THSH What's On May - July 2016

MAY - JULY 2016

JAZZ

THOMAS STRØNEN MAMMAL HANDS / GEORGE BENSON / WORLDSERVICE PROJECT / KENNY G / SNOWPOET / JASON REBELLO / JULIAN ARGÜELLES’ TETRA

FOLK

THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE KATE RUSBY / EMILY PORTMAN & THE CORACLE BAND / FUTURE FOLK / BONNIE RAITT / THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN / GRAHAM NASH / ERIC BIBB / GORDON LIGHTFOOT

ROOTS BUDDY GUY / BEVERLEY KNIGHT ADAM ANT ROCK HEART IN CONCERT / CHRIS CORNELL BEN FOLDS & YMUSIC / DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE / YES ANASTACIA / JASON DONOVAN POP BRIAN WILSON / JOSH GROBAN / DANCING IN THE STREETS / CYNDI LAUPER / SEAL / RUFUS WAINWRIGHT ADAM BUXTON ENTERTAINMENT KATHERINE RYAN / SARAH MILLICAN / DAME JACQUELINE WILSON / KING KING / NASHVILLE

KATHERINE JENKINS / THE SONS OF PITCHES / STAR WARS & BEYOND / SIMON YATES / CONQUERING EVEREST

FAMILIES STEVE BACKSHALL’S WILD WORLD / CAPTAIN FLINN & THE PIRATE DINOSAURS / STICK MAN / WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD

For full details of all our upcoming events‌ Please contact Box office on 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

Accessibility Facilities for disabled patrons 0121 780 4949 Minicom line 0121 644 6140 Facilities for disabled patrons Wheelchair Users and Disabled Patrons receive discounts on selected shows. For information on facilities for disabled patrons please call 0121 780 4949 / Minicom line 0121 644 6140 or visit www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility

HOW TO REACH US Town Hall is located in Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ. Symphony Hall is located within the International Convention Centre on Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA. For further information visit www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit

This guide is available free of charge on CD or Braille (on request) from Sarah Barnett: Vista Sound Services, 2 Rutland Close, Leicester, Forest East, LE3 3PW 0116 2498810 Email: sarah.barnett@vistablind.org.uk Data Protection Once you have booked tickets all your contact details will be held and processed on our Box office marketing database and from time to time we may send you information about Town Hall and Symphony Hall and the programme of events and activities using any one of the contact methods you have provided. Other arts organisations and companies carefully selected by Performances Birmingham may also be interested in sending you information on events and products they think will be of interest. If you do not want your details to be passed to another organisation please tell us at the time of booking. (Data Protection Act (1998). Registration No X3281 12 8.)

Disclaimer Information and prices in this guide were correct at the time of going to press and published in good faith. Unforeseen circumstances, however, may result in changes to the published programme or named artists; please check prior to booking.

The timings given for each piece are for guidance and may vary in performance.

Performances Birmingham Limited - a Company controlled by Birmingham City Council - is a Registered Charity No 1053937. Registered in England No 3169600.

Performances Birmingham Limited. Registered Office: Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, UK, B1 2EA.

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Š Marc Gutteridge

to Town Hall and Symphony Hall’s programme of JAZZ, FOLK, ROOTS, ROCK, POP, ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILIES MAY – JULY 2016 HOW TO BOOK

BY PHONE Box office 0121 780 3333 ONLINE WWW.THSH.CO.UK IN PERSON Town Hall Box office is open two hours before the start time

of a performance. Symphony Hall Box office, in the ICC is open: 10am - 6pm (Monday - Saturday). Closed Sundays except when there is an event (open 2 hours before event starts).

DISCOUNTS Discounts are available for some concert performances, please check online or on 0121 780 3333 or in person at the Town Hall or Symphony Hall Box office.

PUBLIC TOURS Take a tour of our stunning auditoriums and glimpse inside the inner workings of these world-famous venues. The THSH Tours are generously sponsored by History West Midlands.

For more information, dates and to make a booking on a public tour visit www.thsh.co.uk/tour-dates/public-tours For information about private tour bookings email education@thsh.co.uk

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

DOWNLOAD OUR THSH DRINKS APP! FORGET QUEUES & WAITING IN LINE! Now you can pre-order drinks for the shows you’re coming to watch using our brand new drinks app. Find us on:

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CHRIS CORNELL: HIGHER TRUTH TOUR SOLD OUT, RETURNS ONLY

MONDAY 2 MAY DOORS OPEN 7PM

ANASTACIA

LIMITED AVAILABILITY TUESDAY 3 MAY DOORS OPEN 7PM

SYMPHONY HALL

SYMPHONY HALL

WORLDSERVICE PROJECT THURSDAY 5 MAY 8.30PM

HARE AND HOUNDS WorldService Project are the leading specialists of Brit ‘punk-jazz’, two of the most alarming genre titles in the history of 20th Century music. Combined, they create an intriguing mix of Frank Zappa, Weather Report, Meshuggah and Stravinsky – all spiralling around in a Monty Python universe.

