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”

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”

Preview: NQ Jazz – 21.10.2019 – Sue Rynhart & Huw Warren

NQ Jazz is one of my favourites things. Yes we have Matt and Phred’s and I give thanks to the gods of live jazz that we do. But Manchester needs even more and NQ Jazz gives us that more in a gloriously dark, underground befitting location that is The Whiskey Jar. To speak in NewContinue reading “Preview: NQ Jazz – 21.10.2019 – Sue Rynhart & Huw Warren”

Head HOME for Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and so on and so forth. In fact, let us not mess around. Let’s just go straight to Chris Rea. Ish. Because this year, Mancs, Honorary Mancs, Visitors to Manc… I’m going HOME this Christmas… Why, you ask? Well I can’t wait to see those faces. Whose, youContinue reading “Head HOME for Christmas”

Theatre Review – Now or Never by Circa Tsuica – aka what did I just see?

I haven’t been to the circus since 1985. Well that was true until a couple of weeks ago. Circuses (circii?) are like buses etc etc. People with a passion for reading about circus-based shows showing in Manchester in August by a local blogger, will be familiar with the anecdote told in my post Theatre review:Continue reading “Theatre Review – Now or Never by Circa Tsuica – aka what did I just see?”

*Preview* Penguin Pride comes to Manchester

Penguin Pride is winging its way to Manchester next week, with a wonderful line-up of LGBTQ+ writers, poets and performers to celebrate the city’s incredible diversity. Taking place at Z-Arts on Thursday 23 August, poet and playwright Toby Campion hosts this special event which will showcase some of the UK’s most exciting queer talent. Presented in partnershipContinue reading “*Preview* Penguin Pride comes to Manchester”

Theatre review – The Last Ship at the Lowry

Billed as Sting’s personal, political and passionate musical, this was a ship that I wasn’t prepare to let sail by without an inquisitive look. On a tour of UK and Ireland, The Last Ship sailed into the Quays last night, making its debut at The Lowry theatre. I have already used two puns both basedContinue reading “Theatre review – The Last Ship at the Lowry”

The Northern Chamber Orchestra – Mozart and Elgar and Beethoven – Oh my!

My late father was a musician and, at 16, the youngest at that time to be accepted into the Royal College of Music in London. We were blessed with many stories and anecdotes from my Dad’s life as a professional musician, over the years, but I remember two life tips he gave me in particular:Continue reading “The Northern Chamber Orchestra – Mozart and Elgar and Beethoven – Oh my!”

Manchester Jazz Festival launches

I like to think of myself as a touch bohemian. I’ve been to Matt and Phred’s more than 10 times, I’ll have you know. And not only when the free pizza offer is on. To be fair, I’ve also gone international with my fondness for jazz and its clubs, for example paying a visit to NewContinue reading “Manchester Jazz Festival launches”

New Music Launch! Manc favourites Jess Kemp & David Gorman to hit The Deaf Institute

Fans of singer/songwriters Jess Kemp and David Gorman will be thrilled at this double bubble news that they will be co-headlining a gig at top city venue, The Deaf Institute, on 18 May 2018. Each will be individually taking to that iconic stage with a full band, to launch some brand new music to treatContinue reading “New Music Launch! Manc favourites Jess Kemp & David Gorman to hit The Deaf Institute”

*MCR Gigs News* Whiskey Jar welcomes Jess Kemp – 3 February 2018

The Whiskey Jar is fast becoming a veritable feast of live music giggery. The latest artist to announce their upcoming headline appearance is Manchester’s own singer/songwriter, Jess Kemp. (Trust A Fox Photography) Following on from a successful 2017 which included appearances at Kendal Calling and the Bluedot Festival, Jess says, “Last year absolutely blew myContinue reading “*MCR Gigs News* Whiskey Jar welcomes Jess Kemp – 3 February 2018”