Summer Brochure 2013

SUMMER 2013 Music Theatre Comedy Dance Literature & Spoken Word Film Visual Arts Events Workshops Young People THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE www.the-drum.org.uk 0121 333 2444

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THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Welcome The Drum is the UK’s premier Black-led arts centre dedicated to the development, presentation and celebration of African, Asian and Caribbean arts and cultural activities for the benefit of all.

We are delighted to bring you The Drum’s special Summer Season 2013, in a brochure whose publication coincides with the completion of an extensive process of repairs and refurbishment across our performance and social spaces, and the launch of our new look, customer-friendly website.

Summer is a time to get outside and celebrate the sunshine (the little we see of it in England!) and we take this as an invitation to reclaim our streets and parks with large-scale multicultural arts festivals such as Simmer Down (Handsworth Park) and the A34 Festival (Phillips St Park). Drop us a line if you want to get involved in such projects – we need artists, volunteers and stallholders.

In our touring programme, the season opens with the major Legend of Legends Lovers’ Rock showcase, while Jazz legend Courtney Pine returns to showcase his new album in April. Old favourites such as Curtis Walker and Slim, Ricky Rowe and Tony Hendricks bridge the genres of theatre and comedy, as do younger companies like the hilarious G.R.A.F.T. Entertainment, who will build on the success of Uncle Ben with a hilarious sequel in May, Uncle Ben: The Wedding. We are also delighted to welcome, for the first time at The Drum, the pioneers of British Jamaican theatre, the Blue Mountain Theatre Company, with their portrait of the troubled family life of Sissy Tancock. British Asian theatre is also represented, with Shivam Theatre’s hilarious touring show Lottery Lottery! performed in a fusion of Gujarati and English, among other productions.

Meanwhile our car park gets a graffiti style makeover from Sabrina Sweeney and her Starbucks volunteers; we tour Deci4life and Moqapi Selassie’s in-house production The Spiral to Manchester and Nottingham; we premier One Mile Away, Penny Woolcock’s redemptive follow-up to the seminal local film 1 Day; we join Sampad in celebrating 100 Years of Indian Cinema with an exhibition of classic film posters; and showcase the work of local Jazz, Funk, Reggae, Sufi and Hip Hop musicians. I could go on, but you already know where this is leading – get yourselves down to The Drum and join us in celebrating the creativity and the diversity of the city of Birmingham.

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Location Music Theatre Comedy Literature & Spoken Word Diary Film Visual Arts Events Young People News Drum Spaces Partners Friends of The Drum

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Mukhtar Dar Director of Arts and Marketing

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www.the-drum.org.uk

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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. Please contact Box Office if you need further directions.

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By bus From the City Centre take the number 33 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.

Location

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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 onsite Disabled spaces are also available

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Last Friday of the month, 10pm^ Tickets: £10* The Drum’s heavyweight residents Luv Injection are lining up some of the most pioneering and legendary sounds from across the UK and internationally for the summer season.

Legends of Legends 2013 Sat 16 Mar, 10pm Tickets: £15 + Booking Fee* - MOTD Food available till late The Drum with Gatecrash Promotion present the Annual UK Legends of Legends, bringing you a spectacular line up of legendary UK Lovers Rock artists. Live PAs include, Peter Spence, Don Campbell, Kofi, Dennis Bovell, Mike Antony, Ossie Gad, Michael Gordon, Paulette Tajah, Peter Hunnigale, Klearview Harmonix, Paul Dawkins and Winston Reedy.

Image ©Alexis Maryon

THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Music

45 Shop Lock: Sound System Fridays

These include Empire Sound, King Tubbys, Sufferer Sound, Saxon, Coxsone, Infinity, Stereo Phonic, Kebra Negus, Burn Down Sound from Japan and more. All sounds will enter the arena with their guest vocalists, selectors and play on their own systems; expect a mix of Reggae styles and an ear-popping bass sound.

Age Restriction 18+ ^ See our diary pages or website for a full list of dates * Prices may be subject to change, please check the website for details

Black Symbol Fri 19 Apr, 10pm Tickets: £7 - £10 OTD Black Symbol was founded by the lead singer Fatman, who grew up in the Jamaican parish of St Ann and moved to England in the 1970s, working with artists such as Burning Spear, Steel Pulse and the Mighty Diamonds. Black Symbol’s heavyweight road march sound combined with spiritually nourishing vocals and a tight horn section, guarantee that this special concert will be a feast of sweet Reggae sounds.

Add to this an array of DJs from Birmingham and Manchester including Mr Romantic, Gatecrash, Rakin, G6T9 and Mikey Bups and then put in place a mega booming Fatal Attraction Sound System and you have the makings of an unforgettable night.

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*No booking fee on tickets purchased through The Drum Box Office

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Courtney Pine - Album Launch: House Of Legends Sat 27 Apr, 7:30pm Tickets: £15 Food will be available before the show The ground breaking, multi-instrumentalist Jazz musician Courtney Pine will be live for one night only, debuting material from his latest studio album, House of Legends.

Deeply steeped in the traditions of the Caribbean, this fifteenth album from the award-winning Jazz instrumentalist sees Courtney Pine on top form, bringing together musicians from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe for vibrant exchanges that tell tales of life from a truly multi-cultural viewpoint. Expect an exhilarating mix of Merengue, Ska, Mento and Calypso.

