Hello! And welcome to the second edition of the for-Wards gig guide. This week we’ve really gone for a diverse selection of events – everything from standard concerts and gigs straight through to classes and comedy! If you’re looking for something a little different to do this week in Birmingham, you’re definitely in the right place.
Luke Rainsford + Crater Face + J-Dead + Ben Bestwick + Proud Ember @ The Flapper, 24th February
Once again our city gifts us with another night of 5 acts for just £6!! Headliner and former Layover frontman Luke Rainsford has just released his latest record “I Feel at Home With You”, which has been receiving pretty good reviews for his brand of acousta-punk and soulful songwriting. Crater Face is a self-proclaimed ‘sad dude writing sad songs’; whilst he may be sad he’s certainly got talent, which he shows off in spades throughout his minimalist punk stylings. Things go a little more hip-hop further down the billing as J-Dead’s brand of storytelling-focused hip-hop and grime add some diversity to the line-up. With EP “Headspace” inviting several remixes, we’re excited to see what the artist brings to the table.
Fullshore frontman Ben Bestwick takes a little of the punk out, replacing it with simple acoustic storytelling. There’s no denying the man has an impressive set of pipes on him, fully showcased on his solo EP “But First We Live”, in which each song is about a relationship in Game of Thrones! Pretty cool! Completing the line-up is Proud Ember, whose obsession with The Simpsons references is pretty fun to listen to! For someone who describes himself as unable to play guitar, the guitar in his latest EP, “I Died in My Bedroom” is rather good and carries all sorts of atmosphere.
For a night of acoustic/punk hybrids, this one is definitely the gig for you!
Birmingham is Funny: One Liner Night @MAC Birmingham, 25th February
Well, if you’re a fan of puns the title here should say it all. MAC Birmingham make their second appearance in the gig guide with their celebration of one-liners, puns and wordplay. Featuring some of the best one-liner comedians the West Midlands have to offer, including Roger Swift, Phil Pagget, Harv Hawkins, Moses Ali Khan and Lovdev Barpaga. The star-studded evening will be hosted by UK Pun Champion AND Joke of the Fringe, Masai Graham.
Crescent Unplugged @ The Crescent Theatre, 27th February
One of Birmingham’s oldest theatre companies, The Crescent Theatre, hosts an evening of unplugged music. Featuring all manner of styles united by their acoustic setting, instruments we can expect to see used range from the conventional acoustic guitar to the harmonicas, guitaleles, period instruments and more. Set within the incredibly intimate Crescent Bar, performers come from all corners of the West Midlands, with artists from The Crescent Theatre performing alongside some of the best musicians, singers and acts from the area.
With this event being tri-annual, this is one not to be missed. Also, did we mention entry is FREE!?
Zen Mindfulness: Morning or Evening @ The Old Printworks, 28th February
We think EVERYBODY could do with a little downtime in their lives, which is why we’ve included Zen Mindfulness in our gig guide. Running every Tuesday with both morning and evening sessions, the class starts with a quick introductory talk with Adam from Mindspace, with the ensuing hour consisting of different types of meditation. Hosted in the unique and tranquil setting of The Old Printworks, this may be just what the more stressed amongst us need!
Lady Leshurr @ 02 Institute, 2nd March
Lady Leshurr returns to her home city after an October show of hers was rescheduled. The Solihull rapper has garnered critical acclaim pretty much anywhere she’s chosen to go, receiving support from hip hop heavyweights such as Busta Rhymes and Timbaland. It isn’t just the industry that has been supporting the 28 year-old – her popularity has been rising pretty consistently for a while now, with her “Queen’s Speech” series, the fourth of which went viral last year. The freestyler’s homecoming is surely not one to be missed, with anticipation running high and an all-out performance guaranteed.