Free things to do in Manchester this weekend ft. Ali Sethi + more

Ali Sethi at The Whitworth (pictured)
Musician and author Ali Sethi comes to the Whitworth this Saturday afternoon, for a conversation with Harvard University professor Ali Asani. After achieving acclaim with his debut 2006 novel The Wish Maker, Sethi went on to become one of Pakistan’s most recognisable singers, appearing on primetime music show Coke Studio and contributing music to the soundtrack of the Riz Ahmed-starring political thriller The Reluctant Fundamentalist. This is a rare opportunity to see an international artist and polymath at the top of his craft.
Sat 12 Jan, The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER, 2pm – 4pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Bowie: Sound & Vision at YES
David Bowie would’ve turned 72 this week, and to commemorate the occasion, Charles Street venue YES are hosting an evening of screenings and partying to celebrate both his cinematic and musical legacies. The venue’s Pink Room will be screening one of his rare film performances: Nicholas Roeg’s 1976 art sci-fi opus The Man Who Fell To Earth, presented by resident cinephiles Above The Line. This will be followed by a screening of his benchmark performance at Glastonbury 2000, and music courtesy of the Lets Make This Precious DJs, who’ll be spinning Bowie and other Bowie-adjacent performers (think Lou Reed, Queen, Luther Vandross etc.) all night long. Entry is free and there’s a prize for the best Bowie costume – so time to break out that sequined jumpsuit and red hair-dye.
Sat 12 Jan, YES, 38 Charles Street, Manchester, M1 7BD, 6pm – 3am, www.facebook.com

Trick Mist Album Launch at Fuel Café Bar
Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Trick Mist – the trading name of Irish experimentalist Gavin Murray – comes to Withington’s Fuel Café Bar for the launch of his new album Both Ends, now out from County Louth DIY label Pizza Pizza Records. Trick Mist will be performing on the night, accompanied by the ambient electronic sounds on VIDEO BLUE and soloist labelmate Elephant. Entry is free, but donations are requested on the night.
Sat 12 Jan, Fuel Café Bar, 448 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 3BW, 8pm – 11.30pm, www.facebook.com

Live Lounge at Band on the Wall
One of our top picks for free things to do at Band on the Wall this month, this Sunday’s Live Lounge session invites genre-bending Fraction Project along to perform on the venue’s hallowed stage.
Sun 13 Jan, Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ, 5pm – 10pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk