After all the fun and festivity of the holidays it’s time to get back to the everyday grind. But never fear – there are some great gigs across the North to chase away those January blues.
If you watched the New Year fireworks on BBC then you will have seen Queen and Adam Lambert rocking in 2015 in spectacular fashion. They’re currently on tour and you can catch them at various arenas across the North, including Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on January 13, First Direct Arena in Leeds on January 20 and Phones 4u Arena in Manchester on January 21.
Headline acts Jessie J and Kaiser Chiefs are also on tour. Alongside other venues Jessie J will be playing the O2 Apollo in Manchester on January 24 and Kaiser Chiefs will be at the Liverpool Echo Arena on January 31.
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed then acclaimed pianist Ji Liu will be performing extracts from Schubert, Beethoven, Debussy and more at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on January 18. For those of you seeking roots and soul music Gabriel Kelley is at Gateshead Old Town Hall on January 31. A huge hit at SummerTyne 2014, Nashville-based singer/songwriter Kelley’s shows are entertaining, gutsy and heartfelt.
If you’re not into mainstream music then we’ve got some great suggestions. The Juggernaut Love Band, who specialise in funk, soul and disco music, will be playing at Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club on January 9 and this gig promises to be great fun. Energetic Canadian band Le Vent du Nord are at The Met in Bury on January 24, performing original songs inspired by the Quebecois tradition, with a mix of fiddle, guitar, accordion and hurdy-gurdy, and many songs sung in the band’s native French.
Indie rock lovers will enjoy local lads Shields at Cluny 2 in Newcastle on January 30, or Canadian band Stars playing at new Manchester venue Sound Control on January 13.
A great way to enjoy music is with food, and Acoustic Bhuna at Band on the Wall, Manchester on January 10 promises just that. Featuring musicians such as Songs For Walter, who was hailed by BBC 6 Music’s Tom Ravenscroft as “one of his favourite discoveries of the year”, as well as Quincey May Brown, Noel Maher & Holly Quin Ankrah, you can tuck into fresh, homemade curry made with locally-sourced ingredients while you listen. Nom, nom, nom….
Finally, Jessie Ware will be at O2 Academy Leeds on January 24 and Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, who apparently “do Fleetwood Mac better than Fleetwood Mac”, will be at Sheffield City Hall on January 30.
If you would like your band or venue included in next month’s preview then send links, blogs and press releases to stephaniealderson@northernsoul.me.uk
