BOYZ II MEN | Albert Hall | Sat 9 May
Boyz II Men are the most successful R&B vocal group ever having sold over 60 million albums worldwide, with a string of No.1 hits in the '90s, including End of the Road, It's So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday, I'll Make Love To You and On Bended Knee. Confidential spoke to Nathan Morris ahead of their long-awaited Manchester performance and confirmed there'd be a live band and 'a few suprises'.
Boys II MenPAPER AEROPLANES | Kraak Gallery | Mon 11 May
Sarah Howells and Richard Llewellyn form Paper Aeroplanes, a band likened to the alternative-folk sounds of Laura Marling and Fleetwood Mac. Orignating from Cardiff, the duo released new album JOY earlier this year to high praise. With burgeoning support across the UK and Europe, live is where Paper Aeroplanes really shine. Folk infused alternative songs are topped off with Sarah's truly beautiful, spine-tingling voice, which could break even the hardest of hearts.
Paper AeroplanesJ COLE, PUSHA T | Manchester Arena | Thu 14 May
Known for his sharp delivery and socially conscious raps, J Cole stands apart from many of his rap peers. Following his celebrated and thought-provoking performance on the David Letterman show, J. Cole embarks on a worldwide tour performing hits from his US no.1 hit album Forrest Hill Drive. He brings with him rapper Pusha T plus other special guests.
J ColeMIKE SKINNER | Gorilla | Fri 15 May
Mike Skinner has become a bit of a British institution as far as the UK's underground music industry is concerned. The producer-rapper-DJ-poet was propelled into stardom with UK garage collective The Streets and has been a vocal champion of the genre. Skinner will grace Gorilla this May with a new club night.
Mike SkinnerALIEN ANT FARM | Manchester Academy | Sat 16 May
It's been a nine-year hiatus for the rock band who brought the charts the fun-loving remake of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal. This year Alien Ant Farm are making a comeback with a new album Always And Forever and a string of tours.
Alien Ant FarmMESHELL NEDEGEOCELLO | Band On The Wall | Tue 19 May
Described as an 'authentic musical thinker and an uncompromising artist', American songstress and bass player Meshell Nedegeocello will perform her groove driven, hynoptic tracks in a one-off performance at Band On The Wall. Meshell has performed alongside Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan and Alanis Morissette and credits Sting and Stevie Wonder as influences.
MESHELL NEDEGEOCELLOLION BABE | Ruby Lounge | Thu 21 May
Lion Babe is fronted by singer Jillian Hervey, daughter of actress and former Miss America, Vanessa Williams. The experimental duo (yes it's duo team) are currently championed for their eclectic neo-soul sound. Hervey's voice has been widely likened to neo-soul trailblazer Erykah Badu. Expect a groovy performance.
DJANGO DJANGO | Manchester Cathedral | Sat 23 May
Critically-acclaimed guitar act, Django Django, are to play what looks set to be an electrifying performance at Manchester Cathedral this May. The four-piece, who have had an unstoppable rise to the top since forming in 2009, are to play their celebrated mix of indie electronica in the historic confines.
Django DjangoHOZIER | Albert Hall | Mon 25 May
While the Irish singer may consider himself a 'gangly introvert', Hozier's music has catapulted him into stardom. Smash-hit Take Me To Church has gained him worldwide recognition while he is set to play Glastonbury this summer. Before then he will take the stage at Albert Hall to transfix audiences with his beautiful soul voice.
HozierFOO FIGHTERS | Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground | Wed 27 May
Legendary rock band The Foo Fighters will host a mammoth performance at Manchester's Emirates Ground this May. Lead by former Nirvana drummer, Dave Grohl, the band will deliver their greatest hits before headlining Glasto this summer.
Foo Fighters
