Northern Quarter back-street jazz club, Matt & Phred’s has teamed up with neighbourhood curator Get Living to launch a series of canal-side jazz sessions this September at Middlewood Locks, Salford.
The free weekly sessions will take place every Thursday evening from 18:30 – 21:00 throughout September and will give music lovers the chance to enjoy some of the jazz bar’s most popular musical acts.
The canal-side sessions will feature some of the best up-and-coming talent from the worlds of jazz, blues, New Orleans inspired R&B, Latin and funk, with a DJ entertaining the crowds in between sets.
The sessions kick off on Thursday 5 September with music from the rich and soulful harmonica-player Mat Walklate and guitarist James Lawley, a stalwart of the Manchester Blues scene.
Other acts throughout the month include the The Nightcreatures who deliver the sounds of authentic New Orleans R&B, the feisty five-piece brass outfit Loud Noises and the Cuba Vida Salsa band, offering a unique sound emerging from Latin, jazz, funk reggae-ton and salsa music.
Claire Turner, Matt & Phred’s general manager, said: “Our back-street club has been supporting emerging jazz musicians by giving them a platform in Manchester for over 20 years.
“To be able to bring jazz to a new venue through our canal-side sessions is a great opportunity for the music we love to reach new audiences. We’re looking forward to bringing even more people together with good music, food and drinks with the canal as the perfect back-drop.”
The free event series has been organised by Get Living which offers homes for rent at New Maker Yards at Middlewood Locks. The new neighbourhood offers the best of city living, being just a 10-minute walk from Spinningfields while enjoying a quaint canal-side setting.
Free street food will be provided for the first 100 ticket holders and Seven Bro7hers brewery – opening its second beerhouse at Middlewood Locks later this year – will host a pop-up bar with a selection of craft beers available to purchase.
Kim Quickfall, general manager at New Maker Yards added: “Get Living’s approach to creating brilliant big city neighbourhoods is to work with local and independent businesses who can help foster a sense of community.
“Matt & Phred’s clearly share this ethos as a much loved and long serving independent music venue in the city and we’re thrilled we’re able to bring their smooth sounds of jazz to Middlewood Locks throughout September.”
Tickets to the September jazz sessions can be reserved through Eventbrite; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/matt-phreds-on-the-canal-jazz-and-street-food-free-tickets-70017611561
