What's On In Brum? - Your guide to what's on in Birmingham?

Jibbering records has got something of a unique sale on at the moment.

The hotter the weather is, the more you get off your music!

Whatever the temperature is [in celcius!] on the thermometer at the point of sale, is the % discount you get off your music - 25 degrees celcius would equate to a discount of 25%, and if we have a freak heatwave of 100 degrees they’ll be giving away free (albeit probably slightly melted) music!

Jibbering is located at 136 Alcester Road, Moseley - and specialises in Funk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Dub Step and Global Grooves.

The sale will run until the end of August!

9th August 2008 Ultra+ with Dan Ghenacia & Deepchild (live)

It had been a wet week in August, and everyone on the street looks depressed. Maybe things will dry up for Saturday, and we can break out the BBQ, crack open a can and try to recoup some of our lost summer with a night of fun at the Custard Factory?

However the rain was relentless, and even the thought of going outside to get such essentials as bread and bog roll seemed like things we could put off forever. What is it with British weather, or more to the point, what is it with our hope that it’s going to ever turn out nice?

Thank goodness then, that Ultra+ teamed up with Bristol based Empathy on the 9th August to battle through the dismal rain and bring some super summer vibes to the Custard Factory.

Once again Ultra+ transformed the rather dull interior of the Factory club into and an all singing all dancing light and laser show, with sparkled silver drapes running down the length either side. The center piece being the now trade mark appearance of Shiela and her now over protective boyfriend hanging from the ceiling - who watch over ravers, rather like cupid gone wrong.

Ultra+ regulars Steve Carter, Tanner Jarvis and Ben Nott did a great job of warming up the crowd in the main room, building up some great energy. By the time Ben span his last track and unplugged his headphones, the crowd were eager for headliner, Parisian king of techno, Dan Ghenacia to take to the decks and take them off into a world of luscious minimal techno.

Unfortunately things never really kicked off for Dan Ghenacia, and the crowd, now feeling rather frustrated, went in search of something else they could splurge their hours of built up groove all over. By the time Deepchild plugged in his array of exciting midi controllers and flashing boxes, there was not much left for him to impress - which is a shame, because I really do think he has a lot to offer.

Thankfully the people from Empathy were not going to let anyone down, and the outside pool mezzanine area soon became the focus point of the night. Hidden through banks of thick thick smoke, was a great lump of people dancing to the sounds of Empathy’s residents, with Jim Rivers and Stuart Wilkinson both providing top quality sets.

Some respect should be given to all the people who braved the rain and got their legs down on the night. The weather did put a bit of a dampener on an otherwise faultless night.

Ultra+ is returning to the Factory in October, so keep ‘em peeled!

Words / Photography Tom Horton

Butterfly Catchers
Doin’ Time (Self Released EP)

The songs on this record are lovingly crafted, beautifully arranged and played and sound consumately professional.
However there is something missing which makes it hard for Butterfly Catchers to really engage me. Their sound is intimate
and earthy, basically acoustic pop with some touches of strings and laidback percussion. The eponymous track, ‘Doin Time’,
is the best, but the band never really get out of first gear. Rather than delicate, lush and compelling, they come across as a
bit bland, like unplugged by numbers. Like an even more laid back Corrs. Vocalist, Melissa, has a lovely voice, but the lyrics are a bit pedestrian and add nothing new to her time honoured tales of lost love. The band won a Birmingham Music Award for ‘Best Unplugged
Act’ so they must be doing something right, but they don’t do it for me.

Adam Moffatt

ArnoCorps  Scruffy Murphys   13 July 2008

Just like The A Team, the five members of ArnoCorps went AWOL from their unit in the Austrian Army. They now roam the land, righting wrongs and inspiring the masses with musical interpretations of ancient Austrian folk tales. Such stories as ‘Terminator’, ‘Predator’ and ‘Total Recall’ have for too long been exploited for commercial gain by the Hollywood film industry and a certain unscrupulous actor. ArnoCorps are taking them back for the masses, touring the world and elsewhere to promote Austrian culture and the action adventure lifestyle. Audiences have been known to leave their shows with increased muscle mass, self belief and discipline and great big smiles on their faces.

But seriously…the concept behind ArnoCorps is nice, but until you see them live it is hard to understand how good they actually are. Yes, they might be a one trick pony, playing rock songs inspired by a string of (whisper it) Schwarzenegger’s gloriously and ridiculously macho action films, but this is one goddamn BALLSY pony. If you have a sense of humour and an appreciation of such films then you’ll love ArnoCorps. Their live show is absolutely bang on. The energy they give off is really insane, especially what with this being the last show of ArnoCorps’ British tour. An epic jaunt which took in London, Sheffield, Northampton, Manchester and Irish dates in Galway and Belfast, ArnoCorps ended up in Brum for a performance which seemed more like one massive end of tour party than a gig as such. Scruffy Murphys is a suitably rough and ready venue, and its beer soaked basement is rammed full of fans in camo facepaint and helmets. There were literally people hanging from rafters.

