SCROOBIUS PIP
7 December
HMV Institute, Digbeth
hmvinstitute.com
Better known for being the beardy one that goes with brother-in-arms Dan le Sac, Pip is now one of the leading figures of the UK spoken word scene. Head to the HMV Institute Library (who knew they had one of those?) for some angry truth delivered with machine-like speed and precision.

MUMFORD & SONS, DAWES
7 December
LG Arena
www.lgarena.co.uk
Fresh from impressing themselves upon the US, Mumford and his offspring are back in the homeland to promote their chart-topping second studio album ‘Babel’. The band are well-known for their bouncing live shows. If you go down to the LG today you can expect banjos, tweed waistcoats and handlebar moustaches. Support comes from the shambling, romanticised Americana four-piece Dawes (pictured) who’ll be bringing a hint of California sunshine to the cold streets of Birmingham.

CERYS BY CANDLELIGHT
9 December
Glee Club, Hurst Street
www.glee.co.uk
She of Catatonia (pictured above) fame goes all Radio 2 with a night of poetry, music and chat. You will know some of the songs, and for all the others there’s a handy sheet with the words. There will be candles, there will be sing-alongs, there will be ‘winter warmers’, you’ll have to cross your fingers for mulled wine.

THE BLACK KEYS, THE MACCABEES
9 December
The NIA
www.thenia.co.uk
I’m going to start a rumour right here that Quentin Tarantino is scoring his next film entirely with Black Keys songs. Get behind me here, if we can get enough momentum it might become a self-fulfilling prophecy. They are on tour for their seventh studio album in just over ten years; ‘El Camino’.  By anyone’s standards, that’s a good effort.

THE HIVES, THE MINUTES
11 December
O2 Academy 2, Horsefair
www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk
While they can’t claim to be your new favourite band any more, The Hives are hitting as hard as ever, and are dressed just as sharply. The Swedish rockers are back in the UK to promote Lex Hives. Support comes from Irish three-piece The Minutes – a band that are all distortion and razor edges.

MADNESS
13 December
LG Arena
www.lgarena.co.uk
It’ll be interesting to know how this one goes down. Madness are still a massive live band, as they proved during the Olympics opening ceremony. That said, the LG arena is a cavernous venue, and it will take a lot to keep the atmosphere right. I’ve got a good feeling about this particular gig though.

Ellie Goulding
16 December
O2 Academy 2
www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk
The much vaunted singer songwriter has slowly built up a massive following in the last couple of years. Now she’s bringing them to Birmingham. The twenty five year old has been experimenting with layering vocal samples, and you can expect the resulting live show to be pretty stunning.

TIM BURGESS
16 December
Glee Club, Hurst Street
www.glee.co.uk
Back from writing and recording his latest album in Nashville, Tennessee, Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess is ready to get things cracking. His backing band even includes Charlatans guitarist Mark Collins. Expect his usual quality guitar pop, but with a US edge. Check out the feature in last month’s Area Culture Guide for more info.

STEREOPHONICS, GAZ COOMBES
19 December
O2 Academy 2
www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk
The Welsh Rod Steward wannabes are back. New single ‘In A Moment’ has got a darker vibe than some of their previous material, and it seems to be working. They’ve also brought friends in the shape of Supergrass front-man Gaz Coombes. Expect to hear a lot of his new material.

Words: Ross Wittenham

“I used to just hire a room and completely dress the place in oil wheels and parachutes, and it just became more and more popular”, says Mark ‘Mack’ MacDonald, who is the brains behind Sensateria, which is returning on 26th May at PST, Lombard Street, Digbeth.

“I did everything myself, all the artwork, I printed the posters and put them up around Birmingham. I used to set off early with a bucket of paste, a bag and a brush, putting these posters up over walls.

“The posters were unreadable on purpose. Sometimes I didn’t even put the venue on it, and it was still packed!”, he says.

The Sensateria inspired a wide range of musicians to take influence from the sixties psych aesthetic, specifically the late great Trish Keenan and her band Broadcast, who were regulars at the club night.

“We all met in the Sensateria”, says Tim Felton of Broadcast/Seeland.

“I played Garden of Earthly Delights by United States of America”, says Mack.

“That was when Jam [James Cargill] and Trish [Keenan] [of Broadcast] met. “It was at that moment in their heads; they just formed a band. They just got it straight away.”

Sensateria also brought in live music and big names from the likes of Spacemen 3 and The Sea Urchins. The nights were heavily focused on sixties psychedelic artwork, which were created by Mack himself.

