B:Music | Live music in Birmingham is back! by bmusic.co.uk

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Sophie Ellis Bextor brings discos from her kitchen to Symphony Hall

Live music in Birmingham is back! It has been amazing to see gigs and audiences return to B:Music venues, Symphony Hall and Town Hall from our resident orchestra, The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to Boyzlife, a supergroup comprising of Keith Duffy (Boyzone) and Brian McFadden (Westlife). On social media, we’ve seen how much those shared moments have meant to people as they reconnect, and we hope you’ll keep sharing them with us. Projects that began virtually during lockdown have moved into the live space in July including Now Is Not The Time For Silence, a dedicated music project that is amplifying the voices of Black Birmingham musicians by creating opportunities for their experiences of racial inequality to be heard. Community Spirit, a project run in partnership with our Associate Artists Black Voices offers local community choirs the opportunity to share repertoire and perform as a collective. We are thrilled that they are once again able to sing together in person. There are great things happening regionally, with Coventry City of Culture 2021 and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Live music will play an important part in bringing people together for these great celebrations.

We are immensely grateful to the thousands of individual donors who have donated and, we hope, will continue to support us in the months ahead. Undoubtedly, there will still be challenges for music charities and venues like ours as we navigate the long exit from the pandemic. Nevertheless we have a jam-packed season of events running into next year for you to enjoy and there are plenty of exciting things coming up including Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, An Evening with Debbie Harry and Chris Stein and Satinder Sartaaj. Our venues and staff are ready and eager to welcome you back. I look forward to sharing music with you soon. Nick Reed Chief Executive

Contents 4

8 – 9 : Shereece Storrod, Black Voices 10 – 23 : December 24 – 25 : Gasoline & Matches 26 – 33 : January 34 – 35 : Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra 36 – 44 : February 46 – 47 : Jasmine Belle 48 – 57 : March 58 – 63 : The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Food and drink served in the heart of Birmingham from the transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue.

Our seasonal menu is full of classic dishes with contemporary twists, alongside snackable sharing platters or even coffee and cake. Whether you’re on a day out in the city with family and friends, or attending a concert at our iconic concert hall, B:Eats is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible views of Centenary Square. bmusic.co.uk/beats

Interview 8

Shereece Storrod Black Voices Black Voices’ Shereece Storrod on celebrating the music of Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin at Symphony Hall. The Artistic Director of Black Voices discusses the legacy of the two music icons and reflects on her group’s long-standing affiliation with B:Music. When the new performance space at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue, opened back in the summer, Black Voices were one of the first acts to grace the stage. The Birmingham-based a cappella quintet marked the occasion by treating the audience to The Soul of Nina Simone, their wide-ranging musical celebration of the US singing great and civil rights activist. The group are now set to return to Symphony Hall with Aretha’s Anthems, their vocal tribute to the music of the late, great Aretha Franklin. Set to explore the singer’s renowned versatility, which ranges from gospel to soul, the show is already shaping up to be yet another unmissable performance from Black Voices in their home city. Ahead of their Symphony Hall return, Black Voices’ Artistic Director Shereece Storrod spoke to us about their commitment to honouring some of music’s greatest voices, while also reflecting on the a cappella group’s strong relationship with B:Music as associate artists. Black Voices performed in the transformed space at Symphony Hall in July with The Soul of Nina Simone. How did the show go? “It was amazing. The space is amazing: it’s really open and there’s lots of light coming in from the street. The audience are right in front of you, so you can see people’s faces and their reactions. Most people seemed to be having a great time, which was a bonus.” What does The Soul of Nina Simone entail? “It’s our take on Nina Simone, so it’s definitely not a tribute show! It’s a celebration of her work and her music. She was an activist, so we do a lot of her freedom songs that were fighting for civil rights and women’s rights. We also do some of her love songs and her playful, fun songs, and then there’s her hard-hitting material, like her cover of Billie Holiday’s ‘Strange Fruit’. We really enjoy Nina’s take on ‘Strange Fruit’ and how she chose to sing it after Holiday wasn’t given permission to sing it so many times - it’s a really important song in the set for us. So much has happened over the last year: George Floyd, Black Lives Matter and The United States Vs. Billie Holiday film. When you watch that film, you realise why ‘Strange Fruit’ is so important. It’s got quite a special place in our hearts.”

Black Voices will return to Symphony Hall to perform Aretha’s Anthems. What can people expect? ”Aretha’s repertoire is so vast, so there’s a little bit of everything. Her singing is rooted in the church and in gospel, but she was also a soul diva and she even dabbled in a bit of funk - there’s so many components to the Aretha show. It’s really uplifting, you’re going to have a really good time. The vocals are energetic, so it’s a lot more hard-going vocally doing Aretha from a lead and backing point of view!” Black Voices and B:Music have enjoyed a strong relationship for many years. What are the greatest benefits of this association? “I think it’s been vital for Black Voices and the B:Music venues. It’s one of the only opportunities we get to perform in our hometown: we don’t perform much in Birmingham, so people always look out for when we do at Town Hall or Symphony Hall. It’s nice that we’re going to get to perform there more frequently now, because there definitely is demand! While we have our fingers in so many pies in terms of outreach and education work here, it’d be nice to have that presence as performers in Birmingham as well. Since the beginning of Black Voices in 1987 we’ve always had a relationship with Town Hall, and then Symphony Hall when it opened in 1991. As associate artists of B:Music we’re afforded a lot more scope in terms of what we can do performancewise, so it’s not just confined to Symphony Hall or Town Hall. There’s a lot more opportunities that we can explore.” What’s in store for the future of your B:Music partnership? “We’re hopefully looking at some younger talent for the next generation of Black Voices and a cappella groups in Birmingham. It’s definitely something that we want to make sure we set up - we’re not getting any younger! We’re often asked about who will be the next generation of Black Voices, but after me there isn’t anybody at the moment. So we want to make sure that we leave a legacy, and we hope that legacy will always be through B:Music.” How good does it feel to be able to perform live again? “It’s the best feeling in the world. I have to say we were all a little bit rusty in July, as you don’t realise how physically demanding performing and singing is. We came off stage like, ‘Oh, that was a good workout!’ But it’s just incredible to be back.” Black Voices will bring The Soul of Nina Simone to Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue on 19 December and will return in 2022 with Aretha’s Anthems on 20 March.

December 10

Pete Williams Wed 1 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 8PM As bassist and founding member of Dexys Midnight Runners, Pete Williams has released numerous singles including a No 1 with “Geno” and the seminal album “Searching For The Young Soul Rebels”.

Kidsmas Wed 1 December | Town Hall | 7PM Christmas is a magical time. Enjoy 200 children’s voices kicking off advent with an evening concert of fabulously joyous, seasonal songs. All proceeds going towards Barnardo’s Kidsmas Appeal to raise money for vulnerable children this Christmas.

The Sweet and guests Limehouse Lizzy Thu 2 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Sweet continue to tour and perform to sell out audiences around the globe with over 55 million records sold worldwide and 34 number 1 hits worldwide.

Jason Donovan: Even More Good Reasons Thu 2 December | Symphony Hall | 8PM Join Jason Donovan as he performs his greatest pop hits along with his favourite songs from his career in musicals, all accompanied by a full live band.

Housewarming: Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat Fri 3 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5:30PM Leeds based saxophonist Emma Johnson leads her contemporary jazz quintet. Emma’s writing displays a contemporary sound rooted by infectious melodies and the group have been described as demonstrating a “strong and joyful bond, immediately apparent in their sound”. Presented in partnership with Jazz North.

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December Mark Kingswood Fri 3 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Mark Kingswood returns with a host of well-known classics and, of course, his own signature songs plus a sprinkling of Xmas magic!

The British Police Symphony Orchestra present Proms Night Spectacular! Sat 4 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Featuring audience favourites such as Harry Potter, The Sound of Music, Themes from James Bond and Hymn to the Fallen, the evening concludes with a spectacular finale and indoor firework display.

Ex Cathedra: Sleeper’s Awake Sun 5 December | Town Hall | 4PM Wachet auf - Sleeper’s Awake - is one of Bach’s greatest cantatas and most memorable tunes. It calls us to rise and get ready, one of two Bach cantatas in this concert that explore Advent themes.

A Question of Sport Sun 5 December | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM & 7:30PM Join host Sue Barker and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – together with a host of big-name guests – as the world’s longest running TV sports quiz celebrates its 50th anniversary with an all-new live show.

Lunchtime Christmas Music Mon 6 December | Symphony Hall | 1PM The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge is one of the finest collegiate choirs in the world, known and loved by millions from its broadcasts, concert tours and recordings. Join them, along with Andrew Nethsingha and city organist, Thomas Trotter for this joyous Christmas celebration. .

Hollie McNish Mon 6 December | Symphony Hall Stage | 8PM With fans ranging from Emma Watson, Pink and Benjamin Zephaniah, Ted Hughes Award winner Hollie McNish is a poet whose readings are not to be missed.

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Tue 7 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 12PM This award-winning show features two hilarious comedians and a compere in a totally baby-friendly environment. Most importantly, these events are all about you… but we also take great care of our younger guests.

That’ll Be The Day Wed 8 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Guaranteed to get everyone into the spirit of the season, it’s the complete Rock & Roll Christmas package. A sparkling mix of Christmas hits, fun and nostalgia. Don’t miss it!

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The Sixteen Wed 8 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Deck the Halls with boughs of holly with one of the world’s most renowned choirs performing traditional Christmas classics including The Holly and the Ivy, Carol of the Advent, Christmas Eve and many more. The Sixteen are acclaimed worldwide for performances delivered with precision, power and passion and hallmarked by its tonal richness, expressive intensity and compelling collective artistry.

Rick Wakeman Thu 9 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Rick’s back – and not quite as grumpy as last year! Following 2019’s sell-out Christmas tour, keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman will embark on another festive foray.

Housewarming: Yaatri Fri 10 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Yaatri is an award winning five-piece art-rock/jazz crossover group formed in Leeds in 2018. Influenced by the momentum of the rhythms of India, immersive timbres of electronic music, and energy of rock and roll, their music has a strong sense of purpose and journey. Presented in partnership with Jazz North.

City of Birmingham Choir present Messiah: The Centenary Performance Fri 10 December | Symphony Hall | 7PM Join the City of Birmingham Choir as they mark their centenary year with an electrifying performance of Handel’s greatest choral work. ‘Messiah’ has been a favourite in the City of Birmingham Choir’s repertoire across its hundred year history.

December 14

bmusic.co.uk Kate Rusby Sat 11 December | Town Hall | 3:30PM & 7:30PM Forever proud to call herself folk singer, Kate Rusby’s beautiful, expressive vocals never fail to connect the emotional heart of a song to that of her audience. Famously down to earth, Kate’s engaging personality and sharp, Yorkshire wit have further endeared her to concert goers everywhere for over a quarter of a century.

Grand Christmas Classics with Alan Titchmarsh Sun 12 December | Symphony Hall | 3PM Alan Titchmarsh presents a very special concert of seasonal classics, festive readings and joyful song, all crowned by a selection of your favourite carols for all.

A Christmas Celebration for the NHS

Phoenix Singers, Midlands Hospitals’ Choir and Canoldir Male Choir Sun 12 December | Town Hall | 6PM Three local choirs combine, under the leadership of James Llewelyn Jones, to bring you an exciting selection of seasonal carols and rousing choruses. Sing some favourite carols with us and lift your voice and spirits as you prepare for a joyful Christmas, featuring organist Richard Dawson and Alex Aldren (Dr Opera).

The Bootleg Beatles Mon 13 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The world’s Premier Beatles band continues to draw critical acclaim with their flawless recreation of the greatest songbook in history. With a little help from their own orchestral ensemble, this show is an absolute must-see for Beatle-maniacs of all ages.

Whitney: Queen of the Night Tue 14 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Whitney: Queen Of The Night is back for 2021, celebrating the music of one of the greatest singers of our time. Enjoy smash hits including I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You and many more. 15

December Love Actually in Concert: The Film with Live Orchestra Wed 15 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Love Actually, the seasonal romcom that has become synonymous for so many with the festive period, will return to Symphony Hall in winter 2021 with a full orchestra performing its soundtrack live to picture, in what is becoming an annual highlight of the holiday calendar.

Celebrating Sanctuary Sat 11 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1PM B:Music are working with Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham (CSB), a diverse music and arts organisation with a mission to support, promote and develop artists from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Hear World Music artists perform music originating from across the globe including Senegal, Zimbabwe, Guinea Bissau, Haiti and Iran.

The Notebenders Christmas Special Fri 17 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Community Big Band The Notebenders bring their festive cheer to the Friday Housewarming Session performing festive arrangements of Calypso and Jazz favourites.

Talon: The Best of The Eagles Fri 17 & Sat 18 December | Town Hall | 8PM Talon have become one of the most successful theatre touring shows in the UK, performing the Eagles timeless back catalogue including Hotel California, Take It Easy, One Of These Nights, Take It To The Limit, Desperado, Lyin’ Eyes, Life In The Fast Lane and many more.

Mid-day Mantra Sat 18 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1PM B:Music and Sampad’s Midday Mantra is a free series presenting music originating from India to uplift the spirit on Saturday lunchtimes.

Christmas Spectacular Sat 18 December | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM Christmas Spectacular is a cracker of a show with music, dance, lights and spectacle. Symphony Hall will spring to life with high kicks, festive fun and special effects plus all the trimmings in the company of glittering West End vocalists, a full orchestra and our all-star Jingle Belle dancers.

Carols by Candlelight Sat 18 & Fri 24 December | Symphony Hall Stage | 7:30PM (18 Dec), 2:30PM (24 Dec) A sublime concert of carols and seasonal classics, staged in full 18th Century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting, with readings by Mark Williams.

Black Voices present The Soul of Nina Simone Sun 19 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 8PM B:Music’s Associate Artists Black Voices will curate and perform the greatest and most powerful numbers from the repertoire of one of the 20th century’s most seminal artists, Nina Simone.

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Families Together at Christmas presented in partnership with Midland Mencap Sun 19 December | Town Hall | 11AM Getting together as a family at Christmas can be difficult for those who have to care for loved ones, which is why B:Music work with Midland Mencap to present a relaxed concert at Town Hall for all of the family, every year. Supported by HSBC UK.

Something Rhymes with Purple Sunday 19 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Based on their award-winning podcast, Gyles Brandreth and Susie Dent bring their infectious love of words to the stage. Expect theatrical antics with much-loved segments from the podcast, explore the way that theatre has shaped our language and expressions and test your knowledge with two of the wittiest and finest wordsmiths.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra Mon 20 & Tue 21 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Join musician Jools Holland and his celebrated Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, now in their twenty fourth year, at Symphony Hall. Jools will be joined on the Symphony Hall stage by music legend Lulu, and original Squeeze chum, Chris Difford.

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December Sing Carols with the City Organist Mon 20 December | Town Hall | 1PM Sing your heart out to your favourite carols at this festive occasion, accompanied by the joyful sound of Lichfield Cathedral Choir, and Thomas Trotter at Town Hall’s mighty organ. Presenter Jeremy Nicholas brings a sprinkling of Christmas cheer to the proceedings.

Garry Powndland & Friends Tue 21 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM After sell-outs prior to lockdown across the Midlands and garnering over 10 million views of his videos online, viral sensation Gary Powndland (pronounced like the shop, but not spelt the same) is back with an all new live comedy show for 2021!

Musical Meet-Up with Felix Shepherd Wed 22 December | Jennifer Blackwell Perfomance Space | 11:30AM B:Music and Midland Mencap are delighted to launch this new and free monthly event for Birmingham’s unpaid family carers. You’re invited to unwind at these relaxed musical performances, whilst enjoying live

Carols & Capers with Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band Wed 22 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Maddy Prior joins up once again with the Carnival Band during the Festive Season for their unique celebratory show “Carols & Capers”.

Dickensian Christmas Wed 22 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Toast the Christmas spirit with Charles Dickens and celebrate the very best of Victorian carols, classics and a selection of readings from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

December Christmas Carol Singalong Thu 23rd December | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM Sing your heart out as irrepressible showman Jonathan Cohen returns to lead you through another fun-filled extravaganza of his most-loved carols and all time Christmas hits. This festive favourite has been raising the roof for over 20 years.

NOW! That’s What I Call Christmas Thu 23rd December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The biggest selling festive album of all time – LIVE ON STAGE! Sing along to iconic Christmas classics and be part of the ultimate party with all your favourites wrapped up in one great show.

HHHHH EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

HHHHH SUNDAY EXPRESS

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TIME OUT

FRECKLE PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

LIVE

ON S TA G E DAILY MAIL

BASED ON THE BOOK BY

FRECKLEPRODUCTIONS.CO.UK

Freckle Productions present

STICK MAN

SUN 26 DEC 2021 – SUN 9 JAN 2022 | Town Hall | Various times, visit bmusic.co.uk for more information Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back on stage in Birmingham! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas? This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, and Tabby McTat features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

★★★★★ ‘Wonderfully exuberant and imaginative! Our 3 year old was engrossed from start to finish’ Time Out Critics’ Choice. ★★★★ ‘Julia Donaldson’s miniature epic. Sally Cookson and her team recreate the book with vigour and imagination’ Times. ★★★★ ‘Zesty and delightful. A clever compelling treat’ Independent. ★★★★ ‘More fun than you can shake a stick at’ Daily Mail. Stick Man © 2008 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.

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The Greatest Show Tunes Mon 27 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Celebrate the best of West End and movie musicals with this showstopping concert packed full of the greatest show tunes of all time. Performed live on stage by four sensational West End stars and the London Concert Orchestra. Performed live on stage by Ben Forster, Karen Mav, Danielle Hope & John Owen-Jones and the London Concert Orchestra.

Glenn Miller Orchestra Tue 28 December | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM The UK’s most renowned big band is excited to return, swinging you back in time, playing Glenn Miller’s own arrangements of favourite wartime chart-toppers and hits from the forties, directed by legendary band leader Ray McVay.

The Best of John Williams Tue 28 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Join irrepressible conductor Anthony Inglis as he guides you through an awe inspiring concert celebrating the iconic film scores of John Williams, including Jaws, Star Wars, E.T., Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Indiana Jones, Born on the Fourth of July, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter and Superman.

December 22

bmusic.co.uk The Music of Zimmer vs Williams Thu 30 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The London Concert Orchestra perform the best scores from the two greatest film composers of all time in one fabulous programme.

New Year’s Eve Gala Fri 31 December | Symphony Hall | 9:30PM A Symphony Hall tradition of great classics and fun to see in the New Year. Including all your New Year’s Eve favourites: Rule, Britannia! Nessun Dorma Hornpipe Land of Hope and Glory

Interview 24

Gasoline & Matches Gasoline & Matches on bringing the sound of Nashville to Symphony Hall. The Birmingham country music duo were the first artists to perform in the new state-of-the-art performance space at Symphony Hall earlier this year, and their ‘Nashville Sounds in the Round’ show is set to become a regular fixture at the B:Music venue. Country music and Birmingham may be unlikely bedfellows, but Gasoline & Matches are proudly carrying the flag for the genre in the city and beyond. As well as their own band, Sally Rea Morris and Steve Marks are behind Birmingham’s premier country night ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’. Inspired by the Tennessee city’s famed songwriting tradition, where a group of songwriters share a single stage, this style of performance can inspire spontaneous collaborations, conjure strong emotions and produce great musical moments, with no two shows being alike. Such an experience can now be found at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue, where the multi-award-winning Gasoline & Matches are set to become regular performers. The duo had the honour back in May of becoming the first artists to play in the new Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, and they’re not done there as further performance plans are afoot. We spoke to Gasoline & Matches’ Sally Rea Morris to discuss the band’s blossoming relationship with B:Music, what makes their ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’ show so special and how they’ve relished the return of live music. As Birmingham artists, how momentous was it to have the honour of being the first artists to perform in Symphony Hall’s new performance space? “It was amazing. Being born and raised in Birmingham the Symphony Hall is an iconic venue, so to be a part of it in some small way was a really lovely experience for us. The intimate setting tied in with ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’ where you’re right in front of your audience, you can hear anything they’re saying and they’re watching you so intently. As an artist, it’s an amazing thing when you’ve got the audience there.” What makes ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’ so special? “The night was originally inspired by a Nashville-style ‘songwriters’ round’. We wanted to create an experience where other songwriters can join us and give them the same

environment that they have in Nashville, where they perform and tell the stories behind their songs. In those sorts of environments you really bounce off the other artists, so when you’re telling the story behind your song it can completely change the setlist and really inspires the night. It’s a great format and there’s not many nights like it – especially in the Midlands.” How did Gasoline & Matches become involved with B:Music? “It’s been a conversation for a few years now. I originally met B:Music’s Head of Programme Chris Proctor when I was freelancing for BIMM Birmingham. At the time ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’ was running at the Kitchen Garden Café in Kings Heath and it was such a successful night, but we felt that the format could grow and we needed a bigger platform for it. Chris loved the sound of the night, and they were really excited about it. The fact that we’re Birminghambased musicians and are running something that’s so unique, they wanted to be involved.” Back in September, ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’ was broadcast online from the Symphony Hall stage. Was that a particularly proud moment for you? “Symphony Hall has always been a really special place to me, and the sound quality in that space is insane. So to actually get to experience being in the room, albeit with no audience, and sing your songs was strange, but really incredible to do.” How far can Gasoline & Matches’ relationship with B:Music go? “We’re definitely hoping that ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’ is going to become a night that’s synonymous with B:Music. The dream would be that one day we’ll all be up on the main stage doing ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’ with a full audience - I’d love to see that. But we started this night small, it’s grown and it’s just a really positive thing moving forward. It’s lovely to have the support and interest from B:Music in what we do.” How welcome is it to be back playing live again? “It’s so good. We were doing lots of livestreams during the pandemic, but nothing quite matches having a live audience who actually respond and feel the music with you. Especially with ‘Nashville Sounds In The Round’, you can go from having the audience laughing with you to bringing them to tears with some of the stories behind the songs. You don’t get that in your living room when you’re performing to your iPhone. It’s been really nice seeing people again, and being within touching distance even if we’re not meant to be touching still!” Gasoline & Matches will perform in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space at Symphony Hall on 15 January and 9 March as part of a brand-new series of Nashville Sounds in the Round performances..

Jan– ua– ry

#BackToLive: My First Gig Back

Photo: @rokeating on Instagram

Ronan Keating performs at Symphony Hall in January 2022

January New Year’s Day Proms Sat 1 January | Symphony Hall | 3PM Celebrate New Year’s Day with an uplifting concert of favourite classics.

Simply Sinatra Sun 2 January | Symphony Hall | 3PM All of your favourite Sinatra hits performed by our scintillating show band and guest star singer Matt Ford. From Come Fly With Me to New York, New York, enjoy every toe-tapping moment as we celebrate Ol’ Blue Eyes himself at this show packed full of music, song and dance.

Housewarming Sessions Fri 14 January | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

Nashville Sounds in the Round Sat 15 January | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 11:30AM Hosted by British Country Music Association Duo of the Year Gasoline & Matches, enjoy stripped back songs whilst drinking and dining in the brand-new spaces at Symphony Hall.

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 17 January | Town Hall | 1PM History is built into the very walls of Town Hall, Birmingham, and when City Organist Thomas Trotter plays the organ there, that heritage springs vibrantly to life.

Queen Extravaganza Tue 18 January | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute band produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, returns to the UK in 2021, following sell out shows across the globe.

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Musical Meet-Up with The Lost Notes Wed 19 January | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 11:30AM B:Music and Midland Mencap are delighted to launch this new and free monthly event for Birmingham’s unpaid family carers. You’re invited to unwind at these relaxed musical performances, whilst enjoying live music from the best talent in Brum.

Housewarming Sessions Fri 21 January | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

John Bishop: Right Here Right Now Fri 21 January | Symphony Hall | 8PM Comedy superstar John Bishop is coming to Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue with his highly anticipated brand-new stand up show – Right Here, Right Now.

