It’s the first full week in September, my children are back in school and I am starting the process of reclaiming my house after they have been home all summer. The steam cleaner is working overtime right now and with this heatwave we have been having this week, I think I have washed pretty much everything we own!
We will be busy this week getting used to our new school routines – what days do they have after school clubs, when do they need to take their instruments into school, how many arguments will we have about getting on with homework, how many times this week will I need to take something like a PE kit into school because we have forgotten it? As we get used to these new routines, maybe we will think about going to see a concert or show as a bit of a break and a way of harking back to those carefree days of the summer hoilidays. What should we go to see? Well, handily enough – see what I did there? – I have a roundup here of all the music and music based events on in and around Birmingham, UK, this September. At the time of writing, all of the events I have included below have ticket availability, though obviously this may well have changed by the time you read this post. I should say at this point that I have not included any shows at The Core Theatre in Solihull as unfortunately they have had to close their venue for a period while the presence of RAAC is further investigated. If you visit this venue regularly, keep an eye on their website for further information.
I include a Table of Contents immediately below so you can have a quick look at all the events covered, and jump straight to the venue/show you are most interested in.
- Birmingham Hippodrome
- Symphony Hall
- Free Jazz Fridays: Steve Ajao’s Blues Giants on 8 September at 5pm
- 169th British Open Brass Band Championships on 9 September at 10am
- Have A Go Brass on 10 September at 10am (B:Eats)
- National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain pre-gala concert performance on 10 September at 2pm
- Brass Gala 2023 featuring Cory Band, Black Dyke and Services for Education Brass Ensembles on 10 September at 3pm
- Tuba Loving Care – post gala concert performance on 10 September at 5pm
- Verdi Requiem with Kazuki Yamada & The CBSO on 14 September at 7.30pm
- Trumpets blaze, the clouds tear apart, and heaven and earth are filled with the sound of a mighty chorus.
- Free Jazz Fridays: The Shirley Smart Trio on 15 September at 5pm
- Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Kazuki Yamada & the CBSO on 16 September at 7pm
- Gripping and explosive music from our new Chief Conductor and the brilliant Sheku!
- Organ Symphony with Thomas Trotter & the CBSO on 20 September at 2.15pm
- A showcase to celebrate 40 years of Birmingham’s City Organist, Thomas Trotter.
- Celebrating Sanctuary ft Faith and Branko (Serbia) on 21 September at 1pm
- Free Jazz Fridays: Walsall Jazz Orchestra on 22 September at 5pm
- Mics In Effect: Panjabi MC Live Alongside the Tru-Skool Live Band on 23 September at 7pm
- Toscana Strings: Wind in the Willows and Ferdinand the Bull – Stories Set To Music on 24 September at 10.30am & 1pm
- The Analogues: Hello Goodbye (The Very Best of the Studio Years) on 24 September at 8pm
- Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter and special Guest Roger Owens on 25 September at 1pm
- Shostakovich 8 with the CBSO on 28 September at 7.30pm
- Epic, uncompromising music forged from blood, fire and steel.
- Classics at the Movies with the CBSO on 29 September at 7.30pm
- Film soundtracks or famous symphonies? Either way, they’re even better live!
- Paul Carrack on 30 September at 7.30pm
- Birmingham Town Hall
- Voices of Hope: 40 Years of the London Community Gospel Choir on 9 September at 7pm
- Big Big Train: The Journey Continues on 11 September at 7.30pm
- Damian Lewis on 15 September at 8pm
- Andy & The Odd Socks on 16 September at 12pm and 4pm
- Alexander O’Neal: Time To Say Goodbye on 21 September at 7.30pm
- JP Cooper on 26 September at 7.30pm
- Maximum Rhythm and Blues with The Manfreds: The 60th Anniversary Tour
- Midland Arts Centre (MAC)
- Celebrating Sanctuary: Simo Lagnawi & Gnawa Blues Allstars
- Climate Grief Karaoke Party on 16 September at 6pm
- Big Green Sunday: Family Day on 17 September throughout the day
- Babies Adventures in Music (BAM) on 21 September at 11am & 1.30pm
- Zoe Rahman Octet
- TDE: Three Tsuru Origami on 23 September at 8pm
- Red Earth Collective: Call Me Unique on 28 September at 7pm
- Barber Institute of Fine Arts
- Warwick Arts Centre
Birmingham Hippodrome
Home to Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Welsh National Opera, the Hippodrome is a fantastic large venue that hosts touring arts companies who put on big shows like musicals.
