Carlisle to host stellar live music acts this May

Snapped Ankles – The Brickyard, May 7

Snapped Ankles poster (Image: Supplied)

London-based electronic post-punk group Snapped Ankles will bring their unique sound and presence to the stage next week.

Known for their outrageous outfits, killer sound, and homemade instruments blending organic materials and synths, Snapped Ankles bring something truly bizarre.

They will be opened for by local act Ichi’s Ghost, providing alien and glitched up-tempo sounds, and electro-rockers Jellyskin who are joining Snapped Ankles on their UK tour.

Tickets are still on sale, and the venue is giving away tickets if they like and share a post on social media.

READ MORE: 'Feral energy' - London post-punk band set to bring ferocious sound to Carlisle

Elephant Gym, The Brickyard, May 29

Elephant Gym (Image: Elephant Gym)

Taiwanese math rockers Elephant Gym are on a rare UK tour, stopping at few places, so Carlisle is truly lucky to benefit.

The three-piece make beautiful music that joins sounds from jazz, rock, and pop together.

Local acts Delagrave and The Groove Shaman will open for the band on the night, the former a synth-pop musician and the latter an on-the-floor house and tech DJ.

There are tickets still on sale on the venue’s website – thebrickyardonline.com.

READ MORE: Rock band from Taiwan to visit Carlisle for world tour

Arab Strap, The Brickyard, May 20

Arab Strap (Image: Supplied)

Scottish indie-rock duo Arab Strap is always a must-see experience and a rare treat for Carlisle.

Their brand of storytelling and the singular music vision to back it up is exactly what has made Arab Strap trailblazers for the sound.

Make sure you get your ticket while you still can via the venue’s website.

READ MORE: Arab Strap returning to Carlisle's The Brickyard with new album

Hayseed Dixie, Old Fire Station, May 24

Hillbilly-themed AC/DC cover act Hayseed Dixie is surefire entertainment.

Formed in 2000 on the front porch of a cabin in the Appalachian mountains, the act when after drinking enough whiskey to float a battleship across the Sahara Desert, it became suddenly obvious to the boys that the 'Lost Highway' of Hank Williams and the 'Highway To Hell' of AC/DC were the same damned road.

The rest of the world first got a taste of the boys on April 17, 2001 with the release of their first album, titled 'A Hillbilly Tribute To AC/DC'.

You can get down to their sound by buying a ticket via the venue’s website - https://www.ofscarlisle.co.uk/.

Johnny Hates Jazz, Old Fire Station, May 9

Johnny Hates Jazz poster (Image: ofs)

Johnny Hates Jazz achieved prominence in the late 1980s with a string of hits, notably "Shattered Dreams”, "I Don’t Want To Be A Hero," "Turn Back The Clock" (featuring Kim Wilde),"Heart Of Gold," and "Don’t Say It’s Love."

In 1988 the album "Turn Back The Clock" entered the UK charts at number 1, selling over four million copies and achieving triple-platinum status.

Now, for the first time in 36 years Johnny Hates Jazz will be embarking on their first ever headline tour of the UK and overseas.

Tickets are available from the venue’s website.

READ MORE: 80s band bringing first-ever UK tour to Carlisle 

Royal Northern Sinfonia, The Sands Centre, May 9

Playing Brahms’ first symphony, the sinfonia will perform a concert of over two hours, including pounding timpani, inexorably rising violings, and musical tensions ratcheting up with unfielding momentum.

This is certainly not one to miss, and appeals to all even without a background in classical music.

Tickets are available from the venue’s box office at https://betterboxoffice.co.uk/the-sands-centre/.