Jodie Abacus
Sunday 25 September – The Deaf Institute
Currently putting the finishing touches to his debut album, Jodie Abacus (pictured) tours the UK (opening at Manchester’s Deaf Institute) blending disco-infused pop with soulful vocals. This summer, Jodie has supported Luara Mvula at her Somerset House performance, and appearing at numerous UK festivals including Secret Garden Party, Lovebox and V Festival, earning a reputation as a fantastic live performer along the way. It’s a run which has also seen him pick up admirers including the likes of Zane Lowe and Huw Stephens.


Grouplove
Monday 26 September – Manchester Academy 3
A little under three weeks after the release of their latest album, Big Mess, American indie-rockers Grouplove come to Manchester Academy.  Support comes from Ainslie Wills who releases her third record Oh The Gold in the UK on 30 September as the follow-up to 2013’s Australian Music Prize nominated album You Go Your Way, I’ll Go Mine.  Ainslie Wills is currently getting critics and trend pickers excited with her distinct and earnest music.


Estrons
Thursday 29 September – Gullivers
Politically charged Welsh foursome Estrons bring punchy melodies, powerful vocals and loud guitars with grunge and garage rock influences. The group fronted by Canadian-Swede Taliesyn Kallström, with Rhodri Daniel (guitar), James Keeley (bass) and Hugh Parry (drums), were selected as one of Radio X’s Great-S-Pectations for 2016 and hit the Amazing Radio playlist with the remastering of Make A Man. Support comes from Live Mancehster favourites False Advertising and The Bay Rays.


The Kills
Thursday 29 September – Albert Hall
Gritty blues-rock comes to Albert Hall courtesy of riff-laden The Kills, who released their latest album Ash & Ice a few months back. The duo of Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince continue to earn praise at every step and have been heavily featured on prime time talk shows in the US as of late, cementing their place as household names.


Charlie Cooper
Saturday 1 October – Matt & Phreds
As part of their new Saturday early evening live music gigs, Matt & Phreds welcome outstanding Manchester jazz singer Charlie Cooper to perform. Blending vintage soul and jazz, Charlie was one of the headliners at the 2015 Manchester Jazz Festival and will be performing a stripped back set at Manchester’s premier jazz venue.


Of Mice & Men
Saturday 1 October – Manchester Apollo
Of Mice & Men return to Manchester following their stunning performance at Manchester Academy last year. The band have just released their fourth album Cold World, their most diverse and atmospheric to date.

Jodie Abacus – image courtesy of Chuffmedia