Concrete Takeover at The Hockley Flyover
Newtown’s Jazz and Hip Hop star Soweto Kinch transforms the concrete jungle into an awesome urban arts festival the 6th time, turning the grey asphalt monotony of the A41’s underbelly into a sprawling and colourful carnival of music, art and dance. The lineup includes founding Steel Pulse member Basil Gabbidon, Eska, Reuben James, Trope and a whole raft of exciting musicians from across the city. See our preview here

Sandwell & Birmingham Mela
The biggest Asian music festival in Europe featuring a huge range of acts; dance, food, crafts, and attracting over 120,000 people. There are notable stars such as the controversial ‘King of Bollywood’ Mika Singh with a full live band, don’t get too close though as he has been known to slap audience members for invading his stage. Asian chart topping R&B singer Zack Knight is making an appearance as are The Bhangra All Stars, Sheera Jasvir and Harf Cheema.
Sat 16 Jul – Sun 17 Jul at Victoria Park, Smethwick £1 on the gate www.birminghammela.com

Birmingham & Solihull Jazz & Blues Festival
Established for 32 years, the festival is 10 days of mostly free events featuring artists from across the world performing across the city. In addition to the excellent range of music there will be dance events and workshops, meet the author book events, exhibitions and photography. We’re particularly looking forward to Italy’s Pepper & the Jellies performing at The Edwardian Tea Rooms on Sat 16th July and The Busquitos from Holland appearing at The Lord Clifden on Mon 18th July. Of the paid events our pick is Hungary’s Budapest Ragtime Band at The Botanical Gardens Sun 17th July, fun sounds in beautiful surroundings, if the sun shines it will be extra special.
Fri 15 Jul – Sun 24 Jul Various venues and mostly free. www.bigbearmusic.com See our top picks of all the gigs in our feature here

Banstock Acoustic Music Festival in Bantock House Gardens
Headlining local lad/acoustic superstar Scott Matthews + Alex Ohm & Skiffle selectors Terry & Gerry.
Sat 9 Jul at Bantock House Museum Gardens, Wolverhampton. See our full preview here

Birmingham Caribbean Festival, Fri 29 Jul – Sun 31 Jul, Centenary Square, with our pick of the live music being Steel Pulse’s Gabbidon and Levi Roots. See our full preview here