Please note that the website address for The Bhangra dancing world Record attempt ( Saturday at 1.30pm in Centenary Square) has been printed incorrectly in the programme and is www.thewbbg.com

ArtsFest 2009 – We hope that you are looking forward to the festival weekend!

ArtsFest 2009 opens at 5pm on Friday 11^th September with a eclectic mix of jazz, indie, soul, blues and world music across the Centenary Square Stage Smooth Sounds concert and Victoria Square Stage, including a Samba spectacular and a pigeon liberation with an artistic twist.  A range of other activity takes place within the City’s indoor venues throughout the evening including a Music Industry Seminar at the Library Theatre (for all of you interested in the music business), a BBC Big Band Radio 2 concert in Town Hall, a top class evening of spoken word and drama at The Old Joint Stock Theatre and another late night opening of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with performances, exhibitions and candlelit dinners. 

The fun continues on Saturday 12^th with over a thousand people expected to break the Bhangra dancing world record in Centenary Square (you can register to take part and learn the dance steps at www.thewbbg.com or on Saturday morning in Centenary Square) and Saturday evening will once again see Classical Fantasia light up the sky over Centenary Square, with performances from the internationally renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Opera Company to a spectacular accompaniment of fireworks.  KerrangFest will close the festival on Sunday 13^th with some of the region’s best unsigned bands supporting headliners Reverend & The Makers and Athlete. 

Throughout the weekend other festival highlights include BBC One’s exciting new science series, Bang Goes The Theory,  on the road with interactive displays, live science shows and appearances by the presenters and the Heart FM Family Zone at City Centre Gardens with storytelling, archery, arts workshops, magic & puppet shows, community sports games and much more.  A free vintage bus will run from the City Centre to the Jewellery Quarter where ArtsFest will take place across a range of venues in the quarter for the first time and finally don’t miss RhubarbRadio.com broadcasting live from a range of ArtsFest venues from Friday to Sunday or the Rhubarb Radio Saturday night after party at The Irish Club in Digbeth, which promises to be a real treat!

Please see below for further details about specific elements of the festival.  Please visit the programme section of the website to view the full festival line up by time and day, or get a programme from one of the information points over the weekend for the full line up by venue and day.

Music Industry Seminar – Speakers Announced!

For anyone interested in the music business, get inside information and advice from those who have experienced it for themselves.

A music industry seminar will be hosted as part of ArtsFest 2009 on Friday 11^th September at The Library Theatre, 7-9pm.  The seminar will be aimed at the festival’s participating unsigned Indie bands and has grown out of the development of the unsigned music strand within ArtsFest over recent years. Alongside Kerrang Radio, ArtsFest will present two additional guest speakers from the local music industry to discuss and advise unsigned bands about how to further themselves in today’s climate. 

Within the music industry seminar all speakers will talk about their personal experiences and history within the music business.  Speakers will offer advice to those trying to break into the industry, and discuss good contacts, venues and promoters bands should know of as well as how digital promotion through websites, blogs etc can help bands to further their career.  Speakers will also take questions from the audience and interact with the other speaker’s sessions. 

The seminar schedule will run:

7-7.30 Nick Dunn of Horus Music

Following a lifetime’s involvement in music and a career as a teacher Nick chose to set up an independent record label 3 years ago.  Horus Music has gone from strength to strength with Nick being one of few independent labels in the current climate making a profit, and having just returned from touring acts in Japan.  Nick will look at the industry from the perspective of recently entering it and why he chose to enter the industry with both the successes and problems he has experienced. 

7.45-8.15 Barry Tomes Gotham Records

Barry Tomes is a local music business consultant with extensive experience in the music industry.  Barry is involved in Gotham Records and Revolver Records as well as running Music Insight at Birmingham Central Library, offering regular advice sessions and seminars to local artists about how to make money from your music and legal issues.  Barry also hosts regular singer’s nights in Birmingham and will launch his new Music Business Jargon Book in forthcoming months.  Barry will focus on his extensive experience of the music industry within the ArtsFest seminar.

8.30-9pm Alex Baker and Loz Guest Kerrang Radio

Loz Guest is Kerrang Radio’s new music expert and is the governor of all things alternative on Kerrang! Radio.  Loz says that there is not a lot he doesn’t know about rock and its alternative styles and he dedicates his very existence to bringing only the very best music to the listener. Loz presents Mon – Thurs on Kerrang from 10pm for a three hour journey full of all the hottest new music plus plenty of classic tracks and celebrity guests and is also locked in conversation with all the major hitters from the world of music, TV, film and comedy.  Loz also presents Friday nights, focusing on rock, punk and the metal with interviews from the biggest names in the business.

Alex Baker has spent his whole life in and around the music industry and now stands as the overlord of Unsigned and up-coming music in the commercial radio world!  Alex Baker has been heavily ingrained in the music world since a very early age. From touring Europe to touring the UK, from writing songs to producing records he has seen and done it all.   He’s spent years in the back of a van, he lives in a recording studio and above all else he loves unsigned bands. He has helped bands secure major tour slots, sign big deals and constantly pushes new talent no matter what the genre!  He’s been at Kerrang! Radio for almost 4 years working on and off-air. His work has earned nominations for a variety of awards including a Bauer Award, A Sony Award and a Channel 4 Talent Award.  Loz and Alex will look at the industry form their own unique perspective and offer advice on what makes a band stand out from the rest and what makes them stand up and notice an unsigned band.

The Kerrang Unsigned Stage @ The Flapper Pub (Fri & Sat) and KerrangFest @ Centenary Square Stage (Sun)

Working in partnership with Kerrang Radio, throughout the weekend a whole host of talented and exciting up and coming bands will perform on The Kerrang Unsigned Stage @ The Flapper and in support of the KerrangFest headliners Reverend & The Makers and Athlete. 

Headliners Athlete first came to prominence in 2003 with their debut album Vehicles and Animals and in 2006 their single Wires received the Ivor Novello Award for “Best Contemporary Song”.  Their fourth album Black Swan was be released on 10 August 2009.  Sheffield band Reverend & The Makers shot to fame with their debut album in 2007 and have recently released their second album, A French Kiss In The Chaos.  They are heading for ArtsFest following a support slot with Oasis at their recent stadium tour.

Other bands to perform within the mammoth ten hour KerrangFest include The Arcadian Kicks, hotly tipped by The Charlatans and a band you should really not miss and classically influenced Elliot Minor, who have just completed a sell-out UK tour.  Also performing are Saving Aimee whose combination of rock, dance and 80s influences is fast gaining them a strong following and local indie heroes Johnny Foreigner will also be returning to their hometown to play the festival having recently returned from touring in the US and UK.  Their gig at ArtsFest will kick off their new October tour.

Other bands to watch out for over the weekend include Big*Defender and The Arkanes, Carpe Diem and Subkicks as well as The Lines, Templeton Pek and Mexicolas. 

Project Pigeon @ Victoria Square (Fri) & Key Hill Cemetery in the Jewellery Quarter (Sun)

A unique exhibition of pigeon-delivered-art will premiere at the festival this weekend representing Birmingham’s thriving artistic community and demonstrating the creativity and original thinking that such a community can produce. 

