Spotlight on: Cafe Totem
Nestled away in the heart of the city centre, Café Totem has been a cornerstone of Sheffield’s live music scene for some time now – consistently providing a platform for local talent and welcoming in some of the country’s finest up-and-coming touring artists.
But they offer far more than an intimate gig space: it’s a social hub with the widest selection of independent club nights in Sheffield, a laidback coffee spot throughout the day, a pizza joint if you’re peckish, and an ideal working space with free WiFi and group seating.
Not ones to rest on their laurels, the venue have recently announced a number of new wide-ranging events and deals to entice you in for a memorable evening. Here’s a look at what’s going on…
Sing for your Supper
Open mic nights are the perfect slice of mid-week entertainment, as the venue welcomes members of the Sheffield music community down to showcase their talents in a chilled-out atmosphere. Ever sympathetic to the plight of the skint musician, every Tuesday there’ll be free pizza and beer on offer for all performers – get fed and have some fun!
Wise up!
Each Tuesday, before the open mic kicks off, you’ll have the chance to test your music knowledge with the weekly Totem Quiz. £1 entry, prizes to be won, and if you book out a table with your pals there’s a free pizza in it.
Totem Fridays
Possibly the best free-entry indie night in the city, this brand new bash is focused on pumping undisputable bangers from some of the world’s finest bands. Think Strokes, Monkeys, Pulp, Libertines, Tame Impala, Oasis, Wolf Alice, Florence and the Machine and many more playing from 11pm ‘til late. Throw into the mix £2 mixers, bottled beers and the odd guest spot from Sheff musicians for one of the finest Friday parties in town.
Happy Days
These days, going for just a couple of beers can hit you hard in the pocket. If you’re a bit low on funds and in need of a drink, there’s a daily happy hour (5-7pm, Mon-Fri) that might come in handy. £2 Budweisers, £2.50 Sheffield Pilsners, £2.50 G&Ts and £2 mixers – plus more! Enjoy responsibly, like…
Have a laugh
The venue’s recently announced live standup night, The Comedy Hose, has proved exceptionally popular with free entry and the chance to catch some up-and-coming comedic talent. Coming up next on the 9 October there’s musical comedian Keith Wild, award-winning deadpan comic Marie Fawcett and one of ‘world’s leading deliverers of sat-down stand-up comedy’, Jonny Brook.
Stranger sounds
This month they’ll be throwing a special Halloween party in honour of Stranger Things and the greatest pop and alternative heroes of all time! Expect to walk into the upside-down, with two floors of pop and alternative 80s hits. Popstar/Stranger Things/Halloween fancy dress strongly encouraged!
Psych Out
Open your mind every third Thursday of the month with a dedicated night to all things sounds groovy and psychedelic. For Turn On, Tune In think Hendrix, The Beach Boys and Revolver-era Beatles.
Rock On!
Glam up and rock out every first Saturday of the month with Get It On – which, unsurprisingly, will feature glam rock legends such as T- Rex, but you’ll also be able have your fill of KISS, Def Leppard, Thin Lizzy and co.
Enter the Unknown
A celebration of all things post-punk and new/wave, Unknown Pleasures has plenty of homegrown synthpop classics to pick from but also pays homage to scene innovators such Kraftwerk and Joy Division through to The Knife and The Horrors.
23 Furnival Gate // Sheffield S1 4Q // cafetotem.com
