Swindle & Riot Jazz @ The Mint Lounge Friday 22nd March Swindle's new album has been called "an absolute masterpiece" by our very own Steven Pankhurst so it must be bloody good and he'll be performing it live at the Mint Lounge this week with the Riot Jazz brass band and a load of special guest vocalists. Buy Tickets   K.O.G & the Zongo Brigade @ Band on the Wall Friday 22nd March If Afro-fusion is your bag, then you can't go far wrong with this 8 (or 9?)-piece from Ghana (via Sheffield). If you don't know what 'Afro-fusion' well, it's a mix of afrobeat, soul, funk and reggae and this lot are fucking brilliant at it. Best gig this week this one. Buy Tickets   2 Many DJs @ YES Friday 22nd March The Belgium brothers who enjoy spinning discs of black vinyl will be heading to the infamous Pink Room at YES this Friday and there's still some tickets flying about. It'll be a busy one and probably a bit messy so make sure you don't wear white trousers. Buy Tickets   Power Ballad Orchestra @ The Ritz Friday 22nd March This celebration of all things Power Ballad will be a night of endless fist-pumping belters - and will feature live performances from Lucie Jones (her off of X Factor, Eurovision and the West End) and Simon Gordon who is fresh off a stint playing Strat in the Bat Out Of Hell Musical. Buy Tickets   Prose and Manchester Camerata @ Club Academy Saturday 23rd March Known for their original blend of hip-hop and indie, Prose will be sitting down with the legendary Manchester Camerata orchestra - providing a night of guitars, rapping, violins and probably the odd triangle. Tickets below... Buy Tickets   George Ezra @ Manchester Arena Saturday 23rd March George Ezra is back in town and back again at the Manchester Arena, singing songs and saying nice things to his fans. There's still the odd ticket left - mostly because the Arena is absolutely massive. He's got a new album to sell so expect most of the tunes to come from that. Buy Tickets