Prior to the festival opening, pigeons have been simultaneously released at various locations around the country, including London and Cambridge, carrying message tubes containing various pieces of art with the exhibition starting when the first pigeon was clocked back into the loft in Floodgate Street, Digbeth to deliver its load.

The artworks carried range from mini banners and small items made of paper, to sound files and artwork contained on USB sticks – taking the traditional messenger birds into the digital 21^st Century.  Pigeons can easily fly at speeds of 60mph, or even up to 85mph with the wind behind them, and each will carry a GPS locator so their journeys can be logged and displayed as part of the exhibition.

The artists involved in the project, Alexandra Lockett and Ian England, have been researching for the project for over a year, and are now keen pigeon keepers themselves.  They have built a pigeon loft from reclaimed materials to house their own brood, and regularly hold workshops with groups from the Birmingham Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Program.

Alexandra said, “We are keen to raise people’s awareness of these amazing animals – they have been used throughout history for people to communicate across long distances and have saved thousands of lives, particularly in the two World Wars.”

Ticket Booth

The ArtsFest Ticket Booth makes a welcome return to this years festival, offering thousands of discounted tickets for future performances to visitors during ArtsFest. Last year over 6,000 tickets were snapped up by bargain hunters, with queues starting early.  This year 19 venues have offered over 12,000 discounted tickets for a variety of events, enabling the public to see top shows for as little as £2-£20. 

New for this year, arts fans can view the tickets online a week before ArtsFest and then ring to reserve them, although restrictions will apply to the number of tickets each individual can reserve.  Reserved tickets can then be collected from the Ticket Booth in the Central Library during the ArtsFest weekend, opening hours are Saturday 11 September 9am-9pm and Sunday 12 September 12-5pm.

To see what tickets are available go to www.birminghamboxoffice.com.  Tickets can be reserved by calling 0121 303 2323 Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm.  Reserved tickets must be collected by Sunday 13 September at 1pm, when any uncollected tickets will be released for sale again.

Following the festival any unsold tickets will be available for anyone to buy on the Birmingham Box Office website until Sunday 20 September.

ArtsFest Theme – Anniversaries and Celebrations

Anniversaries and celebrations are the theme of this years ArtsFest with legends from the Mini to Motown and local heroes all being recognised. 

The 50^th anniversary of the Mini is being celebrated with a specially commissioned film about the iconic car, to be screened during the interval of Saturday night’s Classical Fantasia concert.  The film, which has been created for ArtsFest from digital material preserved by the Media Archive for Central England, is dedicated to the designer Alex Issigonis and also to the men and women of Longbridge who made the car.

The 50^th birthday of legendary Detroit record label Motown will also be featured at the weekend extravaganza with a whole day of music at the Yardbird, New Style Radio’s Motorcity Blues event and Street Wize Dance Company at the Town Hall just some of the Motown-inspired events this year.

The bicentenary of the death of local industrial pioneer Matthew Boulton has inspired many offerings at this year’s festival, from a physical theatre piece by The sum of … in association with Scientific Reactions exploring the Lunar Society, to storytelling of parts of his life by Intimate Productions.

Charles Darwin’s 200^th birthday is celebrated with the unique Project Pigeon – the naturalist kept pigeons during the development of his revolutionary theory of evolution, using the ease and speed of selectively breeding the species to develop and prove his ideas.

Other local anniversaries being celebrated include the 10^th birthday of Tindal Street Press, the 85^th birthday of the Crescent Theatre and the 90^th birthday of the Birmingham Bach Choir. 

A tribute to the late Grover Washington Jr, who died 10 years ago, will be performed by Delano Mills NotStrictlyJazz.  This band has been formed especially for ArtsFest by a group of talented local musicians, to celebrate the huge influence the legendary US Jazz saxophonist had on Jazz and blues artists in the West Midlands.

A full list of anniversaries represented in the festival is below.

Classical Fantasia

Celebrating the anniversary of Handle with Handel’s celebratory “La Rejouissance” from Music for the Royal Fireworks to a spectacular display of fireworks.

Town Hall

Celebrating 175 years

Birmingham Bach Choir

90^th Anniversary of the choir

New Style Radio

Celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of Motown Records

The Convulsions

Recognising the 50^th Anniversary of The Mini

Tindal Street Press

10^th Anniversary of local publishing company

Mary Rochford

Recognising the 50^th Anniversary of The Mini

Yaz Alexander - performing tracks from the legendary Island Records (50th Anniversary) in addition to original tracks inspired by the record labels artists.

Yolanda Parinchy

Recognising the 50^th Anniversary of Motown

Notorious

Helping celebrate 25 years of the Birmingham International Jazz Festival

Phoenix Dance Company

10^th Anniversary of local dance troupe.

The Crescent Theatre

Celebrating 85 years of The Crescent with a one act farce to celebrate the origins of the theatre.

Alexandra Lockett and Ian England

Recognising 200 years since Charles Darwin’s birth.

Black Adder Clog Morris

25^th Anniversary of Morris dancing group.

Centre for the Child in Central Library

Celebrating The Gruffalo’s 10^th Birthday

Delano Mills NotStrictlyJazz

Celebrating Grover Washington Jr who died 10 years ago

Force Dance Company 

Recognising the 50th anniversary of Barbie and Darwin

Julian Powell’s Solo Vibes

Recognising the 50th anniversary of Motown

Shropshire Youth Theatre

Recognising the anniversaries of Darwin, Barbie and the Mini

Stella Maris

Performing music associated with the Tudor court of Henry VIII and that of his contemporaries, to celebrate 500 years since his accession to the throne

Street WIZE D.C

Dance performance demonstrating Motown music through the years

sum… in association with Scientific Reactions

This physical theatre piece explores our reaction to how the regular full moon meeting of the Lunar Society catalysed Matthew Boulton’s part in influencing innovative change in social and industrial life.

Wiesniacy Polish Folk Song and Dance Group

60th Anniversary of the group.

Intimate Productions

Celebrating Matthew Boulton with lively Dramatic Storytelling of the Matthew Boulton Story

Park Friends Natural Heritage Celebration

Nature walks around Birmingham celebrating Darwin with the Darwin 200 Nature Trail

Thomas Pocklington Trust

50th Anniversary of the trust

Katherine Waters

Birmingham Babies Sculptures linking to the Industrial Heritage of Matthew Boulton

LP Design

Animation film to celebrate 50th anniversary of Motown

MACE Mini Film

Looking at 50 years of the Mini

One Thousand Ladders

Linking into the anniversary of man’s first step on the moon.

The Sugarfoot Stomp

5^th anniversary of the collective.

Home Cooking Presents Freestyle Records 10^th anniversary tour

10^th anniversary of music label

Nachdey Hasdey

Celebrating 25 years of the Bhangra collective

Classical Fantasia

The chance to see the city’s premier cultural organisations perform for free at the Classical Fantasia.  Birmingham Royal Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Opera Company will be performing excerpts from world-famous classics during the two hour spectacular,  conducted by Michael Seal.  The evening will end with a  stunningly choreographed fireworks display to Handel’s celebratory “La Rejouissance” from Music for the Royal Fireworks.