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They perform music from their highly anticipated third album; For King and Country.

This group… “aren’t simply challenging the definition of jazz – they’re chasing it down a side street, wrestling it to the ground and calling for back-up.”

Cormac Larkin, The Irish Times

AN EVENING WITH THE DUBLIN LEGENDS (FORMERLY OF THE DUBLINERS)

FRIDAY 6 MAY 7.30PM

TOWN HALL The Dublin Legends will continue the legacy started by Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke, Barney McKenna and John Sheahan back in 1962.

YES FRIDAY 6 MAY 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

Grammy Award-winning rock giants, YES, perform two of their iconic albums; Fragile and Drama in their entirety.

LIVE AT TOWN HALL WITH

ADAM BUXTON

SUNDAY 8 MAY 7.30PM

TOWN HALL

The Invisible Dot Ltd’s inaugural mixed bill comedy show at Town Hall will be an incredible night, headlined by the cult tech wizard, Adam Buxton!

Joining him is Liam Williams, Foster’s Comedy Award winner Sam Simmons and more.

Featuring an extended set from Adam Buxton; ransacking his laptop and digging out the best nuggets from the past couple of years.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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Featuring a curated line-up of nationally and internationally renowned artists alongside profiling local and emerging talent, Imagined Isle brings a unique voice and sound to the heart of this great island. Join us for an unforgettable weekend of music from folk origins that will capture hearts and imaginations - whether you’re looking for that musician you’ve never heard of, or checking out your favourite artist, there is something for everyone.

More artists to be announced.

WAY TO BLUE: THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE THURSDAY 12 MAY 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL Undoubtedly one of the most influential English singer-songwriters of the last 50 years, Nick Drake found little mainstream success during his lifetime.

However, since his untimely death at the age of 26, his fragile acoustic, autumnal music has touched the hearts of millions of people.

Originally commissioned by THSH in 2009, Way to Blue returns to Birmingham for a one off performance to help mark 25 years of Symphony Hall. Curated by Drake’s producer Joe Boyd (also MC on the night), and featuring original orchestrations by the late Robert Kirby, celebrate Drake’s music through modern reinterpretations of his timeless songs.

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KATE RUSBY PLUS SUPPORT BOAT TO ROW

EMILY PORTMAN & THE CORACLE BAND PLUS THE FURROW COLLECTIVE, RACHEL NEWTON & ALASDAIR ROBERTS, SUPPORT FROM KATHERINE PRIDDY

FRIDAY 13 MAY 7.30PM House band led by Danny Thompson (the legendary bassist who played on many of Drake’s recordings) plus special guest artists including: Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) Vashti Bunyan Olivia Chaney Green Gartside Glen Hansard Kami Thompson (The Rails) James Walbourne (The Rails)

TOWN HALL Emily Portman is the 2013 holder of the BBC Radio Two Folk Award for Best Original Song; an accolade which reflects her power to conjure darkly surreal netherworlds where folklore and myth collide with urban landscapes.

She is joined at Town Hall by her longstanding collaborators Lucy Farrell (viola, saw and voice) and Rachel Newton (harp and voice), plus virtuosic string player Sam Sweeney (Bellowhead, BBC Folk Musician of the Year 2015), guitarist M G Boulter (Lucky Strikes) and classical percussionist Toby Kearney (2006 BBC Young Musician of the Year), for this ambitious live show.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

SATURDAY 14 MAY 7.30PM

TOWN HALL Of all the stars in folk music’s wondrous firmament few shine as brightly as Yorkshire’s Kate Rushby.

A remarkable interpretive singer, Kate’s soulful vocals resonate with the wistful beauty of an earthbound angel. Inhabiting a lyric with unforced conviction – no matter how old or how modern – she has that rare ability to transport her audience, of touching them emotionally and making each tune live vividly within their experience and imagination.

It’s a precious gift attained not by decibel blasting or histrionics but through simplicity, understatement and faith in the narrative drive of the songs she chooses to sing.

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FUTURE FOLK

FEATURING FALSE LIGHTS, JOSIENNE CLARKE & BEN WALKER AND LUKE JACKSON PHOTO: KIRIL SEMKOW

THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN

TOWN HALL False Lights A late night bar conversation between Sam Carter and Jim Moray (both BBC Folk Award winners in their own right) concluded in the forming of a gleefully raucous folk rock guitar band that plays traditional songs and tunes, without committing the sins of the past.

