It’s the last weekend of Winter, time to say goodbye to those cold cold nights and embrace the sights, sounds and smells of Spring. Here’s where to be as we start the countdown to a sweateh Summer.
1. 8 Gold Rings For Salford John (Monday Night)
Mancunia unites on Monday at Factory to pay respects to one of the scene’s most popular legends, Salford John, who tragically passed away last year. The first event for the cause was not only one of the highlights of last year but probably one of the biggest events I’ve ever seen by non corporate promoters, boasting a ridiculous line up. This year all proceeds go to Salford Royal Infirmary Intensive Care Unit and with all acts playing for free it looks set to be just as special as it was first time around. Yeah, it’s a Monday night, but it’s only March so you definitely have holidays available from work or if not its worth calling in sick on Tuesday.
2. Hit & Run Present Spor + Amen Brother’s 2nd Birthday
Drum ‘N’ Bass is massive in the city at the moment and with so much competition it can be difficult to keep the line ups fresh. It’s very apparent that it’s the same big names making increasingly frequent trips up North so it’s nice to see a line up consisting of a DJ who hasn’t touched down in Manchester for the past 6 years. Celebrating the release of his brand new album, Spor will be at Antwerp Mansion on Friday night to headline the Hit & Run room with support from residents and some of Manchester’s most exciting up and coming talent. Aside from that, Amen Brother celebrates its 2nd Birthday in the upstairs ballroom bringing the exciting sounds of Sully for a Jungle mash up. Tickets are in extremely short supply and it is expected to sell out in advance, there may be a very small amount on the door but don’t count on it.
3. Dub Reaktion & Dub Arena
One the world’s best known sounds systems hits up The Big Western on Saturday for a night of roots and culture. Reggae and Dub are on the cards as the venue will be getting a very worrying wobble from some of the deepest sounds around. Also on the bill, Nucleus Roots & Dub Conductor playing in unity through Dub Conductor Sound System. Its nice to see another venue just outside the city centre getting such high profile acts through its doors and the expected crowd size looks to match some of the citycentre’s most famous party tourist attractions.
4. Fever 105 2nd Birthday
Another 2nd Birthday this weekend as Fever 105 makes its first trip to The Roadhouse on Friday night for some Disco, courtesy of headliner Al Kent. With support from Orfan AKA Disco Dan and Boogie Nights Manchester’s -Disco Stu this looks like it could be good shout. If you are knocking around the Northern Quarter definitely drop by.
5. Sauce Presents Grime Adhesive
Sauce takes over the Kraak Gallery on Friday night for an installment of House and Techno in the very heart of The Northern Quarter. Sets from Leah Floyeurs and Free Rotation resident Grimes Adhesive are the major features for this intimate affair.