Spring brochure 2015 (Cover 2) by The Drum

2015

SPRING

Music Theatre Comedy Literature & Spoken Word Young People Dance Film Visual Arts Workshops THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE www.the-drum.org.uk 0121 333 2444 39

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 2

Welcome The Drum is the UK’s premier intercultural arts centre dedicated to the development, presentation and celebration of arts and cultural activities of Birmingham’s diverse communities for the benefit of all. 2014 was a brilliant year for The Drum. From celebrating community spirit at the A34 Festival and Open Day and welcoming international reggae superstars to Simmer Down Festival, to hosting some of South Africa’s greatest performers at Afrovibes Festival, and presenting the critically acclaimed Black History Month: Black Blood Runs Red launch event. It was truly a year of amazing achievements and we can’t wait to bring you more. Now it’s time to look to the future. 2015 promises to be a critical year for The Drum to achieve new highs and continue expanding as a leading arts organisation, with an exciting programme promoting quality, variety and internationality with events to stimulate, educate and entertain a wide and diverse audience. Our ambitious Raising the Roof Project continues to develop and gain support, we are on target to achieving the £4.8 million needed to completely redesign, upgrade and improve the venue with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Once completed Aston and Newtown will boast not only Europe’s leading Intercultural Arts Organisation but a building that is of an international acclaim. We want to provide Birmingham’s communities with the very best intercultural arts, entertainment and cultural opportunities.

Our Spring Season highlights include a special series of events and cultural activities exploring notions of Radicalism through Film, Music, Spoken Word and critical discourse. Under the united heading of RadiXal Routes, we commemorate some of the people and movements which have most influenced radicalising thinking in the 20th century, leading to the rise in civil rights movements and the dream of equality and justice in our society. RadiXal Routes will include Architects of Our Republic, a Spoken Word event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s I have a Dream speech; fascinating Film documentary The Jamaican Book Liberator, following Ras Seymour Maclean’s struggle to retrieve thousands of books on Ethiopian and African history from the British authorities; Theatrical production’s such as, United We Stand, telling the story of working-class struggle behind the 1972 Builders’ Strike; and Difference is Dangerous, a bold new production exploring unity between multicultural communities in the face of division. We will also commemorate the 90th birthday of Malcolm X and 50th anniversary of his death on Sun 21 Feb 1965 through a variety of events, including the First Annual Malcolm X Film Festival.

Other highlights of the season include the return of Legends of Legends, back with another sell-out line-up of UK Lovers Rock artists; vibrant, energetic and colourful music from the Stars of Afro Beat; RnB at its finest with Drum Got Soul; and more hilarious stand-up at Upfront Comedy, with a special Valentines Evening of cheeky humour guaranteed to get you in a romantic mood! We’ll also be supporting international charity and raising money for a valuable cause with the Solidarity with West Africa Against Ebola fundraising event, with all proceeds going to humanitarian relief. We’re also proud to be continuing our Young Drum (formally known as YGB) creative learning programme, offering opportunities for talented young people to take part in creative artistic workshops, including open mic Spoken Word nights hosted by Outspoken Theatre, and a Young Drum’s production of Bugsy Malone. Combined with our community outreach initiatives, workshops, and special events, there’s something for everyone at The Drum this season so make sure you come down and join us. Mukhtar Dar Director of Arts and Marketing

A34 HIGH ST

Music 4 - 7

Film 14 - 17 Diary 18 - 19 Young People 20 - 22 Visual Arts 24 - 25 Workshops Events Arts Development / Outreach Raising the Roof Partners Drum Spaces

26 26 - 27 28 - 29 30 - 33 34 35

Benjamin Zephaniah Poet, Novelist, Playwright, Musician, Patron of The Drum

BARTONS ARMS R TE POT

NEWTOWN SWIMMING BATHS

How to Find Us By Bus From the City Centre take the number 33

A34 HIGH ST

Comedy 10 - 11 Literature & 12 - 13 Spoken Word

NEWBURY RD ALMA ST

Theatre 8 - 9

The Drum is located on the A34, just ten minutes outside Birmingham city centre on the site of former Aston Hippodrome, next to the Bartons Arms.

BURLINGTON ST

The Drum 144 Potters Lane Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU

or 51 bus from Lower Bull Street (next to Poundland), or the number 7, which leaves from Livery Street. Alight at Newtown Swimming Baths / Bartons Arms. By Train The Drum is a short distance from local Birmingham stations including New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill. By Car From the M6: Leave at Junction 6, onto the A38(M) a short way along the A38(M), take the exit sign posted Aston / Waterlinks. The roundabout at the top exit is Park Circus. Take the second exit onto Victoria Road. Turn left onto Upper Sutton Street and then right at the bottom onto Park Lane. Before you approach the crossroads /next set of lights there is a slip road to turn left. This is Potters Lane The Drum’s car park is on your left directly as you turn left. From Birmingham City Centre: Take the A38 towards Aston (under the tunnels/underpass towards the M6). Go over the Aston Expressway and merge left, off the A38 and onto the ring road towards Dartmouth Circus roundabout. Keep in the left-hand lane and go straight over the roundabout. As you exit off the roundabout the overhead sign is marked Thomas Street – go straight up Thomas Street and turn left at the top of the road on to Park Lane (you will see East End Foods on your right). Just before the trafﬁc lights, take the slip road on the left, this is Potters Lane. The Drum’s car park is on your left directly as you turn left. Free parking outside, Disabled spaces are also available.

Location

Location 3

SELSTON RD

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

DOTSTAR

Music

Legends of Legends 2015 Sat 14 Mar / 10pm Tickets: £22

Stars of Afro Beat Sat 7 Mar / 7:30pm Tickets: £7.50 (£5) The Drum presents an amazing night into the world of Afro Beat. This vibrant, energetic and colourful music has spawned a new wave of Artists and DJ’s, whom have been inspired by such legends as; Fela Kuti and Hugh Masekela. The fusion of traditional African music with the modern up-tempo groove is a key element to getting crowds moving across the nations dance floors and club scene. To help us pay homage to this great genre we present national MR SILVA Afro Beat Star DJ EDU along with star performances from Mr Silva. Plus two Surprise guests from the world of Afro Beat, supported by the midlands own JG Fresh and DJ Wale. So come early and party till late!

in advance, MOTD

The long awaited Annual UK Legends of Legends returns to The Drum with another spectacular line up of legendary UK Lovers Rock artists. Live PAs include Barry Boom, Janet Kay, Arema, Peter Hunnigale, Joy Mack, Audrey Scott, Don Campbell, Michael Gordon, Mike Anthony, Peter Spence, Winston Reedy, Ossie Gad and Leesha Mac, plus special guests! Warming up the party and keeping you dancing throughout the night are the amazing DJs, including Gatecrash, G6T9, Mikey Bups, Trevor Tee and GT! To make sure the sound is crisp and befitting the legends, we’ve called in the mega booming Fatal Attraction Sound System. All this makes for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of sweet reggae sounds.