The CBSO will perform a variety of classical greats and family favourites  such as Holst’s Jupiter and Saturn from the Planets Suite, Bernstein’s the Magnificent Seven and John Williams’ classic – Star Wars Theme. 

Introduced by David Bintley CBE, BRB will be dazzling the crowds with a “strictly-style” dance-off, with three couples performing stunning duets from the much-loved ballets The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.  The audience will vote for their favourite through the use of a traditional “clapometer”, with the winning couple then performing a specially choreographed piece.

Ronald Samm and Keel Watson from Birmingham Opera Company will be performing two arias from Verdi’s Othello, followed by the beautiful Vesti La Giubba from I Pagliacci by Leoncavallo.

During the interval a specially commissioned film about the Mini will be shown on the screen to celebrate the 50^th birthday of the iconic car, which featured in the cult film The Italian Job.  Created by the Media Archive for Central England especially for ArtsFest, the film features interviews, archive film clips of the car and of its production at the Longbridge factory.

A few beats and rhymes

A host of bands and events take place throughout the weekend for anybody into the bar and club side of the music scene, kicking off with Home Cookin’s Freestyle Records 10^th Anniversary Tour Party at The Yardbird on Friday night.  Featuring respected funk and hip hop artists from Birmingham, Brighton and Australia, Cookin on 3 Burners, Bamboos and Flevans will have you dancing into the early hours. 

Reggae and dub continues the fun on Saturday from the Victoria Square stage leading into an evening of electronica, breaks, hip hop, funk and drum and bass from the stage.  The party then continues with Rhubarb Radio at the Irish Club in Digbeth from 10pm with entertainment from Urban Sunrise featuring Wah Fish, Capoeira Renascer, Ay Mango Theatre and

To end the weekend it is back to The Yardbird on Sunday for a relaxed afternoon of jazz and world music, and the outstanding Oya Batucada live samba and brass band.  The weekend is rounded off with Reggae from Memphis and Frutaloka’s global grooves.   

Arts Feast at the Museum

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will be open late on Friday evening of the festival for a wonderful mixture of exclusive dining, live entertainment and the chance to visit the museum’s celebrated exhibitions, as part of the opening evening for ArtsFest.   

Following the hugely successful event at last year’s ArtsFest, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery are organising another candle lit dinner in stunning Victorian surroundings of the Museum Restaurant, it was opened as part of the original museum in 1885 by the then Prince of Wales who later became Edward VII.  Advance booking for the three course meal is essential by calling 0121 303 2318.  There will be a cash bar and a selection of exclusive table wines available on the night.

Throughout the evening there will be a number of special musical performances taking place in the museum, including traditional folk Bhangra Dancing, Bollywood musical style dancing, an exciting fusion of African and Brazilian dance and martial arts with Cordão de Ouro Capoeira, mediaeval and renaissance singing and traditional English village music.   There will also be a performance of an excerpt from Roald Dahl’s ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ by the Birmingham Stage Company.

Visitors will also get a last opportunity to see the UK exclusive bicententary exhibition Matthew Boulton: Selling what all the world desires in the Gas Hall and the popular family friendly Colour Splash in the Waterhall.  The Museum shop will also be opening late for the chance to buy exclusive gifts, books, catalogues and merchandise. 

All for Children

Arriving at ArtsFest this year is the Gruffalo, celebrating his 10^th birthday with “his terrible tusks and terrible claws”.  At the Centre for the Children, Central Library, he will be part of a wide range of entertainment organised for the weekend event which also includes numerous craft-based activities and a story-time. Children at the Centre will have the opportunity to see the Gruffalo in person and see whether he really does have such terrible teeth and claws.

The Gruffalo is a children’s book by writer/playwright Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, telling the story of a mouse taking a walk through a deep, dark wood. The book has sold over 3.5 million copies and has won several prizes for children’s literature.

In addition there are plenty of child-friendly activities and events happening over the weekend at ArtsFest. Heart’s Family Zone in City Centre Gardens has storytelling, face painting, archery, arts & crafts workshops, re-enactments, puppet shows, magic shows and community sports games. The weekend culminates in a fantastic children’s carnival parade around the gardens.

Other family attractions include BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory Roadshow, a new science series, Monarch Beach offering Brazilian soccer, Capoeira and belly dancing, Japanese Taiko drumming and Tai Chi. Also, at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Colour Splash will be awash with the magic of colour, providing plenty of craft fun for children in the gallery area and there are street artists with their own brand of entertainment throughout the festival, including street theatre and circus performances.

WeVee

The innovative new digital media platform WeVee is arriving at ArtsFest in Birmingham.  A Screen West Midlands/UK Film Council funded project, WeVee allows users to create their own personal video clips using moving image from regional archive content edited to music of their choice. The top five WeVee’s each day at the event will be showcased on the screen in Centenary Square.

Visual Arts

From Pre-Raphaelite paintings to contemporary sculpture, Birmingham will be a feast for the eyes during this year’s ArtsFest with a stunning range of visual art on display to suit all tastes.  With local talent as well as internationally recognised artists involved there is the chance to enjoy, buy and even create your own works of art in locations across the city.

The popular art fairs will return with Art on the Railings in Centenary Square and Artspace in the Council House giving you the chance to own your own piece of affordable art from up-and-coming local artists.   Local artist Katherine Waters Birmingham Babies sculptures will also be on display in Victoria and Chamberlain Squares.

Birmingham’s world class art galleries will also be opening their doors and holding special events to mark the occasion. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Ikon Gallery and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts are all taking part, as well as a range of other museums and galleries across the city.

Brand new works on show will include Re-Place, a collaboration between leading artists from Birmingham and Bordeaux on show in the Works Gallery on Pershore Street, as well as Adrian Thompson, the UK’s only micro gold sculptor whose work will be in the Council House alongside Sonia Bhamra’s innovative light installations.

And for those wanting to create a masterpiece of their own, there will be a range of activities throughout the weekend in the Visual Arts Village in the Council House and Victoria Square offering the chance to try clay modelling, making traditional Indian table mats and a crash course in portrait photography.

ShortCuts

Over 80 short films will be shown during ArtsFest as part of its Short Cuts presentation in The Crescent Theatre’s Ron Barber Studio.  Short Cuts offers local emerging directors an opportunity to showcase their most recent short films in a professional environment, and this year’s offerings include some real gems. 

Shift Work, a collaboration between the Ikon and Gallery 37, explores the character of an abandoned warehouse in Digbeth, highlighting the changing space of such a building and its continuously evolving history.

Waiting for the End of the World, directed by Lee Deaville, explores the isolation felt by a Hungarian immigrant as he struggles to adjust to working life in the UK.  Shot on location at a supermarket in Stoke-on-Trent over two night shifts, the film seeks to involve the audience with its dreamlike imagery, encapsulating soundtrack and character-driven narrative.