EXPLORES THE CECIL SHARP SONGBOOK SUNDAY 15 MAY 3PM

TOWN HALL The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain combines popular musical traditions of England and America, travelling the world with their ultra-portable ukuleles.

Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker - BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winners 2015: Best Duo. Two years prior to this accolade Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker were virtually unknown on the folk scene (or any other, for that matter). So their success is quite remarkable.

In this show you’ll encounter stomping tracks and tear jerking ballads – the origins of today’s popular music, from English dance music to dust kicking Americana – all explored with the customary light hearted showmanship of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

Luke Jackson Luke is a young roots singer/songwriter who in 2013 was nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for both the Horizon Award for Best Emerging Talent and The Young Folk Category. With a bold, distinctive voice and a sweet, percussive guitar style, Luke is a confident and captivating live performer. He was also winner of Fatea’s “Male Artist of the Year 2014”.

ERIC BIBB MONDAY 16 MAY 7.30PM

TOWN HALL A career spanning five decades, 36 albums, countless radio and television shows and non-stop touring has made Eric Bibb one of the leading

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SUNDAY 15 MAY 8PM

bluesmen of his generation.

A progressive preservationist, and a fiery singer with true soul, gospel and folk roots, Eric Bibb will be performing his honest and powerful blues with his band. Yana Bibb his daughter returns to the UK as the opening performance, promoting her latest release, Afternoon in Paris.

JASON DONOVAN

TEN GOOD REASONS & GREATEST HITS PLUS SUPPORT MON AMIE

WEDNESDAY 11 MAY 8PM

SYMPHONY HALL Jason Donovan returns to his roots for a solo tour of his debut 5 X Platinum, 1989 album Ten Good Reasons and Greatest Hits. Ten Good Reasons became the biggest selling album of 1989 and remains a massive fan favourite with two solo No.1 singles: Too Many Broken Hearts and Sealed with a Kiss. It also featured the famous duet with Kylie Minogue, Especially for You; another No.1.

The tour marks a huge step for the 80s heart throb: this is the first time he has toured as a solo artist for six years and the first time he has ever toured the Ten Good Reasons album.

SNOWPOET PLUS SUPPORT FRIDAY 13 MAY 8.30PM

THE GLEE CLUB Snowpoet’s eponymous debut album is an ethereal, psychedelic combination of nature inspired poetry and modern innovative folk music, incorporating a shimmering acoustic instrumentation, and near-classical/post-rock inspirations.

JASON REBELLO SOLO PIANO

WEDNESDAY 18 MAY 8PM

SYMPHONY HALL Pianist Jason Rebello performs music from his new solo piano album Held, in an intimate setting on Symphony Hall stage. Join him for what promises to be a special musical experience.

BRIAN WILSON PRESENTS PET SOUNDS SOLD OUT, RETURNS ONLY TUESDAY 17 MAY 8PM

SYMPHONY HALL

Regarded as one of the most talented, inventive and intuitive pianists to emerge in the UK, Jason has primarily worked with electronic keyboards in his own groups (as well as with Sting and Jeff Beck). Now in this solo format the intensely lyrical quality in Jason’s music comes to the fore and, allied to his formidable technique and maturity as an artist and musician, ensures that on Held, he is creating some of the most compelling and beautiful music of his career.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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KATHERINE RYAN FRIDAY 20 MAY 8PM

TOWN HALL

Star of Live At The Apollo, QI and The Jonathan Ross Show, the razor sharp and hilariously funny Canadian returns with a highly anticipated new show.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT SUNDAY 22 MAY 6PM

KING KING

SUPPORT DAN PATLANSKY SATURDAY 21 MAY 8PM

TOWN HALL

JOSH GROBAN

STAGES TOUR – SOLD OUT, RETURNS ONLY SATURDAY 21 MAY 8PM

SYMPHONY HALL

Faced with their army of fans and armfuls of awards, it’s hard to believe that King King have come so far, so fast. As Henry Yates of Classic Rock Blues notes, “King King are the hottest draw in British blues-rock”. Yet there’s no smoke and mirrors behind their five-year rise: just killer songs, performed with true passion, by a fist-tight line-up.

THOMAS STRØNEN

AN EVENING WITH

GRAHAM NASH

TIME IS A BLIND GUIDE

SUNDAY 22 MAY 8PM

SYMPHONY HALL

SUNDAY 22 MAY 7.30PM

TOWN HALL

We’re bringing together some of the best choirs and homegrown talent in the West Midlands for an evening of incredible music.