Disney’s The Lion King on 6 July – 16 September at various times
In July 2023, this acclaimed production will return to Birmingham Hippodrome for a strictly limited season. Set against the majesty of the Serengeti to the evocative rhythms of Africa, THE LION KING tells the story of Simba’s epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King of the Pridelands.
Director Julie Taymor uses breathtaking theatrical magic to bring Disney’s beloved animated feature to life in a production which has thrilled over 110 million people around the world.
Book now to experience this theatrical phenomenon!
#50Days – A State of the Nation Grime Musical on 1 – 3 September at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
It’s December 1641; King Charles is about to be formally challenged by a handful of MPs and radical commoners. In 50 days, the nation will plunge head first into a conflict that pitted neighbour against neighbour and shattered the very core of our constitution.
With parallels to Brexit, questions about the monarchy, a new grime soundtrack and a little bit of fake news, #50days is a new musical told through the eyes of underrepresented people of today.
#50Days tells the story of the 50-day period that led up to an outbreak of the 17th-century British Civil Wars. Set to a Grime score, the show gives young people a chance to interpret the narrative of a time when this country was politically fraught, in the shadow of a plague, and felt well and truly divided.
Please note that this show is recommended for ages 11 and over.
Written by ThaboStuck, Music by Darkstar and Duramaney Kamara and Amir Saleem, Nyasha Gudo as Director, Nadine-Rose Johnson & Kevin Sable as Musical Directors, Melody Sinclair as Choreographer and performed by a company of brilliant 14-21 year olds.
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is a wonderful purpose built concert hall, famous for its amazing acoustics. The Hall is part of the International Convention Centre on Centenary Square, next door to Birmingham Rep Theatre.
Free Jazz Fridays: Steve Ajao’s Blues Giants on 8 September at 5pm
Now in its fifth decade, the Blues Giants trio play authentic classic American Blues with music by legends such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Parker, Johnny Guitar Watson and more, as well as some soul and rock ‘n’ roll classics.
Steeped in the Blues and Jazz all his life, Birmingham guitarist Steve Ajao and his Blues Giants (Mike Hatton – Bass, and latest recruit, (1993!) former Au Pairs drummer Pete ‘Washboard’ Hammond) have been thrilling audiences for 40 years and Steve is regarded by many as one of the hottest Blues guitarists in the UK, as well as being in possession of the kind of mountainous voice that was made for the Blues. There is always a segment in the set where ‘Washboard Pete’ wanders off into the crowd, including behind the bar, where he taps the living daylights out of any tappable inanimate object, close by, creating huge mirth and laughter. A must see act.
Free, Ticketed Event
169th British Open Brass Band Championships on 9 September at 10am
The 169th British Open Brass Band Championships presents the top British brass bands and European Champions Valaisia competing for the coveted Open title.
This year’s test piece is an exciting and imaginative new work by acclaimed French composer Thierry Deleruyelle ‘Sand and Stars’ making its UK debut.
The British Open, supported by Besson, is the oldest music contest in the world , with its tradition and high standards of performance attracting strong interest both in the UK and internationally.
169th British Open Brass Band Championships
Have A Go Brass on 10 September at 10am (B:Eats)
Have you ever wondered how a trombone works? What does a trumpet sound like up close? Come and find out the answers to these questions, have a go at playing and hear the best young brass musicians from across the UK showcase their talents and the wonders of these brass instruments. This fun, interactive, family-friendly session in B:Eats café at Symphony Hall is not to be missed.”
Free Event.
National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain pre-gala concert performance on 10 September at 2pm
The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, Children’s Band, in concert at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.
Free Event
National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain
Brass Gala 2023 featuring Cory Band, Black Dyke and Services for Education Brass Ensembles on 10 September at 3pm
Join us at Symphony Hall for the annual Brass Gala featuring the 2022 EBBC European Champions, Cory Band, who will be returning to Symphony Hall after a triumphant performance last year at the European Brass Band Festival.
Joining them for this unique Brass Gala will be Black Dyke Band, who are no strangers to competition success themselves, having won many Open and National Championships over the years.
Closing the Brass Gala will be the now-traditional massed band feature which sees both bands coming together to perform a selection of pieces chosen and conducted by Philip Harper (Cory Band) and Nick Childs (Black Dyke), and for the first time ever, they will be joined by young musicians from the Services for Education Youth Brass Ensembles.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see two of the world’s greatest brass bands perform together in one of the world’s best acoustics.