Amplify Sounds Thu 20 January | XX | XXPM XX

Kevin Clifton: Burn The Floor Sat 22 January | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Kevin Clifton and the sensational worldwide Ballroom dance company Burn The Floor return with a bang in 2022! This fiery, energetic and revolutionary Ballroom production will, once again, set stages alight and show audiences why it is still the world’s leading Ballroom show after more than two decades.

January 30

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The 168th British Open Brass Band Championships Sun 23 January | Symphony Hall | 10:30AM The magnificent sound of the world’s finest brass bands will be heard again at Symphony Hall with the return of the 168th British Open Championship. Due to the incredible demand for tickets for the oldest and most prestigious contesting event in the banding calendar, the ‘sold out’ signs may well be posted in advance, but thanks to World of Brass and 4barsrest, live-stream coverage can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your home to enable you to revel in the drama as the bands battle to claim the magnificent British Open Gold Shield. Iwan Fox, Editor – 4Bars Rest

Celebrating Sanctuary Thu 27 January | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1PM B:Music are working with Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham (CSB), a diverse music and arts organisation with a mission to support, promote and develop artists from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Hear World Music artists perform music originating from across the globe including Senegal, Zimbabwe, Guinea Bissau, Haiti and Iran.

January Ronan Keating Thu 27 January | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Fans will be thrilled to hear Ronan Keating returns to Symphony Hall with his new album Twenty Twenty. Exactly 20 years after the release of his self-titled, debut solo (& No.1) album, one of the best-loved singers of our generation, Ronan Keating, returns with an album that encapsulates his many musical achievements since the millennium.

Housewarming: Steve Banks Fri 28 January | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

Classic Rock Show Sat 29 January | Town Hall | 8PM After an eighteen month break due to the global Coronavirus pandemic The Classic Rock Show is back, bigger and even better, celebrating the very best of Classic Rock.

Mid-day Mantra Sat 29 January | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1PM B:Music and Sampad’s Midday Mantra is a free series presenting music originating from India to uplift the spirit on Saturday lunchtimes.

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 31 January | Town Hall | 1PM History is built into the very walls of Town Hall, Birmingham, and when City Organist Thomas Trotter plays the organ there, that heritage springs vibrantly to life. 32

Anton and Erin: Showtime Sat 29 January | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM & 7:30PM SHOWTIME is a glittering celebration that pays tribute to some of the world’s greatest icons of entertainment as Anton & Erin present world class dance inspired by an array of classic performers including Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Liza Minelli, Elton John and many more.

The Lost Words Sun 30 January | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The Lost Words: Spell Songs enthralled a packed Town Hall at Birmingham in 2019 when they first toured their incredible musical companion piece to the acclaimed book The Lost Words by renowned nature author Robert Macfarlane and award-winning artist Jackie Morris.

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Jeffrey Skidmore Jeffrey Skidmore on Ex Cathedra’s enthralling 2021-22 programme. The founder of Ex Cathedra, who are an associate artist at B:Music, reflects on the group’s strong relationship with Birmingham and looks ahead to their upcoming season of concerts. Like so many of us, Jeffrey Skidmore is thrilled about the return of live music. “Our audiences have been really responsive,” the Ex Cathedra founder says. “It’s incredible, and I’m quite optimistic. Our programme next season is really great and very diverse as you’d expect. It should be a great year for us, our audiences and people in Birmingham.” While the group recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, Ex Cathedra are certainly showing no signs of slowing down. Ahead of them lies a packed 2021-22 programme of classical concerts and live events, which will include a number of shows at B:Music venues Symphony Hall and Town Hall. We asked Jeffrey to preview a trio of these upcoming concerts, as well as reflect on Ex Cathedra’s long and rewarding association with B:Music and Birmingham. Ex Cathedra performed in Symphony Hall’s new performance space in the summer. How impressed are you by the renovation? “I’m a proud Brummie, so I’ve been involved in Birmingham music all my life. I’m a big fan of what Birmingham has to offer. As a boy, Town Hall was the place where you went to hear classical concerts, and then of course Symphony Hall was built and everything grew: Birmingham became a place I always wanted it to become. And now with that new space at Symphony Hall, all these new things have happened to Birmingham and I’m the proudest person in the world.” How did Ex Cathedra’s first performance in the new space go? “Being in that space and looking out over Centenary Square and seeing the new library, the REP and the city in the background, it was quite spectacular. It’s a very important, informal space where we can have a close contact with our audience; a sort of eyeball-to-eyeball relationship where I can talk a bit more about the music and introduce some of the artists. I think that will enhance what happens in the Hall itself.” How much do you value Ex Cathedra’s relationship with B:Music?“Town Hall and Symphony Hall are both such great music venues artistically, musically and acoustically. They’re the flagship venues for the whole of the region, if not the country to a certain extent. Symphony Hall is considered to be one of the best concert venues in the world, while Town Hall has so much heritage and is one of the most historic buildings. Some people find it hard to believe that this is happening in Birmingham - but we’re at the centre of the universe!” 34

In December, you’re conducting Sleepers Awake! at Town Hall. What can you tell us about it? “We’ve been commissioning new works and cantatas to be paired with Bach cantatas, which we think is some of the greatest music ever written. But they’re not performed very often: so we’re pairing not very well-known old music, even by a great composer like Bach, with new music. Liz Dilnot Johnson, who has really blossomed as one of our composers in residence, has written a new cantata which features texts by Greta Thunberg, Kurt Masur and local poet David Hart. That’ll be performed along with Bach’s ‘Wachet auf’ and ‘Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland’, two Advent pieces which are about preparation and preparing for the future.” The new cantata’s connection with Greta Thunberg seems particularly apt given the climate crisis. “Liz wanted to use some of Thunberg’s most recent words, like: ‘Do something!’. Having all of these young people on stage performing this very powerful, emotional music about the state of the planet and screaming out ‘do something!’ sends shivers down your spine. It’s absolutely amazing. I think it’s going to be equally impactful when we do the full version with Ex Cathedra at Town Hall. As usual with Liz, she brings together lots of different elements which are quite exciting. It addresses freedom, climate change and our love for the planet, and how important it is to protect it.” Looking ahead to 2022, in February you’ll be conducting Monteverdi Vespers at Town Hall. “One of the themes of this season is ‘all you need is love’, and all the pieces are about some aspect of love. Monteverdi Vespers is an iconic late Renaissance/early baroque piece that people will fall in love with straight away. It’s colourful, so interesting and it brings different worlds together. We’re hosting a workshop the day before where people can come along and sing with the singers and instrumentalists. You don’t get the opportunity very often to sing with His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts - it’s their 40th anniversary as well, and our relationship with them has flourished.” You’re also working on Calcutta, which will take place at Town Hall in April. What can the audience expect? “It’s a drama by Ensemble Tempus Fugit about the relationship between Indian classical music and western classical music during the time of the East India Company in Calcutta. Katie de la Matter is directing, with Indian classical vocalist Debipriya Sircar singing some of her own repertoire. It links in with our Unending Love weekend, which is celebrating Indian classical music. Calcutta sets the scene for that.” Sleepers Awake! will take place at Town Hall on 5 December, 2021. Monteverdi Vespers is set for 13 February, 2022 at Town Hall, while Calcutta will take place at Town Hall on 24 April, 2022.

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February

#BackToLive: Love Being Back On Tour Photo: @drhookoff icial on Instagram

Dennis Locorriere performs at Symphony Hall in February 2022 37

Bring Your Own Baby Thu 1 February | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 12PM Bring Your Own Baby Comedy is the UK’s premier baby-friendly comedy club! Our award-winning shows feature the funniest comedians in a totally baby-friendly environment. Most importantly our events are all about you… but we also take great care of our younger guests.)

An Evening with Ricky Hatton Wed 2 February | Town Hall | 8PM During his boxing career, Ricky Hatton MBE held multiple world championships at light-welterweight and one at welterweight.

Beatfreeks present Poetry Jam Live! Thu 3 February | Justham Family Room & Jane How Room | 7PM From poets who are just starting out to seasoned veterans, and everyone else with a story to tell - this non-genre specific open mic night can cover love, to comedy, very personal topics, and much more.

