Alex Lloyd goes underground for some real music.

NOT content with having one of the coolest cinemas and riverside bars, City Screen has been quietly developing a reputation as home to one of the most innovative and eclectic venues in York.

Tucked away in its depths, just opposite the loos, is the Basement Bar, an intimate night-spot that hosts a top-quality line-up of independent nights.

Forget your big anonymous clubs pumping out the same commercial chart and cheesy old tunes, nights at the Basement Bar cater for true music fans. Leading the way is Mr Green's Onion Club, a funk-soul-jazz thing which gets its official launch tonight, following a couple of successful nights last year. It will be the bar's regular first Friday of the month event.

Featuring DJs Mr Green and Dylan, there will also be an appearance from seven-piece Leeds funk band, The Haggis, who played at the club last year and will be on stage between 9.15pm and 10.30pm.

Mr Green, otherwise known as 33-year-old physiotherapist Stuart Green, describes the music policy as "really groovy stuff" to get everybody dancing.

Stuart, who has been DJing for 12 years, says: "The aim is to put on a different funk band every month. The genre is becoming more and more popular now."

He is particularly looking forward to the next event on March 5, when he will be joined by Chunky But Funky, back by popular demand. Stuart says: "People just kept coming up to me and asking to see them again."

Any local funk bands who are interested in playing at the club in the future should email Stuart at mrgreen9@hotmail.com

Mr Green's Onion Club at the Basement Bar, City Screen, off Coney Street, tonight, 7.30pm-11.30pm, £5, 01904 541144. You are advised to book in advance or turn up early because tickets sell-out quickly.

Updated: 16:39 Thursday, February 05, 2004