When we Build Again is a historic documentary directed by Ralph Bond made in 1943 – towards the end of the Second World War.  Co-written and narrated by the poet Dylan Thomas, it explores some of the issues of town planning and regeneration that are still relevant today.

Art Detection Services, directed by Matthew Moore, is a humorous take on an age-old debate on what constitutes “Art”.  It follows a group of art connoisseurs as they visit various galleries and shows and determine whether something is art or not with their electromechanical machines.

One Minutes, directed by Philip Pugh, is a unique feature-film experience shot in and around Birmingham with a local crew.  It comprises of sixty different one minute films that explore the world of cinema and its techniques, whilst simultaneously mixing the diverse cultures, settings and traditions of our city.

The Worlds Biggest Bhangra Group World Record Attempt

Over a thousand people are expected to take part in the World’s Biggest Bhangra Group hopefully setting a new world record in the process.

On Saturday 12 September, some of the UK’s finest and most established Bhangra Dance Groups will be performing together to break a new Guinness World Record^TM of over 1000 people dancing the same routine at the same time in the same place for as long as possible.  Everyone is invited to join in – just go to www.thewbbg.com to register and learn the steps.

Workshops will be held throughout the morning for everyone to perfect the routine before the warm up, which will be introduced by The Consul General of India when it starts at 1:30pm.  The attempt will begin at 2pm and organisers are confident they can beat the current world record, which was set in Toronto in August 2008 with 763 people.

Barefoot Wines

Located in Centenary Square visit the Barefoot Wine stand throughout the weekend to sample their wines.  Epitomising California cool and relaxed easy-drinking, Barefoot is the wine to be seen with, and is creating excitement wherever it steps. Forget about ‘bouquets of freshly cut grass with undertones of soil’, Barefoot is all about great tasting wines and having fun with your mates.  All five wines in the collection are easy drinking, light, bright and fruity. Barefoot has been a supporter of the Art scene across the UK since it launched in 2007,  so the Barefoot Community is very proud to support ArtsFest in 2009! See you there.

BBC Bang Goes The Theory Roadshow

BBC One’s exciting new science series that looks at how science shapes the world around us goes on the road, with interactive displays, live science shows and appearances from Dr Yan himself.

Ask It

If you want to find out more about arts organisations in the West Midlands, visit the Ask It Information Stalls in Upper New Street. Find out where they are next performing, join their mailing list and learn more about their work.  Ask it stalls are open on Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 11am-6pm.

Stans Café

After the success of their installation at ArtsFest last year, Stan’s Café will be launching their new piece at ArtsFest ’09 – Giant Steps, do it yourself family theatre. 

Rhubarb Radio

Rhubarb Radio will be broadcasting live from a number of venues throughout the weekend and will feature a whole host of interviews and acoustic performances on the station.

They will also host the eclectic ArtsFest party at the Irish Club in Digbeth on Saturday night 10am-2pm, featuring DJ’s, live bands and much more. Tickets can be obtained for this from the Rhubarb Radio stall which is located at the bottom of the steps at Victoria Square.  

Centenary Square Dance Marquee

Powerful performances will feature on the dance stage throughout the weekend including contemporary, salsa, street, hip hop, Bollywood, Bhangra, parkour and breakdance, Irish, Japanese, Chinese, and Brazilian Capoeira dance including the likes of ACE, Sonia Sabri and Scanlon School of Dance.

Monarch Beach, Chamberlain Square

The Monarch Beach hosts the ArtsFest pARTicipate area exploring the links between arts and sport in the lead up to the Olympics. Activities include yoga, Tai Chi, Capoeira, Belly Dancing, and Brazilian soccer skills.

Victoria Square Stage

An eclectic range of music from the stage set into the fountain including folk, Eastern European, Classical, Electronica, Reggae, Singer Songwriters, Punk & Blues. Saturday night features urban dance, hip hop, electronica, funk and drum & bass followed by the Rhubarb Radio party at the Irish Centre, Digbeth – where the party continues into the early hours.

The Jewellery Quarter

For the first time ArtsFest links with English Heritage’s Heritage Open Days in the Quarter. Guided Cemetery Walks, performances in Galleries, drama and installations all feature with a free vintage bus transporting you from Victoria Square into and around the Quarter.

www.jewelleryquarter.net

Please visit for further details.

Walkit.com

Find walking routes to ArtsFest venues with walkit.com. Get journey times, calorie burn and carbon saving. It’s quick, free, healthy and green.

Big Brum Buz

The live guided open top bus tour is the only introduction to the global city with a local heart – wish you were here! Discover the commercial heart, the unique Jewellery Quarter – the Jewel in the Crown, the Golden Mile, leafy Edgbaston and the East side extravaganza. Approximately one hour round trip – Birmingham uncovered – the only way to get to know your city Brum!

Time: 12 noon

Place: Top of Church Street, Colmore Row, opposite St Philip’s Cathedral.

Description: FREE BIG BRUM BUZ OPEN TOP LIVE GUIDED ARTS FESTIVAL SPECIAL SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Bhangra Dancing World Record Attempt

Saturday 12th September, 1:30-2:30pm

                                             Centenary Square

The Worlds Largest Bhangra Dance Routine.

                                                           The Worlds Guinness Book of Records Attempt.

All the BHANGRA DANCE GROUPS from around the UK will be combining to attempt the WORLD RECORD for the most amount of people from all walks of life and communities performing the traditional FOLK DANCE OF PUNJAB at the same time in the same place.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EVERY GROUP IN THE UK HAVE EVER PERFORMED TOGETHER.

There is no age limit, everyone is welcome from across the UK and Abroad. Simply log on to www.thewbbg.com  to register or at the festival itself from 3 hours before the event. You can also learn the dance routine online or at our traillblazer the Friday before the event.

Where – Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham

When – 13:30 to 14:30 Saturday 12th September 2009.

So come on be a WORLD RECORD breaker!

Keep your eye out for further highlights still to be released…

With ArtsFest only one month away excitement throughout the City is building!

3000 artists…

          600 events…

                        50 venues…

                                      1 GREAT Weekend  11^th – 13^th September 09

                                                                                         & did we mention it’s all FREE!

Full programme listings will be available towards the end of this month. Keep checking back here, and visit our website www.artfest.org.uk The printed programme will be available two weeks prior to the festival, with the online programme containing further artist and event details being available towards the end of this month.

*Weekend Highlights Released so far Include:

Friday Night Launch

Friday 11^th September, 5-11pm

-Various venues

A fantastic, eclectic launch to the weekend including Smooth Sounds on Centenary Square Stage, the BBC Big Band in the Town Hall, and a whole mix of jazz, indie, soul, blues and world music. Plus another late night opening at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, with performances, exhibitions and candlelit dinners in the Museum Restaurant.

Classical Fantasia

Saturday 12th September, 8-10pm

The Stage @ Centenary Square

Birmingham’s Internationally renowned companies Birmingham Royal Ballet, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra & Birmingham Opera Company give stunning performances, all rounded off with a spectacular fireworks display.

