Promotion
FEBRUARY is looking a lot more lively since we got news that Manchester Pride will again be partnering with Queer Contact to present a series of events.
The programme runs throughout the year, as part of the 25th anniversary of celebrating LGBT life in Manchester, and kicks off with a series of events as part of Queer Contact.
It includes stunning music from British soul sensation David McAlmont and the UK premiere of Love is Crazy from New York’s Justin Vivian Bond
Here’s a taster of what’s coming up.
Queer Contact
Each February, as part of LGBT History Month, Contact brings you a festival spanning performance genres and including both emerging artists and the best of UK and international work.
The 2015 programme is their biggest yet. It includes stunning music from British soul sensation David McAlmont (opening the festival), and the UK premiere of Love is Crazy from New York’s Justin Vivian Bond, as a part of a Valentine’s weekend to remember.
Justin Vivian Bond
The programme also features compelling theatre about sexual and gender identity, society's obsession with age, and family – both the family you’re born into and the family you choose.
Shows include Sister from Amy and Rosana Cade, Big Girl’s Blouse from Kate O’Donnell, Eggs Collective’s Get A Round, and Shortcuts by Tom Marshman and Ashley Knowles.
There’s also alternative cabaret from Mother’s Ruin, a screening of cult classic movie Shortbus, comedy from Joe Lycett (Celebrity Juice, 8 Out of 10 Cats), Shazia Mirza (Have I Got News For You, The Wright Stuff), Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho (the breakout star of Edinburgh Fringe 2014), Rachel Mars and Kerry Leigh, all held together in glorious style by MC, Jonathan Mayor.
Kate O'Donnell
There’s also short films, in-conversations and over 25 guests from the world of TV / film / theatre / online at the Queer Media Festival; club nights, spoken word, debates, art, and burning up
Find out more about Queer Contact
Highlights
David McAlmont and Guy Davies – Fingersnap Live
Contact, 5 February
Fingersnap is the incredible voice of David McAlmont with musical partner and pianist Guy Davies.
The popular duo make a welcome return to Manchester with McAlmont and Butler hits, original material, astute covers and tracks from the Great American Songbook. Melodic, joyous and haunting by turns, this is an awesomely talented pairing.
Queer Media Festival
Contact, 7 February
Celebrate LGBT storytelling at the Queer Media Festival featuring in-conversations with more than 25 guests working in the media including V-Squared aka Vinny and Luke (YouTube stars), Alex Bertie and Jake Edwards (YouTube stars), John Bird Media (blogger), Tim Macavoy (Director at InterTech Diversity Forum), Anna McNay (arts editor, DIVA), Paul Brand (Northern Political Correspondent, ITV), Addie Orfila (producer, Hollyoaks) and more.
The event will also feature a live link to Los Angeles to speak to multimedia writer/digital creator Jan Libby. There’ll be a showcase of short films (The Language of Love, Alone With People, Brace, What’s Your Sign, and Gaysian), a special LGBT focussed news bulletin created at MediaCityUK called the Queer News Bulletin. And look out for live performances from Pink Triangle Theatre and Rebecca Swarray.
The chat show-styled day will be hosted by film director Mike Buonaito (Credence, #LoveAlwaysWins), journalist Aashi Gahlot (editor of SHOR LGBT online portal) and poet/playwright/director Cheryl Martin.
Justin Vivian Bond: Love is Crazy
with special guest David Hoyle (Sunday only)
Contact, 14-15 February
After sold-out shows in Paris and New York, cabaret legend and trans-genre artist Justin Vivian Bond celebrates Valentine’s in Manchester with Love is Crazy, a seductive evening of songs and stories about love.
Expect the unexpected with original compositions from V's albums Dendrophile and Silver Wells, songs associated with V's stage and film appearances (including Short Bus), and tracks originally made famous by The Cure, The Divine Comedy, Pet Shop Boys, Patti Smith, Bambi Lake and more. Music will be performed by Mx Bond, accompanied by Nath Ann Carrera on guitar and Claudia Chopek on violin, under the musical direction of Matt Ray.
The legendary David Hoyle will join V to perform two songs as part of Sunday’s performance of Love is Crazy.
Aashi Gahlot
