Why it matters: The Summer Sounds event on Saturday, 19 July, offers music fans a chance to see up-and-coming artists in an intimate setting before they hit major festival stages.
The details: Curated by award-winning Ipswich Community Radio presenter Jonathan Baker, the night brings together three BBC Introducing-supported artists at the venue from 19:30.
Chest will open Latitude Festival's Alcove stage on Friday, 25th July, making this their final warm-up performance. The energetic Norwich five-piece emerged in 2024 and quickly earned support from BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music with their chaotic and captivating sound.
Gabby Rivers, the 22-year-old alt-rock singer-songwriter, has sold out shows across the South and played major festivals including Latitude and Reading & Leeds.
Ipswich-based Ryski blends alternative, pop and hip-hop and has previously performed at Latitude Festival.
Tickets cost £8 in advance via DICE (plus booking fee) or £10 on the door.
What they're saying: Chest’s lead singer Joel said: "We love playing intimate venues like The Smokehouse, where you can connect with the crowd on a different level. There's a raw energy to these kind of performances, and with Latitude on the horizon, it's a great warm-up for us."
Baker, who hosts Baker's Dozen Radio Show every Friday on ICR, said: "This gig will bring some of the most talented artists from across the region together, all under one roof. With Latitude just around the corner, and festival season well underway, it's the perfect time to get in the festival spirit and watch a local act that will be taking to the big stage this summer."
What's next: The event will include fundraising for ICR's equipment fund, with donations helping keep the community station's vital broadcast equipment operational.
The bottom line: This intimate gig offers the perfect opportunity to experience festival acts in a much more intimate setting whilst supporting the local music scene and community radio.