KerrangFest                       

Sunday 13th September, 12-10:30pm

The Stage @ Centenary Square

Headlined by Athlete & Reverend and The Makers, some of the region’s best unsigned bands will take to the stage, including The Arcadian Kicks, Templeton Pek and the Mexicolas.

…further highlight to follow!!!

Best Wishes,

The ArtsFest Team

Saturday 1^st  August 2009

• Claret – Lets go Outside series of entertainment

Live Band on the Castle Banstand.  Bring your picnic, guaranteed good weather!!

Venue:

Tamworth Town Centre, Castle Bandstand, Near The Castle

Time:

12 – 3pm

Tickets:

Free outdoor family event

Further information:

http://clarettheband.tyripod.com

Tamworth County council site

Monday 3^rd  – Saturday 29^th  August 2009

• RBSA Gallery – Prize winner exhibition

An RBSA Prize Winner is awarded the opportunity to have a solo show.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Craft Gallery wall

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Monday 10^th  August – Saturday 3^rd   October 2009

• Jo Connell, RBSA – Craftwork in the café exhibition

Jo works with stained clays and her colourful, textural ceramics owe much to her love of the natural world.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Craftwork in the café space

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Tuesday 11^th  August 2009

• Andrew Matheson, RBSA – Demonstration

Andrew will show you how he creates his hand built forms. Free – no need to book.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery

Time:

11.00am – 1.00pm

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Wednesday 12^th  August 2009

• Andrew Matheson, RBSA – Demonstration

Andrew will show you how he creates his hand built forms. Free – no need to book.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery

Time:

11.00am – 1.00pm

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Thursday 13^th  August 2009

• Andrew Matheson, RBSA – Demonstration

Andrew will show you how he creates his hand built forms. Free – no need to book.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery

Time:

11.00am – 1.00pm

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Sunday 16^th  August 2009

• FebruaryMarch – Acoustic Brew UK

Top acoustic music at The Dog, four acts including FebruaryMarch.

Venue:

The Dog, Bearwood, Birmingham, B67 5EU.

Time:

8pm – 11pm

Tickets:

FREE – On the door

Further information:

www.myspace.com/acousticbrewuk

0798 100 4502

Monday 17^th  August – Saturday 12^th  September 2009

• Peter Shread RBSA – Café wall exhibition

Patterns of landscape woodcuts and lino cuts in black and white and colour.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Café wall

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Saturday 18^th  August 2009

• Mike Brown, RBSA – Demonstration

Watch a member of Birmingham Watercolour Society at work.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery

Time:

11.00am – 1.00pm

Tickets

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Saturday 22^nd August 2009

• Highway Dave and The Varmints – Party In The Park

Family Funday with Jousting Knights, Live Bands, Funfair, Stalls and Attractions in this action packed array of activities.

Venue:

Severn Park, Bridgnorth

Time:

1100 (11am) – 1800 (6pm)

Tickets:

£3 On the gate

Further Information:

www.sbevents.co.uk

events@sbevents.co.uk

Sunday 23 August 2009

• Cynthia Pearson, RBSA – Family Friendly Workshop

A textile workshop suitable for ages 5 – 12. Accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery

Time:

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Tickets:

£5.00 – From RBSA Gallery

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Monday 31^st  August – Saturday 26^th  September 2009-06-03

• Mark Fennell, RBSA – Craft Gallery wall exhibition

Portraits in oils on linen. Commissions have included the Mayor of Birmingham and Anthony Worrall Thompson.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Craft Gallery wall

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

at Stechford Cascades on July the 6th 7-10pm. £1 entry.

The average person does not get to experience sound art as it is generally reserved for a niche audience in a gallery. Wet Sounds makes sound art accessible to the public through a unique listening experience. As part of the normal public pool admission, the audience floats or dives through water immersed in sound that is clear, detailed and intimate.

Wet Sounds is a mobile gallery for sound art, it is curated by Joel Cahen each year from work submitted by artists worldwide. The work is exhibited at swimming pools nationwide and internationally. This year, Wet Sounds will tour 14 cities in the UK and takes part in Create 09 as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, Cardiff Festival, Camberwell Art Festival and Heeley Pool Centenary Events.

Visit URL:www.newtoy.org/wetsounds.html for more details.

Wednesday 1^st July 2009

·   FebruaryMarch – 102.5

Bridge FM- The Mark Lungley Show

Mike “FebruaryMarch” Dodd is playing live on the Marc Lungley show 9-11pm on 102.5 Bridge FM.

Venue:

Wherever your radio is (102.5 Bridge FM)

Time:

21:00:00 – 23:00:00

Tickets:

N/A

Further Information:

www.myspace.com/februarymarch

http://www.thebridgeradio.net

0798 100 4502

Thursday 2^nd July 2009

·   The Drum – Tongue-Tied

Tongue-Tied is an emotionally compelling comedy drama about cultural-identity, heritage and what happens when ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’ grows up.

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston Birmingham B6 4UU

Time:

From 7.30pm

Tickets:

£5 (£3) The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444 Online www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

• FebruaryMarch – Island Bar Open Mic

Top acoustic music at The Island Bar, open mic night hosted by Mike Dodd (FebruaryMarch).

Venue:

The Island Bar, Birmingham

Time:

8pm – 11pm

Tickets:

Free - On the door

Further Information:

www.myspace.com/februarymarch

www.myspace.com/acousticloungebirmingham

0798 100 4502

Friday 3rd July 2009

• Upfront Café – Comedy Summer Series

A heavyweight international bill featuring MTV Bas star Kojo alongside Cincinnati’s Dante Carter. John Simmit represents for the home crowd.

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU

Time:

Doors open 7pm

Tickets:

£12 (£10), £15 on the door The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444 Online www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

• Marva – Rush Hour Blues, Marva

Marva perform as part of The Rush Hour Blues season in the relaxing atmosphere of Symphony Halls Level 3 bar.

Venue:

Symphony Halls Level 3 bar

Time:

5.30pm

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

0121 780 3333

Saturday 4^th July 2009

• Café Masti – Paul Chowdhry: Back by Demand

Revolutionary underground comedian Paul Chowdhry performs a full show with brand new material and unscripted improvisations.

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU

Time:

Doors open 8pm

Tickets:

£10 (£8), £15 on the door The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444 Online www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

www.the-drm.org.uk

0121 333 2444 

Saturday 4^th July & Sunday 5^th July 2009

• MDCC Theatre Company – Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy. Bring your own seating and refreshments!

Venue:

Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove B60 4JR

Time:

6.30pm – 9.00pm

Tickets:

£5 in advance, £7 on the door

Available from Avoncroft Museum

Further Information:

01527 831363

Sunday 5^th July 2009

• RBSA Gallery  – Meet the Artists – David White, RBSA and Viv Astling

David discusses his abstract prints , drawings and paintings. Viv talks about his stone sculpture inspired by found natural forms.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery

Time:

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Tickets:

Free

Further information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Sunday 5^th July 2009

• ABS* LATIN PROMOTIONS – 17TH LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL

A full day of dance, music, food, stalls of handicrafts and drinks.  Authentic latin entertainment for the family, join the Bachata/Merengue Workshop Dance . Have a unforgettable day full of fun, sunshine and plenty of amigos!!