“I didn’t just want it to be a piss up in a club”, says Mack. “I’d make people go to [record shops] Swordfish and The Plastic Factory [which no longer exists] to get there tickets.

“With each ticket, I’d make a lucky bag of games. One ticket was a printed t-shirt, so you’d have to wear the t-shirt to get in. Another was a pair of batman glasses, which I put red and blue lenses in to make a 3D effect, and another was a cassette which had an hours worth of music on it from the club.

“I can’t quite believe this now, but if I hadn’t brought the tickets into Swordfish the week before, I’d bring them in on the actual day of the gig, and people would be queuing up with these lucky bags I’d made!

“I also did some really mad stuff, like Charles Manson coat hangers. So when you put the top of your shirt on the coat hanger, Charles Manson was wearing your clothes!”, he says.

“There was nothing more sixties than Sensateria, apart from actually going back in time to the sixties!”, says Matt Eaton from Pram.

Sensateria returns on 26th May at club PST in the main room, as part of Kismet’s Retro-Afro-Futurism. 10 pm – late. £4.

PST, 71 Lombard Street, Birmingham, B12 0QU.

Words: Ross Cotton

Lab 11 opened to the public for the first time on Saturday night (March 31) with Radio Slave and Berlin-based DJ Mark Henning (pictured) drawing in a sell out crowd. A slow start meant it was 2am before the night really picked up, but that didn’t matter because revellers danced right the way through until sunrise.

TRMNL Music & Events founder and CEO, Dee Dixon said:

“We could not have asked for a better turn out at Saturday’s big launch party. The crowds were amazing, the sounds were incredible and although we were thrown plenty of obstacles along the way we have made it through to create what I hope everyone agrees is a top clubbing destination for the Midlands and the UK.”

One of the obstacles was the front door which had still not been fitted when we arrived – but the venue delivered where it mattered. Featuring two rooms of bespoke sound and lighting system plus a heated outside terrace – it has a rustic back to basics charm about it. The club is based in a disused warehouse space in Birmingham’s Digbeth district. Owned by Network Rail, the building has been derelict for decades before being re-commissioned by TRMNL Music & Events and completely transformed in just a matter of months.

‘TRMNL Presents…’ will take place every Saturday and this weekend is no exception with an Easter Bank Holiday Special featuring creative visionary and electronic music icon Carl Craig, Dutch techno master Lauhaus and Birmingham’s latest protégé Samu.l who is already achieving international success with hugely popular edits of Buriel and James Blake.

For more information and details of how to purchase tickets visit the LAB11 website. Advance tickets are priced at £10 and are available through a number of specialist ticketing outlets, the venue website, Facebook profile and directly from the box office.

Words: James Drakeford

But when you open your eyes, you could not be further from la belle Paris. Instead of the Seine, you see canals; replacing the Eiffel tower, we have the BT Tower and let’s be honest, romance is all cliché with flowers and chocolates anyway, right? Well sceptics, think again; Birmingham has become THE city of adventure and was recently listed in the top 20 places to visit by the New York Times. We have discovered the perfect, un-clichéd way for you and your loved one, or a group of your favourite friends, to have a little bit of romantic indulgence in this oh-so-popular city on Valentine’s Day

Electric Cinema
47-49 Station Street, Birmingham. B5 4DY
0121 643 7879
www.theelectric.co.uk
Sofa: £12.80 (min. 2 people, no concessions.); Standard: £7; Concession: £4.80
Snuggle up to your loved one in the UK’s oldest cinema; book one of the Electric’s comfy sofa seats, then spoil yourself by choosing something decadent from their menu. Text your order of food or even champagne at any point during the film and a waiter will bring your preferences right to your seat. Whatever your taste in films, Birmingham’s Electric will be an unforgettable experience.

Julian Smith
Solihull Central Library and Arts Complex
Library Square, Touchwood, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG
0121 704 6813
www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk
14 February
£16.50, discounts available
Nothing says romance like classical, pop and smooth jazz. Let this Birmingham Conservatoire graduate and Britain’s Got Talent star woo you and your partner with the dulcet tones of his saxophone.

Stomp
Birmingham Hippodrome
Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB
0844 338 5000
www.birminghamhippodrome.com
14-18 February
Matinee and evening performances available.
£14.50- £30.00 (concessions available)
If fast, loud and energetic dance is the way you would like to say ‘I love you’, Stomp is the performance for you. Using a variety of percussion instruments (including a kitchen sink), this comedy theatre and dance show will fill you with rhythm… always useful on Valentine’s Day.