This year’s Brass Gala will be the pinnacle of B:Music’s ‘Brass In A Day’
Tuba Loving Care – post gala concert performance on 10 September at 5pm
The TLC Tuba Quartet is an international chamber group based in Birmingham, comprising members from the UK and Taiwan. Performers within the group have performed with, or currently play with, world class brass bands such as Tredegar, Brighouse & Rastrick, and Flowers, and as individuals have performed in prestigious venues such as Symphony Hall, The Royal Albert Hall and The Sage Gateshead.
The group has a recognisable and rich sound, and aims to perform a mix of modern and classical music, including ‘in house’ arrangements, showcasing the versatility and virtuosity of the Tuba and the Euphonium.
Free Event.
Verdi Requiem with Kazuki Yamada & The CBSO on 14 September at 7.30pm
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours
Trumpets blaze, the clouds tear apart, and heaven and earth are filled with the sound of a mighty chorus.
Some say that Verdi’s Requiem is the most thrilling opera he never wrote, but one thing’s for certain: it’s a truly epic opening night for a Season that celebrates the 50th anniversary of our magnificent CBSO Chorus. And with Kazuki Yamada conducting our 90 incredible musicians, it’ll raise the roof.
Free Jazz Fridays: The Shirley Smart Trio on 15 September at 5pm
Running time Event Start: 5pm Event End: 6:30pm (please note that these times are an approximation and may be subject to change)
Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most versatile and creative cellists, trailblazing cellist and composer Shirley Smart is equally at home and well versed in jazz, folk, Middle Eastern and World Music, as well as classical, and her music draws upon this rich tapestry of influences.
Drawing on a background of 10 years living in Jerusalem and working with the overlapping worlds of jazz, Arabic, Turkish and North African music, her trio brings these influences together in an evening of vibrant melodies, grooves, swing and lively improvisation. Showcasing her unique ability to explore the potential of the cello in a jazz context, performing multiple roles as bassist, lead and soloist on the instrument, and featuring also some of the UK’s leading lights in world-influenced jazz.
Free Ticketed Event
Free Jazz Fridays: The Shirley Smart Trio
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Kazuki Yamada & the CBSO on 16 September at 7pm
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours
Gripping and explosive music from our new Chief Conductor and the brilliant Sheku!
You must have heard of Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the brilliant young British cellist who’s transforming the way we listen to classical music. Here at the CBSO, we’re always excited to welcome him back, and tonight he stars in Shostakovich’s gripping First Cello Concerto – the dark heart of a concert that begins with Beethoven and ends with Walton’s explosive First Symphony.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Kazuki Yamada & the CBSO
Organ Symphony with Thomas Trotter & the CBSO on 20 September at 2.15pm
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.
A showcase to celebrate 40 years of Birmingham’s City Organist, Thomas Trotter.
The clue’s in the name – and when the Symphony Hall organ makes its big entrance in Saint-Saëns’s “Organ” symphony, you’ll feel the air itself shake. This is music that you simply have to experience live, and along with Poulenc’s barnstorming Organ Concerto it’s a sensational showcase for Birmingham’s city organist Thomas Trotter: an afternoon of French music at its sweetest, and most spectacular.
Organ Symphony with Thomas Trotter & the CBSO
Celebrating Sanctuary ft Faith and Branko (Serbia) on 21 September at 1pm
Leading Serbian Romani violinist Branko Ristic, and English ‘passionate nimble-fingered accordionist’ Faith Ristic perform virtuosic original Roma-influenced music with their international ensemble. Their albums feature on The Rough Guide to World Jazz; they have played multiple tours of Australia, New Zealand and Europe; have an International Award Winning Documentary that opened Aljazeera Film Festival, and have statues erected in Serbia in honour of their outstanding cultural contribution. It all began 15 years ago – without even a joint language – in a small village in Serbia.
Free Ticketed Event.
Celebrating Sanctuary ft Faith and Branko (Serbia)
Free Jazz Fridays: Walsall Jazz Orchestra on 22 September at 5pm
The Award winning 17-piece Walsall Jazz Orchestra promise a signature set of original compositions and select jazz standards to delight loyal followers and new fans alike. After losing their founder and band leader John Hughes in 2019, the Walsall Jazz Orchestra will continue to pay tribute and honour John, who was the inspiration and driving force of the band for over 40 years.