CBSO CENTRE Combining Thomas Strønen’s skills as a composer and percussionist, Time Is a Blind Guide perform music from their recent self-titled debut release on ECM. An all-acoustic Anglo-Norwegian group, they combine influences from jazz, contemporary classical and folk, into a mesmerizing world of depth, beautiful melodies and enchanting rhythms.

Graham Nash performs his new studio album, This Path Tonight, along with guitarist and producer Shane Fontayne.

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SURVIVAL SERIES SIMON YATES MY MOUNTAIN LIFE MONDAY 23 MAY 7.30PM

TOWN HALL

CONQUERING EVEREST FEATURING KENTON COOL, REBECCA STEPHENS & ROBIN ASHCROFT

WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 7.30PM

TOWN HALL

On a remote mountain in Peru, June 1985, mountaineer Simon Yates found himself in an unenviable position; slowly being pulled off the mountain face by his injured partner – Joe Simpson – dangling on the rope far below.

His decision to cut the rope saved both their lives in the epic tale of survival that followed. With the publication of the book, Touching the Void, and later film of the same name both climbers became household names.

It was an experience that would have put many off the sport of mountaineering, but remarkably thirty years later Simon is still at it. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Alaska to Central Asia there is hardly a significant range of mountains that he has not visited and what’s more he’s brought back the stories and pictures for you to enjoy!

At over 29,000ft, Mount Everest is one of the natural wonders of the world, with an intimidating presence in the Himalayan mountain range.

From the Triple Crown, to the Seven Summits via the Olympic Pledge, two of the most successful British mountaineers and explorers come together to discuss their experiences on conquering Everest. Don’t miss Kenton Cool and Rebecca Stephens, both in conversation with Robin Ashcroft.

Come along and witness Simon’s tireless journey from that mountain in Peru to some of the remotest on the planet and share with him the drama, excitement and beauty of modern, lightweight, alpinism. Told with wit, dry humour and lavishly illustrated with images and video collected on his great climbs, Simon both entertains and inspires.

Save 10% when booking Conquering Everest and Simon Yates at the same time Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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AN EVENING WITH

DAME JACQUELINE WILSON

AN EVENING WITH GORDON LIGHTFOOT

THURSDAY 26 MAY 7PM

FRIDAY 27 MAY 8PM

TOWN HALL

SYMPHONY HALL

Hear Jacqueline Wilson discussing her career and brand new book, Rent a Bridesmaid. There will be no book signing after the talk but there will be plenty of opportunity for children to ask questions.

After 50 active years of hit songs and international album sales well into the multi-millions, it’s safe to say that esteemed singer-songwriter and musician Gordon Lightfoot resides with some very exclusive company atop the list of all-time greats.

A selection of Jacqueline Wilson’s books, including Rent a Bridesmaid will be available to purchase from Waterstones on the day.

The event is sure to be a great thrill for anyone who enjoys hearing great music and seeing a living legend in person.

BONNIE RAITT

BEVERLEY KNIGHT

MONDAY 30 MAY 7.30PM

THURSDAY 2 JUNE DOORS AT 7PM

SYMPHONY HALL

SYMPHONY HALL

Following the highly-anticipated release of her twentieth album, Dig in Deep, Bonnie Raitt comes to Symphony Hall.

Beverley Knight, the Queen of UK Soul and now doyenne of the West End, is back with a brand new album and UK tour for 2016.

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MAMMAL HANDS

TEDxBRUM 2016

THURSDAY 2 JUNE 8.30PM

SATURDAY 11 JUNE 8.30AM

HARE AND HOUNDS

TOWN HALL

Mammal Hands are a trio of like-minded musicians drawing on influences from Steve Reich to Bonobo and Pharoah Sanders to The Cinematic Orchestra, alongside elements of North Indian and African music. At times wistful and melancholic and sometimes raucous and explosive, they blend thoughtful compositions with spontaneity and interplay. New Birmingham based trio JuggeNaught, led by pianist Piera Onacko, play in support.

There is no ‘us and them’ any more, it’s just us.

All of us. Birmingham is an ‘us’ – one of incredible institutions, organisations, people, projects and ideas happening across the city – but how might we pioneer a better city together?

Locally and globally we are now interconnected in more ways than we can imagine. Together, we have the power to do more than ever before. It’s time to break down the walls and connect across public, private and civic sectors in order to build a city we can be proud of.