Housewarming Session Fri 4 February | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

Ed Gamble Fri 4 February | Town Hall | 7:30PM After a sell-out tour of his house in 2020 (extended into 2021 due to popular demand), Ol’ Broken Pancreas is charged up and ready to flick the switch on another night of attention seeking.

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bmusic.co.uk Ross Noble Sun 6 February | Symphony Hall | 8PM What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows because that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a show. You can come and see it. This is it.

Fusion Energy Friday 11 February | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Shankar Mahadevan in Jugalbandhi with Pandit Zakir Hussain accompanied by Rakesh Chaurasia, the world-famous Indian Flautist and Louiz Banks the Jazz King of India supported by Gino Banks the Indian Drummer, lead member of the band Nexus and Guitarist Sheldon D’Silva. Come and witness a once-in-a-lifetime event bringing together living legends on stage for this Fusion Concert.

Housewarming Sessions Fri 11 February | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

February Suzanne Vega Fri 11 February | Town Hall | 8PM Suzanne Vega celebrates the release of An Evening of New York Songs and Stories (Cooking Vinyl) with a run of European and UK dates including this performance at Town Hall.

Ex Cathedra 2021/22: Monteverdi Vespers Sun 13 February | Town Hall | 4PM To hear Monteverdi’s famous 1610 Vespers live is to experience some of the most magnificent music of any era: a masterpiece of dazzling vocal and instrumental virtuosity, interspersed with sensual, intimate solos and duets – a perfect Valentine treat.

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 14 February | Town Hall | 1PM History is built into the very walls of Town Hall, Birmingham, and when City Organist Thomas Trotter plays the organ there, that heritage springs vibrantly to life.

The Musical Box Wed 16 February | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The greatest rock opera ever created, The Lamb lies down on Broadway, the final collaborative effort between the legendary Peter Gabriel and Genesis, is to be revived one last time... The end of an era. The Musical Box, the only group in the world granted a licence from Peter Gabriel and Genesis, will recreate in its entirety, the original 1975 performance in painstaking details right down to the original slide show. One final chance to witness this unique live experience.

Jason Fox Wed 16 February | Town Hall | 7:30PM Ex-special forces soldier, star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Inside The Real Narcos and author of The Number One Bestseller Battle Scars; Jason Fox will bring to the stage and on tour for the first time the remarkable story of his daring exploits in a distinguished career as an elite operator in the UK Special Forces (SBS). 40

FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTR A

MON 14 FEBRUARY SYMPHONY HALL 7:30PM DISNEYTICKETS.CO.UK | TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

41 A SENBLA PRESENTATION

Rupaul’s Drag Race UK: Season 2 Tour Fri 18 February | Symphony Hall | 8PM Join the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for an evening of endless eleganza extravaganza. Witness the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent of your favourite queens LIVE on stage as they sashay into Birmingham’s world-renowned Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue.

An Evening with Debbie Harry and Chris Stein Fri 18 February | Town Hall | 8PM In the mid 70s the band Blondie emerged onto the New York music scene and quickly became era defining and internationally iconic. Now, frontwoman Debbie Harry and the band’s co-founder, guitarist and songwriter, Chris Stein will be in conversation with multidisciplinary artist and director (and long time Blondie collaborator) Rob Roth, discussing five decades of Blondie, their lives as artists and creative partners.

Housewarming: Rosie Frater-Taylor Fri 18 February | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

Van der Graaf Generator Mon 21 February | Town Hall | 8PM Van der Graaf Generator 2020 are Peter Hammill (vox, gtr, kbd), Hugh Banton (organ, bass) & Guy Evans (drums , percussion), the three surviving members of the original group formed in 1968.

February

bmusic.co.uk King King Tue 22 February | Town Hall | 7:30PM “We want to take this band as far as we can”.... and so it continues, don’t hang about to get your tickets for this concert, King King are hot, and they are arguably one the best live acts out there at the moment.

Musical Meet Ups Wed 16 February | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 11:30AM B:Music and Midland Mencap are delighted to launch this new and free monthly event for Birmingham’s unpaid family carers. You’re invited to unwind at these relaxed musical performances, whilst enjoying live music from the best talent in Brum.

Celebrating Sanctuary Thu 24 February | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1PM B:Music are working with Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham (CSB), a diverse music and arts organisation with a mission to support, promote and develop artists from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Hear World Music artists perform music originating from across the globe including Senegal, Zimbabwe, Guinea Bissau, Haiti and Iran.

My Dad Wrote A Porno World Tour 2020 Thu 24 February | Symphony Hall | 8PM After their critically acclaimed HBO comedy special, over 180 million downloads, and a sell-out world tour, the award-winning #1 hit podcast, My Dad Wrote A Porno, is back with a BRAND NEW LIVE SHOW for 2020.

Housewarming Sessions: Jazzlines Ensemble Showcase Fri 25 February | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Led by experienced jazz musicians and educators including Sara Colman and Percy Pursglove, the Jazzlines Ensembles meet fortnightly at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue for fortnightly FREE-to-attend workshop sessions (for 11-19 year olds) as part of B:Music’s commitment to talent development.

February Wilko Johnson & special guest John Otway Fri 25th February | Town Hall | 7:30PM Wilko Johnson the original Dr Feelgood guitarist, actor (Game of Thrones character Ser Ilyn Payne) and all round national treasure has enjoyed a rousing return to the live arena, including a number 1 album with Roger Daltrey (Going Back Home), a sold out show at The Royal Albert Hall to mark his 70th birthday and, most recently, the release of Blow Your Mind, his first album of new material in decades.

Dr Hook featuring Dennis Locorriere Sat 26 February | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Dr Hook Starring Dennis Locorriere - The 50th Anniversary Tour is a musical event simply not to be missed!

Mid-day Mantra Sat 26 Febraury | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1PM B:Music and Sampad’s Midday Mantra is a free series presenting music originating from India to uplift the spirit on Saturday lunchtimes.

Elkie Brooks Sun 27 February | Town Hall | 7:30PM Come and enjoy an evening with Elkie as she performs some of her biggest hits at Town Hall, including Pearl’s A Singer, Lilac Wine, Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Don’t Cry Out Loud and No More The Fool as well as many more featured on her recent hit album Pearls – The Very Best Of.

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 28 February | Town Hall | 1PM History is built into the very walls of Town Hall, Birmingham, and when City Organist Thomas Trotter plays the organ there, that heritage springs vibrantly to life. 44

NOW AVAILABLE AT B:MUSIC VENUES

Interview 46

Jasmine Belle Rise Up Rise Up: Jasmine Belle on B:Music’s initiative to get more female musicians into jazz. The Jazzlines saxophonist is a member of Rise Up, the B:Music project that is designed to be a positive step forward towards achieving a 50/50 gender split within jazz. Rise Up received the royal seal of approval in September when B:Music’s all-female jazz ensemble performed for HRH The Earl of Wessex during the official opening of the brand-new performance space at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue. The group are a key example of B:Music’s ongoing commitment to developing young jazz talent in Birmingham and across the Midlands region. The Rise Up project is providing an array of opportunities for talented local female musicians, including mentorship from world-renowned jazz artists, access to unrivalled performance spaces at Symphony Hall and a major platform to showcase and hone their musicianship. Saxophonist Jasmine Belle was selected to be part of Rise Up following her committed involvement in B:Music’s Jazzlines Ensembles programme, which stages regular jazz workshops and masterclass sessions for young musicians aged between 11 and 19. We chatted to Jasmine about the important message behind Rise Up, why young jazz musicians should take the step of enrolling in the Jazzlines programme and her memories of playing at the Peaky Blinders world premiere at Town Hall, a B:Music venue. How did you become a member of Rise Up? “I first came to know about the opportunity through Jazzlines. I had to send in an audition video which was assessed by a panel of jazz musicians including Trish Clowes, Alicia Gardener-Trejo and Yazz Ahmed. And I got a place on it! We were actually due to start in February 2020, but we only started this February because of COVID.” How important is Rise Up’s goal of achieving gender equality within jazz music? “It’s very important, because it’s creating an ecosystem of female jazz musicians. All of our tutors are female jazz musicians as well, so it’s mutually beneficial. It’s nice to see more representation of women. I don’t think women have necessarily been pushed out of jazz, but I think we’re now seeing a lot more female jazz artists in the spotlight.” After such a long delay, how much have you enjoyed performing with Rise Up? “It’s really good. It was so hard for me to practice during lockdown as I’d always had a teacher up until that point and I was just finishing my A-Levels, so I had to