Two

tickets for

£13

Last year we sold out well in advance, so make sure you come dressed to impress and get your tickets in advance - so nah regret! DJ EDU

The Drum and Gatecrash Promotions presents

ooking fees may apply except on B tickets purchased from The Drum

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

Rang Barse – A Rain of Colour Sampad in partnership with The Drum presents

Reflection of Silence: Flavours Of Iranian & Kurdish Music Fri 20 Mar / 7pm Tickets: £9 (£7) Reflection of Silence is a new collaboration between four musicians from different backgrounds, from Rock to Iranian music, with a passion for the art of creative improvisation in Iranian and Kurdish music. The evening will open with Art of Improvisation in Persian Music, followed by a contemporary approach to a set of ancient Kurdish pieces from different parts of the Kurdistan region. This project was selected as Top 10 Live UK events by Songlines magazine when it was performed at Kings Place for first time in March 2014.

Sun 29 Mar / 4pm Tickets: £7 Music and dance feature in this celebration of the vibrant festival of Holi which marks the arrival of spring and welcomes the colour and vitality of the new season. Bring your family and friends and savour the colourful entertainment featuring some of West Midland’s finest artists.

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tickets for

£12

Music

Sampad in partnership with The Drum presents

Two

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£16

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Music Drum Got Soul Sat 25 Apr / 7:30pm

GL360 presents

Manifest Two

Sat 25 Apr / 7:30pm

£32

Ticket: £7.50 (£5)

tickets for

Tickets: £18.50 (£16.50) MOTD Drum Got Soul is a night where The Drum celebrates the world and sound of Soul and RnB. To launch this spectacular evening we have invited two of the UK’s giants to perform their Greatest Hits! We have the UK soul legend Omar, with a vast back catalogue of albums and hit singles, such as There Nothing like This; he is bound to get you moving with his brand of funky soul. Also appearing on the night will be another legend, singer songwriter Don-E, who will deliver his smooth silky soulful music from his hit album, Little Star including the classic joint Unbreakable. These legends will be joined by a special guest DJ who will be dropping in to deliver the hardcore guest slot for the party people, with additional support from DJ’s; Soul Man TC Shore and Gman. Don-E

Omar

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Faith meets Art in this unique, incredibly out-of-the-box Poetry and Music night. A spiritual and inspirational evening that aims to encourage and uplift, Manifest is bringing an unbelievable assortment of talented young musicians and poets on to a stage that is set to leave its mark! With an already remarkable following it is fast becoming a must attend event. Alongside the regular and seasoned poets and performers, Manifest is also a platform for up and coming Spoken Word poets, musicians and artists who feel that their blend of faith and art is something that our audience and the world alike should hear. We are building the bridge between faith and art in order to transport our audiences and community to a new place!

Powerful Poets, Stunning Singers, One Night, Every Month… Don’t Miss it!

The Drum and Desi Central presents

Botown: The Soul of Bollywood Sat 6 Jun / 7pm Tickets: £15 One of the most exciting and engaging music acts of the last few years, Botown, an eightpiece band that have given lovers of Bollywood and Soul music a brand new groove. This concert will feature all your favourite Bollywood classics from legends like RD Burman, Kishore Kumar, AR Rahman, Asha Bhosle and Amitabh Bachchan fused into the Soul greats like Ray Charles, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Enjoy an evening of classic Bollywood, Soul and funky grooves guaranteed to have you up dancing and singing along.

“If you like 60’s Soul or Bollywood you will love Botown” The Times

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tickets for

£28

have been working in partnership to deliver Uncle Ben!

If you are interested in advertising on any of their screens please visit: www.elonexoutdoormedia.co.uk

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Theatre

“ Representing Real Voices, Real People” New Diorama Feedback

Banging The Drum presents

Real Talk Sessions Sat 31 Jan / 7pm Tickets: £8 MOTD Graft Entertainment and The NU:BI Hub come together to bring you Banging The Drum: Real Talk Sessions. A no limit event giving you the opportunity to have your voice and opinions heard. This all-star Birmingham panel are challenged with taboo topics to open your mind and confront social barriers with a hint of music and a dash of comedy.

t #BanginDrum Two

tickets for

£14

Two

Salty Water & Us

Two’s Company and The Drum presents

£10

Sun 23 Mar / 7:30pm

Different Is Dangerous

Tickets: £8 (£6)

Thu 16 Apr / Matinee 2pm, Evening 7:30pm

Salty Water and Us is a play about the Lascar stories of Bangladeshi immigrants who had an aspiration of returning home but never happened. Soidulla who came from Sylhet to Hooghly Port was recruited with other sailors to work on a ship bound for England. Soidulla’s jouney began differently from other sailors; in search of a person called Lindsay. Why was Soidulla looking for Lindsay so desperately? What made Soidulla’s feelings of revenge change when he eventually found the man he was looking for? This story of Lascar dreams, struggles, contributions and journeys are part of the shared British heritage to be celebrated. The story aims to critically analyse the recent “go back home” campaign from a different point of view. Written by Two Murad Khan tickets for Directed by Filiz Ozcan

£14

tickets for

Tickets: £6 (£5) Suitable for audiences 12+ Using a combination of performances derived from audio recordings and fictional monologues Different is Dangerous gives a unique insight into the idiosyncratic life of the Asian community living in Leeds. This is a devised piece performed by its creators from Two’s Company; Nyla Levy and Fadia Qaraman. Two’s Company were interested in exploring the melting pot of Leeds, which seemed on the outside to be incapable of mixing. Their mission was to find out who this community was really made up of. The audience will laugh out loud, fight back tears and clench their fists in anger, as you encounter the array of characters from Leeds City centre in this upfront and personal piece. Different is Dangerous takes you on a tour of the human condition; giving unrestricted access to humanity at its most revealing. Written, Performed and Directed by Nyla Levy and Fadia Qaraman

Two

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

£14

Two

My Father and Other Super Heroes Thu 23 Apr / Matinee 2pm, Evening 7:30pm Tickets: £8 (£6) My Father and Other Super Heroes is a one-man show that follows Nick’s journey dealing with subjects of fatherhood, loss, heroes and hope - from being smuggled out of his home country of Uganda at a young age - to learn what it takes to truly become a hero and a father. Spending most of his life without a father figure, Nick realised that Superman, Luke Skywalker and Spider Man (among others) had filled that role as he grew up, inadvertently providing the blueprints of how to be a good father. With such impossible shoes to fill, and a distinct lack of special powers, the play follows Nick’s journey to discover what it takes for a man to become a hero, and ultimately the conclusion that a hero can be just a man. My Father and Other Super Heroes is a innovatively fusing story-telling, physical theatre and contemporary spoken word in a powerful one hour performance.

