What's On Northwest 14-21 Apr: Record Store Day
Another packed week in the Northwest's cultural scene: there's Record Store Day this weekend, Sun Ra Arkestra brings his pioneering jazz to Manchester, comedian Katherine Ryan heads to Liverpool, Leeds' KMAH celebrates its first birthday and more.
Each week The Skinny team hand pick a selection of the best events from the Northwest cultural calendar to provide you with this here top ten guide to the most exciting goings on for the week ahead. From gigs, plays, and exhibitions, to spoken word, pop-up foodie events, and one-off film screenings, we give you the insider's guide to things to do in Liverpool, Manchester and beyond every Thursday morning.
Record Store Day
Various venues, Manchester and Liverpool. Sat 16 Apr, times vary
We've already taken it upon ourselves to compile a bumper RSD events guide (you can thank us later), in which you'll be able to find out about an all-dayer of music at Soup Kitchen, an in-store set from Roni Size and Krust over at Eastern Bloc and an after party of promising proportions at The Deaf Institute – all in Manchester – and, of course, a whole building takeover at The Jacaranda in Liverpool. There's more, too, but you'll just have to click here for that.
Photo: Man Alive!
Constellations' 2nd Birthday
Constellations, Liverpool. Fri 15-Sat 16 Apr, times vary
It's time for double-pronged celebrations this weekend, as Constellations marks not only turning two, but also the grand re-opening of its popular garden space. Things kick off with Radio Exotica DJs on Friday night, before the BBQ is fired up from midday on Saturday to join live blues from Dom Newton and The Walking Dead Band, while DJs take things into the evening. Later in the night the venue will be playing host to a pretty tempting name of alternative disco – but more about that later...
Sun Ra Arkestra
Band on the Wall, Manchester. Fri 15 Apr, 7.30pm
A pioneering, forward-thinking jazz artist and philosopher, Sun Ra founded his Arkestra to take jazz into new territories. Following his death back in the early 90s, the Arkestra has continued to live on as his legacy, currently under the direction of 91-year-old alto saxophonist and long-time Ra collaborator Marshall Allen. As they celebrate their 60th anniversary, you can expect sumptuous, avant-garde sounds and futuristic cosmic costumes from one of the world's favourite jazz ensembles.
Photo: Kate Johnson
Katherine Ryan
Liverpool Philharmonic. Sat 16 Apr, 8pm
Although a Canadian native, London-based comedian Katherine Ryan has been a mainstay of the UK comedy circuit for some years now, drawing on her experiences as an adopted Brit – among other things – for her observational standup sets. She's now back on the road with her latest show,Kathbum – the nickname her family gave her as a wee one. Read our interview with Katherine here.
Photo: Idil Sukan | Draw HQ
Wong's Happiness Diner
Kosmonaut, Manchester. Fri 15-Sun 17 Apr, 12pm
Wong's Happiness Diner is a pop-up diner from the minds behind Manchester Food and Drink Award winners Mei Mei's Street Cart. Taking over the Kosmonaut kitchen for three days of Chinese comfort food, expect a hearty spread of bao burgers, wings, ribs, Sichuan cumin lamb, crispy chilli tofu and more – and if the last pop-up at Kosmonaut is anything to go by, you certainly won't be leaving hungry. Remember to judge the elasticity of your waistband accordingly.
ADVERTISEMENT | Applications now open for Merseyside Arts Foundation's Music Development Programme
Deadline for applications: Fri 29 Apr, 5pm
Merseyside Arts Foundation has announced that the fourth round of its hugely successful Music Development Programme is now open for applications. Funded by Arts Council England, the programme provides Merseyside-based bands and solo artists with invaluable advice and guidance, in addition to financial support for studio recording. Applicants at the right level for the programme will be able to demonstrate notable online presence as exemplified by social media statistics, a recorded release such as a single or EP, experience of performing at prominent live music events and regional press/airplay.
Down to Funk ft. Hot Toddy
Constellations, Liverpool. Sat 16 Apr, 8pm
For anyone not familiar with Hot Toddy (other than it being the remedial drink of choice for any cold or flu), you may be more au fait with his electronic music outfit, Crazy P, famed for their seriously slinky underground nu-disco sounds. They throw great parties and so will he, especially when joined by Pooky, Alex Large and the high spirits that'll come with Constellations' 2nd birthday celebrations. General release tickets are also just a fiver, making it one of this week's best value events.
Sign up to our Zap! newsletter to get our top ten events guide in your inbox every week
Olivia Laing in conversation with Dave Haslam
Waterstone's Deansgate, Manchester. Tue 19 Apr, 7pm
Living in a big city can be isolating stuff, especially during an age where everyone's too busy scrolling and swiping on their phones to look up at the faces around them. In her new book, The Lonely City, Olivia Laing sheds light on her experiences of inner-city loneliness in New York, exploring the distinction between being alone and lonely, and how the power of art can reveal, address or re-dress such ideas. She'll be reading from the book, before taking part in a Q&A hosted by Dave Haslam.
Image: Georgina Tee
Got Worms?
A Small View, Liverpool. Thu 21 Apr-Sat 21 May, times vary
The curiously titled Got Worms? (careful when googling that one) is the first solo show by Roxy Topia and Paddy Guild, who've been collaborating since 2008 including, most recently, a year-long residency in Roswell, New Mexico. They'll be taking to artist-led exhibition space A Small View armed with their sculptures, which combine drawing and digital collaging techniques.
Moxie presents On Loop
Soup Kitchen, Manchester. Fri 15 Apr, 11pm
Moxie's club night On Loop makes its way to one of her favourite intimate clubs, roping in fellow NTS Radio pal, the Bristol-based Shanti Celeste, along with local hero Jon K. Together they'll all be paying homage to 80s clubbing culture, such as the legacy of clubs like Paradise Garage and The Loft.; in short, this should prove to be a night of upbeat, good-spirited fun.
KMAH Radio 1st Birthday
The HiFi Club, Leeds. Thu 14 Apr, 8pm
Back on 10 March it was Leeds independent radio station KMAH's 1st birthday, and they've finally got round to throwing themselves a party, which will also function as a fundraiser. Joining KMAH residents will be Nightmares on Wax vocalist Phoenix Pearle, Si Scott (Dimensions/Sub Dub), Barry Smyth b2b edv3ctor (Social Schemata) and Gip Dammone (Retrospect/Salvos), along with live art installations and visual art from And/Or Emporium and Luke Nunn, plus a photography showcase from KMAH's main branding man, Joe Mayers.
Read more news from across the Northwest cultural scene at theskinny.co.uk/news
Find out how you could win some lovely prizes at theskinny.co.uk/competitions