Book now: Poet & emcee J Chambers at Band on the Wall

Local poet and emcee J Chambers has been making a name for himself over the past few months via significant support slot performances. First, in September last year, for introspective Washington artist Oddisee and his band Good Compny; then November saw him warming up for the prominent and like-minded Akala. He followed this with an unexpectedly prominent role when playing with Dead Prez in March – when the main act were two hours late on stage with half the audience remaining, many remarked that J’s performance had been far and away the highlight of the night. He’s continued to plough on locally, both on stage and in the studio, and July sees the launch of his Merchant Of Manny EP at Band On The Wall, exploring the themes of young people surviving in the modern music industry, relationships and loss in the inner city. Expect inspiring vibes. Support comes from DJ Man Like P (Radar Radio’s The Art Of Rap Show down London way), Virus Syndicate’s JSD, alternative hip hop artist Dane and live band The Shady 80s.

Fri 8 Jul, Band On The Wall, Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ. Tel: 0161 834 1786 730pm, £6 www.bandonthewall.org