“My Father and Other Super Heroes is a moving and powerful story … I think it’s a vivid, funny and painfully honest feat of memory and autobiography.” Charles Beckett, Arts Council England Directed by Benji Reid

Romeo & Juliet Tue 15 - Sat 19 Sep 12:30pm, 3pm & 7:30pm

tickets for

£14

Theatre

tickets for

Tickets: £7 (£5) Townsend Productions and The Drum in association with Birmingham Trades Council presents

United We Stand Thu 14 May / 7pm Tickets: £8 (£6) United We Stand tells the story behind the 1972 Builders’ Strike, a true story of one of the most turbulent industrial battles with popular and political songs arranged by renowned folk musician John Kirkpatrick. The events surrounding the strike are still making headlines to this day, and forty two years on, the high-profile Shrewsbury 24 Campaign, led by picket turned actor, Ricky Tomlinson (The Royle Family), is still seeking to overturn the unjust prosecution of the convicted building workers. Townsend Productions’ entertaining theatrical style creates a production in a way that is both compelling and thoughtprovoking.

Set amidst the urban sprawl of the West Midlands, Belvedere Pashun’s adaptation weaves together the passion of football rivalry and the poetry of the bard to bring to you an epic evening that will leave you of the edge of your seat. This amazing revision explores themes of love, hate and footie. A must for all of the family and anyone who loves their home colours! Script adaptation by Belvedere Pashun Directed by Hannah Phillips

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tickets for

£12

Tue 15, Wed 16, Thu 17 & Fri 18 Sept 12:30pm Schools Matinee Thurs 17 Sep 7:30pm Press Launch Night Sat 19 Sep / 3pm and 7:30pm ee diary pages 16 – 17 S or our website for exact time and dates

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 10

Comedy A Valentines Evening with Dibbi & Friends Fri 13 Feb, 7:30pm Tickets: £14 (£12) Valentines is here so come and join us for a fun filled evening with your favourite Bajan Beauty Dibbi. Come and experience her very special blend of humour, with live comedy, fun and games, as well as, a special Valentines musical treat… Performing live will be X Factor 2006 finalist Shylo Soulstar (also known as, Robert Allen), fresh from supporting the legend George Benson. A special scrumptious Valentines menu will be available for all to enjoy, along with many The Gman seductive drinks offers available on selected wines. The first 25 people to book will enjoy a glass of bubbly courtesy of us. If that wasn’t enough, to end the Night the only way we know how, join The Gman in The Frontiers Bar for late night music and drinks.

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£25

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tickets for

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Shylo Soulstar

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www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

A brand new comedy season hosted by comedian turned Teletubbie John Simmit Tickets: £13.50 (£11.50), £16.50 OTD Food will be available on the night. Suitable for audiences 18+

JOHN SIMMIT

Comedy

Upfront Comedy presents

Leo Muhammad

Leo Muhammad & Friends Fri 6 Feb / 7pm Upfront Comedy kicks off with a UK comedy icon and Real McCoy star Leo Muhammad, he is guaranteed to show you a master class in non-stop laughter and edutainment, with his unique mix of reflections, silly observations and dark political humour. He will be joined by Melanie Gayle, the comedienne who came from nowhere in 2014 quickly being touted to go – very – far, making her debut The Drum, along with another fresh face, worldly east Londoner Mr Blair.

Ninia Benjamin

Outrageous Uncut Fri 6 Mar / 7pm Def Comedy Jam star Mike Yard flies in especially from New York for one of only two UK gigs! Sharing the stage will be the outrageous Three NonBlondes star Ninia Benjamin, back a year after taking the roof off with her over the knuckle humour. Fast rising BBC comedy star Aurie Styla completes this heavyweight line up … defiantly a night not to be missed!

Slim

April Fools… & Other Jokes Fri 3 April / 7pm A headline set from people’s champion Slim, the joke telling former Brixton bus driver is the one of the UK’s funniest men. He will be accompanied by one of Canada’s funniest women Dana Michelle Alexander, also featuring Rem Conway, the newest Brummie hope to throw his hat into comedy circuit ring.

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 12

Literature & Spoken Word Apples and Snakes and The Drum presents

The Architects of Our Republic Sat 24 Jan / 7:30pm Tickets: TBC

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s speech

“I have a Dream”

The Architects of Our Republic is a collision of words, music and film in honour of one of the greatest moments in modern history, featuring spoken word artists and musicians Dizreali and Cate Ferris, Deborah Stevenson and local artists Sipho Eric Dube and Nafeesa Hamid. Poetry films featuring poems by AJ McKenna, Conrad Kira, Vanessa Kisuule, Rik Sykes and Deborah Stevenson will also be screened. More info visit www.renaissanceone.co.uk www.applesandsnakes.org

West Midlands Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and The Drum presents

Book launch with writer Mushier El-Farra My Gaza: When the Sky Rained White Fire Sun 1 Feb / 3pm

BOTH

Book Launches

£5

Tickets: £3 (£2) On the Sat 27 Dec 2008, Israel launched an attack on the Gaza strip. As a result, more than 1,400 Palestinians were killed and over 5,400 injured; thousands of houses were destroyed with serious damages to many buildings including hospitals, schools and mosques. El Farra’s book details the horrific stories of seventeen Palestinian families who have lost loved ones during Operation Cast Lead and its devastating impact. This is their cry not for revenge but for justice. “This is a moving and careful account of the effects of the Israeli treatment of the people of Gaza. It is a human story, told with deep integrity by a son of Gaza. It is a story that cries out for justice. All who think there is a case to defend Israeli actions should read it” Clare Short Musheir El-Farra is a Political, Human Rights activist, Public Speaker and the Chair of Sheffield Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Britain who has worked for justice in Palestine, and often contributes articles to Arabic and English News Papers.

Nubian Readers’ Book Club BOTH

Book Launches

£5

Last Friday of the month / 7:30pm Tickets: £2 If you’re a fan of books written by African, African-Caribbean and African-American authors then join the Nubian Readers’ Book Club. The lively group meets on the last Friday of every month.

Book List:

Thu 12 Mar / 7pm

Jan Embassy of Cambodia by Zadie Smith

Tickets: £3 (£2)

Feb Hounding of David Oluwale by Kester Aspe

My American Odyssey: From Windrush to the Whitehouse charts the life of a Black British boy, growing up in 1980s England, and travelling around America, sharing the cultural, historical and, at times emotional, links and contrasts between the two countries. In the book, Roger Griffith (also known as the G-Man) reflects on the experiences of the first generation of Black-Britons born in the UK. Growing up within two cultures, through Thatcher’s turbulent 1980s to the present day - with a black man as the US president – Roger explores the influence of Black-British and African-American culture in education, religion, music, sport and now politics. In sharing his story, an evocative combination of travelogue, history, and social commentary, Roger celebrates the lives of African-Americans, West Indians and Black Britons, from their roots of origin to the present day, as a new era of hope is not just dawning but continues to rise. For further information please contact Ian Sergeant Arts Development and Outreach Manger via email on i.sergeant@the-drum.org.uk or call 0121 333 2418

Mar Who asked you? by Terry McMillan Apr Rose Gold by Walter Mosley

ee our diary pages or S website for a full list of dates, as these maybe subject to change

Literature & Spoken Word

Book launch with Writer and Broadcaster Roger Griffith My American Odyssey: From The Windrush to The Whitehouse

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 14

Film

Casablanca Calling Sun 8 Mar / 2pm Tickets: £4 (£3)

Breaking news! The Drum is pleased to announce the launch of

A quiet revolution is happening in mosques, schools, and prisons across rural and urban Morocco. Since 2006, approximately four hundred women have started to work as Muslim leaders or Morchidats for the first time. Their mission is simple: to liberate women by sharing the true teaching of Islam, freed from misogynist interpretations. Powerful images of large groups of young women listening to a Morchidat leading a session about self-worth, chants at a demonstration in the streets and solidarity songs sung in the country evoke a breath of optimism. The women’s liberation movement has a long way to go, but change is on the horizon, and the newly appointed female Morchidats are leading the way. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. Running Time 70 mins

a yearlong programme of film, engagement and special events. This programme is supported by the British Institute and Film Hub Audience Development Network… So look out for the logo above and programme coming soon.

