The days are starting to get longer and warmer, and we’re dreaming of the promise of cold beers in pub gardens and late evening barbeques. We’re getting all optimistic and declaring S/S 2018 in full swing. From eccentric live performances to groovy disco sets in intimate venues, April showers aren’t a worry with this selection of sunshine-packed events to attend.
The Sun Ra Arkestra (Live) – 24 Kitchen Street
5th April
Kitchen Street, Madnice Marauders and BamBamBam bring the sunshine and the Sun Ra. Cosmic jazz is having a moment, and the time is ripe to honour the memory of Sun Ra, an undeniable influencer of the music of today; colouring everything from jazz through to swing music and hip-hop. The Arkestra continues to travel and play his music across the globe, directed by saxophonist Marshall Allen. The motley crew have performed together for over 60 years, becoming infamous for their intoxicating energy and stage presence, with costumes to match. Get excited on that preup with a Sun Ra tribute on Melodic Distraction Radio, Tuesday the 3rd of April from 8 - 10pm, hosted by Kitchen Street’s own DJ Lime ‘n’ Soda.
|| TICKETS || EVENT ||
|| MADNICE MARAUDERS || BAMBAMBAM || 24 KITCHEN STREET ||
Modern Ritual - Liverpool Philharmonic
7th April
Calling all readers of The Wire. Experimental folkloric storytelling from Laura Cannell comes to roost in Liverpool’s own Phil. The Financial Times described it as ‘A concert? A happening? A hipster reimagining of an old-school variety show?’ but why not find out for yourself? Exploring folkloric rituals via old-meets-new electronic and analogue musical storytelling, expect a 30-minute drum roll and foghorn/recorder mash-ups.
|| EVENT || LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ||
Archive Presents CC:Disco! (First Light Tour) - Buyers Club
12th April
To: Liverpool Dancers
Subject: WUU2?
CC: Disco!
Fresh on the scene for disco, house and boogie, party concept planners Archive bring CC:Disco! to town. She brings a whole boatload of funky disco vibes wherever she plays and she’s bubbling up following the release of First Light, a compilation of Australian & New Zealand music chosen by herself. If the recent Boiler Room set at Sugar Mountain is anything to go by, we’re in for a sweet treat. She frequents Melbourne’s club scene which recently led her to curate her own hit night, Club Coco. A radio show host since the age of 15 with PBS FM, her show ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ has led to guest spots on Worldwide FM, NTS, and Red Light Radio. With support coming from the Archive residents, expect the funkiest tunes all-night long at Buyers Club.
Benny L (Extended Set) // Spektrum & Outhouse Sounds – North Shore Troubadour
13th April
Spektrum and Outhouse Sounds roll out the freshest jungle and liquid in one of Liverpool’s most infamous venues. North Shore Troubadour might be a short cab ride out of the city, but once you arrive it’s clear that this venue is well-worth the trek. To make this party extra special, Spectrum and Outhouse have invited Metalheadz affiliate Benny L to grace the decks. With numerous releases on AudioPorn, the London native recently dropped an EP alongside label head Shimon and has loads of bits in the pipeline. With tickets starting at only £5, this party is not one to miss for any drum and bass fan, with the Spektrum residents holding it down in support.
|| TICKETS || EVENT ||
|| SPEKTRUM || OUTHOUSE SOUNDS || NORTH SHORE TROUBADOUR ||
FACT at 15 – party w/ Aurora Halal & Robin Fox – 24 Kitchen Street
13th April
FACT gallery are celebrating their 15th birthday! Having outgrown their puppy fat and making it through the awkward growth spurts, their takeover 24 Kitchen Street for a night of innovative music and mind-bending visuals. They’ve invited Aurora Halal’s distinct sound of psychedelic techno to soundtrack a night next to the expert visuals of Robin Fox. Halal has performed at some of the most exciting festivals and clubs on the scene, holding down regular sets at Amsterdam’s De School and Berlin’s Berghain, as well as founding Brooklyn’s Mutual Dreaming party series. Combining her musical talent with the work of Australian artist Robin Fox, whose laser works synchronise sound and visual electricity in ‘hyper-amplified 3D space’ have toured in over 50 cities across the globe. Local selectors James Binary and Jacques Malchance are up on the ones and twos, bringing their wonked twists to the decks.