Free Ticketed Event.
Free Jazz Fridays: Walsall Jazz Orchestra
Mics In Effect: Panjabi MC Live Alongside the Tru-Skool Live Band on 23 September at 7pm
British-Asian music has long been considered as the trendsetting music scene for South-Asian music worldwide. Steeped in a tradition of east-west fusion, this organic sound, has inspired generations of music producers from around the globe, whilst also creating a wave of iconic British-Asian musical exports.
Now, for one night only, REAL LIVE iNC. presents an evening of live music celebrating the greatest British-Asian Music export of them all, Panjabi MC.
For the first time ever, Saturday 23 September 2023 will witness Panjabi MC performing his greatest hits live alongside the critically acclaimed Tru-Skool Live Band.
The stunning Symphony Hall will play host to live renditions of hit records from classic PMC albums including 100% Proof, Grass Roots & Legalised, for one iconic night.
Mics In Effect: Panjabi MC Live Alongside the Tru-Skool Live Band
Toscana Strings: Wind in the Willows and Ferdinand the Bull – Stories Set To Music on 24 September at 10.30am & 1pm
Wind in the Willows and Ferdinand the Bull
Two family favourites brought to life through music, dance and a little help from the audience. Perfect for all the family.
Performed by former Birmingham Royal Ballet soloist Laura Tye, string quintet Toscana Strings and narrated by Sophie Price.
Music by Edward Elgar and Georges Bizet
Toscana Strings: Wind in the Willows and Ferdinand the Bull
The Analogues: Hello Goodbye (The Very Best of the Studio Years) on 24 September at 8pm
The Analogues are a group of Dutch musicians who have been lauded over the past few years for their integral live renditions of Beatles albums, the music that The Beatles never performed live on stage. The Analogues made it their mission to do just that. They are not a typical Beatles tribute band; no suits and wigs, but with a meticulous attention to detail when it comes to sound. Using horns, strings and all the vintage instruments The Beatles used on the original recordings, over 50 years ago.
Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter and special Guest Roger Owens on 25 September at 1pm
Birmingham City Organist since 1983, Thomas Trotter is one of the world’s top-ranking virtuoso organists and was awarded the 2020 Queen’s Medal for Music. His fortnightly lunchtime concerts last around an hour and showcase the organ’s sublime delicacy and awesome power – as well as his own technical wizardry – in some of the most inventive programmes you’re ever likely hear
with Roger Owens piano
D Bédard Duet Suite
C Franck Prélude, Fugue et Variation
F Chopin Ballade No 1
G Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter and special guest Roger Owens
Shostakovich 8 with the CBSO on 28 September at 7.30pm
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.
Epic, uncompromising music forged from blood, fire and steel.
As the USSR faced the onslaught of Nazi Germany, Shostakovich poured his feelings into a symphony on a colossal scale. Shostakovich’s Eighth is music forged from blood, fire and steel – massive, uncompromising, and so powerful that after the War, they banned it. But first, true romance: as the fabulous Boris Giltburg plays Rachmaninoff’s glittering Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
Classics at the Movies with the CBSO on 29 September at 7.30pm
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.
Film soundtracks or famous symphonies? Either way, they’re even better live!
You know the moment at the cinema when you realise that you’ve heard that tune before, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? Well, tonight, we reveal all, in the sensational surround-sound of the full CBSO. You might think of the music of Elgar, Puccini, Mahler and Sibelius as the soundtracks to Dunkirk, Fatal Attraction, Tár and Die Hard 2 – but they sound even better when you hear them for real!
Classics at the Movies with the CBSO
Paul Carrack on 30 September at 7.30pm
The legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics has an impressive back-catalogue of hits to his name; including “How Long”, “Tempted” and “The Living Years”. Paul’s uniquely soulful voice is a must for his millions of fans around the world. Some of the biggest names in music including The Eagles, Diana Ross and Tom Jones have performed his amazing songs and he is constantly in demand as a session keyboardist, having recorded and toured with Elton John, Van Morrison, Roger Waters and BB King, and most recently with Eric Clapton.
Paul is undoubtedly a key figure in British pop history, an all-rounded musical talent. Moreover, as his devoted fans know all too well, a Paul Carrack show is truly something very special.
Birmingham Town Hall
Symphony Hall’s sister venue, Birmingham Town Hall is just a little way down the road.