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

The Jamaican Book Liberator and Magdala Campaign

The Colony Screening and Live Score by Birmingham Jazz

Thu 19 Mar / 7pm Tickets: £4 (£3)

Tue 24 Mar / 7pm Tickets: £7 (£5) Filmed at a variety of locations in Birmingham in 1963, The Colony is remarkable for its time in giving a voice to working-class settlers from the Caribbean. This unique screening and live score performed by Birmingham Jazz will add a new dimension to what is already a compelling documentary. The film uses no narration or commentary, allowing its participants; including a railwayman from St Kitts, a bus conductor from Jamaica, a family of singers from Trinidad and a nurse from Barbados to speak intelligently and articulately about their experiences of Britain. Cert PG Running Time 60 mins

Film

Movie double bill

The Drum and Birmingham Jazz in partnership with Flat Pack Film Festival presents

ALA GD MA THE

GN PA I CAM

The Jamaican Book Liberator is documentary from the ‘Lions mouth’; Ras Seymour Maclean, capturing his story and personal account. He was convicted and imprisoned for reclaiming over two thousand books on Ethiopian and African history from British institutions which was dramatised into a play in 1989 entitled The Book Liberator. The Magdala Campaign is the definitive account from Ras Seymour regarding the desecration, destruction and theft by British forces in 1868 of thousands of priceless religious icons, books, manuscripts, vestments and vessels with sacred significance by when they stormed the fortress city of Magdala in Ethiopia. Many of these documents ended up in various European countries including the UK, in locations such as Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle. Ras Seymour is famous for his tireless campaign for the return of these stolen treasures and has worked alongside Proffesser Richard Pankhurst in the organisation AFROMET. Both films are compiled by Rastafari the Majesty & the Movement committee Running Time for both films 45 mins

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

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Season Tickets 5 films for £14.50

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tickets for

4WardEver UK in collaboration with The Drum

£6

tickets for

4WardEver UK in collaboration with The Drum

£6

War Matters

Champion Sound

Thu 22 Jan / 7pm

Thu 5 Feb / 7pm

Tickets: £4 (£3)

This documentary chronicling ten years of anti-war resistance and protest in London, following the story of Brian Haw, a veteran peace campaigner who occupied Parliament Square from 2001 up to his death in 2011, and legal battle with the UK authorities. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Running Time 50 mins

Champion Sound is a unique insight into the history of the Reggae Sound System culture in the UK, with the Midland’s playing an often unsung, but vital role. With a classic dancehall soundtrack, the film features internationally renowned artists, contributions from musical giants Freddie MacGregor and Pete Waterman, through to the people of Coventry who made it happen. The screening will be followed by a question and answer session with director Fran Porter and guests.

Freddie or g MacGre

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

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£6

Film

tickets for

4WardEver UK in collaboration with The Drum

Who killed Colin Roach? Thu 7 May / 7pm

4WardEver UK in collaboration with The Drum

Love, Honour, Disobey, Southall Black Sisters

Tickets: £4 (£3)

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tickets for

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Thu 5 Mar / 7pm Tickets: £4 (£3) Love, Honour and Disobey tells the story of domestic violence in Britain’s black and ethnic minority communities through the eyes of Southall Black Sisters. The film interweaves powerful personal testimony, getting to the heart of the multicultural debate. The film investigates all forms of domestic violence and examines the role of immigration controls, culturally sensitive policing, religious fundamentalism and the attitudes of minority communities who endanger these women. This screening will be followed by question and answer session with Gita Sahgal and Marcia Lewinson. Running Time 58 mins

4WardEver UK in collaboration with The Drum

Where Do We Go From Here? Thu 2 Apr / 7pm Tickets: £4 (£3) Spoken word artist JaJa Soze will join us for the screening of Where do we go from here? and performing about the issues raised. This film explores the structural and direct violence which traps young black men in a cycle of self-genocide and misdirection. Born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, then growing up in Brixton, South London, JaJa has experienced how the destruction has broken up families, killed and imprisoned youths and is striving to build unity and change.

Isaac Julien’s short video sets the Roach Family’s personal tragedy in the context of the political campaign around Colin’s death, and builds the case for an independent inquiry from some powerful interviews, particularly with Mrs Roach – in which the broader analysis of law, police and state take shape. The film expresses the mood of the campaign at the street level and depicts black anger against the climate of oppression. Demonstrations have been choreographed to the militant beat of the Mad Professor’s dub score, and the unity of black politics and culture is vividly conveyed by the poets and musicians who perform at a benefit for the campaign. The screening will be followed by a question and answer session. Directed by Isaac Julien Two tickets Running Time 45 mins for

£6

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 18

Diary

More details p:ARTicipate scheme Booking Fees Apply

Christmas Deals available until Sun 18 Jan 2015 Season Ticket Available Advanced Booking required

Key Music Theatre Comedy Literature & Spoken Word Young People Dance Film Visual Arts Workshops Events January

February

West Indies to West Midlands: Photography Exhibition - Inès Elsa Dalal Until Thu 8 Jan / Free Admission

A34 Domino Club Fri 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Jan / 4pm Free Admission

YoungDrum Term Starts Sat 10 Jan - Thu 12 Feb

Kokou Ekouagou - 24 Act of Bravery Mon 12 Jan - Fri 20 Feb / Free Admission

Gaza: When the Sky Rained White Fire Sun 1 Feb / 3pm / £3 (£2)

Open Mic Night Tue 3 Feb / 7:30pm / Free Admission

Indian Percussion Classes 26 Tue 3, 10, 17 & 24 Feb / 7pm & 8pm / £5 Champion Sound Thu 5 Feb / 7pm / £4 (£3)

A34 Domino Club Fri 6, 13, 20 & 27 Feb 4pm / Free Admission

Leo Muhammad & Friends Fri 6 Feb / 7pm / £13.50 (£11.50)

11 26

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 13, 20 & 27 Jan 7pm & 8pm / £5

