Hey! Manchester promotes gigs by folk, Americana and experimental bands from around the world in Manchester, England. Read more here, see below for our latest shows, check out our previous shows, contact us, or join our mailing list, above.

Upcoming shows: Chris Brain... Mr Ben & the Bens... Daudi Matsiko... Jolie Holland... Christof van der Ven + Niamh Regan... Ariel Sharratt & Mathias Kom... Giant Sand... Melanie Baker... Sophie Hutchings... Jerron Paxton... Ghostly Kisses... Sounds From The Other City 2024... Francis of Delirium... The Buffalo Skinners... The Handsome Family... Memorial... His Lordship... Florry... Bad Bad Hats... Dana Gavanski... Caoilfhionn Rose... The Lovely Eggs... Rain Parade... Charlie Parr...

When: 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 July 2022
Where: The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street, Manchester M1 7HE

PLEASE NOTE: Sadly this show is cancelled – with refunds available from the point of purchase. Here’s a message from the band:

‘Wish we didn’t have to type this. We are absolutely heartbroken to announce that we have to cancel our entire UK & Ireland tour because of positive covid tests in our band. We’re so sorry to share this news with our fans, and we hope we will be able to return to see you soon.’

We’re delighted to welcome La Luz back to Manchester – with special guest Nile Marr!

On their self-titled fourth album, La Luz launch themselves into a new realm of emotional intimacy for a collection of songs steeped in the mysteries of the natural world and the magic of human chemistry that has found manifestation in the musical ESP between guitarist and songwriter Shana Cleveland, bassist Lena Simon, and keyboardist Alice Sandahl.

To help shape La Luz, the band found a kindred spirit in producer Adrian Younge. Though primarily known for his work with hip-hop, soul, and jazz acts, Younge saw in La Luz a shared vision that transcended genre. ‘We both create music with the same attitude, and that’s what I love about them,’ he says. ‘They are never afraid to be risky and their style is captivating. It was an honour to work with them.’

The result is an album that is both the most naturalistic and psychedelic of the band’s career. All the elements of classic La Luz are still present – the lush harmonies, the impeccable musicianship, the gorgeous melodies – but it’s a richer, earthier iteration, replete with inorganic sounds that mimic the surreality of nature – the humming of invisible bugs, the atmospheric sizzle of a hot day. After spending the last few years living in rural northern California, Cleveland’s lyrics have become more grounded, less interested in traveling to other dimensions than in peeking behind the curtain of this one.

La Luz shimmers into existence with a tender strumming of electric guitar on the ghostly In the Country. The record then charges ahead with the dynamic The Pines, propelled by Simon’s thunderous bassline and punctuated by eerie vibrating keys while Cleveland’s voice hovers high and sweet overhead – no reverb, no fooling. Sandahl leads the way with a soulful Hammond organ on the dreamy, funky Watching Cartoons, while the women’s voices weave in and around each other, coming together in a cascade of ‘ba ba ba bas’ in the chorus. Later, the band cranks up the atmospherics on madcap stomper Metal Man with a frenzy of ultra-fuzzed out guitar, blaring galactic synths, and epic clanging bells. The record’s themes coalesce on breezy 70s folk-tinged pop song I Won’t Hesitate, an ode to finding intimacy in a weird world, and the languid ballad Lazy Eyes and Dune, which features lovely Mellotron work from Simon. La Luz is an album that celebrates love – of music, of friendship, of life in all its forms.

Special guest is Nile Marr. Nile Marr is the son of Smiths guitarist and solo artist Johnny Marr. He was named for one of his father’s musical heroes, Chic’s Nile Rodgers. Nile started out in the early stages of his craft as a solo artist, then forming a duo and touring with American singer-songwriter Meredith Sheldon. He later went on to found the British indie three-piece Man Made. Though their constituent songs were written over a period of six years, they released their debut album TV Broke My Brain in 2016, alongside a formidable live reputation born out of a relentless DIY touring circuit. The album and shows developed a cult following among early fans.

In 2019 Marr created his own label, Oldham Street Records, and released his debut solo album in 2020, titled Are You Happy Now? after returning to his hometown Manchester. The album received acclaim from fans of the UK DIY indie scene and showcased Marr’s growth as an artist and guitar player. He has toured and worked extensively with German film score composer and record producer Hans Zimmer, most notably performing alongside Pharell Williams and on the Lion King soundtrack. His influences include Broken Social Scene, Fugazi and Elliott Smith.

This is a 14+ show. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

This show is a co-promotion with Comfortable On A Tightrope.

Buy tickets now. Tickets are also available from Dice.fmWeGotTickets.comTicketline.co.uk and on 0871 220 0260.

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All shows are 18+ unless otherwise stated.