Line-up: Robert Fordjour: Drums / Dube Vidal Montgomery: Double Bass Cameron Pierre: Electric Guitar Samuel Dubois: Steel Pan Courtney Pine: Soprano Saxophone / Ewil

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0121 333 2444

BeBop 2 HipHop The Drum’s Youth Music project BeBop 2 HipHop has been an outstanding success, offering weekly keyboard sessions, Jazz workshops, vocal and guitar classes. These budding future musicians will performance a one-off curtain raiser for Courtney Pine.

Music

Image ©Alexis Maryon

www.the-drum.org.uk

The Redeemed Sat 4 May, 6:30pm Tickets: £7 (£3)

“Album of The Year 2012 - Unquestionably one of the most joyous albums Pine has ever made, it’s just brilliantly effective dance music.”

Jazzwise

The Drum in partnership with the Celebrating Sanctuary Festival presents The Redeemed, a consummate stage show of live music, dance and movement.

In full force, this movement of youthful energy boasts seventeen members, including singers, guitarists, dancers and drums. Based in Birmingham, the majority of The Redeemed hail from the Democratic Republic of Congo and their music reflects their heritage and a broad range of influences, including Rumba, Sebene, Zouk, Gospel and more.

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THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Music “We make music to keep your feet moving and your mind working.”

Yussef Ahmed

Yussef Ahmed Album Launch: Circles Fri 14 Jun, 9pm Tickets: £5 Yussef Ahmed, is described as a poet, musician and cultural activist who bridges the gap between the artforms, blending a wide range of spoken word and musical genres.

His verbal dexterity leaves you with a feeling of unity and happiness as his poems successfully dance from the page to the stage.

Infamous for building to a frantic crescendo, his band have vowed to induce sensations which mobilise all senses.

Circles will not disappoint, being an eloquent concoction of joy held together by the impressive funk credentials of his band.

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Line-up: Yussef Ahmed: Vocals Mel Jones: Guitar and Backing Vocals Vince Pryce: Keyboards and Backing Vocals

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Tony Jones: Drums Baz Corinaldi: Bass Shaz Akira: Backing Vocals Supported by DJ Zupa Inglese

MD7 and The UK Hip Hop Legends Tour HMV Institute One of the most influential Hip Hop collectives to Fri 28 Jun, 6pm Tickets: £20 - MOTD

come out of Birmingham, Moorish Delta 7 have assembled an impressive line-up of legendary UK Hip Hop artists as part of a national tour to launch their new album.

The tour kicks off in Birmingham, and the home concert at The Institute promises to be a key moment in the history of UK Hip Hop, incorporating a range of generational subcultures.

Artists that have been invited to take part include; Ja Soze, Rodney P and Skitz, Mike GLC and Mykal Million with many more to be announced in the coming weeks. The message is peace and positivity – brought to you by the very best emcees. Make sure you are there to witness the making of history!

Presented in association with The Drum.

Basil Gabbidon Album Launch: Reggae Child Sat 29 Jun, 10pm Tickets: £10 (£8) Following the success of Reggae Rockz, and three years in the making, Gabbidon’s latest album Reggae Child (Roadblock) is ready to blow your mind.

With a blend of Reggae, Rock and Soul, this album deals with real issues whilst having the cheekiness that makes their albums so relaxing, universal and fun to listen to.

Gabbidon will be performing live for the big album launch with a host of Birmingham’s finest musicians and vocalists. Music is supplied by an array of DJs to get you up on the dance floor. It’s going to be a night to remember with sweet Reggae music, food, drinks and laughter in the company of loved ones.

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www.the-drum.org.uk

Simmer Down Handsworth Park Sun 14 Jul, 12pm - 7:30pm Free Admission Every year it keeps getting bigger and better!

Now into its fourth year the open air music festival, Simmer Down, returns to the beautiful surroundings of Handsworth Park to celebrate Birmingham’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.

This year we are delighted to confirm special guests from Jamaica, veteran Lovers legend Cornell Campbell, the beautiful falsetto voice behind Queen of the Minstrels, Girl of my Dreams and numerous other big tunes. He will be joined by dancehall sensation Half Pint, known for Greetings I Bring from Jah and Ease up Mr Landlord. Both will be backed by London’s The Soothsayers, plus many more special guests to be announced.

In the words of Steel Pulse, it’s a “Handsworth Revo- Revo- Revolution!”

Don’t miss the best free party of the year.

Presented in partnership with Perry Barr Constituency Arts Forum.

0121 333 2444

Music

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Black Uhuru ft IQulah Rastafari plus guests Sat 24 Aug, 10pm Tickets: £18 - MOTD

The Drum are proud to present Black Uhuru, making their debut with an exciting concert consisting of Duckie Simpson, Andrew Bees and Kay Starr. They will be joined by stellar musicians featuring the Reggae Ambassador IQulah Rastafari.

The Grammy award winning Black Uhuru (Swahili for freedom), are described as “the most dynamic and progressive reggae act of the 1970s and early 80s” by Reggae: The Rough Guide.

Over the years they have maintained their high quality despite numerous personnel changes in their 40-plus-year history.

Even more artists will be added to this outstanding line-up in order to make it a spectacular roots and culture occasion, an uplifting spiritual vibration in the heart of the nation!