Ceramics: Open Studio
mac
Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. B12 9QH
0121 446 3232
www.macarts.co.uk
14 February, 10.00-16.00 (including one hour for lunch)
£18.00 (£12.00) 18+
Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to re-enact that infamous pottery scene in Ghost? Well now is your chance with artist tutor Sue Dyer at the Midlands Art Centre (mac). Spend a fun and relaxing day developing your artistic temperament with ceramics and make your own handmade Valentine’s Day present.

“The good, the bad and you’re lovely” A Valentine’s movie double bill
The Public
New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG
0121 533 7161
www.thepublic.com
14 February, 18.30 and/or 21.00
£8.00 (for two films) or £6 for Gigli and £4 for When Harry Met Sally (if purchased separately).  15+
Whether you are a romantic pessimist or a love-sick puppy, Nicko and Joe’s Bad Film Club’s double bill of ‘good bad movie’ Gigli and When Harry Met Sally will entertain you. Feed your guilty pleasures while heckling and jeering those cringeworthy lines in both films.

Cookery school at Simpsons
20 Highfield Road, Edgbaston B15 3DU.
0121 454 3434
www.simpsonsrestaurant.co.uk
All day every Saturday, 09.45 start.
£125.00 per person
Fuel your love over champagne, wine tasting, a three course meal and a cookery demonstration with hands on experience at one of Birmingham’s Michelin starred restaurant. This will be a luxurious treat neither of you will forget.

Solace Spa
60 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TN
0121 455 7380
www.solacespa.co.uk
Relax with your friends or your special other half; from facials and manicures to full body hot stones massages, you will leave Solace Spa feeling pampered and indulged. Vouchers are also available to make this a truly special gift.

Salsa, Kizomba, Zumba and Cha cha cha classes
07961514074
www.uksalsafeet.com
£6.00 pay-as-you-go (£4.00 for first lesson.) 18+
We may not like to admit it but every girl dreams that one day, she will be able to dance like Baby in Dirty Dancing. Well now is your chance; UKsalsafeet run a number of Salsa, Kizomba, Zumba and Cha cha cha classes in various venues in Wolverhampton which will allow you to get close and personal with your partner. Whether you are looking for love (Ryan from UKsalsafeet says it is the “best way to meet new partners”) or have already found the one, grab your dancing shoes, call or check the website to see which class takes your fancy and start learning those Dirty Dancing moves.

Happy romancing and you can still add a little bit of Paris to your Valentine’s Day by simply learning the language of love. Repeat after me… J’adore…. Va va voom…..

Danann Swanton.

New Year’s Eve at Gatecrasher Birmingham
31 December, 10pm-late
182 Broad Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 1DA
gatecrasher.com
Prices from £45 per ticket
Thanks to top DJ’s Eric Prydz, 2ManyDJs, AN21 and Max Vangelli, Birmingham’s clubbing hotspot is all set to see in the New Year with style. Guests will be exposed to pyrotechnics, acrobatics, lasers, cannons and video walls along with the talents of numerous theatrical performers and dancers. Tickets can be purchased online.

Blast Off & Cheeky Monkey New Year’s Eve at Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Saturday 31st December, 9pm – 2.30am
North St, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 1RQ
wolvescivic.co.uk
£9.99 per ticket
With ‘Blast Off’ in the Civic Hall, ‘Cheeky Monkey’ in Wulfrun Hall and ‘Go Go’ in the Civic Bar, Wolverhampton’s entertainment hotspot is all set to be the life and soul of the party this New Year’s Eve. Tickets can be purchased either online or by calling 0870 320 7000.

Ec-lectricity NYE Extravaganza at HMV Institute Birmingham
31 December, 9pm – late
78 Digbeth High Street, Birmingham, B5 6DY
venues.meanfiddler.com/hmv-institute/home
£25 per ticket (online)
After the success of last year’s Ec-lectricity, Birmingham’s four-room HMV Institute is re-hosting the event this New Year’s Eve with plenty of new acts. The line-up includes Chase & Status, MC Rage, Annie Mac, Micky Slim and many more.

New Year’s Eve at The Vaults
31 December, 7pm-late
Newhall Place, Newhall Hill, Birmingham, West Midlands B1 3JH
vaultsbirmingham.com/
£5 per person (after 9pm)
In honour of seeing the New Year in The Vaults will be hosting a raffle and pricing selected cocktails at £5 before 9pm. Prizes include a Magnum of Belvedere Vodka and a Magnum of Dom Perignon and raffle tickets are priced at £5 each.

