Style Africa @BM_AG until 2nd September, 2012

The Style Africa exhibition will explore the rich textile designs of Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, painting a beautiful picture of West African fashion. African clothing is renowned worldwide for its colourful fabrics and unique designs.  In African fashion trends may change, but the use of traditional materials always remains.

Steel Panther – @Wolvescivic 6th November 2012

They wear ridiculous clothes, have long lush hair, pout more than Barbie and they’re hitting Wolverhampton in fine spandex glory in November. Welcome Steel Panther and their crimes against fashion.

Michael Starr (vocals), Satchel (guitar), Lexxi Foxxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums) released their second album last year and toured with Motley Crue and Def Leppard. Now they are hitting the UK with a tour to follow on from their successfully received support slots.

Here’s a little impromptu set from them at 2010′s SXSW.

Tickets priced £17.00 will be available from today at Midland Box Office: 0870 320 7000 or online at www.wolvescivic.co.uk

Area Culture Guide: April Edition

Here is the new edition of Area Culture Guide welcoming you to the month of April with a host hints and tips on things to do around the West Midlands. Look out for your copy at venues throughout Birmingham or check it out online here.

March 2012 Area Culture Guide

It’s here the all new March edition of Area Culture Guide. Once again we’re spoiling you with our digest of great things happening around the West Midlands and you can see it online here and pick up your copy from one of the great outlets that stock it (see the distribution page.

@soundkitchenuk 1st Birthday – review

The intimately inspiring cafe Ort (which has been situated on Moseley Road, Balsall Heath for just over 3 months) aided in a rusticity of warmth to the usual SOUNDkitchen vibe.

@urbancoffeeco invite you to a Brief Encounter

Urban Coffee Company are inviting locals to snuggle up with a cup of coffee for its special St. Valentine film night this Thursday (16th) at the Jewellery Quarter emporium.

Bangers & Mash week @Jekyll_n_Hyde

Next week The Jekyll & Hyde in Birmingham is celebrating the Great British institution of Bangers & Mash with a week of locally-sourced Sausage delights.

Area Culture Guide – February issue

February edition of Area Culture Guide is here and features:
Exhibitions at Ikon Gallery, The Public, Mead, New Art Gallery Walsall
Features: Made in the Jewellery Quarter, Hidden City, Valentines
Travel: Sligo and Dublin
Food: Kinnaree Thai
Fashion & Shopping: Sandford Jr, Valentine Gift Guide
Competitions: Lomography, Crufts

Read your issue here and look out for it in shops, bars, restaurants, hotels and visitor centres.

December Area Culture Guide – out now.

Check out the December edition of Area Culture Guide here. Featuring:
Art: John Myers, Stuart Whipps, My Generation
Music: Tom Smith (editors) with Funny Looking Angels
Travel: Barcelona
Food: Spiceal Street
As well as: Christmas Theatre, Festive Events, Gift Guides, Listings and Competitions
Cover by Leanne Jones

Things to do this weekend…

As usual there are LOADS of great things to keep you busy and out of trouble this weekend. Here are our recommendations…