Even without this weekend’s Red Bull Music Academy Tour festivities (detailed here, and featuring Jazzy Jeff, Omar S and Derrick May among others), Manchester is spoilt for choice on dancefloors over the weekend. There’s psychedelic techno, gritty Northern soul, glossy disco and relentless grime to take you through until Sunday, and don’t forget it’s Record Store Day all weekend too, with special events at the likes of Piccadilly Records, Eastern Bloc, Soup Kitchen and more. See you on the other side!
Jimmy Edgar - XOLO, New Wakefield Street, Thursday
The man behind Ultramajic and a variety of some of the biggest techno and electro bombs of the past decade, the incredibly prolific and multi-talented Jimmy Edgar is one of dance music’s true characters. And while his label combines some of the weirdest jackin’ records available with a unique spiritual aesthetic, faced with a club floor, he cuts the fat and creates a truly bonkers rave atmosphere. Except transcendent grooving with a sideline in electro sleaze.
Black Bee Soul Club - Kraak, off Stevenson Square, Friday
Still very much the Northern Soul party in Manchester for those who know, the low key surroundings at Kraak providing the setting for a surprisingly rambunctious, classically flavoured party that eschews the usual classics for some truly deep cuts, but of course, throwing a few firm favourites and classics in there along the way. On the decks this month, esteemed selector guests are Sallie Reynolds and Richard Penrith, specialising in uptempo, gritty soul, as well as the usual team of expert selectors. Frantic dancin’ on a wooden floor is guaranteed.
Pangeae Launch Party - Manchester Academy Students Union, Oxford Road, Friday
This Summer’s Pangea festival is set to round off the student term nicely in June, and while the lineup hasn't been announced, we’ve been fortunate enough to have a preview and it’s going to knock your socks off. In the meantime, the festival launches with a diverse opening party at the Union this Friday, featuring a contemporary king of jubilant disco house, Dimitri From Paris, sure to sprinkle his set with the odd shameless sing along moment as well as fresh musical discoveries. In contrast, the eclectically minded Drew Lustman, FaltyDL to his friends, takes a trip through disco, soul, bass and electronica of all sorts.
Swing Ting - Soup Kitchen, Stevenson Square, Friday
A beacon of true clubnight independence, Swing Ting’s monthly parties are lively and diverse as they come, and they just keep getting better. Playing grime, bass, dancehall and well, whatever they can get their hands on, this month’s guest is much respected Trax Couture selector, Akita. MCs Fox and Darka will be keeping things lively on the mic as usual.