War Matters Thu 22 Jan / 7pm - £4 (£3)

Architects of Our Republic Sat 24 Jan / 7:30pm - tbc

Solidarity with West Africa Against Ebola: Birmingham Cultural Fundraiser Sat 7 Feb / 6pm / £5

NCCCS - Research Tue 27 Jan / 7pm / Free Admission

Film Night Thu 12 Feb / 6pm - 8pm

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 30 Jan / 7:30pm - £2

Banging The Drum Presents: Real Talk Sessions Sat 31 Jan / 7pm / £8 MOTD

A Valentines Evening with Dibbi & Friends Fri 13 Feb / 7:30pm £14 (£12) or £25 per pair The Birds’ Wedding Day - Connecting Communities Through Culture Sat 14 & Sun 15 Feb / time tbc

YoungDrum Half-term: Bugsy Malone Mon 16 - Fri 20 Feb

Rastafari: The Majesty 25 and the Movement Launch Mon 23 Feb / 6pm / Free Admission Mon 23 Feb - Mon 23 Mar / Free Admission

Outrageous Uncut Fri 6 Mar / 7pm £13.50 (£11.50)

Stars of Afro Beat Sat 7 Mar / 7:30pm / £7.50 (£5)

Casablanca Calling Sun 8 Mar / 2pm / £4 (£3)

Film Night Thu 12 Mar / 6pm - 8pm

21 13

NCCCS - Research Tue 24 Feb / 7pm / Free Admission

Bugsy Malone Wed 25 - Sat 28 Feb 2pm and 7pm / £3 (£2)

NCCCS - Symposium Tue 26 Feb / 7pm / Free Admission

My American Odyssey: From The Windrush to The Whitehouse Thu 12 Mar / 7:30pm / £3 (£2)

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 27 Feb / 7:30pm / £2

Legends of Legends 2015 Sat 14 Mar / 10pm / £22+MOTD

The Jamaican Book Liberator and Magdala Campaign Thu 19 Mar / 7pm / TBC

March YoungDrum Term Starts Mon 2 Mar - Thu 26 Mar

Open Mic Night Tue 3 Mar / 7:30pm / Free Admission

NCCCS - Symposium Thu 19 Mar / 7pm / Free Admission

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Mar 7pm & 8pm / £5

Reflection of Silence: Flavours Of Iranian & Kurdish Music Fri 20 Mar / 7pm / £9 (£7)

First Annual Malcolm X Film Festival Sun 22 Mar / 1pm / £5 (£3)

Love, Honour, Disobey, Southall Black Sisters Thu 5 Mar / 7pm / £4 (£3)

The Colony Screening and Live Score by Birmingham Jazz Tue 24 Mar / 7pm / £4 (£3)

A34 Domino Club 27 Fri 6 & Sun 8 Mar / 4pm / Free Admission

My Father and Other 9 Super Heroes Thu 23 Apr / Matinee 2pm, 7:30pm / £8 (£6)

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 27 Mar / 7:30pm / £2

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 24 Apr / 7:30pm / £2

Rang Barse - A Rain of Colour Sun 29 Mar / 4pm / £7

Drum Got Soul 6 Sat 25 Apr / 7:30pm / £18.50 (£16.50) MOTD

Salty Water & Us Sun 29 Mar / 7:30pm / £8(£6)

Manifest Sat 25 Apr / 7:30pm / £7.50 (£5)

NCCCS - Research Tue 31 Mar / 7pm / Free Admission

April

May Open Mic Night Tue 5 May / 7:30pm / Free Admission

Where Do We Go From Here? Thu 2 Apr / 7pm / £4 (£3)

Who killed Colin Roach? Thu 7 May / 7pm / £4 (£3)

April fools… & other jokes Fri 3 April / 7pm / £13.50 (£11.50)

Film Night Thu 14 May / 6pm / 8pm

United We Stand Thu 14 May / 7pm / £8 (£6)

The Saltley Stories 25 Launch Mon 6 Apr / 6pm / Free Admission Mon 6 Apr - Thu 7 May / Free Admission

NCCCS - Symposium 29 Thu 21 May / 7pm / Free AdmissionJune

Indian Percussion Classes Tue 7, 14, 21 & 28 Apr 7pm & 8pm / £5

Different Is Dangerous Thu 16 Apr / 2pm & 7:30pm / £6 (£5)

Botown: The Soul of Bollywood Sat 6 Jun / 7pm - £15

NCCCS - Symposium Thu 16 Apr / 7pm / Free Admission

Romeo & Juliet Tue 15 - Sat 19 Sep 12:30pm, 3pm and 7:30pm

ISSAS M T N’ ISTM until

DOUR CHRavailabl0e15 O ALs 8 Jan 2 DE un 1 S

We have lots of exciting offers and discounts at The Drum. We offer a concessionary rate on most performances; you can find this in brackets following our standard ticket price.

Concessionary rates These tickets are available to senior citizens, students, registered unemployed, registered disabled and under 18s.

Group Bookings Buy 10 tickets for any event and only pay for 9.

Reduced matinee tickets available for most schools’ performances.

p:ARTicipate 29

July NCCCS - Symposium Thu 16 Jul / 7pm - Free Admission

Discounts at The Drum

Schools

June

NCCCS - Symposium Thu 18 Jun / 7pm - Free Admission

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

Under p:ARTicipate scheme, Edgebaston residents can obtain reduced priced tickets, on selected events (see dairy for details). Terms and conditions apply, please contact our Box Office on 0121 333 2444 for more details.

Please note you may be asked for identification or proof of your circumstance, please call our Box Office prior to a performance to check discounts available.

Contact details: Box Office 0121 333 2444 Website www.the-drum.org.uk Address The Drum 144 Potters Lane, Aston Birmingham, B6 4UU

Discounts

Saranjit Birdi - Cogn, I 25 Launch Thu 26 Mar / 6pm / Free Admission Thu 26 Mar - Wed 8 Apr / Free Admission

Please note that all tickets purchased via The Drum Box Office will only be sent Recorded Delivery costing £1.60 (not insured) or Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery at the cost of £6 (thus ensuring your tickets will arrive within twenty-four hours and will be covered against loss or damage). TheDrumBirmingham @The_Drum +thedrumbirmingham

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Young People Young Drum programme is open to children and young people aged from 7 – 25 years of age. For just £30 per term or pay as you go for only £3 per week, to book your tickets call the Box Office on 0121 333 2444. “It has been an awesome few months for Young Drum. From hosting weekly sessions and end of term sharing’s, to delivering Summer School activity for Perry Beeches Academies, taking part in Black History Month and Afrovibes and attending a week-long arts and heritage residential at Ingestre Hall in October half-term. Busy but brilliant times. So make sure you join us this Spring for more fun!” Ruth Richardson Head of Creative Learning Key dates for the diary  Term starts: Sat 10 Jan  Normal programme breaks for half-term on Thu 12 Feb  Half-term: Bugsy Malone Intensives from Mon 16 - Fri 20 Feb  Bugsy Malone production Sat 21 - Sat 28 Feb  Normal programme resumes Mon 2 Mar, finishing on Thu 26 Mar

#YoungDrum

Attract - Nurture - Progress “I just wanted to say a big thank you for partnering with us on the Future Talent ‘Filming Skills’ workshops. The sessions were a success and it was great that the Drum was able to host our events.” Usman Mullan, BBC Writers Room Development Co-ordinator

“Mom, can I please come back ALL day next Saturday?!” Young Drum participant

Spring 2015 Programme Music on Monday Nights Every Mon / 5pm until 6:30pm  Head to The Drum, every Monday night during term-time for music sessions from all genres and share your talents at monthly open mic nights.

