12 December 2014

Introducing our Advent Calendar – the twelfth post in a cultural countdown to Christmas. Today: Music, times two.

Islington Mill is celebrating the fruits of its first music residency this evening: it’s the launch of the first release from Samarbeta, a new record label founded by Emma Thompson (Fat Out till you Pass Out) and Rivca Burns (Sounds From the Other City). Anonymous Bash, the album by musician Charles Hawyard, will be played in its entirety, along with performances from other musicians. We suggest you seek out the Under New Management bar before the launch, for superb cocktails in a stripped-back environment. Then mosey along Chapel Street and lend Samarbeta and co your ears. Islington Mill, 7.30pm, free.

Do more. Back in town, there’s The Glitter Ball at Kraak Gallery, hosted by infamous club night Drunk at Vogue. Expect glitzy frosted glamour and disco dancing into the small hours, alongside a performance from Grace Oni Smith. Kraak Gallery, 10.30pm until late. Tickets £6. Alternatively, do something spontaneous. The Puppini Sisters are playing at Dukes, Lancaster this evening – only an hour away from Manchester by train. The vocal harmony trio will be lending their dulcet tones to classic Christmas songs of the swing era. Hear Eartha Kitt and the Andrews Sisters in a whole new way. Go on… you know you want to. Dukes, Lancaster, 7pm. Tickets £20/£18 conc.