Venue:

VICTORIA SQUARE, BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE

Time:

11.00 AM – 7.00 PM

Tickets:

FREE EVENT

Further Information:

WWW.ABSLATIN.CO.UK

0121 449 3090/0775 800 5056

Monday 6^th  July – Saturday 1^st  August

• Design Space – Design Space

A showcase of new jewellery and silver by designer makers working in the Jewellery Quarter.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Craft Gallery

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Monday 6^th July – Friday 28th August

Artist Talk: Wednesday 8 July, 7pm

• British Asian Musicians By Jaskirt Dhaliwal

Venue:

The Drum

Time:

6pm – 10pm, daily

Tickets:

Admission Free

Further Information

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

Friday 10^th July 2009

•  Harborne Orchestra: Orchestral Concert- Summer Concert

A celebration of Summer, musical performance concert.

Venue:

St. Mary’s Church, Bearwood.

Time:

7.30pm – 9.30pm

Tickets:

£4.00 adults, (£2.00 concessions) On The Door

Further Information:

www.harborneorchestra.com

• Midlands Palestinian Community Association in partnership with The Drum presents: Hallo Jerusalem, Capital of Arab Culture 2009

Birmingham celebrates the choice of Jerusalem as Capital of Arab Culture 2009 with an evening of cultural solidarity.

Venue:

The Drum

Time:

From 7.30pm

Tickets:

£9 (£6) 0121 333 2444 / www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

0121 333 2444 /

www.the-drum.org.uk

• BATTLE FOR PRAGUE LIVE AT THE ACTRESS AND BISHOP.

ALT-COUNTRY ROCKERS BATTLE FOR PRAGUE PLAY LIVE AT THE ACTRESS AND BISHOP FOR ALL TO ENJOY.

Venue:

THE ACTRESS AND BISHOP, BIRMINGHAM

Time:

8.30PM – 11.30PM    

Tickets:

£5 CONTACT THE BAND @ WWW.BATTLEFORPRAGUE.COM FOR ADVANCE TICKETS

Further Information:

WWW.BATTLEFORPRAGUE.COM        

07815183816

Saturday 11th July 2009

• Bournville Young Singers with Guests, Alcester Male Voice Choir – Summer Concert

Individual and combined items in a variety of choral styles from both these exciting Choirs

Venue:

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Tanworth in Arden

Time:

From 7.00pm

Tickets:

Retiring collection

Further Information:

0121 458 2331

• MDCC Theatre Company – Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy. Bring your own seating and refreshments!

Venue:

Stowe House, Lichfield

Time:

2 pm prompt – 4.30 pm

Tickets:

£8 in advance, £10 on the door

Available from Garrick Theatre, Lichfield

Further Information:

01543 412121

• The Father Teds

The Father Teds appearing live at The Barn in Witton

Venue:

The Barn – Witton, Birmingham

Time:

From 8.45pm

Tickets:

£8.50 www.thebarnbirmingham.co.uk

Further Information:

www.thefatherteds.co.uk

0121 356 5706

Sunday 12^th July 2009

• H.Y.P.A (Halesowen Youth Performing Arts)

A dance performance that presents performers of all ages dancing a variety of different dance styles. A dynamic, energetic and creative display.

Venue:

Brierley Hill Civic Hall

Time:

4.30pm – 7.00pm

Tickets:

£7.00 Adults / £5.50 concessions from Hayley on 07787555744

Further Information:

www.hypa-dance.webs.com

• MDCC Theatre Company – Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy. Bring your own seating and refreshments!

Venue:

Stowe House, Lichfield

Time:

2 pm prompt – 4.30 pm

Tickets:

£8 in advance, £10 on the door

Available from Garrick Theatre, Lichfield

Further Information:

01543 412121

Monday 13^th  – Saturday 25^th  July 2009

• Birmingham Watercolour Society – Birmingham Watercolour Society exhibition

The Birmingham Watercolour Society returns to the RBSA Gallery for its Summer exhibition. Exhibitors include Shanghai painter Chen Xidan.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Gallery 2

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Wednesday 15^th July

• Sonia Sabri – Parallels

In this sumptuous 2 part programme, Sonia reveals 2 parallel aspects of Kathak, spanning from classical to contemporary solos.

Venue:

The Drum

Time:

From 7.30pm

Tickets:

£8, £6

Further Information:

http://www.sampad.org.uk/whatson.php?id=1192

0121 333 2444

Wednesday 15^th July & Thursday 16^th July

• MDCC Theatre Company – Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy. Bring your own seating and refreshments!

Venue:

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR

Time:

7.45 pm – 10.30 pm

Tickets:

£9 in advance, £10 on the day of the performance

Available from Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Further Information:

0121 454 1860

Friday 17^th July 2009

• Retro Promotions – ‘70’s Versus 80’s’

Fantastic 70’s/80’s fully themed party! Bands ‘7Tees’ versus ‘Kick up the Eighties!’ with DJ, memorabilia stall, UV décor, ballroom venue

Venue:

Kingfisher Hotel, Wall Heath, Nr. Stourbridge

Time:

7.30pm – 2am

Tickets:

£10 in advance £12 on the door of Kingfisher Hotel

Further Information:

www.retropromotions.com

0121 477 7221

Saturday 18^th July 2009

• Brian Dakin, Lozz Hipkiss – The Omma n Chain

Story telling, poetry, spoken word, music song and comedy

Venue:

Dudley Golf Club

Time:

8pm – Late

Tickets:

£7 on the door

Further Information:

07815426606

• Claret – Charity Event

Providing Music for The elderly and Disabled Event 10-4pm Free admission. Organised by local charity

Venue:

At Northycote Farm,, Legg Lane Wolverhampton

Time:

10am – 4pm

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

0121 354 4234

Sunday 19th July 2009

• Royal Shakespeare Company – RSC Open Day

With creative workshops, fascinating displays and thought provoking debate, there’s something for everyone and lots to do for free.

Venue:

The Courtyard Theatre and other surrounding venues

Time:

10am – 7.15pm

Tickets:

From £5 www.rsc.org.uk or call 0844 800 1114

Further Information:

www.rsc.org.uk/openday

0844 800 1114

Monday 20^th  July – Friday 11^th  September 2009

• RBSA selected designer makers – ‘Culture Shock’  Craft Gallery exhibition

Migration and historic resettlement, that individuals and communities have long experienced, will be explored.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Craft Gallery

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Monday 20^th  July – Tuesday 15^th  August 2009

• Patricia Ferguson – Café wall exhibition

A solo show from an RBSA Prize winner.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Café wall

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Tuesday 21^st July 2009

·   FebruaryMarch – Acoustic Brew UK

Top acoustic music at The Island Bar, five acts including FebruaryMarch.