Open Mic Nights First Tue of the month / 7:30pm This free event is held in the Pit at The Drum on first Tuesdays of every month. Doors open at 7pm for 7:30pm start. Come along as an audience member and / showcase your talents.

Spoken Word on Tuesday Nights Every Tue / 6pm until 7:30pm  Develop your storytelling, writing and spoken word on a Tuesday night. This is linked to open mic nights hosted by Outspoken Youth Theatre in association with Birmingham School of Acting. ee our diary pages or website for a full list of dates, S as these maybe subject to change - Upcoming dates: Tue 3rd Feb, Tue 3 Mar and Tue 5 May



Linked to monthly open mic night

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

(inc. Bugsy Malone) Every Sat of the month 12 noon – 4:30pm during term-time

Outspoken Outspoken is a performance company working with and for young people using performance as a tool to raise awareness, inform, educate, empower and act as a form of intervention and to instigate social change in Birmingham. The company is lead by Artistic Director, Hannah Phillips and made up of staff, graduates and students from the BA (Hons) Applied Performance (Community and Education) programme at the Birmingham School of Acting / Birmingham City University. “Our vision is to empower young people to be politically active in their City, using art as protest, making new, innovative work in Birmingham with social and political objectives.” – Outspoken Outspoken is now based at The Drum and we are both delighted by this new partnership. We run open mic nights at The Drum on the first Tuesday of the month during term time and we are planning an Outspoken Youth Theatre Festival at The Drum in May. So watch this space… Find out more at: www.outspokenperformance.co.uk @OutspokenBSA

Every term we involve well over sixty children and young people in Drama and Street Dance sessions. Take part in beginners and Advanced Drama and Dance Sessions and join our Bugsy Malone production which will be followed by creating a devised performance. If you have mad crazy dance skills you may like to audition for Dance Elite and showcase your talents across the city.

Saturday Schedule: 12 noon – 1pm Beginners Dance & Advanced Drama 1pm – 2pm Advanced Dance & Beginners Drama 2pm – 2:30pm Break & Briefing 2:30pm – 4pm Dance Elite & Bugsy Malone Rehearsals Bugsy Malone Schedule: Feb half-term Mon 16 - Fri 20 Feb / 11am - 4pm Intensive rehearsals Sat 21 Feb (get-in) to Sun 1 Mar (get-out) Bugsy Malone Production Week

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Young People

Drama & Dance Sessions

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THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Young People Bugsy Malone Wed 25, Thu 26 and Fri 27 Feb / 7pm Matinee: Sat 28 Feb / 2pm & 7pm Tickets: £3 (£2) Join Young Drum for our production of Bugsy Malone by Alan Parker. With our 40 strong cast of young people and be entertained by this classic whilst being served drinks and canapes by the Young Drum artistic team. What’s not to love? So book your tickets now by calling our Box Office on 0121 333 2444.

“ A world of would-be gangsters, showgirls and dreamers... except there are no adults in the cast, only children...”

Arts Award Drop in sessions The Drum is committed to offering young people the chance to achieve an accreditation by working with us and offering a drop-in Arts Award session one hour before Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday activity take place. This is free and open to all aged between 7-25 years of age and enables participants to work towards a formal accreditation.

“ We hope you like how the term is shaping up. For more info or to book any of these exciting opportunities just call our Box Office: 0121 333 2444.” Ruth Richardson

Alan Parker

TEN

This spring we are launching a TEN, aimed at 16-25years of age. This is a youth-led programme allows emerging artists to develop their own work to be produced and shared at The Drum.

Heritage Ambassadors Programme We are proud to be partnering with Birmingham Museum Trust, Arts Connect WM, Marches Network and Work in Progress to take part in a Mystery Tour Programme providing visits for young people and families to various heritage sites across the Birmingham and West Midlands. For more information including how to apply to be part of these new programmes, please contact: Ruth Richardson, Head of Creative Learning via email r.richardson@the-drum.org.uk or by calling 0121 333 2431

Get regular updates:

T! R E AL Work… New

Young Drum/younggiftedbrumatthedrum @GiftedBrum

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 24

Visual Arts

Kokou Ekouagou Act of Bravery Mon 12 Jan - Fri 20 Feb Tickets: Free Admission

Commissioned by Why Are West Indians Project (WAWI)

Photographic Exhibition

West Indies to West Midlands: Inès Elsa Dalal Until – Thu 8 Jan 2015 Tickets: Free Admission To commemorate the centenary of the First World War and coinciding with The Drum’s Commonwealth World War One Programme. We are pleased to host a photographic exhibition by rising Birmingham based documentary photographer Inès Elsa Dalal. This exhibition is the public launch of an ambitious four year project which will result in creating a contemporary photographic archive documenting the contribution of West Indian service personal.

To commemorate the centenary of the First World War this exhibition features paintings by Togolese artist Kokou Ekouagou. This exhibition is especially poignant as Kokou was born in Lome, Togo, where the first shot fired by British troops in World War One is commonly attributed to Sergeant-Major Alhaji Grunshi of the Gold Coast Regiment on Wed 12 Aug 1914.

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

Launch Mon 23 Feb / 6pm Mon 23 Feb - Mon 23 Mar

The Saltley Stories

Launch Thu 26 Mar / 6pm

Launch Mon 6 Apr / 6pm

Thu 26 Mar – Wed 8 Apr

Mon 6 Apr – Thu 7 May

Tickets: Free Admission

Using drawing, dance and digital media, this multimedia work investigates cognition and habitat. The exhibition will feature drawing, video work and a live participatory, performance event. Cogn, I evolved as two-legged creatures, humans move over ground and through architectural habitats. Might our biped aesthetic sense and understanding differ from that of animals, or plants rooted to the earth?

The Saltley Stories project brings together the past and the present of the places and people of Saltley and the adjoining district of Alum Rock, providing an exclusively rich resource for disrupting conventional representations of the area. The exhibition will be brought to life through a unique combination of photographs portrayed alongside oral histories of local residents, previous, current, young and old, from many walks of life and backgrounds, all assessable via The Drum and online at www.saltleystories.org.uk For more information please email Nayer Khan on Nayer_khan@nortonhall.org.uk

Visual Arts

Rastafari: The Majesty and the Movement

Saranjit Birdi Cogn, I

Tickets: Free Admission The Majesty and the Movement exhibition details the history of the ‘Majesty’ Haile Selassie I, famous Emperor of Ethiopia and the Black liberation ‘Movement’ that takes the Emperor’s crown prince title, Ras Tafari. It portrays the story of Haile Selassie I’s visits to the UK (including his four year exile at Fairfield House, Bath 1936-1940) and the emergence of the Rastafari movement throughout the country from the 1960s until recently.

