The week in gigs: 18-24 May
May’s in full flow right now and so far this month we’ve enjoyed shows by Soap&Skin, Philip Glass, Murcof, Johann Johannsson, Jeffrey Lewis, the Broken Family Band and Melt-Banana. This week looks set to be no different…
Tomorrow, Tuesday, Canada’s Great Lake Swimmers are playing for us at Dulcimer in Chorlton. This show’s pretty much sold out now, which was predictable as it’s a great lineup with New York’s Sharon van Etten and Manchester’s own Last Harbour also playing.
Deerhunter, meanwhile, are doing something quite unusual – they’re playing two shows at the Deaf Institute tomorrow. The early show starts at 3pm, with the band on at 6pm, and the late show is from 8pm. Looks like the evening performance has sold out. And on Wednesday, the much-tipped Telepathe play another Now Wave night at the same venue. More info and tickets for both here.
Also on Wednesday, Chorlton-based label Broken Horse are promoting a rare performance by AC Newman (of New Pornographers fame) at Retro Bar. He’s playing with his band, and Andrew Morgan is supporting. Tickets from here.
There’s nothing much happening on Thursday, but on Friday there’s the debut appearance by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. They’re from New York, they’re into Sarah Records-era c86 and we love them. This one’s a Friends of Mine night, at the Chorlton Irish Club. Tickets are here. Or local female-fronted Norweigan folkies Kalbakken are playing an intimate show upstairs in Briton’s Protection.
On Saturday, you’ve got a choice between Manchester’s Magic Arm, who’s launching his album with a full band show at the Deaf Institute, or Akron/Family at the Ruby Lounge. Both have their merits – the latter being one of the most fun bands we’ve put on, while the former has excellent support from Homelife and Beth Jean Houghton.
Finally, make the most of the bank holiday weekend with a Sunday show. We’ve pulled together some of the best folk talent in Manchester including Denis Jones, John Stammers, Starless & Bible Black and Sparky Deathcap – plus Drag City-signed headliner Alasdair Roberts – for an all-evening event at Dulcimer. There’ll also be barbecue (if the weather’s fine) and DJs playing. More info and tickets are here.
Humble Soul and Red Deer Club present Icelandic composer/producer Valgeir Sigurðsson at the much under-used Cross Street Chapel on Monday. Support comes from two of Manchester’s best folk acts in Nancy Elizabeth and Danny Saul.