Ria Robinson

Ria Robinson and the Darlington music scene

Ria Robinson is a Darlington-based musician, drummer and singer with a long connection to The Forum Music Centre and the wider North East live circuit. She currently hosts The Forum Open Jam, giving musicians of different ages and experience levels a regular chance to get on stage, play together and build confidence in a relaxed setting.

Her background covers much more than one instrument. The Forum notes more than 12 years of live experience in bands, alongside work in school pit bands for productions including School of Rock and Grease. She has also taught drums, performed with function bands around the North East and recorded in a range of studio settings, including sessions at ACM Guildford.

From drums and recording sessions to The Forum Open Jam

Robinson’s route through music has included recording tracks with Chris Davison, work in the SSL studio at ACM Guildford and appearances at numerous Forum Menageries in Darlington. Her live experience has taken her outside the region too, including performing with a house band on a cruise ship, while she has also sung at The Sage in Gateshead.

Her earlier songwriting work can be found through The Forum Music Studios’ own Songclub Unmasked project. Robinson appears on Love Potion with Lucy Walker and Gotta Get Out with James Appleton and Harvey Sugden, giving another glimpse of the songwriting and collaborative side of her work alongside the drumming and live performance background.

Ria Robinson at The Forum Music Centre

The recurring Open Jam has become the clearest public link between Robinson and Darlington’s grassroots music scene. The sessions provide a full backline including drums, guitar and bass amps, keyboard, microphones and DI boxes, making it easier for players to turn up and join in without bringing a full rig.

That community role fits the way Robinson’s own experience has developed. She has worked across pit bands, studio sessions, function work, original music and teaching rather than being tied to one narrow lane. For SoundBite North East, that makes her a useful example of the musicians helping keep Darlington’s local scene active both on stage and behind the scenes.

For current Open Jam dates and venue information, check The Forum Music Centre’s official event page. Details were correct at the time of writing, so check the venue’s latest listings before travelling.