do everything myself. I don’t have a particularly musical family, so it was just me: it’s been nice to play with other people again! Rise Up performed a live session that was broadcast during Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s online event in May. We then performed at Cheltenham Music Festival in July on a weekend where we did a series of performances, including a gig at my local jazz club - I enjoyed that very much as we were in a setting that I knew well!” How has Jazzlines helped develop you as a musician? “It’s helped me a lot. I only started playing saxophone when I was in Year 10, but it was through Jazzlines, which I joined in 2017 when I was 15, that I started playing jazz. I’m not sure how else I would’ve got into it if I didn’t start going there. It’s been instrumental in my enjoyment of jazz music.” What advice do you have for young jazz musicians? “It’s about making that first step. I was a bit scared when I joined Jazzlines because I didn’t know anybody, but it’s a really good environment to connect with the spirit-driven side of music. Jazz is the kind of music where you bring yourself to it: when you’re playing solos, you’re expressing a bit of your personality as well. Nobody will play something the same way as the next person. Jazzlines teach you everything by ear, which is a really good skill to learn. In the ensemble sessions a tutor will teach you a standard by ear, so you get to learn standards and hear the names of these big jazz greats - they eventually sink in, and you realise who they are!” With Jazzlines Ensembles, you performed at both the Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival and the world premiere of Peaky Blinders season five back in 2019 – two special experiences, no doubt? “The festival was a really good opportunity. When you do something that young you’re obviously not a professional player, but it demonstrates that these things are possible and you can be in the same space one day as more established musicians. The Peaky Blinders premiere was really cool! We played on the red carpet and in the artists’ bar in Town Hall where the stars were waiting. It was good for me because it forced me to become familiar with lots of jazz standards really quickly. I remember being in complete disbelief at the premiere that they’d chosen me to be in one of the smaller ensembles, because I was sure there were people there who knew more than me! But it was nice to be given that opportunity.” Jasmine Belle will perform with the Rise Up Ensemble in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue on 4 March. You can find out more about Rise Up and Jazzlines Ensembles at bmusic.co.uk

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#BackToLive: Great to be onstage again

Photo: @sharleensp iteri on Instagram

Texas performs at Symphony Hall in March 2022 49

Adam Ant Thu 1 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Pop icon Adam Ant is back with a set list that promises to get everyone on their feet. Performing his classic chart-topping singles and personal favourites, Adam Ant’s Antics will thrill audiences.

Tony Visconti & Woody Woodmansey present The Best of Bowie Wed 2 March | Town Hall | 8PM David Bowie’s former producer/ bassist Tony Visconti and drummer Woody Woodmansey get ready to launch their new Bowie project ‘The Best Of Bowie’ featuring long time fan and friend Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory plus the all star Holy Holy band in April 2021.

Dick & Angel: Dare to do it! Wed 2 March | Symphony Hall | 8PM Dick & Angel Strawbridge, the stars of Channel 4 hit ‘Escape to the Chateau’ are on the road again on their ‘Dare to do it’ Tour with so much more to say. During this highly entertaining evening, the duo explains who they are, where they have come from, how they met and why they dared to do it!

Tommy Emmanuel Fri 4 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM If you like guitar playing, it simply doesn’t get any better than Tommy Emmanuel.

March 50

bmusic.co.uk Housewarming: Rise Up Fri 4 March | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Rise Up is a B:Music initiative which offers talented female musicians from the region mentorship from world renowned jazz musicians, access to rehearsal spaces in the iconic Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue and a platform to showcase their musical and compositional talent through concerts and access to recording studios.

Satinder Sartaaj Fri 4 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Returning to Symphony Hall once again, Satinder Sartaaj. A multi-gifted songwriter, singer, composer, poet and actor.

Texas Sat 5 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM For over 30 years, Texas have proved themselves to be one of Scotland’s best ever bands and nothing short of a national treasure south of the border.

Nobuyuki Tsujii Sat 5 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM Japanese pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii (Nobu), who has been blind from birth, won the joint Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009 and has gone on to earn an international reputation for the passion and excitement he brings to his live performances. “It was one of those rare performances where player and music seem one – a definition of virtuosity” The Observer An audio-described documentary, Meet Nobuyuki Tsujii will be screened at 7PM, before the recital

March Status Quo plus special guests Sun 6 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Britain’s best-loved rockers Status Quo are coming back to reclaim their position on the live circuit – with a brand new tour. The ‘Out Out Quoing’ UK & Eire Spring Tour in 2022 will visit 14 venues before the band head out into Europe.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor: The Kitchen Disco Tour Mon 7 March | Symphony Hall | 7.30PM Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Instagram Live Kitchen Disco’s during the Covid-19 lockdown were a means of virtual escapism for many, and became weekly moments of united sequined catharsis for the hundreds of thousands tuning in. Now as we emerge into the world again, Sophie has announced the Kitchen Disco Tour for 2021; bringing together all of the camp and frivolity of her original show to live stages across the country.

James Martin: Live Tue 8 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM About the show, Martin said, “Of course, I’ll be cooking and trying to teach everyone some tips and tricks but fear not, there will be plenty of humour injected into these shows so prepare to have a really good night out.”

Nashville Sounds in the Round: Wed 9 March | Jennifer Blackwell Peformance Space | 8PM Hosted by British Country Music Association Duo of the Year Gasoline & Matches, enjoy stripped back songs whilst drinking and dining in the brand-new spaces at Symphony Hall.

Housewarming Sessions Fri 11 March | Jennifer Blackwell Peformance Space | 5PM

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As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

Paul Carrack Fri 11 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Paul Carrack, one of the most revered voices in music and a figurehead of soulful pop for decades, will return to the delight of his legions of admirers, performing 24 dates across the UK on the Good & Ready Tour 2022.

Tangerine Dream: From Virgin Years to Quantum Years Tour 2020 Sun 13 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM Founded by Edgar Froese in 1967, Tangerine Dream were one of the major forces behind the introduction of Electronic Music and the Synthesizer to popular culture.

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 14 March | Town Hall | 1PM History is built into the very walls of Town Hall, Birmingham, and when City Organist Thomas Trotter plays the organ there, that heritage springs vibrantly to life.

Musical Meet-Up Wed 16 March | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 11:30AM B:Music and Midland Mencap are delighted to launch this new and free monthly event for Birmingham’s unpaid family carers. You’re invited to unwind at these relaxed musical performances, whilst enjoying live music from the best talent in Brum.

Housewarming Sessions Fri 18 March | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

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Big Big Train + guests Fri 18 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Big Big Train has taken lyrical and musical inspiration from periods of history that are recognised as great leaps forward. Now with ‘Common Ground’, they are making such a surge themselves.

Go West - Celebrating 35 Years: Live with Orchestra, plus special guests Cutting Crew Sat 19 March | Symphony Hall | 8PM Award-winning 80s pop icons Go West are celebrating their 35th anniversary with a run of UK shows in May 2021 featuring a full live orchestra, plus very special guests Cutting Crew.

Karl Jenkins in Concert Sun 20 March | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM Sir Karl Jenkins conducts a superb selection of his most popular works.

Dr John Cooper Clarke Sun 20 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM In celebration of his long-awaited new autobiography ‘I Wanna Be Yours’, the original ‘people’s poet’ Dr. John Cooper Clarke has announced a very special UK tour including a return to Birmingham.

Wardruna Mon 21 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Masterful Norwegian storytellers Wardruna sign to Sony Music/ Columbia Records for the world (partnering with Music for Nations for the UK), and announce European tour dates for 2022.

The Dublin Legends Mon 21 March | Town Hall | 7:30pm THE DUBLIN LEGENDS, Sean Cannon, Paul Watchorn & Gerry OConnor, have over 60 years of performing with The Dubliners between them. Hear classic songs including world over; Whiskey in The Jar, Dirty Old Town, The Wild Rover, Seven Drunken Nights, The Rare Auld Times, Molly Malone, The Irish Rover, Black Velvet Band & more. Shay Kavanagh joined the line up in 2017.