Voices of Hope: 40 Years of the London Community Gospel Choir on 9 September at 7pm
Running time Doors open at 6pm
The 17th edition of I Will Tell International Film Festival will take place in London, Birmingham and Bristol in the UK with the support of the British Film Institute bringing the festival to wider audiences across the UK. High quality narrative features, documentaries, short films, animation, experimental and more, from across the globe.
This September, Symphony Hall will host the live screening of ‘Voices of Hope‘
As the London Community Gospel Choir celebrates its 40th anniversary with a homecoming concert at Hackney Empire, founders and members reflect on the choir’s origin story, history and legacy. From its inception in 1980s London, against a backdrop of personal, community and national trauma, the choir struggled to become a movement for rescue, acceptance and unity. 40 years on and issues of social injustice, division and displacement are all too relevant. There remains a need for voices of hope.This film premier will be hosted by Diane Louise Jordan and will also include Festival trailers, a Live Q&A Panel with cast and producers, and a live acoustic performances from London Community Gospel Choir.
Voices of Hope: 40 Years of the London Community Gospel Choir
Big Big Train: The Journey Continues on 11 September at 7.30pm
Leading progressive rock band BIG BIG TRAIN visit Birmingham’s Town Hall as part of ‘The Journey Continues’ tour with their chart topping 7 piece band and 4 piece brass section. The multi-talented international band from the UK, USA, Italy, Sweden and Norway features lead vocalist Alberto Bravin (PFM), drummer Nick D’Virgilio (Genesis, Spock’s Beard, Tears For Fears),guitarist/keyboardist Rikard Sjöblom (Beardfish, Gungfly), violinist Clare Lindley (Stackridge), bassist Gregory Spawton, keyboardist Oskar Holldorff (Dim Gray) and rising guitar star Maria Barbieri. In a varying set-list, the band will be playing a selection of BIG BIG TRAIN classics, including from their forthcoming ‘Ingenious Devices’ album, as well as some brand new material.
Big Big Train: The Journey Continues
Damian Lewis on 15 September at 8pm
‘Mission Creep’ is a thoughtful collection of rootsy, rock and jazz-tinged songs that reveals a deep love of music, and a deep need to communicate. The album’s origin story begins when Lewis, after leaving school, swapped the rigorous day-to-day regime that had dominated his life for 10 years for something altogether less structured. He took to the road with his guitar and went busking through continental Europe. This experience has stayed with Damian ever since and is reflected in his debut album.
Acting of course took over, and took off. Lewis kept his hand in, playing the odd wrap party as part of a scratch band, but the idea of actually making a record only came to him during Lockdown. With the time and space away from a busy acting schedule the star was able to throw himself into playing and writing songs, and the ideas started to flow. Damian was taken back to the time he played the guitar every day, but with the additional maturity and experience that an eventful life has given him.
Andy & The Odd Socks on 16 September at 12pm and 4pm
Straight off the TV and onto the live stage, Andy and the Odd Socks bring their brilliant madcap mix of songs, slapstick and silliness to life with a show to entertain families of all ages.
Featuring a host of popular songs from their much loved CBBC TV series“Andy and the Band”, children’s TV megastar Andy Day (Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures, Andy and the Band) along with Moxy, Rio, Blu and Cousin Mac deliver a hilarious, uplifting, fun live performance that not only has songs for everyone to sing along to, but also has a positive message to be yourself and proud of who you are.
One of the most popular and endearing live music shows in the UK, Andy and the Odd Socks are every kids essential first gig! Oh and the parents love it too!
Andy and the Odd Socks are also patrons for the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
Alexander O’Neal: Time To Say Goodbye on 21 September at 7.30pm
After nearly five decades in the business, it is with great excitement that Alexander O’Neal announces the Time to Say Goodbye: Farewell World Tour. The beloved soul star is hitting the road one final time.
Time to Say Goodbye takes the audience on a wonderful journey through his incredible career with never-before-seen-photos, testimonies and tributes, all set to the tune of some of Alex’s most beloved songs from his legendary catalogue including “Criticize,” “Fake” and “If You Were Here Tonight.” Accompanied by his exemplary 9-piece live band, there won’t be a dry eye in the house as audiences come together to celebrate the legacy of Alexander O’Neal.
