Being dragged by her mother back to the family village thousands of miles away is no fun for 13-year-old Nasreen. In the monsoon rain, surrounded by wagging tongues of relatives and not being able to

The University of Birmingham and The Drum would like to invite you to a witness seminar assessing the significance of the rebellions in Handsworth 25 years ago. Chaired by the writer and presenter Dr

Following the announcement of a £19m reduction in Arts Council England’s budget for this year plus the imminent results of Birmingham City Council’s spending review, The Drum’s Hard Times Conf

South African jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela is a living legend whose music reflects the struggles, sorrows, joys and passions of his country. He returns to Symphony Hall for a unique collaboration wit

Identity of the Soul is a unique 5-screen cinematic event, featuring the Palestinian national poet Mahmoud Darwish’s A Soldier Dreams of White Lilies and Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen’s epic

Event booking deadline - Thursday 1st April 2010 Featuring: Airan Berg, Linz 2009 European Capital of Culture (Austria); François Matarasso (UK); Fundacja Pogranicze (Poland); Laundry (UK); Nova Kul

From the moment she realizes that her skin is a different colour from that of her beloved mum and dad, to the tracing and finding of her birth parents, her Highland mother and Nigerian father, the jo

The Drum in association with ‘We’ve Got Entertainment’ and supported by Sonic Entertainment brings you a very special show with some of the best old school artists in today's music industr

An international collaboration celebrating calypso, the steel pan, and storytelling from the twin island states of Trinidad & Tobago. Calypso can be traced back to the arrival of the first Africa

Rating : (PG) Don’t miss the film premier of Kalo Kuba from the makers of the Pothowari smash hit Mein Ve Khuker Kha Saan. A hilarious and yet moving film about a simple and humble villager (Kalo K

Leo Muhammad achieved black comedy icon status as a cast member of BBC2’s groundbreaking sketch show The Real McCoy , and through his powerful “edutainment” brand of stand-up. Now he brings his

Award-winning journalist Kevin Le Gendre and super-jazz group and MOBO Winners 'Best Jazz Act' 2010, Empirical join forces to celebrate the musical legacy of the stunning alto saxophonist and human r

A funky fusion of hiphop, soul and electronica from the doctor who raps. To book tickets, please contact the Hare & Hound on 0121 444 2081 or for further information visit http://hareandhounds.su

Internationally acclaimed guitarist, Ciyo Brown performs with his World Music Acoustic Trio featuring Colin McNeish on double bass and Lenny Edwards on percussion. Incorporating a large range of infl

The Greyish Quartet was formed in Birmingham during early 2008,consisting of David Grey (piano), Amy Fletcher (woodwind), Nick Jurd (double bass) & Jim Bashford (drums), their debut album Humming

With several Maple Blues Awards behind them, critically-acclaimed Canadian blues singer Diana Braithwaite and guitarist Chris Whiteley perform at this weeks Live Box. Diana has an incredible blues vo

Following last year’s hugely successful event, the day of Gospel has now become a regular feature of the Live Box programme. Lighting up the stage this season is Monique Lawson , performing music f

A dynamic seven piece touring band, Homecut bring a fresh blend of critically acclaimed hip-hop, soul, jazz and sonic experimentation. The brainchild of emcee and producer Testament , the Homecut sou

Concerning liquids, Inua Ellam believes in aPple jUice, likes his coffee absent and claims to conjure Krystal out of rain puddles. Concerning solids, He believes in green apples, likes his steak well

The man behind the haunting lead male voice in Not Quite Gospel takes centre stage with a group of local musicians. Jason is an eclectic artist whose inspirations range from Ray Charles to Chet Baker

Jonzi D is a hip hop artist who produces his own works of hip hop theatre. He is the creator and host of Breakin' Convention , a Hip Hop Dance Theatre Festival, and runs his own organisation, Jonzi D

Bass player Michael Olatuja comes to Live Box with a diverse musical set featuring influences as far flung as traditional Nigerian Yoruba music as well as jazz, soul, R&B and gospel. Michael has

Fast-rising global voice on electric and acoustic bass Michael Janisch is joined by Saxophonists Summit, Alex Garnett , Nigel Hitchcock and Joel Frahm (saxophones) with Rick Germanson (piano), Steve

Innovative spoken word and jazz fusion with hip-hop and drum 'n' bass flavours. Line up: Jonathan Morley (backarapping), Si Hayden (double bass), Ben Haines (drums) “ There is something organic abo

Robert Mitchell's Panacea are a diverse, award winning Jazz octet featuring musicians from Cuba and Australia. The Panacea features eight highly talented musicians: Robert Mitchell on piano and keys,

Please note that due to French strikes this event has been cancelled. Made up of four of the best French beatboxers, Micflow , Mr Lips , Fayabraz , and Tiko , Under Kontrol are the 2009 world champio

Why G is a prolific American emcee who has worked with Afrika Bambaataa as well as Professor KB and Alan Palmer . Passionate about the arts, Why G? creates his own original material with a positive v

Zara McFarlane is a sassy, sensual jazz vocalist who brings a Caribbean flavour to traditional jazz music and original tracks. She draws influences from several styles including soul, reggae and R&am

 Over the years Gilad Atzmon's music has moved more and more towards a cultural hybrid, amazing his listeners with his powerful personal style that combines great bebop artistry and Middle-Easter

2009 Mercury Music Award winner Speech Debelle raps with complete intimacy, as if only addressing one person. Her debut album Speech Therapy , produced by regular Roots Manuva collaborator Wayne Lote