March 54

bmusic.co.uk Nitin Sawhney Tue 22 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM Senbla and Sony Music Masterworks are thrilled to present Nitin Sawhney’s November UK Tour. The critically acclaimed, multi award winning producer, composer and musician will play five special nights in some of the UKs most intimate venues.

House Classics Wed 23 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The National Philharmonic Concert Orchestra presents House Classics. The best 90s house tracks are reimagined in this brand new show that pairs the National Philharmonic Concert Orchestra with original, authentic vocalists live on stage.

Ray Mears: We Are Nature Wed 23 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM We need the Wilderness as much as the Wilderness needs us. Recently we have learnt to value our green spaces more than ever. In this fascinating, inspirational, and educational show, Ray Mears will be demonstrating and explaining techniques that will help us improve our senses and highlight the problems nature faces today.

Celebrating Sanctuary Thu 24 March | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1PM B:Music are working with Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham (CSB), a diverse music and arts organisation with a mission to support, promote and develop artists from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Hear World Music artists perform music originating from across the globe including Senegal, Zimbabwe, Guinea Bissau, Haiti and Iran.

Joe Jackson Thu 24 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Joe Jackson is launching a new tour with the same band as his last, the successful Four Decade Tour of 2019, and his last album Fool: Graham Maby (Bass, Vocals), Teddy Kumpel (Guitar, Vocals) and Doug Yowell (Drums, Vocals, Electronics). The show will feature both the full band and a ‘mini-set’ of Joe solo.

Housewarming Sessions Fri 25 March | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM As we welcome audiences in to our transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, our Friday Jazz Foyer sessions have been relaunched as the Housewarming Sessions. We will be collaborating with partners across the UK jazz scene to celebrate emerging and established artists for you to enjoy.

March Fascinating Aida Thu 24 & Fri 25 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman are heading back out on tour. With a selection of old favourites, songs you haven’t heard before and some you wish you’d never heard in the first place. The songs are hilarious and topical - the glamour is unstoppable.

Mid-day Mantra Sat 26 March | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1PM B:Music and Sampad’s Midday Mantra is a free series presenting music originating from India to uplift the spirit on Saturday lunchtimes.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2 Tour Sat 26 March | Symphony Hall | 8PM Birmingham prepare yourself! Drag Royalty will Ru-Turn in 2022 for the UK’s biggest ever RuPaul tour. Join the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for an evening of endless eleganza extravaganza. Witness the Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent of your favourite queens LIVE on stage as they sashay into a theatre near you.

Giovanni Pernice: This is Me Sat 26 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM Strictly Come Dancing favourite, Giovanni Pernice, returns with his highly anticipated hit show This Is Me! The showman is once again set to light up the stage, along with his cast of professional dancers, for another fabulous year of touring.

Aurora Plus Special Guest Sun 27 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM Aurora has proved herself to be a triple threat; a singer, songwriter and producer, since bursting onto the scene in 2015 with her debut EP, Running With The Wolves. Since then, Aurora has amassed over 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify, racked up a whopping 2.5 billion overall streams and 1 million+ global

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 28 March | Town Hall | 1PM History is built into the very walls of Town Hall, Birmingham, and when City Organist Thomas Trotter plays the organ there, that heritage springs vibrantly to life. 56

Jack Savoretti plus support Mon 28 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Jack Savoretti returns with a wonderful new album that arrives complete with its own genre, Europiana. Put on your dancing shoes for the funky first single, the disco fuelled ‘Who’s Hurting Who’, featuring Nile Rodgers.

Baker & Harris: Back Stage Pass Tue 29 March | Town Hall | 7:30PM Bob Harris & Danny Baker, two of the nation’s best broadcasters, have unparalleled experience of witnessing the great names of modern music up close. They have been back stage, front stage, at home and on the road with virtually every legend in the business. Fortunately they both have great memories (in both senses of that phrase). They got beans. And they’re gonna spill ‘em.

James Morrison Tue 29 March | Symphony Hall | 8PM 2022 will see James Morrison tour the UK for the first time in two-anda-half years when he hits the road with his first ever ‘Greatest Hits’ tour. Featuring his five unforgettable Top 10 hits (‘You Give Me Something’, ‘Wonderful World’, ‘You Make It Real’, ‘Broken Strings’ and ‘I Won’t Let You Go’) together with a selection of fan favourites, the tour represents a lifeaffirming celebration of a remarkable career that has spanned 15 years.

Reginald D Hunter Tue 29 March | Town Hall | 8PM Climate change. Mass unemployment. Economic pandemics. The rise of global fascism. So what the f*** could this man POSSIBLY say to upset you? Welcome to the world of the Bombe Shuffleur.

Magnum Thu 31 March | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Magnum formed in Birmingham in 1972. This concert is set to be an unadulterated display of the band’s musical vision with their new album, plus music from their early years including ‘ Soldier of The Line’, ‘Sacred Hour’ and ‘The Spirit’.

bmusic.co.uk

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Resident Orchestra at Symphony Hall, A B:Music Venue

Kazuki Yamada

Meet Kazuki Yamada - the new Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is delighted to announce that Japanese conductor Kazuki Yamada has been appointed as its Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor with effect from 1 April 2023. He succeeds Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, who has led the orchestra since 2016. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the flagship of musical life in Birmingham and the West Midlands, and one of the world’s greatest orchestras. In a normal year the orchestra performs over 150 concerts each year in Birmingham, the UK and around the world. Predominantly based at Symphony Hall, the concerts in the CBSO’s main season range from classics to contemporary, film music to Broadway hits, and even symphonic disco. Born in Japan, Kazuki Yamada will become the first non-European to lead the CBSO. Yamada is also Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo. In Japan he holds further titles of Permanent Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic and Principal Guest Conductor of the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra.

“I am so happy, thrilled and above all honoured to be continuing our journey together” The CBSO is known for performing the widest range of orchestral and choral music, and Yamada will continue this tradition in his role as Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor. His performances are marked by his trademark physicality and energy, and he will continue to build on the deep connections he has already forged with the musicians and audiences alike. Kazuki Yamada commented: “I first worked with the CBSO in 2012 and immediately felt a very sincere connection with the players. This connection has really grown and developed over the last nine years; our tour together to Japan in 2016 was one of the highlights of my career. After this the relationship was even deeper. I am so happy, thrilled and above all honoured to be continuing our journey together as the Orchestra’s Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor”. You can next see Kazuki in action on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 January. Full details to be announced soon.

Celebrate Christmas with the CBSO The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra are thrilled to bring their classic Christmas bonanza, featuring their full Orchestra and massed choirs, back to Symphony Hall this December. These feelgood festive favourites are overflowing with good cheer, magical sounds and seasonal music old and new, all beautifully wrapped and delivered with a smile by a special guest celebrity presenter and Chorus Director, Simon Halsey CBE.