Alexander O’Neal: Time To Say Goodbye
JP Cooper on 26 September at 7.30pm
Acclaimed British singer and songwriter JP Cooper, whose debut album “Raised Under Grey Skies”, including the huge global hit “September Song”, and sophomore album ‘SHE’, introduced an artist of great depth with a voice and songs to match, returns from a triumphant sold out US tour.
Speaking about this new chapter in his career JP says:
“Being on stage has never been a comfortable place for me. The time, energy and mental preparation it has taken me in the past to get out on tour has sometimes been overwhelming, but coming out of lock down and getting back out on the road over the last few months has reminded me how special it was being in a room with you all. Seeing people smile, cry and sing along again has really helped to change my perspective on live performance.
Album 3 is currently under construction so we might have to leak some for you so you can sing along to these new songs.. 😃”
JP’s soulful voice has graced two of the biggest and most enduring Top 5 singles of the last few years; the Jonas Blue’s memorable “Perfect Strangers”, which Cooper co-wrote, and his inescapable and enduring radio hit “September Song” (which has racked up over 850 million streams worldwide). The Manchester born troubadour Cooper has an incredible 1.5 million ADJ Global album sales, an extraordinary 5.5 billion total global streams, fuelled by his devoted 9 million monthly Spotify listeners. In addition to over 135,00 radio plays across 250 radio stations and sold out UK, European and US tours.
2023 promises to be JP’s most exciting year with lots of new music to come.
With support from Jerub.
Maximum Rhythm and Blues with The Manfreds: The 60th Anniversary Tour
Join legendary pioneers of UK Rhythm and Blues, The Manfreds as they celebrate a remarkable 60 years in the business and see Paul Jones and Mike D’Abo on tour together for the very last time alongside long standing members Tom McGuinness, Rob Townsend, Marcus Cliffe and Simon Currie.
A massive part of the 60s British Invasion, The Manfreds’ music still retains a timeless quality all these years later. The band defined a decade with their unique sound and hits including Pretty Flamingo, 5-4-3-2-1, The One In The Middle, Come Tomorrow, Sha La La, Ha Ha! Said The Clown, My Name Is Jack, Fox On The Run, Mighty Quinn and Do Wah Diddy Diddy, one of the most popular and instantly recognisable songs of the decade.
“This tour is a celebration of the longevity of a concept that came together over a long time – and mostly of its own accord.” Paul Jones
Maximum Rhythm and Blues with The Manfreds
Midland Arts Centre (MAC)
MAC is a multi-purpose venue, meaning that there is an art gallery both a separate gallery space and one around the cafe areas, workshop spaces, a theatre, a cinema, and other performance spaces. It is also located in Canon Hill Park making it a great place for a day out. It is definitely worth having a look through their website to see if there is something for you and your child(ren) to enjoy.
Celebrating Sanctuary: Simo Lagnawi & Gnawa Blues Allstars
Simo Lagnawi & Gnawa Blues Allstars
Simo Lagnawi – the Ambassador of Gnawa Culture in the UK & charismatic creator and leader of Gnawa Blues All Stars, Simo, has appeared on BBC World service, CNN World BBC 3, Vox Africa & other radio stations and magazines around the world. He has performed at a host of festivals including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Latitude and Boom Town.
Playing traditional Gnawa (sacred trance music from Africa Morocco) and age – Gnawa with his bands Electric Jalaba, Gnawa Griot, and Gnawa Blues Allstars, Simo continuously pushes new boundaries fusing Gnawa with music from countries such as Gambia, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, India, Japan, Venezuela and the Caribbean. Look out for special guest musicians playing with the band!
Celebrating Sanctuary are delighted to welcome Simo Lagnawi back to Birmingham following his electric performance at Symphony Hall last year.
Celebrating Sanctuary (CSB) are a diverse music and arts organisation who support and promote refugee and migrant artists. To find out more about CSB and more events coming this year, please visit here.
Celebrating Sanctuary: Simo Lagnawi & Gnawa Blues Allstars
Climate Grief Karaoke Party on 16 September at 6pm
‘Climate Grief Karaoke, contrary to its name, is a fun send-off to the earth and the evening… bizarrely joyous…’ The Hackney Citizen
Join us at MAC’s KILN Café for karaoke, pop music and performance art as we face up to the Climate Emergency. A fantastic menu of food and drink is available to buy as you actively participate, have fun, and support each another through this event.
Are you willing to take action?
Climate Grief Karaoke is a unique experience for audience members who are experiencing grief and anxiety due to the Climate and Ecological Emergency we face as a global community today.
