Free parties: Pearson Sound and Mark Turner at Eastern Bloc

A few months back, vinyl oasis Eastern Bloc had a complete refurb to incorporate a fully licensed bar to accompany the great coffee and cake already being served. Fear not though, as an increase in beverages in this case does not equate a shift of focus from the vinyl – shifting the wax to a new second floor has opened up the space brilliantly, and provided opportunities for uniquely vibed, DJ-centred events, which have quickly become the shop’s niche, often in conjunction with local homegrown club nights. Two such free events are taking place this weekend: ahead of his sold out Soup Kitchen show for Zutekh, murky techno producer and DJ Pearson Sound (pictured) takes to the Eastern Bloc decks on Friday night, alongside Zutekh’s Burton Joyce with Eastern Bloc crew Means&3rd and Kerrie. Saturday sees Eastern Bloc veteran Mark Turner return to the shop to play records rather than sell them, for a broad range of house, electro, garage, hip hop all night long. To get a flavour of his tastes, check his monthly electro show, WERD, on kmah radio.

Fri 2 & Sat 3 Sep, Eastern Bloc, 5A Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1DN, 0161 228 6555, 6pm – 11pm, FREE, www.facebook.com

Photo: Sophia Spring for Resident Advisor