Venue:

The Island Bar, Birmingham

Time:

8pm – 11pm

Tickets:

FREE – On the door

Further Information:

www.myspace.com/acousticbrewuk

0798 100 4502

Wednesday 22^nd  July & Thursday 23^rd July 2009

• MDCC Theatre Company – Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy. Bring your own seating and refreshments!

Venue:

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR

Time:

7.45 pm – 10.30 pm

Tickets:

£9 in advance, £10 on the day of the performance

Available from Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Further Information:

0121 454 1860

Tuesday 28^th July 2009

·   FebruaryMarch – Acoustic Lounge Lizard

Night of acoustic music featuring a 40min set by FebruaryMarch playing acoustic guitar and piano numbers.

Venue:

The Yardbird

Time:

7-00pm – 11-00pm

Tickets:

FREE

Further Information:

www.myspace.com/februarymarch

0798 100 4502

Thursday 29^th  July to Saturday 5^th  September 2009

• Open to all ceramicists – RBSA ‘Open’ ceramics exhibition

The first RBSA ‘Open’ concentrating exclusively on ceramics. Work could be experimental as well as traditional.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Gallery 2

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Second week into my internship with ArtsFest and what a hectic week it’s been…

• We’ve been frantically programming the festivals many venues and stages and hope to start letting you know the festival’s line up soon!!!

• We’ve been sending out numerous facebook and myspace friend requests to our 09 applicants. (Make sure you check out our pages and if you’re not already our friend Add Us!)

• We’ve also collated lots of feedback from last years festival to see how you believe we can make this years festival even BIGGER and better!

So lets see what this week brings…

Stephanie

Make sure you have Saturday the 4^th of July in your diary as the Jewellery Quarter Festival. We will be there along with two fantastic choirs both performing at ArtsFest this year. So why not join us as we trailblaze the ArtsFest event and celebrate Birmingham’s gem!

Celebrating Birmingham’s Gem – Saturday 4^th July, 10:30am – 4:00pm

Come along to the Jewellery Quarter Festival on Saturday 4^th July to celebrate the legacy of Matthew Boulton and discover Birmingham’s Gem.  With activities and live music for all the family throughout the day including: -

• Jewellers’ Market in St Paul’s Square with guest appearance from ‘Matthew Boulton’!

• Smooth Radio sponsored ‘Matthew Boulton’ themed Treasure Hunt.  Win £1000!

• Museum and Gallery Events

• 24 ‘Carrot’ Farmers’ Market at the Big Peg, Warstone Lane

• Live Music from Jazz to Classical

• Free hourly Vintage Bus service from the City Centre and around the Quarter

For more information call 0121 604 7700 or visit www.jewelleryquarter.net

-         Stephanie West

Hi everyone,

I’m Stephanie a newly appointed ArsFest summer intern. This is my first EVER blog entry (just thought I’d better pre warn you, although don’t let that put you off- so please still read on!)

Once I get the hang of Blog’in I’ll be keeping you all updated on the various goings on – in the run up to what I believe is going to be the BEST weekend ever!!! (yes you may be right, and I possibly don’t get out enough!) But seriously I’m soooooooo excited – with the wealth of culture and arts in the West Midlands – it’s going to be fantastic!

So a little bit about myself – I’m currently studying at the University of Birmingham, in my second year now – just finished exams, so please all cross your fingers + even toes, they were you could say a little hard! So I’ve been in Birmingham now for two years – and I absolutely love it!!! Coming from the slightly less known city of Durham – woo, I just love that Birmingham is so BIG and vibrant, and I even have to admit I am quite the fan of the accent to!

I’ve just started my internship this week, joining the mass of commuters into the city centre – on Monday I thought I was on some London tube, being squished into this ridiculously warm carriage. I feel quite the intern/ business woman – dressing all smartly clutching my notepad and pens. So work wise my duties have involved so far: answering the phones – so if you’ve been lucky enough to speak to me – “hello there”, checking e-mails, posting on here your events taking place this month, and even making the odd cup of tea – although I fail slightly on the domesticated front. The plan is that my internship here is going to give me an insight into the mass of work that goes into running an event such as ArstsFest, whilst providing me with invaluable transferable skills, and also the opportunity to meet and correspond with some lovely people such as yourselves.

So yeah that’s me, congratulations if you’ve managed to get this far through my post – as I’ve just realised how much I’ve written – woops!          I’m sure I’ll be posting another blog soon…

Stephanie

Tuesday 2nd June 2009

• Sustained Theatre Regional Hub – Sustained Theatre Regional Hub – West Midlands

Sustained Theatre is a network and a call to action for all artists to lobby for positive change.

Venue:

The Drum 144 Potters Lane Aston Birmingham B6 4UU

Time:

7.00pm – 10.00pm

Tickets:

Admission Free

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444. This event occurs on the first Tuesday of each month until Tuesday 1 Sept.

Wednesday 3rd June 2009

• The Drum and Retro Film Biz in association with BASS 09 Festival – Democracy in Dakar 

African Underground: Democracy in Dakar is a groundbreaking documentary film about hip hop youth and politics in Dakar, Senegal.

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU

Time:

7.00pm

Tickets:

£4 (£3) The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444

Online www.the-drum.org.uk 

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

Thursday 4th  June 2009 

• The New Art Gallery Walsall – Food Glorious Food

If you love food and art, then you cannot miss this free event. Participate, taste and experience glorious food throughout the gallery.

Venue:

The New Art Gallery Walsall

Time:

From 6pm until 9pm

Tickets:

Free entry

Further Information:

www.thenewartgallerywalsall.co.uk

01922 654400

Friday 5th June 2009

• Upfront Café & The Drum – Comedy Summer Series

More international laughs as Def Comedy Jam star Wil flies in from Brooklyn to rip the roof off The Drum.

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU

Time:

Doors open 7pm

Tickets:

£12 (£10), £15 on the door, The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444 or Online www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

• Manveer Singh – The World of Manveer Singh

Tonight Manveer will discuss his career as a musician, the intensive musical study and his deteriorating eyesight.

Venue:

Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre

Time:

7.30pm

Tickets:

£8, £5 con

Further Information:

http://www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk/rte.asp?id=127

0121 200 0946

Saturday 6^th June 2009

• City of Birmingham Choir – Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius

Conducted by Adrian Lucas, Elgar’s moving and dramatic score will be performed in the majestic setting of Worcester Cathedral.

Venue:

Worcester Cathedral

Time:

7.30pm

Tickets:

£10, £15, £20, £25 from Worcester Live Box Office 01905 611427

Further Information:

www.citychoir.org.uk

Sunday 7^th  June 2009

• Demonstration – David Brammeld RBSA

David will be demonstrating his techniques using pastels and his strategies for developing colour relationships. Free – no need to book.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Gallery 1

Time:

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Tickets:

Free

Further information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Monday 8^th  June – Saturday 4^th  July

• Craft Gallery wall exhibition – Maggie Kitching, RBSA

Prints: portraits, people, past and present.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Craft Gallery wall

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Thursday 11th June 2009

• The Drum – Pieces: Unity Through Comedy

The newest comedy sketch show to come out of Nottingham Playhouse. Giving you the real deal with new comedy characters.