Project developed with funding from Arts Council England, supported by Harlow Playhouse, Cambridge Junction and Take Me Somewhere Studio, following guidance on Sustainability from The Theatre Green Book.
Please note that this is recommended for ages 12+
Big Green Sunday: Family Day on 17 September throughout the day
There are various things going on all day, but of particular note for this blog is a show in the Outdoor Theatre:
3pm – 4pm
Surge Family Show
Musicians from high-energy genre-bending Surge Orchestra come together to present a brand new family show. Be introduced to music from around the globe and travel from Zimbabwe to Senegal, from India to Ireland. Hear new sounds and get involved in this interactive performance for children. We encourage you to bring an instrument if you have one, and if not, we will have plenty percussion to share with you on the day!
Best suited for ages 5-11, but siblings and all ages welcome.
Babies Adventures in Music (BAM) on 21 September at 11am & 1.30pm
Bring your baby for a bounce with singer Sam Frankie Fox and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Rocha. This warmly interactive performance for babies, families and friends celebrates music with a host of instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds. A mix of familiar and new music comes to each month’s sessions, building on your babies’ previous interaction and giving them more chance to learn and to grow!
Performances feature harp, diatonic accordion, a range of stringed instruments, songs in different languages and lots more.
Suitable for babies 0-18 months and their families and friends.
Performances are 30 minutes long
Babies Adventures in Music (BAM)
Zoe Rahman Octet
Zoe Rahman, spellbinding pianist and visionary composer, presents her new album “Colour of Sound”, featuring an all-star jazz line-up.
Zoe Rahman’s style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British/Bengali heritage and her very broad musical tastes. Known for her powerful technique, wide-ranging imagination and exuberant performance, she has become a highly sought-after musician on the international jazz scene. A MOBO Award winner, Mercury Prize nominee and Ivor Novello Impact Award winner, Zoe is a unique presence in the British music industry.
Gathering together a band of outstanding musicians, she’s created The Colour Of Sound: the most ambitious, many-hued, uplifting large-ensemble music of her multi-award winning career. Her choice of collaborators reflects her deep engagement with the diversity of contemporary Britain, and her own explorations of her multi-modal heritage.
Colour Of Sound combines Zoe’s unique and powerful writing with thrilling arrangements and dynamic performances from the whole band to create an album of jazz at it’s highest level that still communicates its message directly to the listener. It’s a splash of colour and a bold statement beautifully realised that is Zoe Rahman’s most compelling work to date. “This music was written to connect with people – it’s very emotive but people are really receptive to that right now after all they’ve been through, and they’re so up for hearing live music! Every show feels like a celebration and this music reflects that” (Zoe Rahman).
One of the best albums of the yearMarlbank.net
Her sound is drenched with originality – a world class artist, composer and performer… Zoe shines as one of Britain’s most powerful compositional voices and important contemporary artists. Ivors Academy
Zoe’s music has an energy that makes you want to dance, like on ‘Sweet Jasmine’, with its joyful and gloriously irresistible South African funk rhythm and vibration. ‘Julian Joseph MBE
Please note that this show is recommended for ages 14+
TDE: Three Tsuru Origami on 23 September at 8pm
Gabriele Mitelli’s new trio has a clear mission statement: to distance itself from cliché, and to take the path less traveled.
The music is a journey to the heart of improvisation, where jazz is once again a gamble – an edgy practice where risk-taking is central to progress. Mitelli’s bandmates are two great English musicians, for whom noise and revolt are a way of life: bassist John Edwards, and drummer Mark Sanders.
This trio is a godsend. This trio, which Gabriele Mitelli put together, consists only of bass, drums and trumpet and it is one of the most exciting things I’ve heard in jazz lately!Radiohoerer
Spontaneity and rigor, control and abandon for a performance that has all the freshness of a concert. Between memories of historical free jazz and new landings for a trio that has just been born and seems to have been playing together forever.Flavio Massarutto, il Manifesto
Please note that this show is recommended for ages 14+
Red Earth Collective: Call Me Unique on 28 September at 7pm
The Red Earth Collective and MAC present:
StereoHype 2023 – challenging Stigma, inspiring Change. An arts festival celebrating the mental health and wellbeing of African and Caribbean communities.
Join us for this festival launch event featuring live music and spoken word performances from Call Me Unique and guest artists from StereoHype Social, and Call Me Unique in conversation with Red Earth founder Sandra Griffiths.