The feeling from the crowd is one of real devotion, like a football match where everyone’s supporting the same team. You’ll be familiar with such an atmosphere if you’ve been to any power metal gigs by bands such as DragonForce. In fact there is a bit of a similarity in the audience. Right from the off the crowd are eating out of vocalist Holzfeur’s gloved hand. This guy is a great performer who interacts constantly with the punters, fuelling the fires of their devotion and urging them onto greater heroic deeds. His between song banter is priceless, at one point inviting the fans to tell him “what is best in life?”, which naturally elicits the response “to crush your enemies, to see them driven before you and to hear the lamentations of the women”. In the middle of ‘Running Man’ the band bring things down to a rock steady beat whilst Holzfeur gets everyone running on the spot and his bandmate, bassist Toten Adler indulges in a spot of crowd surfing. Holzfeur also proves he has no truck with fans invading the stage, as he bodyslams one hapless guy who tries it. Said fan is launched about ten feet into the crowd, landing on his head. He gets up with a massive grin on his face. Perhaps his helmet protected him.

After a run through of all their classics there is a lull in the action. Holzfeur invites someone to buy him a Jagermeister and then there is just time for an encore of ‘Eraser’ and a cover of ‘Real American’ before the band get into their chopper and fly off into the sunset, to fight another day. They leave the crowd in a state of rapture and screaming for more. I have to say that musically, ArnoCorps are not really anything to write home about. They play no frills, punky metal in the vein of early Celtic Frost or The Misfits. I can’t imagine wanting to own one of their albums and listen to their songs out of context. But in the atmosphere of a masterful live show, with so much enthusiasm and fun to be had, ArnoCorps were fanTASTIC.

Adam Moffatt

Photos: Tom Horton

Taste Of Birmingham Food Festival  11-13th July 2008

Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston

This four day culinary extravaganza showcased the best of local restaurants, local farmers and suppliers, and entrepreneurs. The idea was to highlight the culinary expertise present in Birmingham and give recognition to some of its great restaurants and suppliers.

Sprawled across the central area of the park were wine and cheese tasting tents, cooking displays and marquees serving food from the best restaurants in Birmingham. Simpsons in Highfield Road, Edgbaston served up small tasters of such dishes as Scallop Dumplings, Mushroom Wellington and Chocolate and Orange Biscotti. Festival goers could purchase these dishes with a certain amount of crowns, which was the festival currency. People had to exchange their money for crowns upon entry to the festival, which seemed rather strange and pointless to me, especially as all the vendors had to pay a fee for exchanging these crowns back into hard currency after they were taken.

People flocked around the few stalls with free samples, such as cheese and olives, which were excellent. However, there weren’t enough free samples and too many local sellers were unwilling to promote their produce with samples. I think it would help them much more in the long term to provide a few free samples. People might feel a bit short changed having to pay for everything inside after spending twelve pounds on a ticket. It was also strange to see that Purnell’s, probably Birmingham’s most famous restaurant, was not represented at the festival at all.

However there were some excellent displays, interesting stalls (the game stall being a personal favourite) and gadgets, like the self twirling pasta fork. So, interesting and a nice atmosphere, and some beautiful food and drink, but a little strangely organised and I would have liked to see a bit more value for money in the experience as a whole.

Adam Moffatt

Photos:

We went along to the launch at Brindley Place, where top chefs Surachet Patpun, Aktar Islam and Chris Duffy from Thai Edge, Lasan, and Falini cooked up a storm on a BBQ in front of Thai Edge. Each prepared a dish, whilst explaining to the gathered crowds not only the ingredients and recipe, but also the reasons behind their choice and combinations. It was all very much in the style of any good television cookery programme.

Celebrity chef Atul Kochhar was present to have a taste and judge between the three prepared dishes - although when it came down to making a decision as to a winner he was diplomatically vague, saying that they were all fantastic.

I was a personal fan of Chris Duffy’s Sea Bass, not least because there was a decent amount of it to go round for tasting - though be wary of bones, as they are sharp enough to pierce your lip.

Now in its third consecutive year, Taste of Birmingham will celebrate the very best cuisine the Midlands’ offers in the beautiful surroundings of Cannon Hill Park, from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 13th July 2008. Get down there and get involved with food.

Words / Photos : Tom Horton

Oh my goodness, were you there? Wednesday 4th June 2008: Infinity Festival @ Q Club

3 Universities got together to put on a huge charity event at the legendary Que Club. With a Dj set from Bloc Party, and super funky sounds from a Spectrum led Pete Jordan and Joebot back to back bonanza, the main room was a rockin’.

