The Arches Social Warm Up Party

Event information

The Arches Social is a new, volunteer-run, not-for-profit community interest venue here in Leeds, and we're having a warm up party!

To delight your ears will be local legends Kibitz - who'll bring the party and dance vibes, Evan and Katy Ryder - playing emotive traditional folk tunes, and the legend that is Here's the Steeple.

Food will be available from the delectable Funcho - "The great games afoot! Foraged flavours, frozen and fried!"

Bar open from 6pm
Venue doors at 7pm

£7 Presale tickets here
£4 for unwaged/concessions

More on the bands and venue here:

Kibitz
After a 5-year hiatus of soul-searching and escaping various viruses, they’re back in full force with some new friends, new music & plenty more dancing! Their latest incarnation shifts the focus to new original music. Still inspired by the soundscapes of klezmer and Balkan music, Kibitz bring a sonic whirlwind of their expansively eclectic influences, incorporating elements as far reaching as jazz manouche, Irish trad, reggae, classical and prog rock, playfully experimenting with time, texture, mood and dynamic.
Leading us into the dance are their captains: accordionist Barney Tabor and violinist Robin Timmis – expect to get a sweat on with their infectious beats and melodies on the triumphant return!

Evan Davies and Katy Ryder are a Leeds-based acoustic duo whose music includes emotive traditional ballads, driving dance tunes and elements of American bluegrass. They met by playing together in lively sessions during university and went on to perform together in Captain Bullhead Ceilidh Band and the trio Lonan, whose debut album Forever Has Flown was released in 2021. Evan is also known for his writing and performing with internationally touring bluegrass group The Often Herd whilst Katy recently composed and recorded material for Living with Machines an exhibition co-curated by Leeds City Museum and the British Library.


Here’s The Steeple has developed a reputation for intricate guitar textures and soaring, soulful vocals that warm you up like a good cup of tea. Drawing on a range of folk-related influences from Nick Drake to contemporary songwriters including Laura Marling and Rachael Dadd, his songs explore themes of childhood, relationships, and politics.

Here’s The Steeple has played both as a soloist and with a band, supporting artists including The Brother Brothers, Will Varley, Josienne Clarke, Tiny Ruins, Jesca Hoop, Scott Matthews, Rozi Plain, and Chris Brain.

The Arches Social is a new, volunteer-run, not-for-profit community interest company, dedicated to bringing Leeds together, by promoting social cohesion amongst all minorities and marginalised groups. Our bar, café and music venue will hold regular music, arts and educational events. This evening on 24th July 2025 is a sort of “pre-launch” event to test our systems and processes. We look forward to seeing you there – and thanks for your support! (100% of the ticket price goes to the musicians).