Mike Cunningham
About this event
Experience the extraordinary artistry of Mike Cunningham at Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter. This classically trained percussionist and composer brings a truly unique performance style to life, blending military and show-style drumming influences with cutting-edge visual flair. Watch as Mike commands a full multi-percussion setup illuminated by roaming LED bongos and LED snare drum, showcasing his remarkable ability to play with three drumsticks simultaneously. His innovative approach to live percussion performance is unlike anything else you'll encounter on the UK circuit.
Based in Shipley and a distinguished alumnus of both Leeds Conservatoire and Chetham's School of Music, Mike has built an impressive professional career performing alongside DJs, bands and musicians across the UK and internationally. From intimate venues to stadium stages—including a memorable solo performance for over 16,000 people at Headingley Stadium—Mike brings polish and passion to every show. Join us for an evening of captivating live music in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
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Mike Cunningham is a classically trained percussionist and composer, and an alumni of both Leeds Conservatoire and Chetham’s School of Music where he gained the majority of his training. His performance style is unlike any other percussionist in the UK and Mike takes influence from both the military and show-style drumming backgrounds with a set of roaming LED bongos and LED snare drum. He has the ability to use 3 drumsticks at once and has recently incorporated a full multi-percussion setup into his live shows, which is now the main visual element of the performances. His professional career has led him to performing with DJ’s, bands and other musicians around the UK, as well as abroad and has included performing for clients such as L’Oréal Paris, Amazon, Double Tree by Hilton, The Alchemist, Revolution bars and Debenhams. Most notably, Mike was the half-time show entertainment for a Rugby League match at Headingley Stadium in 2021 - performing solo to a crowd of over 16,000 people. Whilst at Leeds Conservatoire, he was invited to join 80’s pop music icon Marc Almond on his UK tour in 2016 as part of a collaboration to celebrate 50 years of the conservatoire and included performing in Leeds Town Hall and the Royal Festival Hall to crowds of around 3000 people. As well as this, he also toured with the conservatoire’s Camerata for performances in Germany, Amsterdam and Belgium as an orchestral percussionist.
