Rock With Claimed

Rock With is an independent Cumbria-based music promotion and event management company dedicated to supporting grassroots live music and creating memorable live music experiences across Cumbria and the surrounding areas.

Founded by Russ Withey, Rock With has built a strong reputation for connecting talented local musicians with venues, festivals, businesses, councils and community events. From intimate pub gigs to large public events, Rock With provides a complete approach to live music programming, helping organisers find the right artists and ensuring audiences get to experience some of the best musical talent the region has to offer.

At the heart of Rock With is a simple idea: great live music belongs everywhere.

Cumbria has an incredible pool of musicians, singers, bands and performers, and Rock With works to give those artists more opportunities to perform in front of new audiences. The company champions grassroots talent while also helping established performers find new stages and audiences.

Live Music Programming

Rock With specialises in programming live music for a wide variety of events. This includes festivals, markets, council events, community celebrations, venue openings, private events and regular live music nights.

The team can create complete music programmes, selecting artists and building schedules that work for the event, audience and location. This can include everything from acoustic performers and solo artists to full bands, DJs and larger live acts.

Rock With has provided music programming for Taste Cumbria events across the county, working alongside event organisers and local authorities to create varied line-ups that showcase the region's musical talent.

The company has also been involved in programming music for events including Whitehaven Weekender, Party in the Park, Carlisle Market Hall events, Show & Tell in Bitts Park and numerous other events and venues throughout Cumbria.

Supporting Grassroots Artists

One of Rock With's biggest focuses is supporting grassroots musicians.

The company regularly works with emerging artists and local performers, helping them secure gigs and become part of larger event line-ups. Rock With understands that for many musicians, getting those first opportunities to perform at festivals, public events and established venues can make a real difference.

Rather than simply booking an act, Rock With aims to build long-term relationships with artists, venues and organisers. This helps create a stronger local music scene where performers have more opportunities and audiences have more chances to discover new music.

Rock With also provides a platform for local musicians through its promotional work, helping to highlight upcoming gigs, new music releases and events across Cumbria.

Working With Venues

Rock With works closely with pubs, bars, venues and hospitality businesses to develop live music programmes that suit their customers and their individual identity.

Whether a venue is looking for a one-off live music night, a regular weekly performer or a complete programme of entertainment, Rock With can help source and organise the right acts.

The company has worked with venues across Cumbria, including pubs, bars, music venues and community spaces, creating opportunities for performers while helping venues attract audiences through live entertainment.

Events & Festivals

Rock With has become increasingly involved in the wider events scene across Cumbria, providing music programming and event support for both independent and large-scale events.

This includes working with councils and event organisers to deliver music programmes that complement food festivals, markets, seasonal celebrations and community events.

Rock With has been involved with Taste Cumbria programming in locations including Cockermouth, Maryport, Wigton and Carlisle, helping bring live music to events that attract visitors and local communities.

The company also has experience programming stages and live music areas, managing artist schedules and working with performers and organisers throughout an event.

Promotion

Rock With isn't just about booking musicians. Promotion is a major part of what the company does.

Through social media, event promotion and its network within the local music community, Rock With helps raise awareness of gigs and events and encourages audiences to support local live music.

The company understands the importance of presenting events professionally while keeping the focus on the artists, the venue and the experience for the audience.

The Cumbriana Show

Russ Withey also presents The Cumbriana Show on CRFM 102.7FM, a weekly radio show dedicated to grassroots music from Cumbria.

The show provides another platform for local artists, with hand-picked music, new releases, interviews and information about upcoming gigs and events.

This connection between radio, live events and grassroots artists allows Rock With to play an active role in promoting Cumbria's music scene both on stage and through the airwaves.

Working With Businesses & Organisations

Rock With works with a wide range of organisations, including councils, businesses, hospitality venues, festivals, community groups and event organisers.

The company can provide as much or as little support as required, from simply supplying a performer to managing the music element of an entire event.

Rock With has developed relationships with organisations such as Cumberland Council, local businesses and event organisers, helping bring live music into public spaces and community events.

More Than Just Music

For Rock With, live music is about more than simply putting an artist on a stage.

It is about creating opportunities for musicians, helping independent venues, bringing people together and contributing to the cultural life of Cumbria.

Live music can help businesses attract customers, give communities something to enjoy and provide performers with valuable opportunities to develop their careers. Rock With aims to bring all of these elements together.

The company takes pride in being part of Cumbria's grassroots music community and in helping shine a light on the musicians and performers who make the region's live music scene so special.

Rock With Today

From small local gigs to large public events, Rock With continues to grow its network of artists, venues, businesses and event organisers.

The company has established itself as a trusted name within Cumbria's grassroots music and events scene, with a reputation for finding great performers, putting together strong line-ups and helping events deliver quality live entertainment.

Rock With was recognised as Pride of Cumbria Community Business of the Year 2024, reflecting the company's contribution to the local community and its work supporting independent businesses, musicians and events.

Ultimately, Rock With exists to get people listening to, watching and supporting live music.

Whether it is a local artist performing in a pub, a band taking to a festival stage, a community event bringing thousands of people together or a business looking to introduce live music to its customers, Rock With is there to help make it happen.

Rock With — supporting grassroots music, connecting artists with audiences and bringing live music to Cumbria.