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THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Theatre SVG Productions presents

Life Begins …

Sat 20 Apr, 7:30pm Tickets: £12 (£10) They say life begins at 40, which is great if you’re happily married with 2.5 kids. What if you’re single and lonely? Is it the beginning? Or the beginning of the end?

Border Crossings presents

Consumed Mon 11 & Tue 12 Mar, 7:30pm Tickets: £10 (£8)

Amanda, Julie, Rob and Steven are about to find out. Emotions run high in this innovative, refreshing and entertaining play about the perils and joys of marriage, divorce, dating and children … all at age 40!

Written by Silvano Griffith-Francis Supported by the Single Adult Ministry

Sex, money and the world wide web …

A strange love story in a virtual world, powerful, witty and visually stunning, Consumed brings together technology and heartbreak in a story that is both personal and global, set in modern day Shanghai.

Border Crossings’ new tour reunites them with China’s leading contemporary theatre, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, following the critically acclaimed Re-Orientations.

“Impressive, bold in ambition and fluid …” The Guardian on Re-Orientations

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“A deeply felt, powerfully performed, beautifully staged production …” - Londonist on Re-Orientations

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www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

Theatre Yaadyboy Entertainment presents

Samson and De Liar Sat 11 May, 7:30pm Tickets: £12 (£10) Food will be available before the show A hilarious new comedy set in Jamaica, starring Tony Hendriks and Ricky Rowe, following the ups and downs of Samson and Ears Ring, two homeless men living on the rough Kingston streets.

One, a jack of all trades and con artist, the other a proud, honest man who will not forget his pride … even for a good dinner. Brought together by fate they are able to change each other’s lives for good.

Story created by Winston Bello Bell Written by Winston Bello Bell, Tony Hendriks and Ricky Rowe

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THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Theatre

Shivam Theatre presents

Lottery Lottery

Blue Mountain Theatre presents

The Secret Life of Sissy Tancock Sun 26 May, 7:30pm Tickets: £24 (£22) Food will be available before the show Sissy Tancock is at the crossroads of her life.

Years battling a controlling husband, a rebellious adopted daughter and a senile yet capricious mother in law have brought her to her knees - can she find peace in her saviour?

Sat 22 & Sun 23 Jun, 7:30pm Tickets: £15 (£10) If God were to visit you one day in your house and promised you’d win the lottery jackpot, but in return you would have to give up something, what would that be?

See the real colour of money in a healthy wealthy Gujlish comedy, a farcical satire packed with loads of music and dance, poking fun at materialistic aspirations!

Produced in association with The Seefr Project Presented in association with Gujarati Hindu Association Written by Kiran Purohit

This remarkable true story of a black woman’s courage in the face of relentless adversity is revealed through a stellar cast including Terri Salmon, Allison Mason and Wayne ‘Dibbi’ Rollins, and is not for the faint-hearted.

Age Restriction 18+

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After deciding to invite his family around for dinner Uncle Ben soon regrets his arrangements when things go down the pan.

www.the-drum.org.uk

Sat 18 May, 7:30pm Tickets: £7 (£5)*

Every family has their problems but no family can match this one.

Collet and Robert bring their relationship issues; Ben’s son Ryan brings a heap of problems and a funny smell with him and then Maggie is a problem in herself. Can Uncle Ben cope?

Suitable for audiences 14+

G.R.A.F.T PRESENTS

UNCLE BEN

Uncle Ben: The Wedding Thu 30, Fri 31 May & Sat 1 Jun, 7:30pm Tickets: £7 (£5)*

0121 333 2444

Theatre

R BACK BY POPULAG.R.A.F.T. Entertainment in partnership , D with The Drum presents N A M DE !

LY Uncle Ben FOR ONE NIGHT ON

written by Rem Conway

We all make mistakes, but has Collet just made the biggest mistake of her life? After her fiancé Robert managed to get himself hated by her entire family, is marrying him the right thing to do?

Robert isn’t sure how this wedding is going to pan out following his change in career, but what he knows for sure is that Uncle Ben and Bunta are not going to go easy on him.

With Robert’s mother Valerie at the wedding he finally has someone to stick up for him. The real question is; will this couple stay together?

Suitable for audiences 14+ Both written and directed by Rem Conway In the sweet words of Uncle Ben, “Mek mi tell yuh sutten… buy yuh tickets.”

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ffer * Ticket o t for e k c ti Book a Uncle Ben ff o and get £1 The : n e B Uncle Wedding

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THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Comedy

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Shazia Mirza Cuckooland!

Sat 30 Mar, 8pm Tickets: £12 (£10) Anyone can be anything, do anything and say anything. Who cares what anyone thinks you’re going to say it anyway! You have to be a bit deluded but some people are just living in Cuckooland!

“Shazia Mirza has won rave reviews for her frank and honest stand-up comedy routines about being a young Muslim woman in Britain.” - The Daily Telegraph “Her laconic one-liners represent something quite unique in modern comedy.” - The Guardian Guide Suitable for audiences 14+

Upfront Comedy presents Tickets: £12.50 (£10.50)* - £15 OTD** Suitable for audiences 18+

Frontiers Meal Offer See website for more details or phone our Box Office on 0121 333 2444 * Pre Booked Dinners + £5 (mixed meal +£7) ** Frontiers Meal Deal OTD Dinner + £7.50 (mixed meal + £9.50)

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0121 333 2444

Leo Muhammad One Man, Two Faces Fri 3 May, 7pm

Funny n Stilettos Fri 5 Apr, 7pm An international all female comedy special kicks off this year’s comedy season, featuring two of the USA’s funniest comediennes.

