GET OUT MORE.....................GIG NEWS

22-08-2006

There's a whole slew of fine musical entertainment coming your way across the West midlands over the next few weeks…or at least we think there is, although to be honest we're not totally sure because we don't actually know what a “slew” actually is.

Never mind, see below for news of a new leader for CBSO, a prog-rock all-dayer at the Robin, and a Braziliant double-bill at Warwick Arts Centre.

And where's The Stirrer heading out for gig action this week…?

To The Barfly in Digbeth actually for the YOUNGBLOOD BRASS BAND playing tomorrow night. Don't know much about them but a mate reckons this is New Orleans funeral stomp jazz meets rap. Could be great, could be awful, but will certainly be fascinating. And they have been played on Mark Radcliffe's Radio 2 show, and that's usually recommendation enough for us. Worth a hip hop pop at £7 anyway. Tickets from 0870 907 0999.

More international stylings up ahead at Warwick Arts Centre where the actor and musician SEU JORGE (who appeared in the City of God) shows off his lyrical talents on Saturday November. The Times reckon he's the “coolest man on the planet”, so there. He's supported by fellow Brazilians AFROREGGAE who opened for the Stones at their Copacabana beach show. Value at £15.50 from 024 7652 4524 or www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

If prog-rock's yer thing, don't miss the SUMMER'S END FESTIVAL at The Robin In Bilston, featuring the cream of the nineties and noughties wave of long-haired noodling. Sweden's FLOWER KINGS are the top attraction, with PENDRAGO, FLAMBOROUGH HEAD, and loads of others. JOHN MITCHELL AND JOHN BECK also show as a duo, though as any progger worth their tie-dye will know, these guys are half of the recently reformed It Bites (you have been warned!)

It's on Saturday September 30th and Sunday 1st October, with advance tickets at £40 for the weekend, or £25 for the day. Box office 01902 401211 or www.therobin.co.uk

The Robin's also got up coming shows by HOT CHOCOLATE and THE BLOCKHEADS.

Classical heads need to know that the CBSO has appointed LAURENCE JACKSON as it's new leader following Sakari Oramo. He'll take over in October after guesting several times for the orchestra recently both at Symphony Hall and on tour in Berlin.

Laurence plays an 1850 JB Vuillaume violin - maybe now he's got the job he'll be able to afford a new one.