From songbirds Ellie Goulding and Mariah Carey to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, here are ten gigs you won't want to miss this next two months...
MARIAH CAREY | Manchester Arena | Friday 18 March
There aren’t many people who can boast a five-octave vocal range but Mariah Carey is one of them. Extensive accolades include ‘best-selling female artist of the millennium’ in 2000 and ‘longest-running number one song in US chart history’ with One Sweet Day. The songbird supreme will perform smash hits like Hero and We Belong Together.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (6.30pm; tickets from £52 at eventim.co.uk).
ELLIE GOULDING | Manchester Arena | Saturday 19 March
Ellie Goulding is no stranger to breaking records either, with recent single Love Me Like You Do hitting the top spot in 70 countries and becoming the most streamed song in one week. Hot on the heels of third studio album Delirium, the Brit award-winner hits Manchester with support from John Newman.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (7.30pm; tickets £39.20 at eventim.co.uk).
A-BOUND FESTIVAL | Islington Mill | 23-27 March
If ‘unorthodox’ music and the chance to spot upcoming artists before they become certified chart-bashers is more your thing, A-Bound Festival is just the ticket. Islington Mill’s Fat Out have handpicked promoters and labels UK-wide for five days of eclectic performances, against sound artist Helmut Lemke's Sounds of Walls backdrop.
Islington Mill, James Street, Salford, M3 5HW (various times and prices; tickets from £5 at fatout.co.uk).
ANNA MEREDITH | Soup Kitchen | Thursday 24 March
Anna Meredith is not one to rest on her laurels: since gaining a First Class in music followed by Masters from RNCM, she has been a composer-in-residence with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, judge for BBC Young Musician of the Year and a mentor to Goldie. Somehow, she has also managed to produce an album, Varmints. Expect expansive electronics, space-age acoustics and a refreshing dose of pure talent.
Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear Street, M1 1DF (7.30pm; tickets £8.80 at seetickets.com).
ARMIN VAN BUUREN | Albert Hall | Sunday 27 March
Trance pro Armin Van Buuren visits Albert Hall this Easter for what promises to be a spellbinding bank holiday treat. With its distinct acoustics and striking interior, the old Wesleyan chapel makes an ideal partner for the Dutch DJ’s otherworldly melodies.
Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR (9pm-4am; tickets from £35 at alberthallmanchester.com).
MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS | Manchester Arena | Tuesday 12 April
US hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis make their Manchester debut on Tuesday 12 April, performing tracks from brand new album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made. The philanthropic twosome are partnering with Plus 1, meaning £1 from every ticket will go towards charitable causes.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (tickets from £34.04 at manchester-arena.com).
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE | O2 Ritz | Wednesday 13 April
Madder than a mad hatter, crazier than a Cheshire cat, Animal Collective suck viewers into a psychedelic wonderland of wacky sets and trippy videos. The experimental pop group’s 2009 album Merriweather Post Pavillion was dubbed ‘one of the landmark American albums of the century so far’ by Uncut magazine and new release Painting With shows no sign of letting up.
O2 Ritz, Whitworth Street West, M1 5NQ (7pm; tickets £18.50 at ticketweb.co.uk).
ELIZA AND THE BEAR | Manchester Academy | Friday 15 April
Indie quintet Eliza and the Bear are slowly but surely gaining recognition for their breezy strain of euphoric pop. Friday will see Academy host the band, named after a fairytale collection of poems by Eleanor Rees, as they play tracks from eponymous debut album; including Friends, Lion’s Heart and It Gets Cold.
Manchester Academy, Oxford Road, M13 9PR (7.30pm; tickets13.20 at manchesteracademy.net).
YOLANDA BROWN | Bridgewater Hall | Thursday 28 April
Premier saxophonist YoLanda Brown is joined by R&B singer Lemar, MOBO nominee-slash-sauce legend Levi Roots and - slightly bizarrely - X Factor winner Matt Cardle for an infectious evening of Caribbean vibes in this charismatic concert. Be transported to sun-soaked shores through a medley of jazz, soul and reggae rhythms.
Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, M2 3WS (8pm; tickets from £15 at tickets.bridgewater-hall.co.uk).
RALEIGH RITCHIE | Manchester Academy | Friday 29 April
Yes that is Greyworm from Game of Thrones but Raleigh Ritchie - real name Jacob Anderson - is as serious about being recognised for his music than he is for his acting. After supporting George Ezra’s spring tour last year, Ritchie is now stepping out alone, having released debut album You're a Man Now, Boy in February.One to watch.
Manchester Academy, Oxford Road, M13 9PR (7.30pm; tickets £13.20 at manchesteracademy.net).
