If last night’s party was anything to go by, the Nordoff & Robbins Northern Music Awards in November is going to be top. drawer. But what is this Northern Music Awards? I hear you say. Who are Nordoff & Robbins? And speak more of this launch party! Well, my imaginary friends… Two words, Music Therapy.Continue reading “Northern Music Awards launched in style!”
Category Archives: Music
Poet Harry Baker at The Edge, Chorlton
I’ve lived in or near most places in Greater Manchester during my 22 year career of being an honorary Manc. My 8 month tenure as a Whalley Range resident led me like a magnet to enjoying the bright lights of Chorlton. And for me, the brightest light of them all was the Chinese takeaway, ‘TheContinue reading “Poet Harry Baker at The Edge, Chorlton”
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty at The Lowry
It’s a good job the theatre recently became my new neighbour when I moved to Salford Quays in the summer, as I’ve rarely been away from the place recently. Back Wednesday night and I’ll be honest, I would kill for a 100 year nap right now. No sympathy here, my love. So the Christmas treesContinue reading “Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty at The Lowry”
Girl From the North Country at The Lowry
It’s 1934 in the heartland of America and we meet a group of wayward souls who cross paths in a time-weathered guesthouse. Standing at a turning point in their lives, they realize nothing is what it seems. But as they search for a future, and hide from the past, they find themselves facing unspoken truthsContinue reading “Girl From the North Country at The Lowry”
Hacienda Classical at Castlefield Bowl – name something more Manc
Did I mention that it’s 40 years since the Hacienda and all it entails was realised? Oh yes here’s where I mentioned it…Happy big 4-0 Hacienda! The night I entered Manc Mecca… Well here’s its sister from the same mister and if you haven’t heard, been or listened to Hacienda Classical, you don’t know whatContinue reading “Hacienda Classical at Castlefield Bowl – name something more Manc”
Happy big 4-0 Hacienda! The night I entered Manc Mecca…
1982 was a very special year. My brother was born in the January, the Hacienda was born in May. And the rest is history. That said, history came alive Saturday night when the shutters flew up on what is now the Hacienda apartments car park, and 1000 of us flooded in (note a last minuteContinue reading “Happy big 4-0 Hacienda! The night I entered Manc Mecca…”
I’m beatboxing so it must be Tuesday…Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster, Contact
Me: fancy coming to see beatboxers perform Frankenstein? Him: (without missing a …beat) yeah And this reader is why I married him. On Tuesday I found myself part of a beatbox symphony. This is the same week that I got my first pair of prescription reading glasses. Balance redressed.. Contact theatre played host (and continuesContinue reading “I’m beatboxing so it must be Tuesday…Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster, Contact”
Last night of the Sea Power tour, Manchester’s own Albert Hall
Saturday 23 April was Sea Power appearing at Albert Hall, Manchester day. It was also St George’s Day. The two things are somewhat very tenuously related. They really are, stay with me. Last August, Sea Power announced that they were dropping the ‘British’ from their name. The reasons I completely understand, the fact that theContinue reading “Last night of the Sea Power tour, Manchester’s own Albert Hall”
Review: The Northern Chamber Orchestra delivers Christmas cheer to Tatton Park
Last Friday 10 December saw the first of two Christmas concerts that day, given by the Northern Chamber Orchestra in Knutsford, And I was excited. But it won’t be the first time I’ve misjudged an entrance and it surely won’t be the last. It actually wasn’t even the first time I misjudged the entrance toContinue reading “Review: The Northern Chamber Orchestra delivers Christmas cheer to Tatton Park”
Preview: The Northern Chamber Orchestra to bring in Christmas at Tatton Park this December
I have never been so ready for Christmas. Note when I say ready, I don’t mean the practicalities. No matter what I promise myself every year, I will never be that person who’s done, dusted and has Christmas wrapped up (figuratively and literally) by November. No, after Christmas was almost cancelled last year, any jadednessContinue reading “Preview: The Northern Chamber Orchestra to bring in Christmas at Tatton Park this December”
Gigs, digs and mental health – ‘The Roadie Cookbook: Toured There, Ate That‘ launches in Manchester
My Dad was a professional museum, which led to him being away on tour a fair bit when I was growing up. ‘Gigs and digs’ were oft heard words in our house. And it’s all very rock and roll and glamorous, isn’t it? Well like everything, dig (not always deep) below the surface and thereContinue reading “Gigs, digs and mental health – ‘The Roadie Cookbook: Toured There, Ate That‘ launches in Manchester”
Review: The Patience of Trees at MiF – now available to stream
Only a few days earlier, I’d enjoyed the wonder that was the Damon Albarn gig, as part of the very special Manchester International Festival. Friday it was back to GMEX (am I being tedious refusing to get upto date with this? Such a mouthful) and the space had been transformed into a very different place.Continue reading “Review: The Patience of Trees at MiF – now available to stream”
Review: Damon Albarn, Manchester International Festival 2021
A few firsts for a Monday night. First day of leaving the house in 2 weeks after not quite managing to avoid COVID’s touch. First time at a live music gig since Supergrass, February 2020, because, you know… First time that Damon Albarn has played a gig in two years and he looked as insanelyContinue reading “Review: Damon Albarn, Manchester International Festival 2021”
Shed Seven releases new live album featuring legendary Mcr gig
Remember that balmy day back in June 2018, when the socialising was anything but distant, substantial meals were for wimps masks were for gimps (it rhymes, I have no choice). And the mighty Sheds graced our tier-free little Castlefield Bowl in Manchester? I do, it was immense and now we can relive those blessed timesContinue reading “Shed Seven releases new live album featuring legendary Mcr gig”
New album from Mcr’s The Electric Stars drops December 21
What do you mean there’s nothing to look forward to, we have no future, 2020 has nothing to offer us mancunians actuary, honorary or passing through (controversial – stick to your own tiered up towns, we’ve got enough problems). Retro rock and roll band, The Electric Stars, are bringing their brand new album, Velvet Elvis:Continue reading “New album from Mcr’s The Electric Stars drops December 21”