Godskitchen NYE: Past, Present & Future
31 December, 9.30pm – late
Air Warehouse, Custard Factory Complex, Digbeth, B9 4AL
godskitchen.com
£22.50 per ticket
Godskitchen’s Past, Present & Future party is all set to see in the New Year with a real bang. The main room is set to play modern tunes, whilst the Nitrogen Room will be dropping classics all night long. The line-up includes DJ’s such as Sam Mitcham, John 00 Fleming, Tall Paul, Steve Arnold and more.

Broadway Casino NYE party

Broadway Plaza, 220 Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham, B16 8LP
0121 456 5557
www.broadwaycasino.co.uk
Treating all their guests to a glass of bubbly on arrival and a delicious complimentary buffet between 8.30pm and 10.30pm the gaming floor will be open as normal while live entertainment from four piece band, The Kites will let you dance the night away in the lounge area if you lost all your money on Black.

New Year’s Eve Comedy at The Glee Club
Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TD
www.glee.co.uk
0871 472 0400
4 headline acts will help you finish off 2011 with a bang until the midnight countdown and after-show party until 2am. Your guaranteed to see out the final hours of the year laughing your head off and having a fine time.

NYE at Poppy Red
Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TD
http://www.facebook.com/events/195496577206944/
NYE everyone’s favorite party night of the year and after this years rocking saturday nights both the residents will be playing for the whole night… Lord Byron and Dj Pep will be seeing the new year in with you in style doors open and 9pm and they are partying all night long. Want something even more special then why not book a booth?

Nightingale Club New Year’s Eve Party
Essex House, Kent Street, B5 6RD
Advance £7 or £10 on the door
www.nightingaleclub.co.uk
The Nightingale goes X Factor crazy with a live set from finalist Marcus Collins. Expect serious fun and frolics and a New Years Eve to remember in Southside.

We’ve got 5 pairs of tickets to the GATECRASHER NYE SPECTACULAR in Birmingham to giveaway. 

1 winner will win 3 x pairs (6 tix) to bring their mates while 2 runners up will win a pair each.

The hottest names in electronic music right now make their Gatecrasher Birmingham on the biggest night of the year!!! This year’s bill is packed with electro heavyweights including 2MANY DJs, Eric Prydz , AN21 and Max Vangelli and more…

GATECRASHER will roll-out the red-carpet for the News Year’s Eve extravaganza and is intent on blasting boundaries to reach phenomenal new heights in terms of production .Expect a thrilling combination of acrobatic artistry, , extravagant design and exceptional sounds.  The club has imported the world’s best CO2 Ice cannons, pyrotechnics, lights, lasers, video walls and sound system for a never to be forgotten night. Add to this Gatecrasher’s world renowned entertainment including theatrical performers , internationally renowned dancers performing on Gatecrasher 25ft high LED wall and aerialists.

MAIN ROOM

Belgium party starters & pioneers of the mash-up scene 2MANYDJS lead the charge. Stephen and David Delwaele, AKA Soulwax, 2ManyDJs have a worldwide reputation as being two fo the world’s hardest working musicians. Fifteen years on since the conception of their rock-electro group Soulwax, the Belgium brothers remain at the forefront of musical innovation.After the release of their revolutionary mixtape As Heard On Radio Soulwax Pt. 2 which featured  everything from Salt ‘N’ Pepa’s “Push It” cut up with the Stooges’ “No Fun”, to Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Woman” over 10cc’s “Dreadlock Holiday”, blending seamlessly into Dolly Parton’s “Nine to Five” the duo’s popularity sky rocketed. 2MANYDJS are now a clubbing institution. David and Stephen Dewaele have built a reputation for big sets – big in size, sound and scale. This is their Gatecrasher Birmingham debut.

Joining 2MANYDJS are  men of the moment, AN21 & Max Vangeli. Two of the fastest-rising names in dance music, AN21 and Max Vangeli, will return to Gatecrasher fresh from their for the “People of the Night” tour. The two shining stars of SIZE – the label juggernaut overseen by AN21’s big brother Steve Angello return to Gatecrasher on the biggest night of the year! The two DJ-producers have formed a strong alliance in recent times, with back-to-back sets at Sensation Amsterdam and the Swedish House Mafia’s Ibiza blowout Masquerade Motel in the last month alone. They also keep up a steady work-rate in the studio. People of the Night is the name of the pair’s hotter than hot club smash with Tiesto.  And now it would seem the top echelon of stardom is in sight. Together with blockbuster house music producer and SHM member Steve Angello, who is overseeing their project, Max and AN21 will be releasing their first album through Interscope and Angello’s Size Record.