ADAM ANT

SOLD OUT, RETURNS ONLY TUESDAY 7 JUNE 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

Join us for 2016’s biggest, brightest and boldest ever TEDxBrum event, where we’ll explore how we can share skills, ideas and resources to unleash the #PowerOfUs. What is TED? Home to the world’s most inspired thinkers, the TED stage is a global platform where cutting edge ideas converge and millions are inspired day in, day out. Now in its 30th year, TED is a universally recognised platform where pioneers of every discipline, background and culture present their awe-inspiring ideas and ground breaking findings through a series of talks.

What is TEDxBrum? TEDxBrum celebrates the diversity for which Birmingham is known.

Showcasing talks from local thought leaders, our outstanding cross sector initiatives and performances featuring the very best in home-grown talent, we hope to prompt conversations, encourage collaboration, assert confidence in our civic identity and inspire our community to unite and orchestrate their own change.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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JULIAN ARGÜELLES’ TETRA FEATURING PERCY PURSGLOVE FRIDAY 10 JUNE 8.30PM

ADRIAN BOULT HALL

UK composer / saxophonist, bandleader and educator Julian Argüelles has always spoken with a unique voice and is hugely influential to a new generation of British jazz musicians. His music has been described as supremely lyrical, with beautiful melodies whilst staying cliché free.

Julian’s current quartet, Tetra, brings together the best of Britain’s young, contemporary jazz talent: Kit Downes on piano, Sam Lasserson on bass and James Maddren on drums. For this gig they will be joined by trumpeter Percy Pursglove for one of the final concerts ever in the Adrian Boult Hall.

A SHINDIG FOR SYMPHONY HALL SUNDAY 12 JUNE

SYMPHONY HALL

DANCING IN THE STREETS

MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS! SUNDAY 12 JUNE 7.30PM

TOWN HALL

With a hall, four floors and a loading bay, the possibilities are endless at Symphony Hall!

Experience unusual and unseen spaces as Symphony Hall throws open its doors to host a 25th Birthday shindig befitting Birmingham’s iconic music venue. Join us for a fun-filled day of FREE performances, entertainment and special appearances with opportunities to learn and join in. Hop on a backstage tour for a tale or two, drop in on one of our family activities or simply relax and reminisce, soaking up the party atmosphere.

We want to share some secrets and let you know what makes Symphony Hall special.

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Celebrate the energy and electricity of Motown’s Greatest Hits in a spectacular, critically acclaimed production packed with hit after hit – all killer, no filler!

NASHVILLE

BEN FOLDS & yMUSIC

SOLD OUT - RETURNS ONLY

MONDAY 13 JUNE 7.30PM

TUESDAY 14 JUNE DOORS AT 7PM

SYMPHONY HALL Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/producer Ben Folds first found mainstream success as the leader of the critically acclaimed Ben Folds Five.

SYMPHONY HALL

CLARE

BOWEN

CHARLES

ESTEN

KATHERINE JENKINS WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL Join Katherine Jenkins as she performs her very own tribute celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday with a sensational programme of glorious music.

CHRIS

CARMACK

SAM

PALLADIO

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE FRIDAY 17 JUNE 7PM

TOWN HALL Catch Britain’s best loved performance poet John Cooper Clarke as he brings his biting, satirical verse to Town Hall.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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CYNDI LAUPER PLUS SUPPORT

WEDNESDAY 22 JUNE 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

THE SONS OF PITCHES

PLUS SPECIAL GUEST JAY POWER SUNDAY 26 JUNE 7.30PM

GEORGE BENSON IN CONCERT MONDAY 27 JUNE 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

TOWN HALL

Five years after her last UK appearances and after the phenomenal success of the award winning Broadway hit Kinky Boots, Cyndi Lauper returns to the UK with her Detour tour.

Winners of The Naked Choir, The Sons of Pitches bring their soaring solos, impeccable harmonies and sensational beatboxing to Town Hall.

AN EVENING WITH KENNY G TUESDAY 28 JUNE 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

Legendary ten-time Grammy Award-winner and NEA Jazz Master George Benson, comes to Symphony Hall. George and his band perform his Greatest Hits from his impressive back catalogue.

SEAL PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS THURSDAY 30 JUNE DOORS OPEN AT 7PM

SYMPHONY HALL Following the amazing reception of his current studio album 7 and last year’s successful arena tour as special guest to Duran Duran, Seal visits Symphony Hall as part of his first UK headline tour since 2012! 7 adds a fresh new chapter to a phenomenal career that has already achieved 30 million album sales, four Grammys and three BRIT Awards.

Hits such as Crazy and Kiss From a Rose have turned him into a superstar.