Chicago’s Vanessa Fraction star of US TV’s Def Comedy Jam headlines with the feisty wit that landed her a film debut in the hit Barbershop 2. She’s joined by ‘earth mother with attitude’ Queen Aishah, and host, London’s big sister Donna Spence. Sisters are doing it for everyone tonight, raucous belly laughs guaranteed.

Popular Real McCoy star, Leo Muhammad returns with his latest solo show with a difference! Featuring his trademark afrocentric political comedy observations and the contrast of an appearance from his most popular character from BBC 2’s hit show, the lovelorn Mr Frasier.

Comedy Summer Series Fri 7 Jun, 7pm

Fri 5 Jul, 7pm

Upfront presents Curtis Walker, introduced by John Simmit, plus motor mouth comedian Annette Fagon, daughter of Leicester’s only Jamaican newsagent, making an overdue return to get more therapy through stage time, whilst we laugh at her pain. With international guest dapper New Yorker, Sinck, from Comedy Central’s The World Stands Up.

The Summer Series grand finale opens with the return of people’s choice, Brixton bus driver comedian Slim, alongside New York’s dapper Kyle Grooms, one of the US TV’s Bad Boys of Comedy bringing some nerdy belly laughs. Irish Jamaican Grandma Josephine Lacey makes her Upfront debut. Hosted by Teletubbie turned comedian John Simmit.

Comedy

www.the-drum.org.uk

13 Photo © Tom Flathers

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THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Literature & Spoken Word

The Drum and Punch Records present:

The Spiral Fri 12 & Sat 13 Apr, 7:30pm Tickets: £7 (£5) Witness a life-changing meeting between Glitzy, an emerging grime artist played

by Deci4Life, funded to study on a six-month Community Arts Placement, and his newly appointed Development Mentor, the veteran dub poet and radical cultural activist Leroy ‘Steppin-Razor’ Ujima, played by Moqapi Selassie.

The contradictions in their relationship are dramatised through a startling, intense lyrical dialogue that challenges the assumptions of both. Against a soundscape of Reggae, Dubstep and Grime this inspiring play by two dynamic performance poets explores the intergenerational conflict that exists within our communities.

Suitable for audiences 14+ Based on a concept by Mukhtar Dar Directed by James Pogson Part of a national tour funded by Arts Council England

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Nubian Readers’ Book Club 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. ^ See our diary or website for a full list of dates

Inscribe Inscribe is a nationwide writer development project to increase opportunities for writers of colour, hosted

by Peepal Tree Press and managed by Kadija George and Dorothea Smartt.

Writers in the West Midlands have accessed development sessions at The Drum on publishing their poetry and writing fiction, and the programme continues into 2014.

For general enquiries, to join our mailing list or to request copies of the Inscribe brochure please email: info.inscribe@peepaltreepress.com

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0121 333 2444

Literature & Spoken Word

www.the-drum.org.uk

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THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Diary March

April

Mosa’ab Elshamy: Tahrir Wed 6 Mar - Sat 27 Apr - Free Admission

Keeping Memories: The Rwandan Community in the UK Mon 8 Apr - Wed 1 May - Free Admission

Adam Yosef: Protest Wed 6 Mar - Wed 3 Apr - Free Admission Consumed Mon 11 & Tue 12 Mar, 7:30pm £10 (£8) Legends of Legends 2013 Sat 16 Mar, 10pm £15 MOTD

One Mile Away Thu 4 Apr, 7:30pm - £3 Funny n Stilettos Fri 5 Apr, 7pm - £12.50 (£10.50) MOTD Grand Slam Car Park Mon 8 - Fri 12 April, 10am

Kush Film Boutique Fri 22 Mar, 6pm - Membership fees apply

The Spiral Fri 12 & Sat 13 Apr, 7:30pm - £7 (£5)

Mefil eh: Saif-ul-Malook Sun 24 Mar, 6:30pm - Free Admission

Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide of the Tutsis Sat 13 Apr, 3pm - Free Admission

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 29 Mar, 7:30pm - £2

Black Symbol Fri 19 Apr, 10pm (£7) MOTD

One Mile Away Fri 29 Mar, 7:30pm - £3

Life Begins …

Sat 20 Apr, 7:30pm - £12 (£10)

Shazia Mirza - Cuckooland!

