FOR THOSE wanting to get out and about over the festive season, a variety of artists are heading to the West Midlands, epitomising Birmingham’s cultural diversity and vibrant nightlife. Reporter Anu Shukla takes a look at a selection of the offerings – from gypsy jazz and classical to techno, ska and dubstep.
December 23
Urban Intro make a welcome return to the JamHouse at 9pm to perform hits from the likes of Chaka Khan, Rihanna and CeCe Peniston.
Thursday December 24 (Christmas Eve)
Birmingham’s finest, Misty’s Big Adventure perform their eclectic mix of jazz, lounge, psychedelia, two-tone, pop and punk at the Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath. Featuring vocals, trumpet, saxophone, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion and guitar, the band have been making waves on the city’s experimental scene since 1996. Catch them from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.
If you fancy something a bit more quirky – then make a beeline for the Roadhouse to see Dizzy Lizzy – known as ‘the closest tribute to Thin Lizzy.’ They’ll be causing chaos from 7pm.
Saturday December 26 (Boxing Day)
If you’re not still ‘comatosed’ after the Christmas turkey, peel yourself off the couch, throw on your glad rags and get on down to the O2 Institute Birmingham to catch Radio1 DJ, Trevor Nelson for some hip-hop, soul and reggae. You can even book VIP tickets and meet the main man himself. The fun kicks off at 10pm.
Groovy Birmingham club, Akamba (Solihul) will be hosting a Motown Special from 6pm to 11pm. Add a delicious Caribbean meal and make a fabulous evening of it for just £25.
Suki10c – one of the Second City’s most alternative venues offers an infusion of global underground electronica and will see you ‘Dance off Your Turkey‘ – in the most civilised fashion of course. Techno is high up on the menu. Shenanigans begin at 10pm and continue until 6am.
There’s more Boxing Day madness over at the Rainbow Venues where house and techno event The Portal Viva Warriors with Steve Lawler, Skream, Detlef, Adam Shelton et al will kick up a right old storm on this fine night of relentless boogie time. Party from 10pm to 6am.
Sunday December 27
Be whisked away at Symphony Hall Birmingham by the works of Tchaikovsky – Russia’s most celebrated composer. The evening comes to an exhilarating close with a thundering indoor fireworks finale. Starts at 7.30pm.
Wednesday 30 December
If you haven’t seen Skabucks perform yet, you haven’t lived. These boys from Bromsgrove cut their teeth on the local scene some ten years ago and are known to sell out every stompadelic gig. They’ll be at the RoadHouse from 9pm.
Get with the Latino vibe and show off your salsa moves at the JamHouse where popular seven-piece band, Del Camino will play from 10pm. Supported by Mauricio Reyes and his ‘army of LatinMotion DJs and dancers’ – this is the ultimate Latino party. Expect salsa, merengue, compas, bossa nova and bachat.
Thursday December 31 (New Year’s Eve)
Moseley is the place to be for dubstep lovers this New Year’s Eve where the Alternative Dubstep Orchestra (ADO) bring a unique live element to the genre with percussion, brass, strings, turntablism, electric guitar and more. Takes place at the Dark Horse from 10pm. Dress code: 20s glamour.
From 8pm to 6am, The Rainbow Venues present epic event, Imaginarium – featuring a dazzling line up of global artists, including DJ SKT, Jakkin Rabbit, Tom Shorter, DJ Zinc, Juliet Fox and Culture Shock.
If drum n’ bass is more your thing, you can throw some shapes at the O2 Institute Birmingham for Ec-Lectricity’s I Love NYE 2015 from 9pm to 6am. Legendary acts include Kenny Ken, DJ Total Recall, Camo and Krooked, Full Kontakt and many others.
From drum n’ bass to jazz – Midnight in Paris at Annexe is a tempting option to wine, dine and dance in the New Year. Relive the ‘decadence of 20s Paris’ and groove to the gypsy jazz vibes of Django Reinhardt et al. Dress to impress. Starts 7.30pm.
The definitive sounds of Miss Emerald aka Rachel Ball will emanate from the confines of French restaurant, Le Truc. Great music and amazing cuisine inspires a sparkling start to a brand new year.