Kenny G is the only saxophonist with a recording career spanning almost thirty years and 23 albums. The Grammy Award-winner has grafted elements of R&B, pop, and Latin into a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premiere artist in contemporary jazz.

Since the early 80s, his combination of unparalleled instrumental chops and indelible melodies has resulted in sales of more than 75 million records worldwide (45 million in the U.S. alone) and more than a dozen have climbed to the top of Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart.

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Throughout his new album, Seal explores love and all of its implications, idiosyncrasies, and intricacies. Prepare yourself for a night to remember! ★★★★ Evening Standard

BUDDY GUY

PLUS SUPPORT QUINN SULLIVAN FRIDAY 1 JULY 7.30PM

STAR WARS & BEYOND: A SPACE SPECTACULAR

SATURDAY 2 JULY 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

SYMPHONY HALL Due to very popular demand the sell-out show returns to Symphony Hall with lights, lasers and the London Concert Orchestra.

One of the most exhilarating guitarists in the world, and still in powerful voice, Buddy is supporting his Grammy nominated release Born to Play Guitar, his latest studio album.

Guy dominates every song, from the upbeat Thick Like Mississippi Mud to the thoughtful lament, Come Back Muddy. Guy once explained that Muddy Waters’ final request to him was “keep the damn blues alive”.

He’s still doing just that.

HEART IN CONCERT RUFUS SOLD OUT, RETURNS ONLY WAINWRIGHT SUNDAY 3 JULY 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

FRIDAY 15 JULY DOORS AT 7PM

SYMPHONY HALL

MUSIC FOR YOUTH: EVENING JAZZ

SATURDAY 16, SUNDAY 17 JULY & MONDAY 29 AUGUST 8PM

SYMPHONY HALL Sarah Millican is venturing outside. Bring a cardie. The comedy queen returns to Symphony Hall.

FRIDAY 8 JULY 7.30PM

TOWN HALL

Enjoy an evening of jazz, dixie, swing and big band by the UK’s most inspiring young musicians.

SARAH MILLICAN: OUTSIDER

Affectionately referred to by Elton John as “the greatest songwriter on the planet” and praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality,” Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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SOMETHING FOR THE FAMILY STICK MAN SATURDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 1PM & 3.30PM

TOWN HALL

STEVE BACKSHALL’S WILD WORLD SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER 11AM

TOWN HALL

CAPTAIN FLINN & THE PIRATE DINOSAURS: THE MAGIC CUTLASS SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 1.30PM & 3.30PM

TOWN HALL

Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hugely popular children’s book Stick Man is coming to Town Hall! Touching, funny and utterly original, this award-winning production features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

“Stick Man lives in the family tree.

With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three...”

But the world outside the family tree is a dangerous place for Stick Man. A dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire!

How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree?

Guarantees more fun than you can shake a stick at!

Most suitable for children aged 3+ with their friends and families.

Following two sold out performances last year, wildlife TV presenter, adventurer, naturalist and children’s author Steve Backshall brings his Wild World show back to Town Hall.

Take a tour of the real life expeditions that have inspired his books The Falcon Chronicles and his new novel in the series, Shark Seas. It’s a wild journey, illustrated with photos and films from the Arctic to the Antarctic, from the tundra to the top of the world’s highest peaks, and from the depths of the rainforest to the bottom of the ocean.

Flinn is back! Les Petits Theatre Company return to the high seas after their hugely successful and award winning Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs, winner of the Primary Times Children’s Choice Award. The Magic Cutlass is the hugely anticipated sequel based on the book by Giles Andreae and Russell Ayto.

This talk is suitable for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages from eight to eighty. There will be extended question and answer session following the show.

When Flinn is in the middle of his school play his old nemesis, Mr T the T-Rex, appears and kidnaps his friends forcing them to hunt for the Magic Cutlass; a sword that grants any wish! Your children will be whisked away for another fantastic adventure to a world of devious dinosaurs, deep sea dangers and smelly sausages!

Please note: Parents are advised that the content might be challenging for very young children.

“This is a bright sparky production, filled with hum-along songs, beautiful puppets and a lot of imagination”- Time Out “Adults and Children alike with be delighted.” - Edinburgh Spotlight

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WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER WEDNESDAY 11 JANUARY 2017

TOWN HALL Based on the award-winning picture book

by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks.

Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun.

Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow, but the tiniest, quietest creature of all has a plan of her own…

Avoid disappointment and book early for Town Hall’s glittering Christmas treat and join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson MBE & Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure.

Expect live music, plenty of audience participation and one or two surprises.

