Music: World’s largest jazz conference, MediaCityUK, 11-13 April
The importance of jazz and its influence on different cultures will be explored at a three-day conference held at the University of Salford this weekend. Guest speakers from over 20 countries will descend on MediaCityUK for the largest jazz research conference ever held, with presentations given by creative thinkers including leading academics, broadcasters, jazz performers and festival organisers. Rethinking Jazz Cultures will take place at the University of Salford’s MediaCityUK building from Thursday 11 April until Saturday 13 April.
For more information contact Professor Tony Whyton at t.whyton@salford.ac.uk
Event: The Wedding Fete, Old Parsonage, Didsbury, 14 April, 11-4pm
Find inspiration for your upcoming nuptials at Didsbury’s picturesque Old Parsonage this Sunday. Meet a host of supplies to soothe your wedding stress, with those attending including: Lace Bridal, Cakes by Beth, Reserve Wines (with BBC Food and Drink’s Kate Goodman) and Flower Lounge plus photographers and music experts too. Brides to be (and grooms) can enjoy a multitude of treats including a free glass of champagne and a goody bag. With some of the biggest names in the industry in attendance you can be sure to pick up some tips and advice for your big day. £1 entry goes towards The Parsonage Trust.
To pre-register send your details to info@keepcalmmarryon.com. You can also find more information here.
Food: Damson, MediaCityUK
Confidential editor Jonathan Schofield was impressed by the food at Damson in MediaCityUK this week. Read his full review here. Top of his recommendations is the roast rump of lamb which he describes as ‘special’. He said: ‘The juicy lamb lay medium rare on the plate and said come and get me big boy. The creamed Jersey Royals were so creamy and yet spuddy I almost wanted to forgive the Channel Islands for being grasping tax-havens. Superb.’ To book please click here.
Tour: The Liquorists Rum Trail, 22 Redbank, 12 April, 7-10pm
Booze aficionados The Liquorists return with another rum trail - a refreshing take on the boring old pub crawl. Take a tour through Manchester’s bars and clubs with this one of a kind spirit showcase and tour of the city’s best venues to taste five of The Liquorists’ specially selected rum and cocktail offerings. The evening will also include five selected food pairings to accompany the booze, starting with a Caribbean feast. Transport will be provided between venues. The total tour is limited to 15 places, so hurry up if you fancy tagging along. Tour members can also enjoy a £5 voucher redeemable with Selfridges Exchange Square wine shop (conditions apply).
The trail costs £30-50 and will be running throughout April and May. More information is available here.
Theatre: Twelfth Night, The Lowry, 9-13 April
Innovative theatre association Propeller presents their production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at The Lowry. Edward Hall directs the company’s refreshing take on the play, having previously produced a highly acclaimed production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Twelfth Night is a tragic comedy, telling the story of siblings Viola and Sebastian through shipwreck, mistaken identity and alteration. The company will also be staging a production of Taming of the Shrew on the 10, 12 and 13 April.
Tickets are available here.
Film: Cape Fear, Odeon, Printworks, 15 April, 8pm
Round off your weekend with a trip to the cinema to see film Cape Fear. Martin Scorsese’s remake of the 1962 classic crime thriller sees newly released convict (Robert De Niro) seeking revenge against his public defender (Nick Nolte) for his 14 year imprisonment, targeting the lawyer’s wife and daughter to make him pay.
Ticket information available here.
Gig: To Kill A King, Ruby Longue, 12 April, 7.30pm
To Kill A King hit Manchester as part of the tour for their new album Cannibals with Cutlery, with the London based band bringing their own brand of ‘Orch-Rock’ to the city. Renowned for their guerrilla gigs, they will be playing the more established Ruby Lounge with their set featuring a selection of original tracks. Having been featured on both Radio One and XFM playlists, this four piece are on the rise, with their last release receiving critical acclaim. Don’t miss the chance to catch them at this intimate venue.
Tickets cost £7 and are available here or from Piccadilly Records.
Book Signing: Oliver Jeffers, Waterstones, Deansgate, 11 April, 6.30pm
Start your weekend early with this treat for kids and adults alike. Join renowned artist Oliver Jeffers in conversation to celebrate the release of his new book It Wasn’t Me (The Hueys), a tale of characters locked in an argument, who unfortunately can’t remember why. Join the writer and illustrator of Lost and Found in conversation about his career and works.
Tickets cost £4, or £3 for card holders. More information is available here.
Event: The Record Factory, Manchester Art Gallery, 12 April, 1- 3pm
With record store day just around the corner, why not explore the world of vinyl at Manchester Art Gallery. Introduce your kids to the days before MP3 through this exploration of music, and indulge your own love for the once forgotten medium. You can play or make records and even design your own record sleeve as inspired by the Dreams Without Frontiers exhibition.
Entry is free, and more information is available here.
Party: 2022NQ Birthday Party, 2022NQ, Dale Street, 11-14 April
After 12 short months, 2022NQ celebrates its first birthday with a weekend packed full of events. Kicking off proceedings is Ex:ample Magazine’s Hip Hop Exhibition launch, showcasing work from a number of their collaborators and accompanied by DJ sets through the evening. Continuing the celebrations, Friday sees a double bill screening of musical documentaries: Shut Up and Play The Hits, a critically acclaimed look at LCD Soundsystem’s final live gig; and the Serious Feather produced Iceland: Beyond Sigur Ros. The screenings include a free taster of Jameson’s Whiskey and unlimited popcorn. Saturday is one for those who would rather indulge their creative side, with the Manchester Print Fair running from 12-5pm. The fair will feature a collection of work from a number of Manchester based artists with handmade prints for sale and live screen printing demonstrations. If all that doesn’t tire you out, you can also look forward to the Unabombers’ All Night DJ set.
Prices and listings for the weekend’s events can be found here.
