooks than most bands can muster in a career. - The Guardian -

Wake Up Gigs FAQ

"What is this all about? Why are you putting on the gig? Who are you?"

This event is being hosted by Sarada and Adam, with some able assistance from our 22 month old son, Edwin who is the real brains behind the operation. If you'd like to read a bit more about us – check out our story.

The idea was born out of attending other music/parent/baby related events in London such as the ace Big Fish Little Fish, the cooler than cool Fun DMC and all-in-one party that is Buggied Out. We met at a gig way back in 2004 and have always been big music fans - however, since becoming parents, we couldn't find gigs we could go to without block booking a babysitter, having to leave early and missing the best bits, and questioned why it is so difficult to find gigs that were accessible to parents in our vibrant musical city. Thus, we've made it our aim to bring live music to a family audience in a comfortable, indoor gig venue with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Like you used to before the wee ones came along!

"What is the difference between the baby and child tickets?"

We qualify those aged 2 and under as "newborns, toddlers, infants" - these tickets are free with each adult ticket. A child ticket is for those aged 3 and up and while we want to host an event that is open to all, the primary audience for our gigs is parents who wouldn't normally be able to experience live music in this way.

"How accessible is the venue for my pram/buggy/entourage etc?"

The venue is fully accessible via a lift and the venue is in the basement of the building all on a single level with toilets and baby changing facilities.

"What will I do if my baby cries/make noise?"

We love babies. We also love crying and noise. End of.

"I've heard there is a bar but I'm worried about glass and safety?"

All drinks will be served in plastic cups, and we'll be on hand to make sure the venue is safe enough for our son Edwin and your child.

"What if I/my partner/my baby get's hungry?"

We don't like hanger (hunger and anger) at Wake Up Gigs. So in order of priority - feed your baby. If relevant to you, we will make sure breastfeeding and bottle fed babes and mums are as comfortable as possible. Then, feed yourselves with delicious Pizza East food available at the bar! You can take a peek at their menu here

"Is there somewhere to sit?"

This is a gig venue designed mainly for a standing audience, however, there will also be seating available around the perimeter of the room for those looking to take a break.

"Is there anywhere to change my baby?"

Concrete Space has baby changing facilities (hallelujah!), and we provide nappies (in different sizes), nappy cream, wipes etc, as we know how much a palaver this all can be. Remember just being able to head out to a gig without any care in the world? Yep. Those days are gone for a while, so enjoy our gigs in the meantime!

"When will set times be announced?"

Set times will be published via our social media in the week leading up to the event.

"What will be happening in between the live performances?"

We will make sure there is a decent playlist on in the background (nothing worse than waiting ages for a band to start in silence!). And of course, there is a licensed bar and great pizza from Pizza East available.

"Can I pay by card for food and drinks at the venue?"

Yes

"Is there a cloakroom for my pram/buggy/bag/kitchen sink?"

The venue has a small cloakroom which you are more than welcome to leave your pram in (folded up as far as possible please)

"What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?"

Nearest public transport is Shoreditch High St overground (AKA the orange line). The venue is a 3 minute walk from there. Alternatively – Liverpool Street is around a 10-15 minute walk. There is a NCP car park on Great Eastern Street (EC2A 3ER).

"Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?"

As if parents don't have enough to remember to take every time they leave the house. If you have ability to print, please do bring it along but no sweat if not, just show us your email confirmation/barcode.

"Can I leave the venue and re-enter?"

Yes, of course, feel free to come and go as you please – you will get your hand stamped on entry and if you need to step out either to the restaurant on the upper floor or outside you can come back in.

"I am a wheelchair user and / or I have other accessibility requirements"

Do send us an email (wakeupgigsldn@gmail.com) with any queries you might have. The venue is fully accessible via a lift and the venue is in the basement of the building all on a single level with a disabled toilet.

"What can/can't I bring to the event?"

Please do bring that nice big smile of yours. We're parents, we know that when you go out with the small person in your life – they do require what seems like the equivalent luggage allowance of a BA first class flight. We are not going to stop you bringing anything you need to make you more comfortable on the day. We will be stockpiling up on baby wipes because everyone knows the first rule of being a parent is you can never have enough baby wipes. We'll also have BabyBanz ear defenders on sale to protect your little ones from all the noise they aren't making!

"Can I get a refund on my ticket?"

We're afraid all ticket sales are non-refundable.

"I'm press / media and would like more information about the event"

For any PR or press enquiries please email us via wakeupgigsldn@gmail.com

"That's great, but has not answered my question"

No worries – just drop us a line at wakeupgigsldn@gmail.com and we'll get right back to you