A FAMILY business that has become renowned as a top live music venue has launched a new project to give up-and-coming artists a leg up in the industry.
Launched by partners Ste Cooper and Hannah Denning in November 2021, Carouse has become a popular place for small plates, cocktails, and live entertainment in Rainhill.
With Ste and Hannah keeping a constant eye on how they can improve the business, there has been a real emphasis on live music to ensure that the Station Street venue is one where people want to visit and return.
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With live music taking place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Carouse, Ste said that there is often an electric atmosphere at the weekend, with customers finishing the night while singing along to well-known classics.
There have also been open mic nights throughout the week and the Carouse team has decided to grow their live entertainment offer even further to support new and emerging talent.
Launching the first 'Introducing' event last week (Thursday, February 2), the idea is to give young or up-and-coming artists the time and space needed to develop their stage presence while also gaining vital tips from Carouse's regular entertainers.
Dad-of-two Ste said: “Over the past two years, we have built a real reputation for live music at Carouse and that has allowed us to go for the ‘cream of the crop’ in terms of performers.
”We want our customers to be up dancing and singing, so that means we want performers who can read a room and get the crowd going.
”That means that we haven’t been able to give as many opportunities to up-and-coming artists that we aren’t aware of, but this is what we’re attempting with the ‘Introducing’ events.
”Essentially it’s giving them a stepping stone and helping hand to learn what works and what doesn’t, with our regular performers on hand to set them up and give advice and support.”
While Carouse may be in a position where they are aiming for the region’s top performers at the weekend, Ste said he has seen how even these artists have improved the more they have performed.
The dad-of-two added: "We've seen some singers who had really lost confidence but after a couple of shows they are amazing at getting the crowd going, so it just shows what positive feedback and practice can do.
"We're just trying to help people really, so we hope this can become a regular event that brings more people to Carouse."
More information about Carouse and its events can be found here.
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