Embark on a journey of global folk songs and storytelling with The Apex Singers, the critically acclaimed vocal ensemble. Known for their intricate harmonies and gorgeous melodies, this live concert promises an unforgettable experience.

The Apex Singers are an 8-part vocal ensemble celebrated for their bespoke a cappella arrangements of traditional folk songs from around the world. Their distinctive sound combines elements of classical choral music, traditional folk, and contemporary a cappella, creating a captivating musical experience. Among their achievements, The Apex Singers received the "Outstanding Live Video" award at the 2023 A Cappella Video Awards for their live performance of "Wild Mountain Thyme." Their studio albums, Hiraeth (2020) and Stravaig (2022), have also earned critical acclaim, including two Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards.

“It genuinely floors us at times that humans can sound this beautiful” - Danny Jones, The Manc

This is strictly a 14+ event due to licensing

Xiu Xiu are an experimental band known for their avant-garde musical style and emotionally intense compositions. Formed in 2002 in San Jose, California, by Jamie Stewart, the band has been characterised by its incorporation of a wide array of influences, including post-punk, noise pop, ambient, and electronic music. Xiu Xiu's lyrics are often stark and personal, exploring themes of trauma, despair, and the human condition, often reflecting Stewart's own experiences. The band's sound is notable for its eclectic instrumentation and innovative arrangements, making use of everything from synthesizers and drum machines to unconventional items like autoharps and toys.

Dutch Uncles, Manchester’s much-revered electro art rock quartet, a homecoming Stockport show after the return with their long-awaited sixth album, True Entertainment. Taking inspiration from Yellow Magic Orchestra, Prince, Steely Dan, Ennio Morricone, The Blue Nile, Kate Bush and Roxy Music, “True Entertainment behaves like it knows it’s been away for some time, and doesn’t apologise for that,” jokes vocalist / lyricist Duncan Wallis. “Ultimately, it’s written with the mindset that on our sixth album, we’re only in competition with ourselves when it comes to finding satisfaction in our craft.”

Support comes from born and bred Mancunian, Ellen Beth Abdi who has cultivated her own brand of wonky, soul-infused pop. As a graduate from the Royal Northern College of Music, she has been a stalwart of the Manchester music scene for years, touring and recording with legendary bands A Certain Ratio, New Order and performing as a backing vocalist at Wembley Stadium (supporting The Stone Roses) – all by the age of 26.

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In his new small format book, Strawberry and the Big Apple: Grace Jones in Stockport, 1980, Dave Haslam explains a seemingly unlikely scenario: the day in 1980 when Grace Jones visited Stockport to meet A Certain Ratio, with a view to working together. The location of the encounter; Strawberry Studios. Worlds collide!

At St Mary’s, Dave will be joined by Donald Johnson (ACR) and Stephen Morris (New Order). They’ll discuss themes of the book, including the mutual love-in between New York and Factory Records around that period. The evolution of A Certain Ratio and Joy Division. The life and career of Grace Jones. Stories from Strawberry, stories from New York.

In one part of the book, Grace Jones visits Albert Dock in Liverpool. In another part of the book, Haslam turns our perceptions on their head and asks; why not Stockport?

Books will be available on the night for £7, or £15 with the slipcase, and both cash and card will be accepted. The evening will conclude with a signing session. 

Doors at 7pm, onstage discussion starts 7.30pm.

£8.50 (Plus Booking Fee)

Hello Cosmos: An Immersive Live Experience

Hello Cosmos are a Manchester-based band and collective of creatives. A four-piece at their core, the band are led by songwriter and bass player Ben Robinson, the co-founder of the celebrated Bluedot & Kendal Calling festivals. Also features the talents of mainstay members Angela Chan on viola/synths/vocals (notably a member of the Mercury-shortlisted Lanterns on the Lake and a touring member of Placebo), powerhouse drummer Simon Robinson (brother of Ben) and the uniquely styled guitarist Adrian Ingham (assisted by a stack FX pedals); together as Hello Cosmos they are a meeting of minds of telepathic harmony with immense capability. 

With each new studio session, Hello Cosmos expands its sphere of collaborators, inviting a growing cast of guest musicians to add their own fuel to the creative mayhem. The band’s laissez-faire approach has seen them work with over 50 artists worldwide to date, with members of The Pleasure Temple Ritual Band, Post War Glamour Girls, Galaxians, Lost Colours and more, lending their expertise. 

Unfurling a string of stimulating singles, EPs and a debut album since their formation in 2017, Hello Cosmos found their breakthrough with the obliterating electro-punk of the ‘Run for President’ EP; winning over supporters at BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Radio X, to Under The Radar and Louder Than War in the process.

Big Society

Their music has been described "a gorgeous melting together of sleazy riffs lathered in distortion and something altogether more tender" by DIY Mag. They have been compared to various artists, including MGMT, War On Drugs, King Creosote, Alabama Shakes, and even Harry Styles.

Their exploration of sound has captured the attention of discerning ears, earning them radio support from luminaries like Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing Manchester, Radio X (including John Kennedy's X-Posure Hot One), XS Manchester's Shell Zenner, Amazing Radio UK, and the US, cementing Big Society as a force to be reckoned with in the indie-rock scene.

Doors Open: 19:00 Starts: 19:30

£15 (Plus Booking Fee)

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