“Bursting with colour and verve” - Daily Telegraph “A terrific and witty adventure”. - The Guardian Recommended for ages 2 and above

RELAXED PERFORMANCE SUNDAY 8 JANUARY 2017 3PM WHAT IS A RELAXED PERFORMANCE?

Relaxed performances are open to everyone but are specifically for people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, a learning disability or sensory and communication disorder. It’s a great way for individuals, families, groups and schools to experience live performances together in an adapted environment.

For example, small changes are made to the lighting and sound levels, while the attitude to noise and movement in the audience is more relaxed.

EARLY “LADY” BIRD OFFER:

10% off tickets if booked before Saturday 30 April Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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Musical Picnics

Midweek Explorers

TUCK INTO A MORNING OF MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT WITH THE FAMILY.

TAKE TIME OUT IN A RELAXING AND FRIENDLY SPACE WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES.

Watch and join in with performers as they introduce your children to a world of music, song, storytelling and dance.

In association with Mubu Music Recommended for ages 0-7

Explore music, dance and story-telling whilst making new friends.

Recommended for ages 5 and under, our music practitioners will help facilitate early years learning in a supportive and fun environment, and it’s totally free!

DATES FOR THE DIARY: SATURDAY 14 MAY 10.30AM SATURDAY 18 JUNE 10.30AM SATURDAY 16 JULY 10.30AM

Part of Imagined Isle

DATES FOR THE DIARY: WEDNESDAY 18 MAY 10.30AM WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE 10.30AM WEDNESDAY 20 JULY 10.30AM Please note that music practitioners rotate.

For more information on which practitioner will be performing please email education@thsh.co.uk

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PHOTOGRAPHS © MING DE NASTY

FREE GIGS From big band to bebop, original compositions to classics, the Jazzlines Free Gigs series explores the wide and varied jazz repertoire. Join a whole host of fantastic musicians for gigs in venues across the city, including our regular Friday afternoon gig in Symphony Hall Café Bar, helping you unwind after a long week.

JAMES BANNER’S BAND NEIL YATES TBC TRITUNE QUINTET MARTIN TROTMAN ELLIOT SANSOM & GARETH FOWLER JAZZLINES TALENT DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE JOHN MARTIN LEE JONES QUINTET SONA TBC

“It’s free and it really is the place to be” Birmingham Post

FRIDAY 6 MAY FRIDAY13 MAY TUESDAY 17 MAY THURSDAY 19 MAY FRIDAY 27 MAY WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE FRIDAY 3 JUNE FRIDAY 10 JUNE TUESDAY 14 JUNE FRIDAY 17 JUNE FRIDAY 24 JUNE

5PM 5PM 8.30PM 5.30PM 5PM 5.30PM 5PM 5PM 8.30PM 5PM 5PM

SYMPHONY HALL FOYER SYMPHONY HALL FOYER THE JAM HOUSE BRAMALL MUSIC BUILDING SYMPHONY HALL FOYER BRAMALL MUSIC BUILDING SYMPHONY HALL FOYER SYMPHONY HALL FOYER THE JAM HOUSE SYMPHONY HALL FOYER SYMPHONY HALL FOYER

NICK DEWHURST

ELLIOT SANSOM & GARETH FOWLER

LEE JONES QUINTET

THURSDAY 19 MAY 5.30PM

WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE 5.30PM

TUESDAY 21 JUNE 8.30PM

BRAMALL MUSIC BUILDING FOYER

BRAMALL MUSIC BUILDING FOYER

THE JAM HOUSE

Nick Dewhurst debuts his exciting new ‘no drums’ project.

A recent finalist in the BBC Young Musician Jazz Award pianist Elliot Sansom performs in a duo alongside Gareth Fowler.

Promising a more fluid sound it features Nick leading on trumpet/ flugelhorn, Gareth Fowler on guitar, Elliott Sansom on piano and Percy Pursglove on bass.

“Drums are wicked, but playing without drums is great too. I’m thinking Flugelhorn, Piano, Guitar and Bass, or something like that”.

Interested in the harmonic and rhythmic language shared in both jazz and classical music, Elliot’s influences include jazz musicians such as John Taylor, Pablo Held, Paul Bley, Herbie Hancock, as well as classical composers such as Olivier Messiaen, Federico Mompou and Igor Stravinsky.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

Lee Jones’ latest album, After the Pier is “groove drenched” and demonstrates a widening of his musical horizons compared to his previous albums. Jones is clearly very much influenced by 70s style funk and fusion with its emphasis on programmed beats, he makes full use of modern musical technology while subtly extending his explorations into the realms of contemporary electronica. “…this collection of tuneful originals shows the Birmingham Conservatoire jazz course graduate to be an emerging talent…”

Robert Shore, Jazzwise

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THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS Performances Birmingham is one of the largest regional arts charities in the country. Ticket sales alone cannot sustain our programme; we rely on voluntary contributions to enable us to continue and expand our work. We aim to reach even more people within our communities and further develop our wide-ranging programme. We would like to thank all our supporters for their generous contributions to our charitable work over the last year. If you are interested in supporting please take a look at our website www.thsh.co.uk/support-us or contact our Development Team on 0121 644 5072 or 0121 644 5075.