Sat 30 Mar, 8pm - £12 (£10)

YGB workshops* Tue 16, Wed 17 & Sat 20 Apr

One Mile Away Sun 31 Mar, 7:30pm - £3

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 26 Apr, 7:30pm - £2 45 Shop Lock: Sound System Fridays Fri 26 Apr, 10pm - £10

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Courtney Pine - Album Launch: House Of Legends Sat 27 Apr, 7:30pm - £15

YGB workshops* Tue 30 Apr, Wed 1 & Sat 4 May

May Leo Muhammad – One Man, Two Faces Fri 3 May, 7pm - £12.50 (£10.50) MOTD The Redeemed Sat 4 May, 6:30pm - £7 (£3) Centenary of Indian Cinema: Poster Exhibition Wed 1 May - Sat 29 Jun - Free Admission YGB workshops* Tue 7, Wed 8 & Sat 11 May Banging The Drum Fri 10 May, 7:30pm - £5 Samson and De Liar Sat 11 May, 7:30pm - £12 (£10)

Uncle Ben: The Wedding Thu 30 & Fri 31 May, 7:30pm - £7 (£5) Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 31 May, 7:30pm - £2 45 Shop Lock: Sound System Fridays Fri 31 May, 10pm - £10

June Uncle Ben: The Wedding Sat 1 Jun, 7:30pm - £7 (£5) YGB workshops* Tue 4, Wed 5 & Sat 8 Jun Comedy Summer Series Fri 7 Jun, 7pm - £12.50 (£10.50) MOTD YGB workshops* Tue 11, Wed 12 & Sat 15 Jun

YGB workshops* Tue 14, Wed 15 & Sat 18 May

Yussef Ahmed - Album Launch: Circles Fri 14 Jun, 9pm - £5

Kush Film Boutique Fri 17 May, 6pm - Membership fees apply

YGB workshops* Tue 18, Wed 19 & Sat 22 Jun

Uncle Ben Sat 18 May, 7:30pm - £7 (£5)

I Am Nasrine Thu 20 Jun, 7:30pm - £3

YGB workshops* Tue 21, Wed 22 & Sat 25 May

The Drum Open Day Sat 22 Jun, 11am - Free Admission

The Secret Life of Sissy Tancock Sun 26 May, 7:30pm - £24 (£22)

Lottery Lottery Sat 22 & Sun 23 Jun, 7:30pm £15 (£10)

YGB workshops* Tue 28, Wed 29 May & Sat 1 Jun

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diary

www.the-drum.org.uk

Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 28 Jun, 7:30pm - £2 45 Shop Lock: Sound System Fridays Fri 28 Jun, 10pm - £10 Basil Gabbidon – Album Launch: Reggae Child Sat 29 Jun, 10pm - £10 (£8) tbc

July YGB workshops* Tue 2, Wed 3 & Sat 6 Jul Reggae Kinda Sweet: Photographs by Pogus Caesar Wed 3 Jul - Sat 31 Aug - Free Admission Comedy Summer Series Fri 5 Jul, 7pm - £12.50 (£10.50) MOTD YGB workshops* Tue 9, Wed 10 & Sat 13 Jul Simmer Down Sun 14 Jul, 12pm Free Admission Kush Film Boutique Fri 19 Jul, 6pm - Membership fees apply Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 26 Jul, 7:30pm - £2 45 Shop Lock: Sound System Fridays Fri 26 Jul, 10pm - £10

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August A34 Festival Sun 11 Aug, 12pm - Free Admission Black Uhuru ft lQulah Rastafari plus guests Sat 24 Aug, 10pm £18 - MOTD Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 30 Aug, 7:30pm - £2 45 Shop Lock: Sound System Fridays Fri 30 Aug, 10pm - £10

Key

Music Theatre Comedy Literature & Spoken Word Film Visual Arts Events Young People * See Workshop pages 24/25 for full details and times

Discounts at The Drum

Group Bookings

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. However, some events you will have to pay more on the door (MOTD), so book your tickets early.

Buy 10 tickets for any event and only pay for 9. Call our Box Office for more details or use the following code online; “TEN FREE”, to claim your free ticket.

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

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.

Schools Reduced matinee tickets available for most schools performances.

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

Discounts

MD7 and The UK Hip Hop Legends Tour Fri 28 Jun, 6pm - £20 MOTD

0121 333 2444

@the_drum

TheDrumBirmingham

Friends of The Drum Membership entitles you to a wide range of benefits from discounts on tickets, to exclusive invitations to meet artists (see page 31 for more details).

All dates and times contained within this brochure are correct at the time of going to print. However, they are subject to change, please check our website for up-to-date performance details or contact us.

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THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE

Film

Kush Promotions and The Drum presents

Kush Film Boutique Fri Bi-monthly, 6pm^ Year Membership: £50 Kush Promotions is proud to present the full launch of the Kush Film Boutique, an exclusive film club where you can watch new and classic films screened exclusively at The Drum.

We’ll bring you the best Black films from Jamaica and America, including Sparkle, One Love, Ghett’a Life, Better Must Come, Glory to Gloriana, Freedom Riders plus lots more.

One year’s membership entitles the registered adult to attend all Kush’s events at The Drum, including networking opportunities with industry professionals, a chance to meet well-known actors and directors, and of course viewing films that you won’t see anywhere.

Join the Kush Film Boutique mailing list and keep up-to-date with all the latest info by emailing info@kushfilms.com, adding The Drum in the subject heading. ^ See our diary pages or website for a full list of dates.

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Suitable for audiences 15+

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I Am Nasrine Thu 20 Jun, 7:30pm Tickets: £3 As part of the Celebrating Sanctuary Festival, The Drum is delighted to present this brilliant feature debut of North East-based writer and director Tina Gharavi, which was nominated for an outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer at the 2012 BAFTA Awards. Starring Micsha Sadeghi, Shiraz Haq and Christian Coulson.