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 26

Workshops Events

CAN YOU HELP?

Tue, Tabla and Dhol 8pm

Solidarity with West Africa Against Ebola: Birmingham Cultural Fundraiser

Tickets: £5

Sat 7 Feb / 6pm

Indian Percussion Classes

Learn Tabla and Dhol in a friendly relaxed environment with our Associated Artist Mendi Mohinder Singh. He is one of the UKs leading Indian percussionist and an experienced teacher and has a BA.MA in Indian drumming. If you’re a beginner, classes cover the sitting position and correctly placing of your hand on the instrument and fundamental sounds played on the Tabla and some basic folk and classical (taal’s) rhythms. Experienced players-musician of all ages and backgrounds looking to try something new these classes will enable you to learn the development of Indian rhythms from the North and South of Indian, you can transcribe the rudiments of Indian rhythm on your own respective percussion instruments.

Minimum Entry: £5

Ebola is one of the world’s most deadly diseases. The current epidemic in West Africa is the largest and longest Ebola outbreak in history and has killed more people than ever before. The epidemic is causing terror among communities, devastating the fragile healthcare systems and destroying the economies with Infections thought to be doubling every few weeks, with over 13,700 officially registered cases and 5,000 deaths by the end of October, however, the true figure is thought to be two to three times higher. The US Centre for Disease Control says that if nothing changes there could be 1.4 million cases by late January. Birmingham community organisations have come together to respond to the Ebola crisis and show solidarity with the people of West African. The Cultural Fundraising Benefit will feature local and national artists, musicians and invited speakers from diverse communities all performing for free. All money raised will be donated to charities that are working on the ground to help those that are affected by this unprecedented Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Please show your support by attending the event and donating to the charity appeal. Supported by: The Drum, Recognize Black Heritage & Culture, Inspiring A New Generation, Women2Gether and Newstyle Radio

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Feb / Time TBC St Augustine’s Church, Lyttelton Rd Edgbaston, B16 9JN Tickets: Free Admission

A34 Domino Club Every Fri from Jan until Sun 8 Mar 4pm Tickets: Free Admission The Drum is pleased to announce that the A34 Domino Club kicks off the New Year with weekly sessions in our café. Bring your partner and join the throng for an evening of skill, music, food and entertainment. ith the addition of Sun 1 Mar - For full details W see our dairy pages

The Drum, Edgbaston Arts Contact Group, Cerebral Palsy Midlands (CPM - a day centre for people with disabilities in Harborne) and The Parish Church of St Augustine are all coming together to create The Bird’s Wedding Day. This two day event of free arts activities will take place in St Augustine’s Church to celebrate the inclusive thinking and actions of Rosslyn Bruce, vicar at the church during the Edwardian era. Participants in this event will be people with disabilities from CPM, parishioners and local people from St Augustine’s, as well as, visitors from further afield. All will be invited to take part, with full guidance and assistance provided on the day by experienced visual and performance artists. Funded by Birmingham City Council through its city-wide Connecting Communities through Culture scheme.

The Drum and the Malcolm X Movement presents

First Annual Malcolm X Film Festival

Events

The Birds’ Wedding Day Connecting Communities Through Culture

Sun 22 Mar / 1pm - 9pm Tickets: £5 (£3) The First Annual Malcolm X Film Festival at The Drum this spring. The Malcolm X Movement will be launching in the summer at a weekend festival in London, as well as being part of a touring programme throughout the country. However, in addition to that and in honour of Malcolm X and fifty years since his martyrdom, the festival will be holding three sessions to explore his work and legacy: 1. Malcolm X and the Civil Rights and Black Power movement 2. Malcolm X and the Global struggle 3. Malcolm X’s legacy Confirmed speakers on the day will be Sara Myers, Minkah Odofo (UFFC), Ken Fero (Injustice filmmaker), and Saqib Deshmukh (Habib Ullah Campaign).

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 28

Arts Development / Outreach The Drum’s Arts Development and Outreach programme has gone from strength to strength, featuring a range of arts and cultural events, attracting diverse participants and audiences, whilst forging partnerships with a number of community and voluntary organisations. This has been demonstrated through the successful delivery of events such as Flat Out, Bashment Housewives, Artsmile, A34 Festive Domino and Music Night and New Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies. For further information please contact Ian Sergeant – Arts Development and Outreach Manger via email on i.sergeant@the-drum.org.uk or call 0121 333 2418

Arts Champions Art Commisions Edgbaston District Jan to 31 Mar 2015 Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne & Quinton We wish to inspire more artists and organisations to work with us to engage the local community to enjoy arts and cultural events, either as participants or audience members, both here at The Drum and across the community. As the Arts Champions of Edgbaston (Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne and Quinton) The Drum and Edgbaston Arts Forum are inviting artists, voluntary and community organisations the opportunity to submit proposals (the budget must be no more than £300, which includes artist fees, materials and other costs) to deliver projects during our spring season from now until April. Your activity should reflect the Arts Champions scheme priorities – activities:  Reach existing and/or new groups in the District to develop participation and increase engagement  Respond and add value to the research undertaken by Local Arts Forum  Provide opportunities for artist development and volunteering  Provide opportunities for local people to influence the programme  Address district priorities  Participate in key events and anniversaries  Offer professional development for young and emerging artists aged 19 - 25 years of age from the District.

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

New Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (NCCCS) Symposium Various dates / 7pm Tickets: Free Admission The NCCCS at The Drum aims to create an open and inclusive space for debate, discussion and political engagement within and between the various communities of Birmingham. It embraces the ethos of Stuart Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directorship of the original Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies at the University of Birmingham and seeks to analyse the problems facing Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communities through forging a working relationship with those very citizens. The Drum, with its strong commitment to intercultural arts and learning, provides an ideal base for the New Centre. Through this collaboration between informed and engaged citizens we would hope to rediscover and renew the ethos of Stuart Hall and forge a new forum for academic and political collaboration that makes a positive difference to our city. For more information visit: ncccs.wordpress.com or email newcentreatthedrum@gmail.com

Research

Last Tuesday of the month from Sep until Mar 2015 Tickets: Free Admission See our diary pages or website for a full list of dates, as these maybe subject to change. For a full list of dates visit: ncccs.wordpress.com/events/#research

NCCCS are pleased to introduce monthly workshops to support community-based research into questions that matter to Birmingham people. Open to all, including:

Anyone interested in learning about or doing social research in Birmingham

Groups or organisations who would like

support with investigating a local research question

Students who want to do research relevant to local communities

The sessions will be facilitated by experienced social researchers, with participants encouraged to share knowledge and skills and learn from one another. Each workshop will be based on a specific topic or research technique.

