Sunday 6 September – Nailed It! – The Castle

Ben Williams’ monthly music night at the Castle features three outstanding acts and the excellent host himself.  Acoustic guitar duo The String Beans play a selection of gypsy jazz standards and modern pop/rock with a twist; hugely talented French acoustic soul singer Laura Esther performs and violinist Claire Northey appears alongside her band.  Tickets £4.

Monday 7 September – Laura Oakes and Claydon Connor – The Castle

Two UK country artists, Laura Oakes and Claydon Connor, perform at The Castle.  Liverpudlian Laura released her debut EP earlier in this year  following single releases in 2013 and 2014 and was nominated for British Country Music Awards for song of the year and female vocalist of the year.  Claydon performed at the 2015 C2C Festival following the release of his 2014 album Under The Big Sky, which was heavily influenced by the likes of Neil Young, John Mayer, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty.  Tickets £5.

Monday 7 September – Jurassic 5 – Albert Hall

Following a sell-out 2014 UK tour, Jurassic 5 make their return.  The hip hop outfit of rappers Chali 2na, Akil, Zaakir, Mark 7even and DJ Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist first formed in 1993 and debuted nationally in 1995 with their first single, Unified Rebelution.  After going their separate ways in 2007 they reunited in April 2013 appearing at festivals over around the world and thrilling fans and critics alike.  Tickets £25.

Tuesday 8 September – Future Islands – Manchester Academy

Synthpop band Future Islands return to the UK following their 2014 stint which saw them performing at Manchester’s Sound Control.  Having recently performed at Glastonbury they are continuing to build up support which has boomed since the 2014 release of their fourth studio album Singles.  Support comes from Dope Body and Du Blonde.  Tickets £17.50

Wednesday 9 September – Oddisee – Deaf Institute

i-Tunes Music Award winner 2012, Oddisee returns to the UK.  The American rapper and producer, and one third of Diamond District, had his breakthrough with the album People Hear What They See (2012), a culmination of life experiences, which hit the Billboard Charts and European charts.  Tickets £12.50.

Thursday 10 September – Alvvays – Manchester Academy 2

Canada’s Alvvays return to the UK for their final tour of 2015.  The indie-pop band have enjoyed massive success off the back of their acclaimed self-titled album and continue to move on to bigger and bigger venues.  Support comes from Louisville garage-punks White Reaper.  Tickets £12.00

Saturday 12 September – Orphan Boy – Sound Control

Rob Cross (guitar/vocals), Paul Smith (bass), Chris Day (drums) and Sam Carlton (keyboards), had split in 2011 despite being tipped as heirs to the likes of The Smiths, Oasis and Arctic Monkeys, but reformed after Tom from the Enemy tweeted that he’s discovered a great band – Orphan Boy no less – and offered them a support slot in Manchester, giving the band a reason to start playing again.  They now return to their spiritual home to headline a night which also sees Kaiden Nolan and Morning Pilgrims performing as well as a DJ set from The Enemy following the bands.  Tickets £8.

Alvvays – photo credit Colin Medley