The film follows the eponymous Nasrine on a voyage of self-discovery when she is forced from her home of Tehran along with her brother Ali. Fleeing to the UK, Nasrine finds herself a reluctant exile in the North East, making new friends and forging a new path.

“A life enhancing But the pair’s future is far film. An important from certain.

Classification: 15 Running Time: 86 mins

and much needed film.”

Sir Ben Kingsley

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Britdoc Films and The Drum present

One Mile Away Fri 29, Sun 31 Mar & Thu 4 Apr, 7:30pm Tickets: £3 Penny Woolcock’s hip-hop musical 1 Day broke new ground for British filmmaking, drawing attention to the social reality of warring gangs in inner-city Birmingham and becoming an international cause celebrate.

The documentary film One Mile Away is an affecting tale of reconciliation across the frontline of the B6/B21 turf war. Shabba, a young man affiliated to the Johnson crew, works with Dylan Duffus, the lead actor in 1 Day and affiliated to the Burgers, to recruit supporters from both sides into projects aimed at transforming the entrenched social problems in their communities.

Along the way they get advice from Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair’s former chief of staff who helped broker the Good Friday Peace Agreement in Northern Ireland, and the 2011 riots erupt in Birmingham with surprising consequences.

The multi-award winning playwright Nigel Moffatt, in partnership with The Drum is making a documentary about Jamaicans in England and welcomes the participation of members of the public who wish to take part.

Film

Jamaicans in England

Through a series of interviews spanning different generations of Jamaicans in England, Nigel’s film will look at the heritage of the Jamaican diaspora in the UK, considering how Jamaican immigrants have changed the cultural landscape of the Motherland since the 1950s and how their own culture has been changed in turn.

Nigel has worked at the The National Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre, BBC Radio and Television and Channel 4, as well as being the recipient of the Samuel Beckett Award, The Giles Cooper Award and the Butler Trust Award.

If you wish to contribute please call Nigel on 0776 084 6748 or email nigel@moffatt75.freeserve.co.uk for further information.

“A riveting portrait of the complex, contentious reality of the streets and the courage it takes to make a difference, it could well be this year’s most important British film.” – Time Out Winner – Edinburgh International Film Festival 2012 Classification: 15 Running Time: 90 mins

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Visual Arts Mosa’ab Elshamy Photography Exhibition: Tahrir Wed 6 Mar - Sat 27 Apr Free Admission

To commemorate two years since Egypt’s revolution began, The Drum hosts an exhibition of photographic images from Cairo’s Tahrir Square, taken by Egyptian photojournalist Mosa’ab Elshamy over twenty four months.

With scenes of rebellion, immeasurable bravery and art triumphing over walls, the exhibition captures different aspects of events that have unfolded in Egypt since the revolution.

“I hope to be able to show all who see these photos what it is like to be in the midst of people determined to claim their rights.”

Mosa’ab Elshamy

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Adam Yosef: Protest Wed 6 Mar - Wed 3 Apr Free Admission Adam Yosef is a Birmingham based photojournalist, writer and filmmaker who has spent the last twelve years working directly within inner city urban areas and their communities.

As a seasoned activist, his personal interest remains in grassroots movements and the power of ordinary people in influencing social change as small pockets of protest grow into great and incredibly powerful political voices.

Yosef’s work follows the development of the post-9/11 anti-war movement in Birmingham, the subsequent anti-racism rallies, the formation of new political forces in the city, anti-cuts protests, peace vigils and mass demonstrations charting from 2001 through to the present day.

The WMRCA and rYico presents

Keeping Memories: The Rwandan Community in the UK Exhibition Mon 8 Apr - Wed 1 May Free Admission The Rwandan diaspora tell their own stories and engage the public in innovative ways in a new multimedia exhibition. Keeping Memories: The Rwandan Community in the UK combines audio, text, photographs and paintings to commemorate Rwanda’s past and celebrate the future.

In telling their stories, participants aim to promote a better understanding of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and preserve the memories of the Rwandan diaspora. The exhibition also explores themes of prejudice, ignorance, forgiveness and reconciliation, encouraging visitors to think deeply about the past as it relates to the present.

Supported by HLF

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www.the-drum.org.uk

A hundred years ago India’s Dadasaheb Phalke, a pioneer in his own right, made a silent movie about a king who never lied; marking the beginning of Indian cinema. By the early 40s the industry had developed, based on a winning recipe which still contributes today to the fame and mass appeal of Indian cinema, namely; song, dance, drama and fantasy.

Centenary of Indian Cinema: Poster Exhibition Wed 1 May - Sat 29 Jun Free Admission

Reggae Kinda Sweet: Photographs by Pogus Caesar Wed 3 Jul - Sat 31 Aug Free Admission

From Burning Spear in 1985 to Dennis Brown in 1986 and Ken Boothe in 2011, this unique exhibition documents how Reggae music in its tributaries of sound, has changed and renewed itself over the decades.

To coincide with the Simmer Down festival, The Drum in association with OOM Gallery Archive is showcasing a limited selection of largely unpublished, rare and nostalgic archive photographs featuring legendary Reggae musicians.

Visual Arts

The Drum, along with a consortium of partners including Sampad, is hosting a major exhibition of film posters as part of Bollywood 100 in Birmingham, the city-wide celebrations marking one hundred years of Indian cinema.

