From sci-fi to gay cinema to a number of interesting art exhibitions, the Manchester cultural calendar is certainly diverse this week. The triple header of Daniel Johnston-themed events over Thursday and Friday are worth checking out, and we also have high hopes that the Cornerhouse screening of Break My Fall will be an introduction to an exciting new cinematic talent.
Monday 8th August to Saturday 13th August
Beyond Their Shells at Contact Theatre
Eggs Collective are a group of Manchester-based female performance artists working in partnership with Contact Theatre to produce challenging, original work. In this Eggshibition (their pun, not ours), Roshana Rubin-Mayhew photographs the individuals behind the collective, in a series of portraits that explore the concept of self-identity.
Zion Young Creators Exhibition at Zion Arts Centre
The Zion Arts Centre is one of the best things about Hulme. It plays host to a variety of interesting events, ranging from dance classes to animation workshops, and much more besides. Zion’s own Young Curators have developed an exhibition which reflects the artistic perspectives of young people; any institution encouraging today’s youth to engage with art should be applauded.
Monday 8th August
Washed Out at the Deaf Institute
Currently one of THE big things in music, don’t let the hype deter you too much (of course, don’t buy into it too much either). The band have followed a strong EP with a debut album that’s a decent soundtrack to this washed out summer. It should be interesting to find out how their music translates to a live stage.
Tuesday 9th August
Break My Fall at the Cornerhouse
POUT on Tour is being launched to coincide with Manchester Pride 2011, with Break My Fall opening proceedings. The debut film from emerging talent Kanchi Wichmann tells the story of two lesbians, Liza and Sally, whose hedonistic lifestyle quickly starts to get away from them. Followed by a post-screening Q&A session.
Wednesday 10th August
Givers at the Night & Day
Having garnered a bit of attention from Pitchfork and the like, Givers are now touring their debut album, In Light. Catchy in a post-Vampire Weekend sort of way, should be a lot of fun live.
Thursday 11th August to Friday 12th August
OpenMind Festival at An Outlet
An ambitious celebration of independent artists, OpenMind Festival will feature poetry readings, live music, comedy, and most intriguingly, a screening of their sci-fi theatre piece Infinite Perspectives
Thursday 11th August
Daniel Johnston: Story of an Artist at Incognito Gallery
This preview evening launches Manchester’s first ever Daniel Johnston art exhibition; it also features a performance by the man himself, and an opportunity to purchase his work. We’re unbelievably excited about this.
Some Things Last a Long Time: A Tribute to Daniel Johnston at the Night & Day
After Incognito Gallery kicks out at eight, the Night & Day is keeping the Daniel Johnston fires burning, with a host of Manchester bands covering songs from the great man’s extensive back catalogue. With new Onward, Manchester faves Walton Hesse part of the bill, it may well be the perfect prelude to Friday night…
Friday 12th August
Daniel Johnston at Sound Control
…when Daniel Johnston will be performing his own songs. Initially scheduled to take place at Manchester Cathedral, the change of venue shouldn’t derail the evening too much; fans of his music will be captivated by his very presence on stage, before he even plays a note.
Saturday 13th August
Shonen Knife at the Deaf Institute
The legendary all-female Japanese pop punk trio have been kicking around for a staggering , and yet still have more creativity in their little fingers than the vast majority of their peers.
