Every Monday at 8 PM, The Cavern Pub on Mathew Street in Liverpool, transforms into a vibrant showcase for original artistry at the Monday Club, hosted by local musician Ian Prowse of Pele and Amsterdam fame.
The famous street is home to a rich musical heritage, lined with iconic venues and a lively atmosphere that celebrates both local talent and legendary acts, including the world-renowned The Beatles, who began their journey just a stone’s throw away.
For over a decade, The Monday Club has provided a unique platform for songwriters, poets, playwrights, comedians, and other creatives to perform their original works—no covers allowed.
Ian takes this rule very seriously. He said: “Once a guy tried to break the golden ‘no covers rule’ and started playing Sweet Child of Mine, I leapt onstage like a gazelle and turned him off, within seconds he was incarcerated under the stage as a warning to others not to mess with the club’s ethos. Some people believe he’s still there. Monday Club is the best fun.”
With a simple format and free entry, artists can step up on the night to perform three songs without needing prior arrangements.
Where it all began
The Monday Club started in July 2011 with a six-week trial-run. Ian was worried it might not succeed without covers, fearing they wouldn’t attract enough attendees and that some people might be discouraged by it. However, it turned out to be a great success.
It has since become a beloved institution in Liverpool, attracting a loyal crowd of local musicians and drawing performers from around the globe.
This lively gathering not only offers a stage but fosters connections and celebrates the rich tapestry of talent that defines the city’s arts scene.
Whether you are looking to perform or just enjoy the show, the Monday Club delivers an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration and creativity.
Ian added: “There have been over 14,000 separate performances at our beloved club in the past 14 years, countless friendships made, relationships started, bands formed.
“International rock stars often wander in and play, Dr. Robert, Brian Nash, Lee Mavers, Guy Chambers, The Real People, have all added to our night.
“It’s a progressive community forged in the spirit of the 1960s folk revival, you’re as likely to hear a cry for Free Palestine as you are a love song.
“I can’t tell you the amount of wild nights we’ve had down there when it’s all gone off and nobody is quite sure what’s going to happen next.”
Weekly Talent at The Cavern Pub
With over a dozen talented performances each Monday, the open mic on April 28 was no exception, overflowing with music and community for three and a half hours straight.
The energy in the room was electric, as artists and audience members connected through a shared passion for original artistry and good music.
The Guzzlers
Starting off the night with Cian, 28, and Tom, 26, O’Dowd. Brothers from Limerick, Ireland, with Irish tunes that filled the room.
The brothers started “The Guzzlers” to help fund and support their original band, “Static Vision,” in recording their first album.
They found success with this project and began playing gigs all over Ireland, making a living from their Irish traditional music.
At their recent trip to the Monday Club open mic, they played two of their songs ‘The Drunken Tales of Gerry McLean’ and ‘20 Pints to Cherbourg’. With a banjo and an acoustic guitar, the brothers had the whole pub tapping their feet and singing along.
The two have been making music together for about 10 years and recently moved to Liverpool, eager to see what the future holds for their Irish tunes.
Tom explained, “We began writing our own original songs with The Guzzlers and decided that moving to Liverpool would be a great way to expand our audience, as the Irish music and arts scene here is second to none.”
Find The Guzzlers online at: https://www.instagram.com/theguzzlersband_/
Niamh Jones
Another notable act was singer-songwriter Niamh Jones, 27, from Formby, Merseyside.
As a folk-pop artist, Niamh began performing in Liverpool when she was just 16-years-old, starting out in open mics and meeting people in the music scene.
She recorded her first EP ‘Self Analysis’ at Parr Street studios when she was 17.
At 18, she moved to Brighton for university to study music and from there continued to move around, performing and working, from Liverpool to Brighton to London to New Zealand.
She then studied a masters degree in music therapy down in London at 25, and now lives and works back in Liverpool as a music therapist in special educational needs schools, as well as a musician, creating and performing music around the city.
Niamh said: “I feel so lucky to be part of the Liverpool music scene, it has such a worldwide reputation, and I think there is very good reason for that. The talent is huge, and the people are kind and supportive.
“The Monday Club at the cavern pub was such an integral and inspiring place for me at the age of 16 starting out my songwriting journey, and still to this day having moved to various cities and finally settled back home, Monday Club continues to be very important for encouraging my creativity and building community.”
Find Niamh Jones on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Gf059uAk6pK9okpCUqE86?si=3R7ReqZpQZCrKLVXH1SMYw
Saint Tone Trio
The Saint Tone Trio.
And finally, an international act that made an impression was the Saint Tone Trio, coming all the way from Sarasota, Florida, in the USA.
Tony Saint Tone, 57, Janie Boisclair, 62, and Desmond Vega, 34, have been touring across the UK from London to Brighton, ending their journey in Liverpool.
Lead singer-songwriter Tony is a seasoned musician with over 40 years of experience, known for his blend of rock, pop, and country.
He has released over 130 original songs and performs around 225 shows a year, captivating audiences worldwide.
Career highlights include performing at the 2009 Inaugural Ball for President Obama and private events for Priscilla Presley and Nancy Cartwright.
In 2013, he founded the Spirit of Music Foundation to uplift individuals through music.
Tony collaborates with his wife Janie, enhancing their performances together. He continues to inspire audiences with his music and positive message.
Tony said: “We fell in love with Liverpool — the energy of the city and the people. This was our first time there and we were so excited to learn that the original music scene is so welcoming.
“Performing at the Cavern Club’s “Monday Club” was awesome! The fans were truly into the vibe, and for us, the show captured the essence of what an all-original open mic should be!! Everyone was very respectful to all the performers regardless of what your talent was (singer, songwriters, poets) whether you are starting out or a band rocking out their latest song.
“The club makes everyone feel welcomed and supported, it was great! We were invited to come back and are planning another return this fall.”