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE 30

Raise the Roof! For the last twenty years, The Drum Arts Centre in Aston has worked to provide arts and cultural opportunities for Birmingham’s diverse communities, programming a wide variety of events and activities from Live Music, Theatre and Comedy to Dance, Film and Visual Arts. Combined with their highly successful Young Gifted Brum development programme for children and young people, and numerous community outreach projects, The Drum is the UK’s Premier Intercultural Arts Centre.

Established in the early 1990s to address the absence of Black and Minority Ethnic voices, presence and opportunities in mainstream arts and culture, The Drum has evolved into a flourishing and responsive modern arts organisation serving the needs of diverse audiences and communities locally, regionally and nationally. Thanks to the support of Birmingham City Council and Arts Council England, the dedication of their staff and trustees, and the enthusiasm of their committed audiences, The Drum is one of Birmingham’s crown jewels

in the midst of a deprived area experiencing challenging economic and social hardships. With its status as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation secured for another three years, The Drum is taking bold steps to develop even further into a world-class venue with state-of-the-art facilities and features. Raising The Roof is an ambitious multi-million pound project to fundamentally redesign and upgrade the building, including “Raising The Roof” of the main Auditorium to increase capacity and programme bigger and better productions, artists and events; renewing and refurbishing all spaces and equipment to improve audience experience; and upgrading all services and facilities for young people working in Digital Arts, Dance, Drama and Music, in addition to improved audio visual equipment, and spectacular new live performance hospitality spaces.

For two decades The Drum has been a focus for the passion and spirit of Birmingham’s diverse communities, and now our users have outgrown our facilities. I am proud to be leading the Raising The Roof project – we have a long way to go, but are determined to achieve our objective, ensuring audiences and communities who are underrepresented in mainstream venues have a state-of-the-art space they can feel proud to attend, send their children to, and recommend to their friends. The space will attract the very best in performing arts, and offer opportunities for entrepeneurs, artists and communities to develop their businesses, nurture their talent, and celebrate culturally.” Charles Small CEO of The Drum

Cultural and community leaders and politicians have endorsed the project, and with pioneering jazz player and musical ambassador Courtney Pine CBE, and Birmingham-born international poetry sensation Dr Benjamin Zephaniah as Patrons, The Drum will continue to programme fantastic events, from supporting local performers to hosting international superstars.

2014 has been a very busy year, with huge events drawing crowds of thousands - from celebrating Community Spirit with the people of Perry Barr, Aston, Newtown and Lozells at the A34 Festival, and welcoming international reggae superstars Steel Pulse and Apache Indian to the annual Simmer Down Festival in Handsworth Park, to hosting some of South Africa’s greatest performers at Afrovibes Festival and the critically acclaimed Black History Month: Black Blood Runs Red launch event and our one-of-a-kind Christmas Panto!

Want help the Drum Raise the Roof? Please turnover

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

Here is my regular commitment to make a difference and help unlock additional funding: Standing Order Mandate: I would like to make the following gift(s) every month to The Drum: £8

£16

£24

Starting on (insert date)

£32 /

I’d like to make a one-off donation. Here is my gift of £ to The Drum. (Please send cheques payable to The Drum) Please debit £ Visa

and continuing until I give written notice. (The Drum will write to you after 24 months to ask if you would like to stop your standing order)

Card number

or replaces any existing standing order This is in addition to in favour of The Drum. (Please tick the appropriate circle box above)

CSV number

Signature Date Please insert your direct debit details below Name of account holder Sort code Account No To: The Manager

From my credit/debit card: Mastercard

Delta

Switch

Expiry Date

Issue number (Switch only) Signature Date Gift Aid declaration: Tick here to add an extra 25p to every £1 you give. Yes, I am a UK taxpayer and I want The Drum to claim back the tax on my donations. I understand that I must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax that all charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.

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(Please insert your direct debit details below) Full name

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The Drum: Account Name: The Newtown Cultural Project Ltd Sort Code: 40-11-18 / Account Number: 92672731 / Ref: RTR

Tel / Mobile

We will use this address to keep you updated on our progress with Raising the Roof, but will not share your address with anyone else.

Raise the Roof!

Yes, I want to help the Drum Raise the Roof!

Email Return this form to: The Drum, FREEPOST BM7084, Birmingham, B6 4BR

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE

Partners

Special thanks also goes to:

We have developed excellent and successful partnerships over the years to deliver a range of eclectic performing and digital arts programmes and plan to continue and develop this tradition. We are proud to count the following organisations and individuals as our partners:

get noticed!

Are you looking to raise your business profile and broaden your customer base? sampad provides quality South Asian arts events – dance, music, theatre and more – in big venues across Birmingham and the West Midlands. By sponsoring sampad, you can promote your company to our audiences, reach thousands of local people and gain positive PR and press coverage. There are several options available...

Bronze £450 Sponsor an event logo on 2000 flyers, distributed at sampad events, the venue, and in local Asian communities u logo on sampad website u logo on e-flyer (sent to 1500 people) u banner stand and company literature displayed in venue reception at event u company information and logo u

Board Members: Sharon Palmer MBE (Chair) Dr Rita McLean (Vice Chair) Andrew Donaldson Cindy Wedderburn Councillor Paulette Hamilton Harminder Kailey Joel Graham- Blake Khembe Clarke Leslie Fairclough Margaret Wellington Prof Mick Durman Shaun Cope Sukhi Saini Prof Upkar S Pardesi OBE Interested in becoming a partner or advertising with The Drum? Call us now on

0121 333 2444

Drum Spaces Looking for a creative, fresh, exciting venue to hold your event?

www.the-drum.org.uk | 0121 333 2444

ve a S 0%hire in 4 2n roomber 2200115 o em ry c De anua &J

The Drum prides itself on being a creative hub that likes to think outside the ordinary. Whether it is a small meeting room, a centrally located trade show or a major conference attracting national and international delegates, The Drum can cater for all your needs. With a fully licensed bar and Caribbean infused menu served daily in our vibrant cafĂŠ we will make your event extra special. We have a dedicated team with vast experience to ensure the success of your event. We work with our clients from conception to completion, to budget and with expertise in Event Management, Technical and Catering. Situated in the heart of the West Midlands, The Drum provides a City Centre venue, but not at city prices. Located 10 minutes from Birmingham City Centre and with great public transport links and free onsite parking facilities.

For further information or a free tour please contact Qudeer Ashad, Head of Commercial Enterprise on 0121 333 2412 or email Q.Arshad@the-drum.org.uk B ook an event, meeting or party at The Drum during December or January and receive 20% off your booking, just quote DCXMAS14 to take advantage of this offer T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apply (This offer applies to room hire costs only. One offer per booker. Available until 31 Jan 2015. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.)

THE UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE www.the-drum.org.uk 0121 333 2444 38

The information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press. It maybe subject to change, please contact us to check performance details. The Drum is a non-smoking venue.