http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ Entertainment news from ManchesterOnline en-gb http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/img/small_logo.gif http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ webmaster@gmgrd.co.uk Poet Lemn Sissay joins Scottish-Nigerian poet Jackie Kay on July 14 for an evening's conversation with DJ and writer Dave Haslam as part True Faith series for the Manchester International Festival. http://www.citylife.co.uk//arts/literature/news/13916_poet_lemn_sissay___part_of_the_pavilion_s_true_faith_line_up?rss=yesIt Felt Like A Kiss is a Manchester International Festival collaboration between renowned film-maker Adam Curtis and director Felix Barrett of groundbreaking theatre company Punchdrunk, with original music composed by Blur's Damon Albarn. It could be the MIF's big hit this year "We're...http://www.citylife.co.uk//arts/news/13919_mif__it_felt_like_a_kiss___a_spectacular_festival_coup?rss=yesProcession, is the big, free family-friendly public event in the opening weekend of the Manchester International Festival. Creator Jeremy Deller tells of his passion for parades.http://www.citylife.co.uk//arts/news/13918_mif__deller_leads_a_procession_of_talents?rss=yesSINCE their 2004 album Dimanche A Bamako, the blind Malian husband and wife duo Amadou and Mariam have become genuine global music superstars. At the MIF they are collaborating with our own Beating Wing Orchestra for one of the festivals most captivating eventshttp://www.citylife.co.uk//manchester_international_festival/features/13914_african_stars_amadou_and_mariam_soar_with_beating_wings?rss=yesMANCHESTER crime writer Val McDermid is joining forces with shopoholic author Sophie Kinsella and best-selling author Stella Duffy to raise funds for Christie's at Manchester Grammar School. http://www.citylife.co.uk//arts/literature/news/13910_authors_to_raise_charity_cash?rss=yesA checklist of events in the opening week of the Manchester International Festivalhttp://www.citylife.co.uk//manchester_international_festival/news/13912_mif__a_potted_rundown_of_events?rss=yesElbow joining forces with the Halle - it's the ultimate Manc musical collaboration. the task of melding these two great 'bands' is down to arranger Joe Duddellhttp://www.citylife.co.uk//arts/news/13911_dream_comes_true_for_classical_fan_guy_garvey?rss=yesStone Roses legend John Squire explains how his sculptures benefit from 'that weathered look' ahead of his new exhibition at Gallery Oldhamhttp://www.citylife.co.uk//arts/news/13908_john_squire_defends_the_power_of_rust_?rss=yesElectronic giants Kraftwerk, cult New York composer Steve Reich and 3D glasses... What more could you want at the Velodrome. Robert Beale quizzes Steve Reich on why he's there.http://www.citylife.co.uk//manchester_international_festival/news/13903_mif__steve_reich___co_stars_kraftwerk_were_a_closed_book_to_me?rss=yesThe Kings is dead, but the Queen of Pop is still very much alibva nd back at the MEN Arena. CityLife salutes the sheer energy of Madonna.http://www.citylife.co.uk//music/news/13901_madonna__queen_of_pop__still_thrillingly_alive?rss=yesGLASTONBURY may be over for another year but the festival season is just hotting up in Wigan. The borough's grand old manor house - Haigh Hall - forms the backdrop for Haigh Fest, a massive free music festival on Sunday, July 5. http://www.citylife.co.uk//music/news/13900_haigh_fest___wigan_rocks_for_free?rss=yesIf this year's Pride Festival still seems like a long way off, Canal Street has come up with a suitably seasonal weekend to liven up the summer evenings of July. http://www.citylife.co.uk//gay_lesbian/news/13895_summer_tea_party_2009?rss=yesEveryon loves the ghost train - right? Well, prepare for something far spookier at one of the mahor events kicking off the Manchester International Festival today (July 2) - It Felt Like A Kiss. http://www.citylife.co.uk//manchester_international_festival/news/13899_mif__it_felt_like_a_kiss___haunting_images_that_have_shaped_our_world?rss=yesNathan Howdeshell bears no resentment about the high profile of Beth Ditto in their band Gossip. This punk-soul trio's roots together go deep.http://www.citylife.co.uk//music/news/13898_gossip_s_nathan_howdeshell_doesn_t_begrudge_beth_ditto_her_high_profile?rss=yesBreezy as the sun-scorched summer seaside - that's The Heartbreaks, Manc's guitar-driven antidote to electro. Just find them a pier to play on and the future's bright!http://www.citylife.co.uk//music/news/13897_the_heartbreaks___manc_indie_boys_are_more_summery_than_they_sound?rss=yesSean Wilson who played Corries Martin Platt for 20 years, is launching his own Lancashire cheese – and plans to open his own dairy at his home near Oldhamhttp://www.citylife.co.uk//restaurants/news/13896_ex_corrie_star_sean_wilson___he_s_the_big_cheese?rss=yesP!nk has rescheduled her Sunday, December 13 M.E.N Arena date for Sunday October 25. http://www.citylife.co.uk//music/news/13894_p_nk_rearranges_men_arena_date?rss=yesManchester University creative writing professor Martin Amis, writer and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and the poet Al Alvarez will discuss concepts and literature relating to the theme of suicide on Friday, July 3 at University Place ...http://www.citylife.co.uk//arts/literature/news/13569_melvyn_bragg_to_join_amis_for_suicide_talks?rss=yesJewellery Quarter,The Twangs new album could be the gem that takes them back to giddy chart heights. They play the Academy 2 on Thursday, July 2.http://www.citylife.co.uk//music/news/13893_nu_baggy_brummies_the_twang_bounce_back?rss=yesJackie-O ************ , a band with an expletive-driven name CityLife daren't even spell-out, are showcasing their eclectic sound at Islington Mill on Thursday, July 2.http://www.citylife.co.uk//music/news/13891_jackie_om___a_band_to_swear_by?rss=yes