East London producer, pianist and occasional rapper Alfa Mist returns to Manchester following his previous sold out visit. With a nod to soul and world music, as well as grime and hip-hop, he is very much one to watch in the current new jazz scene.
From £9
Emma Sweeney, a rising star of traditional Irish music, leads Band on the Wall’s first relaxed performance. Also featuring cello, guitar and percussion, the show will offer a fun, inclusive and interactive experience that is open to everyone.
From £3
Combining the expertise of contemporary classical ensemble Psappha and jazz guitarist and composer Mike Walker, this concert explores the connections between jazz, rock and classical – and also offers the world premiere of Autonomy, their collaborative piece that is a year in the making.
From £15
Spending years on the road has honed Arizona-born Courtney Marie Andrews’ heartfelt country sound – drawing plaudits from Ryan Adams and comparisons with Joni Mitchell along the way. With new record May Your Kindness Remain promising to be one of the albums of the year, now is the time to discover her.
From £13.50
Featuring a UK-exclusive headline set by Grammy winner Father John Misty, this day-long event in the courtyard of Halifax’s Grade I-listed Piece Hall boasts strength in depth thanks to the involvement of Edwyn Collins, Hookworms and The Orielles.
From £37.50
Versatile cellist, baritone and animateur Matthew Sharp joins the Northern Chamber Orchestra for this highlight of its 50th anniversary season, featuring Copland’s Appalachian Spring alongside Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations and Schubert’s Erlkönig.
From £20
Town hall for the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport
A refreshing alternative to your rush hour, this hour-long concert by The Hallé offers a whistle-stop tour through well-known classics from the likes of Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Verdi, Debussy and Sibelius.
From £5.50
The RNCM Opera tackles Engelbert Humperdinck’s operatic version of the Brothers Grimm’s early 19th Century fairytale Hansel and Gretel for its major spring production. Expect a tale of transition, redemption and resolution, set to folk music-inspired themes, for a piece that is equal parts dark and magical.
From £21
Grammy-nominated punk cabaret trio The Tiger Lillies perform their original music to tell this tale of a Corrido singer and his band, who return from the dead to haunt their killer.
From £10
Swedish singer and guitarist José González partners up with artist collective and string ensemble The String Theory for a 17-date European tour. Catch the pairing live at Albert Hall in September – one of only four UK dates.
From £30
WRONG Festival makes its second outing in Liverpool’s Docklands this April. This celebration of the current rock freakscene features 30 bands – including Future of the Left, Gnod, Mugstar and Damo Suzuki – performing across the Invisible Wind Factory, the North Shore Troubadour and Drop the Dumbulls.
From £20