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These images conjure up an alphabet of the music from Jamaica, connecting the UK, journeying from Mighty Diamonds and Jimmy Cliff to Augustus Pablo via the mighty Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

In a 30-year career of taking photographs, Pogus Caesar has uniquely captured moments of everyday life with a simple Canon 35mm camera, spontaneously recording the unfamiliar, as well as the celebrated and the iconic.

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Events

Grand Slam Car Park Mon 8 - Fri 12 Apr, 10am - 4pm Free Admission Grand Slam Car Park is an adventurous and dynamic arts project, devised and curated by Sabrina Sweeney, where emerging artists work with young people from the local community.

Mefil eh: Saif-ul-Malook Sun 24 Mar, 6:30pm Free Admission - pre-booking required* Sufi Music and Poetry explored through the exquisite verses of Saint Mian Mohammed Baksh and his classic work Saif-ul-Malook / The Journey of Love.

Starring world renowned artists Lala Qadeer (famous Kashmiri folk singer), Mohammed Boota Shedai and Anwar Sugar-Arrewala, plus many more artists to be announced … All promoting the message of Mian Mohammed Baksh.

Supported by Birmingham City Council * Bookings can be made via The Drum’s Box Office by calling 0121 333 2444.

Or by calling Shafaq on 0753 078 6507, or email shafaqhussain@aol.com

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The WMRCA and rYico presents

Through a series of workshops they will re-vision The Drum’s undercroft car park as a vibrant and creative space, developing a permanent exhibition of graffiti wall panels, a living document of young people pursuing their dreams and embracing the possibilities of great things in their future.

Watch this space for the grand unveiling!

Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide of the Tutsis

Supported by the Starbucks Youth Action Scheme

WMRCA (West Midlands Rwandan Community Association) and rYico (The Rwandan Youth Information Community Organisation) commemorate those who suffered and were murdered during the 1994 Genocide of the Tutsis.

Sat 13 Apr, 3pm - 7pm Free Admission

The event provides a focus for reflection on the repercussions of inequality on society. It also provides an opportunity to examine issues such as racism, discrimination and intolerance; to challenge and shape society’s attitude towards prejudice; and to celebrate the benefits of an all-inclusive, tolerant and multicultural society which values human dignity.

Supported by HLF

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www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

Sun 11 Aug, 12pm Potters Lane and Phillips Street Park Free Admission

The Drum Open Day Sat 22 Jun, 11am - 5pm Free Admission As part of Aston Heritage Day, The Drum is proud to throw open its doors to the public. The Open Day is your chance to…

• Meet our staff and board • Find out about our world-renowned programme of exhibitions and performances • Take part in taster activities and workshops • Access a series of special discounts and prize draws for tickets Let the streets of Newtown echo with the sound of West African Drumming!

Events

A34 Festival

The vibrant communities of Newtown, Lozells and Aston combine and fizz into life in this community street party that is the A34 Festival, which celebrates Birmingham’s famous cultural diversity.

Join us in reclaiming our streets and parks for young people and families through an inspiring day of dance, drumming, live music, spoken word, stand-up, arts and crafts, and cultural cuisines.

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Young People YGB Workshops Young Gifted Brum (YGB) is a programme of weekly creative workshops for children and young people from 8-18 years of age. Workshops have an emphasis on developing practical skills whilst having fun.

Weekly YGB workshops Starting Tue 16 Apr - Sat 20 Jul Tuesdays: Keyboards 5:30pm-6:30pm (Beginners) 6:30pm-7:30pm (Improvers) Wednesdays: It’s Thursday club!!! (Drum roll…)

5:30pm-7:30pm Saturdays: Dance & Drama 1pm-5pm (depending on your age and group)

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Young Drum Forum Do you have leadership skills? Do you have a few hours spare each week or month? Want to gain valuable experience, training and development and an opportunity to have your say on youth arts provision at The Drum and the wider arts sector?

If you’re 16-25 and are interested in the arts, business, politics or community development then contact us at, participation@the-drum.org.uk

m Forum Young Dru

Young Drum Theatre Co. After a series of successful productions YGB is diversifying and will establish itself as a fully-fledged company, creating new work and developing the best scripts from Africa and Asia.

First auditions took place during winter and the second round of auditions will happen at the end of YGB’s summer school in August. You don’t just have to act; we would like to hear more if you have skills in writing, design, lighting or sound. Follow us on Twitter @GiftedBrum throughout July to find out more …

ops

rksh YGB Wo

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0121 333 2444

Handsworth Evolution Thu 18 Jul, 6:30pm Tickets: £3 As the streets descend into anarchy around them, for one family the show must go on…

Bangin’ the Drum!

Fri 10 May, 7:30pm Tickets: £5

Photo ©Chuck Photography

Bangin’ the Drum! is a comedy show, layered with entertainment and crowd participation. Think of it as a kind of Loose Women with young Black men as the protagonists.

Local rising stars Rem Conway, Tynie Superstar and Richi Fingerz comprise a panel of intelligent and humorous guys debating common or recent issues and are spurred on to explore other issues through audience participation.

A colourful family drama that brings together tangled tales from Handsworth’s recent history. Handsworth Evolution celebrates the triumph of this vibrant community in the face of struggle and adversity.

