The best small gigs in Manchester in August 2022

Manchester's music scene is as strong as ever. From international touring acts, world-renowned DJ sets, and some of the UK's best festival action, the city has it all.

And, away from the mega-stars, is a wave of smaller talent building their repertoire in the city's more intimate venues, where stages are only a foot tall and sunlight hasn't been seen for days. The city is also now starting to host an impressive amount of world music stars, who you might not have heard of - but will be delighted when you do.

To that end, here are the give best gigs going on in Manchester in August 2022, selected by the MEN's What's On team. There's a mix of DIY psych, international art-pop, and even some Ethiopian Jazz.

READ MORE: I took my toddler to her first music festival - here’s what I wish I’d known first (and a few things I’m glad I did)

So wherever you end up, have fun. This city is alive (with the sound of music).

Slaves’ Isaac Holman’s solo project comes to Manchester in what promises to be an intimate show in the venue’s basement. Opening single for the project, ‘29’, was produced by Damon Albarn, who also features instrumentally.

The event, which is a Music Venue Trust show with support from The National Lottery, is designed to get live music back up and running after two years of near-silence. We think this will be the perfect first gig back for so many people because it will show off Holman’s own musical talents in a setting that lends itself to his personality. Expect energy, craftsmanship, and ingenuity.

Art-pop excess in a proper music hall is a helluva combination. That’s exactly what Tune-Yards should deliver at Band On The Wall later in the month.

The show, which was originally scheduled for Gorilla and was moved due