2011 was one of the craziest years yet for the AN21 . He was nominated as ‘Breakthrough DJ’ at the IDMAs (International Dance Music Awards) and was named as one of the ‘top 5 DJs to watch in 2011′ following the Top 100 DJ poll. 2011 saw him DJing in some of the best venues and festivals in the world including Pacha Ibiza, Ministry of Sound in London, Avalon in LA, Zouk in Singapore, Global Gathering and Mysteryland. His massive remix of Pendulum’s ‘The Island’ along with brother Steve Angello and Max Vangeli was named ‘Hottest track in the world’ by Radio One’s Zane Lowe and reached Number 3 in the global Beatport chart. Having mixed CD 2 of the successful ‘Size Matters’ album.

“One of the most promising artists for 2011″ as described by MTV, Max Vangeli has grabbed the attention of Electronic Music fans worldwide. With a debut album featuring collaborations with heavyweights Steve Angello and the UK’s Example amongst others 2011 was his biggest year to date. 2011 was a pivotal year for Max Vangeli as he made his international debut, with multiple chart-topping remixes and extensive touring across the world, as well as being named one of the ‘Top 5 DJs to watch in 2011′ following the Top 100 DJ poll. He has played at some of the world’s top venues and festivals, such as Cocoon in Frankfurt, Mansion in Miami, Avalon in Los Angeles, Creamfields in the UK, and Mysteryland in Amsterdam.

Completing the line up is world famous superstar DJ Eric Prydz, the producer behind chart topping hits “Call on Me” and the Pink Floyd remix “Proper Education.  Prydz is well known for commercial success, topping music and video charts across Europe, but lately he has become an underground star. Under his Pryda alias/label he releases one great track after another, including “Armed”, “RYMD”, “Muranyi”, and the latest track; “Balaton”, which have all found their way to the top of the Beatport charts. DJ’s across the board, from Tiesto to Roger Sanchez, have been dropping the Pryda tracks in their sets. 2011 also witnessed the launch of a new show concept from Eric Prydz placing electronic music back at the forefront of technological innovation. Utilising groundbreaking new technology, Prydz’ ‘EPIC’ show smashed the boundaries of music and technology. For Eric Prydz, a bold musical agenda and an unrivalled ability to combine commercial success with underground notoriety has allowed him to achieve worldwide recognition with integrity.  This is Prydz’s Gaterasher Birmingham debut and promises to be spectacular!

MANSION
Mansion will be transformed into a super-sexy playground with a party atmosphere that is second to none. Expect sensational dancers and glittering performers alongside deliciously divine drag queens. Add to this jaw dropping show, house classics all the way from top Gatecrasher DJs all night long.

BED
Urban acts will be announced shortly for Bed who will play alongside Gatecrasher resident Mikael Diaz bringing clubbers the biggest RnB and Hip Hop  and most upfront urban tunes tracks until the early hours of the morning

ARKADE
Gatecrasher resident James Leeson brings you GB Rocks and the biggest indie-alternative sounds all night long.

Full line ups and ticket details on www.gatecrasher.com

HOW TO ENTER

This is really simple – just go to our new Fused Publications Page on FACEBOOK and LIKE us. Then write under the GATECRASHER NYE Comp post “I want to win NYE tix to Gatecrasher” and we’ll pick 3 winners! EASY!

Deadline is 5pm on Friday 23rd December.

The BASS festival hits its sixth year running in the city, housing a line-up that is sure to educate and blow the minds of the Birmingham masses. The UK’s only month-long celebration of black music and art, the BASS Festival (British Arts and Street Sounds) runs throughout June offering a feast of urban culture. Following the theme of Revolution, the festival brings together a multitude of mediums all under one banner; from grime and dubstep performances to street dance, spoken word poetry and fashion events, all celebrating the revolution of urban culture.

