What’s on in Manchester: April 16 – April 22

By Claire Holden

Your guide to what’s on in and around Manchester this week.

Monday April 16

Twin Atlantic, HMV Ritz, 7pm, Tickets £12

Head over to the Ritz to get your Glaswegian rock on.

Since supporting rock megastars such as Smashing Pumpkins, Blink 182 and Biffy Clyro the four-piece have released their album ‘Free’ which reached top-five of the UK rock charts last year.

The gig promises to fill to The Ritz to the very rafters with huge verses and anthemic chorus’ from an album that carries a broad variety of songs, all with a classic rock edge. Their bluesy melodic songs create a caesura but by no means detract from the thumping punch-the-air magic that Twin Atlantic has come to be known for.

Catch them on their biggest headline tour to date, before they hit the festival scene this summer.

Tuesday April 17

Michael Cretu, Matt & Phred’s, 9pm, Free entry

Michael is an amazing Transylvanian double bass player, guaranteed to delight you with his wonderful traditional folk style jazz. His original compositions include a crossover of jazz, classical and gypsy elements.

He has released dozens of albums, singles and collaborations, as well as producing a number of albums. Throughout 2011 Michael has been very busy working with his trio (Drummer Myke Wilson and Pianist George King) and also performing as a solo artist.

Wednesday April 18

Dancing on Ice, Manchester Arena, 7.30pm, Tickets from £38

Everyone knows how incredible the DOI show is to watch on the telly, but the 2012 tour promises to be even more spectacular. With appearances from 2012 Dancing On Ice Champion Matthew Wolfenden, Sam Attawater, Jennifer Ellison and Heidi Range.

Jayne Torvil and Chris Dean will be introducing the show as well as talking to the Judges and Skaters about all the performances. And don't worry, you'll still see Jayne and Chris take to the ice with their stunning routines.

Thursday April 19

LGBT Salsa lessons, The Thompson Arms, Beginners: 7.30pm until 8.30pm, Improvers/Intermediate 8.30pm until 9.30pm, £4 per lesson (or 6 lessons for £20) Social Dancing hour is free.

Out to Dance Manchester, the only Latin dance group for the LGBT & Friends in the village, will teach you the basics of Columbian Salsa with fun lessons at two different levels, Beginners and Improvers.

Afterwards there’s always the Social Dancing from 9.30pm until 10.30pm, where you will be able to practice what you have learnt and have fun dancing different Latin music like Salsa, Merengue, Reggeaton, Bachata.

Friday April 20

THTC presents RELAPSE007, Dry Live, Doors 11pm to 4am, Tickets £5 advance

Relapse is here once again with its heaviest line-up to date. This includes Breakcore legend The Teknoist, Dawn Raid, one of the hottest duo's in D&B right now as well as two of Manchester's finest - Dom Hz and Bane.

Dry Live hosts what is sure to be an epic event. Expect nothing but the finest tunes in D&B, Dubstep, Breakcore, Jungle and Reggae from start to finish.

Saturday April 21

Bam! Bam!, Joshua Brooks, 11pm to 3am, Tickets £4.

Bam! Bam! is the new SuperDeluxe, sparkling Manchester indie and alternative club-night for dressing up and dancing. It will put a song in your heart, mess up your dancing shoes and bring the most exciting mixture of indie and alternative songs for dancing fast and singing loud imaginable, to the legendary basement of Joshua Brooks.

Sunday April 22

Eat My Mind Pub Quiz, Escape Bar, 8pm to 11.30pm, £1

A great way to wind down the weekend; from the people that brought you 'The Big Fat Stupid Quiz' (The Salutation/Dulcimer) and 'Eat My Mind' (Deaf Institute), this is the pub quiz to end all pub quizzes.

Crazy prizes will be up for grabs as well as a tempting cash jackpot and some great music.

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