Devised, written and performed by ninety primary school children from Grove School in Handsworth, this production, including original pieces of music and dance, promises to be a family-friendly evening of entertainment.

Young People

Grove School presents

Suitable for audiences 16+ Join in and tweet us - #BanginDrum

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News Arts Champions Scheme and Hall Green Arts Forum The Arts Champions Scheme is a groundbreaking arts initiative that gets Birmingham arts organisations working with residents in their local area. The Drum has been working in partnership with Hall Green Arts Forum (HGAF) since 2011 to deliver a range of arts activities across the community; last year we were pleased to be part of the Torch Relay Community Celebrations in Calthorpe Park.

Arts Surgery Meet people interested in arts locally at the Ort Café for an informal chat about events, opportunities, funding and see what the café has to offer. Both Hall Green Arts and the Ort Café are keen to support emerging local artists of all kinds, for more information visit http://hallgreenarts.blogspot.com or email hgaforum@gmail.com For further information about Arts Champions contact The Drum on 0121 333 2444 or email info@the-drum.org.uk

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Reggae Poster Contest 2013 Enter this year’s reggae poster contest established by Michael Thompson aka Freestylee. For more information go to www.reggaepostercontest.com

Kalaboration Update On behalf of all the partners of Kalaboration, we would like to thank everyone who took part and contributed to Kalaboration’s events and activities, making 2012 a very memorable year for all.

Kalaboration is busy developing new ideas and projects for the coming year, so check out their website http://kalaboration. co.uk to keep up to date.

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www.the-drum.org.uk

0121 333 2444

News

Freestylee Print Sale!

As part of Kalaboration’s celebration of the Jamaican Olympic team’s visit to Birmingham, The Drum was proud to present a poster exhibition by the internationally acclaimed artist Michael Thompson aka Freestylee. These limited edition prints are available to purchase priced from £10 to £50.

A percentage of sales will be donated to the famous Alpha Boys School, Jamaica.

Check out The Drum’s website for more images or contact the Box Office for more information 0121 333 2444.

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Drum Spaces & Facilities

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Bring your Event alive at The Drum Looking for a creative, fresh, exciting venue to hold your event?

The Drum prides itself on being a creative hub that likes to be out of 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, with its vibrant and state of the art facilities, can cater for all your needs. With a fully licensed bar and Caribbean infused menu 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, 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.

If you have any further questions or would like to come along for a free tour of the facilities, please call 0121 333 2444 or visit our dedicated Events website at www.the-drum-spaces.co.uk

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Special thanks also goes to

Partners

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:

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The Drum’s board members:

We’re investing £180m in new facilities so you’ll have the perfect learning environment to develop • Upkar S Pardesi (Chair) the skills you’ll need later in•life.Mick Durman (Vice Chair)

• • • • •

Joel Graham Blake Khembe Clark Shaun Cope Dilbagh Dhami Leslie Fairclough

• • • • • •

Paulette Hamilton Smita Jalaf Julian Moore Sharon Palmer Sukhi Saini Cindy Wedderburn

Interested in becoming a partner or advertising with The Drum?

Call us now on 0121 333 2444.

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Friends of The Drum The Drum relies on support from individuals to maintain and develop our extensive programme of work.

Your generosity will enable us to continue to progress plans for a vibrant and exciting future. Join our Friends Scheme and be part of the shape of things to come.

What benefits will you receive being a Friend of The Drum?

• • • • • • • • • • •

Discounts on selected tickets to events throughout the year Priority booking on selected events Collect loyalty points which can be exchanged for tickets Receive extra discounts for group bookings Invitation to our regular Artist Talks Opportunity to meet the artists on selected events Free invitation to our annual Festive Party Free invitation to our annual Friends Networking Evening Discounts on hiring of The Drum auditorium, studio and seminar rooms Free subscription to our bi-annual newsletter Choose from a range of volunteer opportunities

£30 is the minimum annual donation to join our scheme, but we are happy to accept more!

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Title (Miss/Ms/Mrs/Mr/Other)

I enclose a cheque for £

First name

(Minimum donation is £30) Please debit £

Surname

from my credit/debit card

Address

Visa

Mastercard

Delta

Card number Postcode

Expiry date

Email

CSV number

Telephone

Issue number (Switch only)

Tick this box if you wish to contribute Gift Aid. If you are a UK taxpayer, we can reclaim the tax paid on your gift and increase its value by up to a third. For example, if you donate £100, this will be worth £128 to The Drum. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, you can claim the difference between basic and higher rates on your tax return, and if you wish, make a gift of this to The Drum.

Once you have completed this form, please return it to:

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The Drum FREEPOST BM7084 Birmingham B6 4BR

Switch

Friends of The Drum

The Drum Friends Form

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Signature

Date For more information and a form to join our Friends Scheme please contact a member of our Customer Services Team on 0121 333 2444 or email boxoffice@the-drum.org.uk Newtown Cultural Projects Ltd. Registered Charity No 1042218

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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. Design: Gambit Graphics 01562 731313

The information contained within this brochure is correct at the time of going to print.

It may be subject to change, please contact us to check performance details.

THE UK’S PREMIER BLACK-LED ARTS CENTRE www.the-drum.org.uk 0121 333 2444

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