|| TICKETS || EVENT ||
|| AURORA HALAL || ROBIN FOX || FACT ||
Drugs: Time to Talk – The Jacaranda Club
14th April
With the complicated relationship between drugs and venues back in the public eye following the closure of The Rainbow Venues late last year, it really is time to talk about drugs. The Jacaranda Club host a panel discussion to discuss the thorny issue of drug welfare at music events. Members of the panel include Abandon Silence Andrew Hill, The Loop’s Dr. Jens Thomas and will be hosted by Mixmag and BBC Music’s, Jaguar. Ticket sale proceeds all go to The Loop, a harm-reduction focussed charity that provide information, outreach, interventions and research regarding substance misuse and the nightlife economy. If you’re interested, grab a ticket ASAP as the venue has a very limited capacity.
|| TICKETS || EVENT || THE LOOP ||
|| JAGUAR || ANDREW HILL || THE JACARANDA ||
On The Corner – Constellations
27th-29th April
A brand-new creation bursting onto the scene, this festival situated On The Corner of the Baltic Triangle marries funk, soul, hip hop and jazz together over 3 whole days to finish off the month with a bang. Throughout the weekend expect carefully-curated live acts such as Laura Misch, Fatima & The Eglo Live Band, Yazmin Lacey, and Werkha (with a full live band!). The acts have been hand-picked by Liverpool’s most innovative party planners; Anti-Social Jazz Club, Madnice Marauders, Boogaloo, No Fakin’… and, of course, yours truly! To top it all off, they’re offering all-night after parties at various inner-city venues, as well as workshops and an enormous independent record fair on the Sunday. This really will be an unmissable weekend full of good vibes, turning the much-loved Constellations into a haven of music culture.
A panorama of tomorrow’s music scene.
|| TICKETS || ON THE CORNER ||
Lez Be Avin It Goes LARGE – IWF Substation
27th April
Lez Be ‘Avin It are a new, innovative and inclusive lesbian night, designing nights by women, for women. They pull out all the stops to put together another night of music and fun, starting at 8 with live performances until midnight, running all the way through to the early hours with some of the finest selectors from Liverpool’s queer scene. All of the crew will be female, from the bar staff to the bouncers to the talent. With £5 advance tickets for this (or only £6 on the door) you’ve really got no reason not to.
|| TICKETS || LEZ BE ‘AVIN IT || IWF SUBSTATION ||
Honourable Mentions…
Liverpool is spoiling us with excellent events left, right and centre. As well as the big guns that we’ve covered up top, here are some other events this month. They are very much worth your while as well…
Honourable mentions….
6th April – C*untroaches, Luis Santos, Dads, President Business! – DROP The Dumbulls Gallery
7th April - Mouvement 1st Birthday: Melvo Baptiste (Glitterbox) & Derek Kaye – Constellations
7th April - BOOM BAP #3 - The Reeds
13th April – Abandon Silence 8th Birthday with Sulta Selects – Invisible Wind Factory
13th April – Mad Professor’s Dub Club – Constellations
14th April – Melé presents Club Bad with DJ Boring – 24 Kitchen Street
21st April - Detroit Swindle – Day and Night Party – 24 Kitchen Street
21st April - The Kazimier 10th Birthday Party Weekend - Kazimier Garden
21st April - Four to the Floor Presents: Fingerman & Rayko - District
26th April - Boogie Bitches Present: A Night 4 Dancin’ - The Reeds
27th April – Melōs Presents: Wake Deeper // Late Night Techno Party – 24 Kitchen Street
28th April - Tuff Love Soul Club: Soul Masons - Buyers Club
28th April - Demuja (Extended Set) [OTC After Party] - meraki
Words: Eve Whiteside and the Melodic Distraction Team
