For the past decade or so, one of the jewels in Newcastle’s nightlife scene has been Hoochie Coochie. It’s now under new ownership – and getting a new name in PILGRIM – but what isn’t changing is their commitment to quality music, both live and DJ driven.

When Hoochie Coochie first opened in Newcastle I felt a real sense of “Yes! At last!” Here was a place that played music I loved, which was owned by someone who very obviously loved music just as much as the punters who flocked to the place. Chaka Khan played there, as did DJs such as Dimitri from Paris (his annual shows were a real highlight). I attended many a Northern Soul all-dayer at the venue, and even found myself trying to Lindy Hop one Tuesday evening when a Swing evening was in full effect.

If Hoochie Coochie was known for a particular type of music then it was ‘Music Of Black Origin’, a term Bruno Mars neatly summed up: “When you say ‘Black Music’ understand that you are talking about rock, jazz, R&B, reggae, funk, doo-wop, hip-hop and Motown. Black people created it all.” These words ring true with Michael Lavery, the new owner of the legendary venue. Lavery – who is also frontman with north-east soulsters Groovetrain – comments: “Bruno is right, and what he’s saying gives us the green light to promote and celebrate an increasingly wide range of artists and styles. I took on the venue in September and we’ve already welcomed reggae royalty in the shape of The Cimarons and Don Letts; the magical neo-soul of Georgia May; the Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir; and Corto Alto’s contemporary jazz. We’ve got fast-rising funksters High Fade joining us in January and 2025 is already shaping up to be an incredibly exciting and diverse year.” Of the name change, he notes: “We sit at the heart of the Pilgrim Quarter and it’s exciting to see this famous part of Newcastle city centre enjoying a long overdue makeover. ‘Pilgrim’ is a word that means different things to different people but to me it captures the sense of a journey to a place of sanctuary and significance as part of a community of followers. For fans of Music Of Black Origin in the north-east, Hoochie Coochie has been that place. Over the years, artists, and fans, have travelled far and wide to visit the venue. PILGRIM will build on the heritage and ethos of Hoochie Coochie but look ahead to an exciting future for music in Newcastle.”

Moving into December, the venue has some corking gigs lined up not least jazz-soul queen Kat Eaton (4 December) who has been described by Jools Holland no less as “a fabulous vocal talent”. One of the real highlights of the month is actually a free event (free!) and that’s the Northern Roots Hip-Hop and Soul Xmas Party (6 December). Northern Roots, Hoochie Coochie and Purple Roomz have pulled out all sorts of stops to bring some of the region’s finest artists together, many of whom will be part of the MOBO Awards celebrations (which is coming to Newcastle Utilita Arena in February). The special night at PILGRIM will be presented by local luminaries Kema Kay and Kay Greyson and will feature the likes of “Nigeordian Queen of Neo Soul” Georgia May as well as “Young Songwriter of the Year”, the ever soulful Sisi. RobRez – known for his incredible art – will be on rapping duties and DJ Jamal will be spinning the finest hip-hop and soul. Getting the party started will be the Vitamin Noir dancers. Another December highlight arrives in the shape of the north-east’s King Of Swing Jason Isaacs (8 December) who will be giving punters a Rat Pack style event to remember. The Boys of Brass are returning for a big night of soul, funk, rock and pop classics (13 December) and this unique five-horn, twin-guitar and vocals led band are pure party starters. We’ve mentioned the 11-piece band Discography in these pages before and with good reason (20 December). They’re inspired by Nile Rodgers and Chic – along with other Studio 54 like acts – and their sound is one of pure joy. Northern Soul Sunday is sure to have feel-good vibes to burn (22 December), while 2024 will go out on a real high with a New Year’s Eve party featuring Daft Punkz (31 December). This is the only full band tribute to those masters of electronic music, Daft Punk, and they will immerse you in some of the best party bangers ever created. Throughout the month, the venue’s club events – such as Disco On A Sunday Afternoon and Heaven in the Afternoon – will also be running.

Final word to Michael Lavery: “We want PILGRIM to be a world-class music venue that’s constantly advancing the music scene in the north-east.” They’re certainly off to a sizzling start.

PILGRIM, 54 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle. Full listings: hoochiecoochie.co.uk