Other rooms were hosted by Birmingham University Jazz Society and Kerrang - as well as there being a full blown R&B room, and a drum and bass room. There was literally something for everyones taste - including free give aways by Rustlers (anyone fancy a burger?). You could even get screened for Clamidia, as there was a sexual health awareness stand who would happily furnish you with a glow stick in return for a bottle of pee - not a bad ploy! I’ve seen similar things run at popular student nights such as The Night Before at Oceana. It’s a great way to promote sexual health in young hedonistic students

Despite being huge and exciting, with stair cases to random hidden rooms, The Q Club could really do with a lick of paint inside (the novelty of a dusty old venues is starting to wear a bit thin), and the availability of free tap water is unfortunately non existent. I wonder if it’s still trying to sell itself on memories of the past, rather than looking to making a venue for the future.

3000 odd students got together to party the night away and raise loads of cash for the very worthy Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Everyone I spoke to was having a fantastic night out - although I notice a growing trend for people to spend most of the night sat down texting on their phones.

Lots of photos from Infinity Festival can be found here

The Restless Debt of Third World Beauty

Woom Gallery Exhibition by celebrated South African artist Faith47. Her work depicts strong female characters in dilapidated environments. It focuses on the importance and the spirit of the strong female identity through adversity.

A super duper evening : )

As the sun continues to beat down across the region, Birmingham’s leading chefs and restaurateurs have revealed what they love most about summer, and the delicious seasonal dishes they have in store for visitors to this year’s Taste of Birmingham.
Andreas Antona (Simpsons), Raj Rana (Itihaas) and David Colcombe (Opus) toast a Taste of Summer
Now in its third consecutive year, Taste of Birmingham will celebrate the very best cuisine the Midlands’ offers in the beautiful surroundings of Cannon Hill Park, from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 13th July 2008.

Celebrity chefs Anthony Worrall Thompson and Aldo Zilli will be preparing mouth-watering menus alongside a host of the region’s leading restaurants, including Itihaas, Opus and Simpsons.

Chef David Cocombe from Opus said:
“Everybody looks forward to summer. For me, it’s all about enjoying quality seasonal produce and the occasional long lazy brunch. With any luck, we might even be in for some good English strawberries this year.”

Restaurateur, Raj Rana, from Itihaas, added:
“Customers are noticeably happier when the sun starts to shine! For us, summer can be a really hectic time as we cater for up to 3,000 wedding guests every weekend, but I always look forward to picnics, barbeques and eating outside.”

Andreas Antona, Chef Patron at the Michelin-starred Simpsons said:
“In England we are lucky to enjoy four distinct seasons, and the fresh produce that comes with them. At this time of year I look forward to spring lamb, beautiful Evesham asparagus and soft berries. Summer for me means plenty of sun and lots of golf. Even Chefs are happier in summer!”

All three restaurants have revealed the signature dishes that they will be preparing for visitors to this year’s Taste of Birmingham. From the Opus kitchen, guests can enjoy flaked free-range ham hock with potato salad, braised heel of Scottish beef and a Black Forest Martini.

Itihaas will be cooking up a salmon, goats cheese and spicy onion samosa, roast Tandoori quails with sea salt and black pepper potatoes and truffle-infused rice, followed by a reduced Gazara Tart with pistachio and coconut kulfi.

Simpson’s will be preparing melon soup with crab, braised pork cheek with polenta and Eton Mess.

Other leading restaurants taking part in Taste of Birmingham this year include Lasan, Aria at the Hyatt, Hotel du Vin, Malmaison, The Oriental, Fillini, Thai Edge and La Becasse.

Over 20,000 visitors are expected to enjoy a Taste of Birmingham this summer, sampling local cheeses, meat and fruits at the special Taste Kitchen with Sainsbury’s, meeting local producers at the delicious.magazine Producer’s Market and experiencing the Lavazza Aroma Zone, including the Barista-led Aroma Theatre.

Tickets start from £12 and can be bought from the box office 0871 230 5581 or through the website www.channel4.com/taste

If hip-hop, MCing and DJing are your thing then make sure you don’t miss this year’s BASS (British Art and Street Sounds) Festival, which starts on June 1st and runs throughout the month across over 40 venues in Birmingham, Leicester, Derby and Nottingham.

Billed as the biggest and longest annual celebration of British Art and Street Sounds, this year’s theme is The Elements of Hip Hop and will see artists from the UK, the US and South Africa come together to provide visitors with a host of events ranging from masterclasses and workshops to exhibitions and installations as well as theatre and dance performances.

The month long festival culminates in a two-day conference, at Birmingham’s Custard Factory and Manchester’s Contact Theatre, entitled MCs for Life with debates, workshops and films celebrating the art of MC Culture and featuring artists such as Black Thought, Ursula Rucker, Lord Finesse along with a further 40 artists from across the world.

The full line-up is available on www.bassfestival.co.uk