Former Exeter music teacher Sam Tame embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial journey last year, transitioning from a decade-long career in education to realize his vision of establishing a unique cultural space in the heart of the city. This bold move led to the creation of 12 Bar Music & Social, a venue conceived not just as a business, but as a vital community hub where music and human connection could flourish, transforming lives one interaction at a time.
Situated on Paris Street, 12 Bar Music & Social transcends the conventional definition of a mere establishment, blending the functionalities of a cozy coffee shop, an extensive record store, and a dynamic grassroots live music venue. It has rapidly evolved into an undefinable cultural space, a creative hangout where the boundaries between artistic expressions, diverse genres, and various communities seamlessly blur, fostering an inclusive environment for all.
Over its inaugural year, this innovative Exeter cultural space has hosted an eclectic array of events, enriching the local scene and drawing a wide cross-section of the city’s residents. From soulful Sunday jazz afternoons and intimate songwriter showcases to lively free afternoon DJ sets, each event has imbued the venue with a vibrant energy, demonstrating its profound impact as a significant community gathering point and fostering connections among patrons.
The venue’s burgeoning success and unique appeal have not gone unnoticed, culminating in its shortlisting for two prestigious Exeter Living Awards. Beyond critical acclaim, 12 Bar has become synonymous with diverse experiences, ranging from energetic espresso martini-fueled dance floors to the distinctive “Run the Tracks,” a silent disco-running club hybrid held bi-monthly, consistently offering novel entertainment options to its loyal clientele.
However, this entrepreneurial journey has also presented formidable challenges, proving to be significantly harder than initially envisioned. Sam Tame openly shares the stark financial reality of moving from a steady teacher’s salary to often taking home less than minimum wage, highlighting the inherent difficulties and sacrifices involved in nurturing an independent business from the ground up in a competitive landscape.
Despite these considerable hurdles, the unwavering support from the 12 Bar community has been a cornerstone of its resilience and continued operation. The consistent patronage of regulars, the dedication of DJs who perform for passion rather than profit, and the trust bestowed by artists showcasing their work collectively underscore the profound communal spirit that underpins this vibrant local business.
In celebration of its first anniversary and as a heartfelt thank you to its supportive community and the wider city, 12 Bar Music & Social is hosting a special Birthday Weekender. This two-day event promises an exciting lineup of free activities, including diverse live music performances, vinyl-only DJ sets, engaging coffee tastings, collaborative local ventures, and a few surprise elements designed to mark this significant milestone.
While recognizing the robust spirit of Exeter, Sam Tame expresses deep concern for the broader struggles currently faced by many independent businesses in the city, particularly amidst discussions about the future of Exeter city centre following significant property changes. He views this period as a critical turning point, emphasizing the collective responsibility in supporting local ventures.
The Birthday Weekender is therefore more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful statement about the enduring value of community support in sustaining vital cultural spaces like 12 Bar. It’s an invitation for everyone who cherishes the unique spirit and contribution of this independent venue to actively participate in ensuring its continued vitality and success within Exeter’s evolving urban landscape.
