CityLife

Clubbing round-up

CITYLIFE was under the impression that Ampersand was in fairly good nick. After all, it's one of the city's most upmarket venues. Well, apparently not.

After a New Year party that Twisted Elegance's Alan Hartley described as "perhaps the best we've ever had", there is big news for 2007. Firstly, the home of Twisted Elegance is undergoing a refurbishment at this very moment.

"There's new wooden floors throughout," says Alan, "new carpets, a paint job - returning the pillars and bars to gold - a revamped VIP bar and all bars will be sanded and varnished. The toilets are being redecorated and large mirrors are now in place to give the room an even grander feel. Everyone involved with Twisted Elegance love Ampersand already... this will just make it even better!"

More news next week when Ampersand and Twisted Elegance relaunch for 2007.

Funkademia

AS if to prove you can't keep a good night down, news has come into CityLife that Mancunian institution Funkademia is returning to the city to thrill its regulars, after closing down when Zumebar changed hands and became Odder.

"After a couple of months putting our feet up we have made a decision to get back to business," explains promoter Dave Payne. Currently Funkademia looks to open at One Central Street in early February.

Andrew Weatherall returns to Manchester

ANDREW Weatherall, one of the country's modern electronic pioneers, makes a welcome return to Manchester on January 28 for the Electric Chair at The Music Box. The Chair will give the One Lone Swordsman the chance to do exactly what he wants, which is just as well because Andrew is known for doing just that anyway. Who knows you might even hear some righteous garage punk inbetween sonic electronic emissions.

Here's hoping. More info at electriks.co.uk

Caged Asylum

Not everyone's cup of tea - but certainly unusual - metal and lapdancing club Caged Asylum launches a weekly residency at Ohm (High Street) in the city centre on February 3. Either the death of culture as we know it or a symbiotic exploration of two modern art forms, it certainly has its followers.

We'll be reporting on this night as and when we pluck up the courage. Visit cagedasylum.com for more information.