A Choral Christmas with the CBSO Chorus, CBSO Youth Chorus & SO Vocal

A Choral Christmas with the CBSO Chorus, CBSO Youth Chorus & Children’s Chorus

A Choral Christmas with the CBSO Chorus, Youth Chorus & Junior Children’s Chorus

Thu 16 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM

Fri 17 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM

Sun 19 December | Symphony Hall | 3PM

Friday Night Classics in 2022 Looking forward to the new year, the CBSO has a fantastic selection of Friday Nights lined up to entertain you with. There’s an unmissable orchestral ABBA tribute, brilliant Broadway hits, magical music from the movies and more! Full details and tickets will be available in November – so watch this space! Sondheim: Broadway Baby Fri 14 January | Symphony Hall | 7.30PM

ABBA Fri 28 January | Symphony Hall | 7.30PM

100 Years of Movie Magic Fri 25 February | Symphony Hall | 7.30PM

Opera Gala Fri 29 April | Symphony Hall | 7.30PM

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Supporters Corporate Supporters Birmingham City University Browne Jacobson Holmes Noble Hyatt Regency Project Supporters BHSF PRS for Music Foundation Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation Services for Education Westhill Endowment Business Partners AC Hotels Hotel du Vin Mazars Q-Park WMGC Corporate Members Mailbox Mills & Reeve PMP Consultants Trusts and Foundations Alan Woodfield Charitable Trust Alchemy Foundation Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Settlement Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation Assay Office Birmingham

Blackwell Charitable Trust Blakemore Foundation Boshier-Hinton Foundation Chairman of Birmingham Commonwealth Association Christopher Tobias Memorial Fund Cole Charitable Trust D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust DMC McDonald Foundation Dr Diana & Peter Wardley Dumbreck Charity E H Smith Charitable Trust Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Trust Ernest Cook Trust Estate of Mr James Hirons Estate of Mr Martin Purdy Estate of Mr William Jones Eveson Charitable Trust Geoff Hill Charitable Trust GJW Turner Trust GNC Trust George Cadbury Trust George Fentham Birmingham Charity George Henry Collins Charity Grantham Yorke Trust Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Grimmitt Trust Heathcock Charitable Trust Hinrichsen Foundation JMR Sales & Consultancy Ltd John Feeney Charitable Trust

Joseph Hopkins & Henry James Sayer Charity Levells Design Limited Lillie Johnson Charitable Trust Limoges Trust Loppylugs and Barbara Morrison Charitable Trust M K Rose Charitable Trust Mercers’ Company Michael Marsh Charitable Trust Miss A Copsey Mr Keith Stokes-Smith Mr Peter J Smith Oakley Charitable Trust Patrick Trust Peter and Jane How Trust R V J Cadbury Charitable Trust Roger and Douglas Turner Charitable Trust Rotary Club of Birmingham Roughley Trust Rowlands Trust Saintbury Trust Service Birmingham Staff Benefit Scheme Tyndallwoods Solicitors W E Dunn Charitable Trust Westhill Endowment William A Cadbury Charitable Trust Wilmcote Charitrust Youth Music

Makers Circle Mr P Ashen, Jayne Cadbury MBE, Paul Carter, Paul & Dee Cocking, W. Peter Dunne, G. Cm. & Fionuala A. Dunne, Roger G. Guest, Dr Brian Gwynn, P & J Hall, Vivianne Hollinshead, Dr C G Johnston, The Justham Family, Lynn Lawrenson, James & Meg Martineau, Ian McAlpine, Ian C Norton, Jenna & Jeremy Plewes, Ald. Mike Poulter MBE & Mrs K Poulter, Pat Poynton, Mr I & Mrs G Reaves, Nick and Carole Reed, Graham Russell & Gloria Bates, Helen Russell, John & Pat Rutter, Gillian Shaw, Bryan Smith, Tony Smith, David & Lucy Stanley, Isabel Stewart, Mr A Taylor, Robert & Julia Verrion, Howard & Judy Vero, Dr D & Mr P Wardley, Alan Woodfield and other anonymous donors. Patrons Mr B & Mrs V Adams, Mr M Archer, Mr & Mrs Bentley, Mr & Mrs H Buckingham, Mrs J Cadbury MBE, Paul & Dee Cocking, Mrs E Cooke, Mr J Cunningham-Dexter, Mr N & Mrs P Cunningham-Dexter, Lady G Curtis, Mr Mark Drugan, Mr Roger K Edwards, Mr R & Mrs C Evans, Mr R Guest, Mr & Mrs Martyn R Hale, Mr Philip Harrison, Mr Peter How, Dr Johnston, Dr & Mrs D Kett, Mr K Martin, Mr & Mrs P Maskell, Mr David R.Mayes OBE, Mr Richard Meek, Mrs E Murray, Mr Robert Pockney, Ms K Porter, Mr Adrian Quin, Mr Jim Quinn, Mr J Redshaw, Mr M Rogers, Mr Graham Russell, Mrs J Rutter, Mr M Somerville, Mr K StokesSmith, Mr & Mrs Stormont, Mr & Mrs G Tovell, Mr Neville Trumper, Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, Mr & Mrs Verrion, Mr Robert Vivian, Mr A Watson, Mr M Wilkes, Mr & Mrs Willis, Mr A J Woodfield and anonymous supporters.

How to book How to book Online: bmusic.co.uk By phone: 0121 780 3333 Telephone lines open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 2pm. In person: Symphony Hall’s Box Office is open Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays, except when there is an event (open two hours before event starts) Town Hall’s Box Office is open two hours before the start of a performance. How to reach us: Symphony Hall is located in Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA Town Hall is located in Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ

Accessibility Everyone is welcome at Town Hall and Symphony Hall, and we will do whatever we can to ensure that you have an enjoyable visit. We know that sometimes the best way to prepare for a trip is to have a look around, that’s why our friends at Autism West Midlands created a fantastic interactive Google street view available at bmusic.co.uk. Explore both venues all the way from the street to the stage, ahead of your visit from the comfort of your home. Access line: 0121 289 6343 Data protection Once you have booked tickets all your contact details will be held and processed on our Box Office marketing database and from time to time we may send you information about the programme of events at Town Hall and Symphony Hall using any one of the contact methods provided. Other arts organisation and companies carefully selected by B:Music may also be interested in sending you information on events and product they think will be of interest. If you do not want your details to be passed to another organisation, please let us know at time of booking. If you wish to amend your consent, please log into your online account or contact Box Office on 0121 289 6333. To read our full Data Promise, visit bmusic.co.uk Disclaimer Information in this guide was correct at the time of going to press and published in good faith. Unforeseen circumstances, however, may result in changes to the published programme or names of artists: please check prior to booking.

Staff list Chief Executive Officer Nick Reed Chief Operating Officer Nick Loveland Commercial Director of Commercial Sales Nicole Evans Kitchen Manager/Chef Lee Hollington Head of Food & Beverage Isabel Hyams Food and Beverage Manager Claire Fisher Event and Contract Administrator Caroline Manders Development Head of Development Louise Arnold Development Manager Guy Oddy Executive Head of HR Rachel Adams HR Apprentice Safwan Ahmed Executive Assistant Sarah Coward HR Apprentice Lauryn Forbes Facilities Facilities Manager Michelle Walker Finance Director of Finance Janine Bradley Sales, Events & Purchase Ledger Glenn Hughes Event Accountant Yvonne Martin Financial Accountant Karen Rowbottom Management Accountant Gillian Tuby Front of House Operations Assistant Catherine Cotton Customer Services Manager Philip Thomas IT IT Manager Garry Albrow IT Systems Administrator & Support Analyst Joshua Williams Production & Technical Technician Greg Andrews Technician Michael Aston Technician David Casswell

Production Coordinator Des Hall Production Manager Kat Hodgkinson Technician Alex Nankivell Technical Manager Rebecca Pratchett Technician David Shephard Technician Mitch Siviter Production Coordinator Sarah Taylor Programme Event Assistant Apprentice Aaron Carmichael Jazz Programme Producer Richard Foote Jazz Programme Producer Rohit Jepegnanam Head of Programme Chris Proctor Contemporary Programme Producer Laura Tellwright Sales & Marketing Marketing & Communication Assistant Lerah Barcenilla Ticket Sales Assistant Darren Coleman Events and Ticketing Officer Jonathan Dowsett Ticket Sales Assistant Steven Gardner Ticket Sales Assistant Emma Grainger Events and Ticketing Officer Vicky Heath Digital Marketing Apprentice Ibi Keita Director of Sales and Marketing Richard Loftus Events and Ticketing Officer Kerrie McGoldrick Digital Content Manager Eva Phillips Digital Marketing Intern Molly Presly Box Office Manager Rebecca Steen Customer Services Adviser Simon Wade Marketing Manager Danny Watkins

Contributors Interviews by Sam Moore Born and raised in Selly Oak, Birmingham, Sam is a writer and journalist now based in south-west London. He primarily writes for NME, and has previously written for the BBC, The i and Birmingham Mail, among others. Brochure Design by Luke Tonge & Grace Tomlinson Luke is a graphic designer, lecturer, and events wrangler in Birmingham. He specialises in identity & editorial work for brands, agencies and charities. Grace is a multidisciplinary creative whose practice consists of brand identity, interior & packaging design and illustration. She’s enthusiastic about making well-considered, timeless and meaningful design.

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