Free things to do this week ft. Rob Kemp, Tom Simpson + more

Jam Session at Matt & Phred’s (pictured)
The Tib Street/Oldham Street jazz cellar Matt & Phred’s is hosting one of its regular jam sessions. It’s an invitation from house band leader Johnny Hunter, and it goes out to all the region’s jazz luminaries, welcoming them to come and play on the club’s famous stage. Past shows have featured the likes of jazz-electronica outfit GoGo Penguin and nine-piece funk titans The Riot Jazz Band. Booking ahead – through the old-school method of calling a phone number – is essential as this night always fills up.
Mon 10 Jul, Matt & Phred’s, 64 Tib Street, Manchester M4 1LW. Tel: 0161 273 5495, 9pm – 12am, www.facebook.com

The Elvis Dead at Sandbar
Comedian Rob Kemp brings his show The Elvis Dead to Dead Cat Comedy at Sandbar this Wednesday evening for a dry run before the Edinburgh Fringe kicks off next month. The show is a musical retelling of the cult horror classic the Evil Dead using the songs of Elvis, and it’s already landing plaudits, having scooped the best show prize at this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival. Kemp is supported on the night by local comic Rob Mulholland, who’ll be previewing his own show ‘Popular Comedian Rob Mulholland’, and compere Red Redmond. This is a free entry show, but it’s pay-what-you-want, so you’re encouraged to give generously to the bucket collection at the end.
Wed 12 Jul, Sandbar, 20 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL. 8pm – 11pm, www.facebook.com

Outdoor Arts in Burnage
For one night only, you can catch some art in an unusual place. The alleyways of Burnage become a canvas for nine local artists, who’ll be putting their art right out for everyone to see – and buy, if something takes you fancy. Check out our full preview to find out more information.
Thu 13 Jul, Brecon Garden Alley, Brecon Avenue, Connaught Avenue, Burnage, Manchester, M19 2WL. 6pm – 9pm, www.facebook.com

Tom Simpson Exhibition at Rapha
Another one-night exhibition in an unusual place: This time in city-centre bike shop Rapha. It’s an exhibition of photographs from the forthcoming book Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire, which is about the legendary British cyclist Tom Simpson featuring many snaps taken from across his illustrious career. He was British cycling’s first true superstar – around 5000 people attended his funeral following his untimely death near the summit of Mont Vertoux. Copies of the book, which was written by Rouleur magazine editor Andy McGrath, with an introduction from Sir Bradley Wiggins, will be available for purchase on the night.
Thu 13 Jul, Rapha, 5 St Ann’s Passage, Manchester, M2 6AD. 6.30pm – 9pm, ti.to