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU

Time:

From 7.30pm

Tickets:

£8 (£5) The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444 Online www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

Saturday 13^th  June 2009

• RBSA in partnership with British Silver week and Birmingham Assay Office – Meet the Silversmiths –

An insight into the diversity of texture in contemporary silverware

Venue:

RBSA Gallery

Time:

11.00am –1.00pm

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Saturday 13^th June & Sunday 14th June 2009

• Matribhoomi Theatre Company – Paiseyan Di Hera Pheri

A humorously mad story of a family and its race to get Daka Thukur’s inheritance money. Performed in Punjabi

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston Birmingham B6 4UU

Time:

From 7.30pm

Tickets:

£8 (£6), Family Ticket £24 The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444 or www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

• Sampad/mac – Amplifying The Map

Thinking about entering your work into sampad’s international writing competition? A free workshop led by writers.

Venue:

Birmingham Nature Centre

Time:

10.30am – 1pm

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

http://www.sampad.org.uk/whatson.php?id=1190

0121 452 8875

Monday 15^th June 2009

• Nicola Goff-the-Goth – Mirth On Mondays Comedy Club

Nicola goes comedy

Venue:

Manchester

Time:

8.00pm – Late

Tickets:

Available on the door – £5.00

Further Information:

07815426606

Monday 15^th June – Saturday 8^th  August

• Lenora Minto, RBSA – Craftwork in the café exhibition

Kiln cast glass incorporating text.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Craftwork in the café space

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Saturday 20^th June 2009

•  Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra: From the New World

Ruth Palmer performs Britten Violin Concerto . WSO under Guy Woolfenden plays Gershwin American in Paris & Dvořák New World Symphony

Venue:

Levi Fox Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon

Time:

7.30pm – 9.30pm

Tickets:

£12 [£5 children, students & unemployed] for tickets contact boxoffice@wso.org.uk or 01926 850385

Further Information:

www.wso.org.uk

• Shin Parwana – The Burman Legacy

The immortal melodies of the legendary SD & RD Burman will tonight be brought to you by Shin Parwana.

Venue:

Crescent Theatre

Time:

7.30pm

Tickets:

£15, £12 concs

Further Information:

http://www.sampad.org.uk/whatson.php?id=1191

0121 643 5858

• Penn Guitar Duo: Classical Guitar Concert

Falla, Granados, Elgar, Mozart, Williams (Schindlers List) Kreisler. Plus Latin and Jazz. Price inc wine and a nibble. Nice!

Venue:

St Barts Church Church Hill Penn Wolverhampton WV4 5JB

Time:

7.30pm – 9.30pm

Tickets:

£6.50 Adults, £3.50 Children available on the door

Further Information:

www.pennguitarduo.co.uk

07931 748801

• Aston Hall and The Drum – Aston Heritage Day

Visit amazing places within the Aston area. From workshops to performances, there will be so much to see and do!

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU

Time:

11.30am – 4.00pm

Tickets:

Admission Free

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

• Bloco Louco – Knowle Festival

Bloco Louco samba band play Rio’s beats and bring out the sunshine at the Knowle Park Festival

Venue:

Knowle Park

Time:

12.00 – 13.00

Tickets:

£3, available at the gate

Further Information:

www.knowleparkfestival.co.uk

info@blocolouco.com

Sunday 21^st June 2009

•  Wrote under, The Sunday xpress

Music comedy poetry storytelling experimental. Free entry, open mic, all welcome

Venue:

The Adam and Eve Digbeth

Time:

4pm – late

Tickets:

Free entry

Further Information:

www.worpress.com/wroteunder

The Sunday xpress event falls on every Third Sunday of each month.

Sunday 21^st  June 2009

• Caroline Ali, RBSA – Demonstration

Caroline reveals how she creates her detailed drawings and paintings of insects and wild life. Free – no need to book.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery

Time:

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Monday 22^nd  June – 18^th  July 2009

• John Wood, RBSA – Café wall exhibition

Whisper, whisper, shredding sounds, an angel squawk and a magic apple – new and strange imaginings .

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Café wall

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Wednesday 24 June 2009

·         Handsworth Library – Handsworth Search for a Star Grand Final

Grand final of the talent competition for solo singers and rappers aged 16 and over

Venue:

Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ

Time:

7.30pm to 10.00pm

Tickets:

Free – From Handsworth Library

Further information:

www.birmingham.gov.uk/handsworthsfas

0121 303 9846

Saturday 27^th June 2009

•  The Birmingham Bassoon Choir at The Bournville Village Festival

An annual event, with the traditional Crowning of the Festival Queen, sideshows, funfair and fireworks, finale.

Venue:

Cadbury recreation grounds, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham

Time:

Gates open at 2.00pm – 11.30pm

Tickets:

Price of tickets to be confirmed Tickets are available from Bournville Village Council

• The Drum and Classical & Visions – Freddie McGegor & Special Guest

Freddie McGregor is a classic reggae entertainer; his smooth voice spanned decades with its warm sound and effortless vibrato.

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU

Time:

From 9pm

Tickets:

£20 advance, MOTD The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444 Online www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

• Birmingham Bach Choir – Concert “Voicing the Spirit”

The Birmingham Bach Choir presents a selection of religious masterpieces by European composers from Monteverdi to Rachmaninov.

Venue:

St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham

Time:

19:30h – 21:30h

Tickets:

£12 (£10 concessions) Birmingham Central Library, Birmingham Box Office Website and Birmingham Ticketshop and Tourism Centre

Further Information: 

Http://www.birmingham.bachchoir.com

01827 899954

Monday 29^th  June to Friday 4^th  September 2009

• RBSA Gallery – Summer School

After last years successful Summer School an enlarged programme is offered. See website for full details

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Gallery 1

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Between £34 and £195

Further information:

See website for details and outlines www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Monday 29^th  June to Saturday11^th  July 2009

• David White, RBSA and Viv Astling – ‘Shaping Nature’ exhibition

Exciting and contrasting responses to nature and its forms in drawings, prints, paintings and stone sculptures.

Venue:

RBSA Gallery, Gallery 2

Time:

Usual opening hours

Tickets:

Free

Further Information:

www.rbsa.org.uk

0121 236 4353

Monday 29^th June 2009

• Magenta – Moseley Festival 2009

Spend an evening learning to sing a brand new arrangement with Magenta, a female close-harmony choir extraordinaire

Venue:

Moseley CDT, next to the Post Office, first floor

Time:

7.30pm to 9.30 pm

Ticket:

£2.00 – Tickets can be purchased on the door

Further Information

www.magentacloseharmony.com

0121 449 0585 – Liz Reeve (Choir Manager)

Tuesday 30th June 2009 & Wednesday 1 July 2009

• Renaissance One and The Drum – 1968: The Year That Never Ended

Prolific spoken word artist Adisa, explores one of the most profound years, 1968, and its relationship with the present.

Venue:

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Birmingham, B6 4UU

Time:

From 1.15pm

Tickets:

£5, £3.50 for schools The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444 Online www.the-drum.org.uk

Further Information:

www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444