With so many amazing events taking place let Area be your guide to just a small selection of what’s happening and what you can’t afford to miss…

Ghostpoet, RoxXxan and Sherrazi
Rainbow Courtyard
9 June, 8pm
£8 advance
Launching the festivities are three of the most talked about and upcoming acts that showcase the very best Birmingham has to offer. Starting things off is Coventry-born Ghostpoet who has won acclaim from critics, most notably Radio 1’s foremost taste-maker Gilles Peterson, for his soft-spoken, zany and innovative electronica musings on modern life.
Following from Ghostpoet and not to be outdone is Birmingham-born RoxXxan who is currently one of the most in-demand MCs on the circuit. With her ballsy lyrics and ‘don’t give a shit’ attitude, she quickly came to the attention of Polydor Records who signed her in 2010 following the release of her ‘Heavyweight’ single.
Last but not least of the opening trio is Handsworth-based trio Sherrazi; winners of the prestigious BASS Talent Award in 2010. Under the tutelage of the BASS organiser Ammo Talwar and his record label Punch Records, 2011 looks set to be a great year for the trio, whose outstanding melodies and exceptional vocals promise a bright future.

Pauline Black
The Edge
10 June, 8pm
£3 on the door
BASS proudly presents one of the most influential and inspiring black women of our generation, Pauline Black. With 30 years’ experience in the music business, Black has seen and done it all and will be on hand to share her experiences in this intimate venue. After being a key cog in Two Tone outfit The Selector, a jazz singer, part of the acclaimed Soul Britannia and an actress, Black will take to the stage to discuss her past, including her battles with racism and sexism, and her new book Black by Design and share some new tracks from her latest album along with a few golden oldies.

Benji B
Hare & Hounds
11 June, 10pm
£5 early bird, £7 advance
Playing at one of our favourite venues, the Hare & Hounds, Benji B is revered in the music scene for his distinctive style and his revolutionary selections. Seamlessly drawing on a plethora of genres, Benji B takes you on a ride like no other, mixing cutting-edge house, dubstep, funk, soul and disco to leave you feeling like Alice in Wonderland emerging from the tunnel.

Illustrate – Create
mac
13-18 June, 11am-4pm daily
Free
macarts.co.uk
For one week only, artist Leon Sparkes and illustrator Deborah Brogden will be residents at mac creating an installation that combines sound, video, illustration, and comic-book imagery. The narrative of the piece is change and a revolution of our thinking towards the subject, in the hope of promoting creative and responsible solutions to the problems of today. There will be a workshop on the 18th June for children, allowing them to meet the artists and work on special projects.

Hip Hop Revolution featuring Turbo from Sky 1’s Got To Dance
The Public
25 June all day
Free performance 2pm,
Workshops 10am-4pm
Throwdown 8pm
Hip Hop Revolution is an entire day celebrating the hip hop genre and the culture it has developed. The day’s events and workshops will include tuition in dance, graffiti, DJing, MCing and t-shirt design, and will culminate with a special group dance performance that the public will be invited to get involved in and will be led by Sky 1’s Turbo from Got To Dance. If that’s not enough, for the first time ever underground dance event Throwdown will venture out of London to host a street dance battle, finishing off a packed day.

Tickets are just £5, and all proceeds from the event will be donated to the British Red Cross, to help Japanese people recovering from the disaster. This promises to be an amazing night, for a worthwhile cause.

Friday 3rd June, 9 – 2am
Hare & Hounds, 106 High Street, King’s Heath, Birmingham, B14 7JZ
Tickets: £5 available here or call 0844 870 000.

Legendary Midlands based promoters The Catapult Club, who helped to establish local acts from throughout the region, including Ocean Colour Scene, Editors, Dodgy, Kasabian and The Twang, this March celebrated its 10th year of promoting gigs at Birmingham’S 02 Academy.

Arthur Tapp creator and owner of The Catapult Club has been promoting live music in the Midlands for over 20 years with a truly hands-on approach

“I created The Catapult Club when I was a 17 year old Sixth Former, due to the lack of shows for local Birmingham bands.”

In recent years the Catapult Club has truly established itself as the face of Birmingham’s independent music scene bringing some of musics most famous bands and singer-song writers to the city including David Gray, Travis, Maximo Park, Kasabian and The Enemy to name but a few.

Russell Leetch, bass player from Editors really sites The Catapult Club and its legendary gigs at the much missed Moseley pub The Jug of Ale as a real launch pad for the bands career.

“We had great times playing the Jug of Ale whilst starting out as a band. The Wednesday nights were frequented by bands around at the time and if there was ever a music scene it was always around those doors. It was a shame when the venue closed and boarded up, but Arthur moved on to different venues and still bands play to this day. Cheers Arthur and keep on putting on shows for the locals!”

For listings and further information about up and coming gigs visit The Catapult Club website.