Singer/songwriter and guitarist Call Me Unique infuses the sounds of jazz, soul, futurebeats, and scat-singing. Influenced by the sounds of Lauryn Hill, Ed Sheeran, Ella Fitzgerald & Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes. Renowned for her love of scatting and eclectic performance approach, her vibe truly is “unique”.
Red Earth Collective: Call Me Unique
Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Based at the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts is both a fantastic art gallery and also houses a lovely concert hall, where there are often free lunchtime concerts as well as a number of evening concerts throughought the year. The auditorium is currently not in use, while a new ventilation system, compliant with post-Covid expectations, is scoped and planned. In the meantime, the Barber’s internationally acclaimed Evening Concerts and regular, free Lunchtime Concerts are currently being hosted in the University’s Elgar Concert Hall in the nearby Bramall Music Building, just a few minutes walk away from the Barber.
Slide Action Trombone Quartet on 29 September at 1pm
Benny Vernon | Huw Evans | Jamie Tweed | Josh Cirtina
A fresh approach to the concert experience dedicated to discovering a new identity for the trombone. The multi-award-winning trombone quartet Slide Action debut their contribution and vision for the future of trombone music. Featuring new works from eminent British composers such as Emily Hall, Laura Jurd, Ryan Latimer and Alex Paxton alongside their own innovative compositions and arrangements. The performance begins with an homage to the brass music of earlier times with Henry Purcell’s Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary before melting away into chaos…
Rebuilding the Trombone:
Purcell, arr. Cirtina Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary, Z. 860
Ryan Latimer C. EXIGUA
Jamie Tweed Interlude I
Laura Jurd Swamped
Benny Vernon Interlude II
Emily Hall Close Palms
Locke, arr. Cirtina Interlude III Flatt Consort
Alex Paxton ESTAMPIE
Warwick Arts Centre
Warwick Arts Centre is a multi-purpose arts centre based at the University off Warwick, that is actually based in Coventry rather than Warwick. It hosts music, drama, comedy, dance performances and more along with a number of different workshops and arts classes for the local community. They have recently re-opened after a very big refurbishment.
John Grant with Richard Hawley & Band on 23 September at 8pm
Two of the best live artists around come together in celebration of the legendary country star.
Singer Patsy Cline paved the way for a thousand imitations – bridging pop and country with her unforgettable voice and star quality before her life was tragically cut short.
In a limited date tour to celebrate MIF23, a pair of modern-day icons take on her repertoire for the very first time: John Grant and Richard Hawley.
Known for his searing wit, tenderness and commanding stage presence, singer-songwriter John Grant lends his commanding vocals to proceedings, while Richard Hawley and his band – often considered one of the best live acts in the UK – bring their sumptuous live sound.
Drawing from a songbook full of classics like Walkin’ After Midnight and Crazy, you’ll hear the crème de la crème of country pop from some of the finest performers around.
With songs spanning romance, heartbreak and drama – with a good dollop of joy – this is set to be a real sonic and visual feast.
Cowboy boots optional.
Commissioned by Factory International for Manchester International Festival.
Please note that there are only a limited number of Restricted View seats available.
John Grant with Richards Hawley & Band
Free Jazz Fridays on 29 September at 5.30pm
We are delighted to bring back our weekly foyer programme of live jazz, hosted by The Aaron Moloney Trio plus special guest musicians.
As always, this event also features an open jam session for local musicians in the second half. Come and Play!
Free to just drop in between 5.30pm & 7pm
Eddi Reader on 29 September at 7.30pm
Celebrating over 40 years as a live performer, Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers.
What sets Eddi apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance and ability to not only move the listener, but connect her experience to that of her audience. No two performances are ever the same.
Though first brought into the limelight as frontwoman for Fairground Attraction, whose #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of a Million Kisses, both topped the British charts, it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signalled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own.
Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her an MBE for ‘outstanding contributions to the Arts’.
From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi Reader extinguishes the preordained boundaries of genre, bringing joyous life to all forms of song.
Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music.
With 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, 3 BRIT awards, a #1 single and an MBE in tow, Eddi continues to delight audiences worldwide.
2022 proved to be one of her busiest touring years yet, playing sell out shows as part of her ‘40 Years Live Tour’ in addition to appearing as special guest with the Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for an extensive UK tour.
Please note that this show is recommended for ages 14+.
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