Sounds Friendly are not for profit promoters of live music based in the West Midlands. They’re bringing some tunes to the CiB Shop over the next few weeks starting tomorrow (Wednesday) so come on down or wander over after work.
Here are the descriptions we’ve been given for what’s planned:
Weds 14th April
5.30-6.30pm
A Touch of Klez
One of the many smaller groups born from the primordial soup of talent that is the 40-strong Birmingham Conservatoire Folk Ensemble, A Touch of Klez is klezmer with a twist. Led by clarinettist Katie Stevens, and featuring violin and (unusually) cello, expect an improvised whirl of Yiddish rhythm that’s sure to get your toes tapping.
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Weds 21st April
Tbc…(Watch this space)
5.30-6.30pm
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Weds 28th April
5.30-6.30pm
Lluis Mather Trio
Led by talented young saxophonist and composer Lluis Mather, one of the most promising performers produced by the renowned jazz performance course at Birmingham Conservatoire, this trio showcases the seductive voice of Holly Thomas and inventive pianist Matt Radcliffe. Forthcoming gigs for Lluis include a set at the Barclays Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2010, and obviously, playing in the best shop in the Bullring.
As far as the Big City Plan is concerned, so far there’s been plenty to talk about but nothing in writing to pick apart. Birmingham Central have picked out highlights of the
City Centre Masterplan (Big City Plan) Report from Acting Strategic Director of Development at Birmingham City Council to the Cabinet meeting on the 24th November
There follows multitudinous charts, maps and options. Worth a read if you’re interested in what’s being planned. (via D’log)
In fact, if that floats your boat then you might be interested in the next Creative Republic event. They’ve rescheduled the Creative Masterclass with Michael Wolff for Thurs 27 Nov at Fazeley Studios. The aim will be for Michael to
take on the challenge of developing a fantasy brief for that imaginary role, a creative director for Birmingham
Attendance is free but you’ll need to sign up via their website.
You’ll have to excuse some slightly hectic posting this week and next while I get my head round 300ish new RSS feeds and an inbox stuffed with interesting (and hopefully not yet out of date) emails.
I’ll also introduce myself properly later but for now, here’s a round-up:
- “aCtiVe arts is a steering group, made up of committed residents and local professionals, dedicated to providing quality arts experiences and opportunities for the Castle Vale community of North-East Birmingham”. They have a blog and you are advised to see what they’re doing.
- The next Drop Beats Not Bombs runs from Friday 2 to Monday 5 May (the bank holiday) and tickets are available. That’s at The Rainbow (and the warehouse and arches) in Digbeth. There should be more info on their website but it was having bandwidth issues last I checked.
- The people at the People shop in Kings Heath are having a party with drinks and canapés at their store on Saturday 26th April from 10am until 5:30pm. It’s in aid of Macmillan, there’s a raffle for a luxury goodie bag and visitors can have their photo taken by Emily Quinton. Get all the info here. **UPDATE** It was a big success with £430 raised on the day. More events will follow.
- Simon has started a blog called Birmingham Central. He says he’s “been inspired by the recent blogging epidemic sweeping Birmingham and the value of a good blog to share news and information”.
- Speaking of bloggers, the next Birmingham Bloggers meet-up will be on Tuesday 29 April at Rooty Frooty in the Custard Factory. Nick Booth has more info but I refer you also to the Facebook event and the Upcoming page.
