There are few places like Poco Live! Sure you could go to your local mega pub or club but if you’re looking for a unique night out with diverse music styles, meeting creative people in a friendly, flowing and lively environment, then Poco Live is for you.
Situated on the border of two of the South-East's most historic river towns, Rochester and Chatham, Poco Live! has become one of Kent's most hip underground venues. We're proud of our long-running history of attracting the region's most interesting acts, and amongst their fans, followers and friends, you'll encounter some of the universe's most intriguing life forms.
From seriously banging underground club nights to performance poetry, jam sessions and open mic evenings, Poco Live! plays host to a wide and varied range of bands, deejays, singers, songwriters, artists and socialites. So if the top notch bar and cocktail service or our unique late night snacks don't have you coming back for more, the fantastic company and great music most certainly will.
Established for over 15 years, Poco Live! is managed and run by Dave and Carol Smeed and family. Daughter Jody manages the deejay and live music bookings and has many years experience staging events and putting on the very best of nights (she was the manager of the once-famous Pulse underground nightclub). You'll also get to meet our pleasant and friendly team of highly dedicated bar staff, all eager to please and fluent in the timeless art of banter.
All sorts. Literally. From indie, folk, rock, blues, jazz, punk, open-mic and jamming sessions through to psy trance, dupstep, drum 'n' bass, deep house and techno nights. There really is something for everyone.
If you have a suggestion for a type of music that you don't feel has enough exposure, we're wide open to sensible offers. We're more than happy for you to charge a small fee on the door for your own events and we'll even help you promote it here on the website and on our regular flyers and literature.
Yes. Poco Live! is available to hire for private parties and functions and there's nothing stopping you bringing your own musicians, deejays or music. We like to think we have a very open ethos about creativity and welcome all newcomers, musicians and music-lovers alike.
We also offer a full catering service in collaboration with our sister business next door. Poco Loco is a fully licensed restaurant offering authentic Spanish and Mexican cuisine. Please visit the Poco Loco website for further information.
Please note that if you intend to charge for your event on the door, you will need to hire a licensed doorman. To avoid disappointment and unexpectedly being out of pocket, please make sure you figure this into your costs for the night. We can recommend a number of suitable licensed doorman. We may also charge you a deposit in order to subsidise poor bar sales (we're generous, but we still need to make money!). Needless to say, we'll be as helpful and honest about any additional costs before you go ahead with your night.
Poco Live! operate a strict anti-racist, anti-homophobic, anti-violence policy.
The best way to get in touch is to send us an email, ideally with a brief biog and a link to some examples of your music. We can't always guarantee that we'll give you a slot, but we're open to persuasion!
Please be aware that we monitor sound levels at Poco Live! to make sure we're in accordance with local regulations. We respect our neighbours and on very rare occasions we may have to ask you to turn it down.
If you have a suggestion for a type of music that you don't feel has enough exposure, we're wide open to sensible offers. We're more than happy for you to charge a small fee on the door for your own events and we'll even help you promote it here on the website and on our regular flyers and literature.
Please note that if you intend to charge for your event on the door, you will need to hire a licensed doorman. To avoid disappointment and unexpectedly being out of pocket, please make sure you figure this into your costs for the night. We can recommend a number of suitable licensed doorman. We may also charge you a deposit in order to subsidise poor bar sales (we're generous, but we still need to make money!). Needless to say, we'll be as helpful and honest about any additional costs before you go ahead with your night.
Poco Live! operate a strict anti-racist, anti-homophobic, anti-violence policy.
Here's some acts that we've had the pleasure of hosting in the past.