CORPORATE SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNER

25th Anniversary Concert

PROJECT SUPPORTERS Thank you to our Project Supporters

Generation Ladywood

SoundLounge Collective R&D

Generation Ladywood

Anna Meredith commission

Pollen

ECHO Rising Stars

Jazzlines Young Musician Development

Jazzlines Fellowship Scheme

Project SoundLounge

Jazzlines Summer School and Jazzlines Ensemble

Jazzlines Programme

Live in the Lodge

Fisk Jubilee Singers

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Jazzlines Ensemble

BUSINESS PARTNERS

SOUNDBITE SUPPORTERS

Founding Principal Supporter

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Principal Supporter

DONORS Alan Woodfield Charitable Trust, The Alchemy Foundation, The Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Settlement, Miss A Copsey, Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation, Arts Connect West Midlands, Assay Office, Birmingham, The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust, Baron Davenport’s Charity, Bernard Piggott Charitable Trust, The Bewley Charitable Trust, Birmingham Bodenham Trust, Blackwell Charitable Trust, The BoshierHinton Foundation, Dave Muir, DMC McDonald Foundation facilitated by the IAO, The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust, Dumbreck Charity, The Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Trust, The E H Smith Charitable Trust, The Eric W Vincent Trust Fund, Ernest Cook Trust, The Eveson Charitable Trust, The Field Family Charitable Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The George Cadbury Trust, The George Fentham Birmingham Charity, GJW Turner Trust, The GNC Trust, Grantham Yorke Trust, Grimmitt Trust, The Heathcock Charitable Trust, Henry James Sayer Charity, The Hinrichsen Foundation, Jemima Bruntlett, The John Feeney Charitable Trust, Lillie Johnson Charitable Trust, Limoges Trust, The Loppylugs and Barbara Morrison Charitable Trust, Lord Austin Trust, The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, The Mercers’ Company, Miss M-J Derbyshire, The Oakley Charitable Trust, The Patrick Trust, Petals of Piccadilly, Peter & Jane How Trust, Mr Peter J Smith, Philip Bates Trust, The Ray Williams Foundation, The Roughley Trust, The Rowlands Trust, The Saintbury Trust, Service Birmingham Staff Benefit Scheme, The Tiggiwinkle Charitable Trust, wagamama, The WED Charitable Trust, William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, Wilmcote Charitrust, Mrs Wingfield’s Charitable Trust, Wolfson Foundation, our Supporters, Volunteers and Friends

FRIENDS Mr B & Mrs V Adams, Anita Bhalla, Jayne Cadbury, Miss A Copsey, Lady Gillian Curtis, Mrs M-J Derbyshire, Dr Janet Halfyard, Mr D Hawketts, Paul Howlett, Dr D & Mrs A Kett, Peter Maskell, Mrs E L Murray, Mrs J Rutter, Professor C Schaeffner, Mr Peter J Smith, Mr G & Mrs A Tovell, Mr R & Mrs J Verrion, Mr A & Ms A Winkler, Mr A J Woodfield, Mr R Wright, and our honorary Platinum Friends

THSH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE We would like to thank the following individuals for their advice, help and support: Paul Farrow, Michael Harris, Michael Loftus, Viplavi Mahendra, Marc Reeves, Keith Stokes-Smith

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

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Coming Soon…

SUE PERKINS

SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 8PM

TOWN HALL

THE GLOAMING

SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 7.30PM

KIT DOWNES’ ENEMY

SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER 8PM

CBSO CENTRE

JASON BYRNE

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER 8PM

NINA CONTI

SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER 7.30PM

TOWN HALL

JIMEOIN

RENONSENSE MAN

FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 8PM

SYMPHONY HALL

TOWN HALL

TOWN HALL

CHRISTY MOORE

BRIAN COX

ANOUSHKA SHANKAR

THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

WITH DECLAN SINNOTT & JIM HIGGINS

THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER 7.30PM

SYMPHONY HALL

LAND OF GOLD

THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER 8PM

SYMPHONY HALL Town Hall Symphony Hall

TOWN Hallsymphonyhall

@THSHBirmingham

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