The eclectic heartbeat of North Shields’ creative scene.
In the ever-evolving landscape of independent music and art venues, Baba Yaga’s in North Shields stands out as a refreshingly authentic and deeply supportive space.
Born from a DIY ethos and a genuine passion for fostering local artistic talent, this vibrant spot, run by brother-sister duo, Kester and Madé, has quickly become a cornerstone of the community, offering a unique blend of music, art, and genuine connection.
The venue’s name originates from an East European folklore tale in which Baba Yaga is a timeless archetype who continues to resonate by embodying unpredictable forces, personal transformation, and the embrace of one’s multifaceted self. Characteristics which can be applied to the ever evolving venue itself.
Kester and Madé are well-travelled and are aware that their rich life experiences have influenced how they run the business.
Initially, the Whitley Bay location of Baba Yaga’s developed organically, never quite expecting the bustling atmosphere it now enjoys, especially on weekends.
This laid-back, go-with-the-flow approach has defined their expansion into North Shields.
The decision to open a second venue stemmed from a recognition of North Shields’ burgeoning creative energy and its desire for places that champion community and artistic expression. As Madé puts it, they observed how the North Shields community were:
“Putting effort into the town and creating good vibes in North Shields. There’s always creative things going on.”
What truly sets Baba Yaga’s apart is its unwavering commitment to local artists and musicians.
From the outset, the idea was to create a platform for those in the community. The walls are adorned with an eclectic mix of art, reflecting a refusal to adhere to a single style, and they never charge commission on sales, a rarity in the art world.
This generosity encourages budding and established artists alike, creating an inclusive and accessible space for display.
Beyond visual arts, Baba Yaga’s actively supports spoken word and craft. It host poetry nights and craft workshops, providing diverse avenues for creative exploration and community engagement.
This dedication to multifaceted artistry is integral to their identity, stemming from the owners’ own well-travelled backgrounds and their openness to new experiences, which informs the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
For music lovers, Baba Yaga’s offers a truly unique experience.
The owners, both keen on music, curate diverse playlists that consistently earn compliments from patrons.
While their Whitley Bay venue posed some challenges for larger musical acts due to its smaller space, they successfully hosted intimate acoustic gigs.
Now, with the North Shields location, they are actively looking to expand their musical offerings.
There are exciting plans in the works for regular music gigs, with a focus on live lounge-style sessions on Sunday afternoons with livelier gigs on Saturday nights, aiming to turn the venue into a recognised hub for live music.
Keep an eye out for these events popping up on alternate Sundays and Saturdays, promising to further enrich the North Shields music scene.
Kester and Madé are constantly thinking about how to evolve in order to encourage creativity and make the best space possible for all.
Even during our chat, they were throwing ideas about how to maximise the upstairs space to accommodate musicians, bands and gig-goers.
When I point this out, I ask them what they are ultimately striving for.
“To improve on what we are doing in terms of the space as a venue and the events we put on, to help push the scene as best we can and support what’s already going on in North Shields,” says Kester.
The success of Baba Yaga’s lies not just in its carefully curated artistic offerings, but also in the genuine warmth and community spirit it cultivates.
It’s a place where regulars feel at home, often meeting new people through the bar, and where the owners foster a supportive environment for their staff, ensuring a low turnover.
This authentic approach, coupled with their willingness to constantly evolve and try new things, makes Baba Yaga’s a vital and exciting addition to North Shields, a true testament to the power of a genuine DIY spirit.
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