McNabb it and run
Described as one of the great singer/songwriters to emerge from the 1980s Liverpool music scene, Ian McNabb was the founder and frontman of The Icicle Works, famousd for their biggie Love Is A Wonderful Colour".
But Ian McNabb has gone on to enjoy a critically-acclaimed solo career. See the Mercury Music Prize nominated musician for yourself in action this weekend in the intimate setting of the Lomax.
*Ian McNabb, Lomax, 34 Cumberland St, Liverpool. Sunday Dec 22, 7.30pm. £5.50.
Mello sun
The darkest hour is just before dawn - or in this case the evening of December 21.
For it's the winter solstice, folks, and it all gets lighter after this.
But if you are not prepared to wait until, say, March to see the effects, bob along to Mello Mello this weekend. They are staging A Solstice celebration of immersive art, dance, projection, music and merriment.
They must be taking it seriously, they were painting the place especially for the event yesterday.
Excpect "a heliocentric wonderland of hypo-audio, folkloric mobiles and rotating psychedelic jazz bands."
In other words, a good old fashioned knees up!
*Land of the Midnight Sun, Mello Mello, 40-42 Slater Street, L1. Saturday Dec 21, 8pm till late.
Afternoon delight
Looking for a Christmas family show without a genie or ugly sister in sight.
Try Zagmuth, a mesmerising, magical Christmas show, because every child dreams of a magical friend to grant their Christmas wishes.
Inspired by the origins of Christmas and Yuletide, Zagmuth tells the story of a little girl who finds magic in the most unlikely of places…
Embrace the wonderment of Christmas with Take A Hint theatre co in original Christmas show not to be missed!
Zagmuth, lantern theatre, Blundell Street, L1 0AJ. Fri-Sun Dec 20-22 and until January 4. 1pm £10,50/£8.50 Phone: 0151 703 0000 and online
Rhyme and reason
A poetry and storytelling night, complete with a roaring fir and mince pies is just what you need for midwinter and need is what it's all about.
Will Rhyme For Food is brough to you by Tom Calderbank and co. The idea is to raise stock for food banks and there's a kids' event and a later thing for adults.
Made for dartsBUT, they are still looking for more poets and storytellers for this evening's event, so anyone who thinks they can weave a terrifying tale of poison apples, black magic and she-devilry to frighten both kids and adults is more than welcome.
Or just take along a picture of Esther McVey and some darts.
*Will Rhyme For Food, Unitarian Church Hall, Ullet Road, L17. Friday dec 20. kids poetry and storytelling 5pm-7pm, with the grown-up one from 7.30pm-10.30pm. Bring tins or dried food.
