Alex Lloyd welcomes another venue adding to York's live music scene.

WITH bands holding the upper hand in the eternal battle between decks and guitars, there has been a proliferation of venues wanting to attract gig-goers with live music.

Latest to jump on the band, er, bandwagon is McMillans, which has introduced a weekly session to showcase York's best live acts.

Taking place on Tuesdays from 9pm, it's a real departure from the bar's usual wall-to-wall DJs line-up.

McMillans Live began this week with a great set by Funktion, and duo Marc and Jan are lined up for this coming Tuesday. Expect performances by Hazard County, Ali and Jess, and The Mothers, Little Chris, Vitasona, and Ant And Ben in coming weeks.

The nights are particularly good value for money for anyone whose finances are looking lean. Entry to McMillans, as with every night, is free and pints of Guinness and Archers Aqua bottles are £1.70 all night.

There are also the usual discounts for holders of the McMillans and Nexus Square Deal loyalty card, available from either venue for £1 and valid for two years.

Also new to the Rougier Street bar on Thursdays is Playtime, where customers will have the chance to Grab a Grand every week until March 24.

Drinkers will be able to grab tokens in a Noel's House Party style and the person with the most by March 24 will win £1,000. The competition is free to enter and there will be other promotions and giveaways over the next few weeks.

McMillans Live, Tuesdays, 7pm-1.30am, and Playtime@McMillans, Thursdays, 4pm-1.30am.

McMillans, Rougier Street, York, 01904 625438, www.mcmillansyork.co.uk.

Basement beats

LIVE music is also on offer in the City Screen Basement Bar this week. Nu-York State return for their monthly funk session tonight, while 20 Nothing mix filthy indie bands with DJs on Thursday. Doors open at 8pm for each event and tickets are £6 tonight and £3 on Thursday.

For more information or to book a ticket, phone the box office on 01904 541144.

Updated: 10:16 Friday, February 18, 2005