Exhibition Launch: Home Made in Smethwick at Smethwick Library
Photographer Liz Hingley spent two years photographing the citizens of Smethwick, the results of which can be seen in the beautiful book ‘Home Made In Smethwick’. Her premise was simple, ask the question what is your favourite family recipe? This managed to not only unearth a staggering array of beautiful food from all parts of the world but unlocked a myriad of fascinating and complex stories from the inhabitants of one of the most culturally diverse places in the UK. Read our full preview here.
Mon 16 Jan 2.30pm at Smethwick Library, High Street, Smethwick B66 1AA Free www.multistory.org.uk/

Lauren Hoyle and The Fidgets at Yorks Bakery Cafe
Birmingham is blessed with a multitude of dens for the city’s caffeine aficionados and they don’t come any better than the Yorks Bakery Cafe. Drop in Monday and sample their huge range of coffee and delicious food whilst plugging your lugholes into the beautifully winsome lyricism of local lass Lauren Hoyle. Master buskers the Fidgets are taking a break from the chilly streets to bring you their own warming brand of breezy covers and original tunes.
Mon 16 Jan 7pm at Yorks Bakery Cafe, 29 Stephenson Street, B2 4BT www.facebook.com

Journey Film Club Presents La Cage Aux Folles at Birmingham LGBT Centre 
Édouard Molinaro’s high camp classic 1978 adaptation of Jean Poiret’s play is a hilarious riot as gay couple Renato and Albin, owner and star of the St. Tropez drag club, welcome Renato’s son, unexpected fiance and her uptight parents. A succession of comedic set pieces ensue ranging from subtle to sledgehammer hard with the laughs coming thick and fast. Of course, in true sitcom style, the more our heroes try to hide the truth from the ultra conservative in-laws the funnier it gets. Imagine Fawlty Towers as a gay nightclub with Basil in drag and on hyperdrive.
Tue 17 Jan 7.30pm at Birmingham LGBT, 38/40 Holloway Circus Birmingham B1 1EQ www.journeyfilmclub.co.uk/whats-on.html

Happy with Clive Oseman at Waterstones
The Birmingham born poet will be reading from his first published collection of spoken word pieces ‘Happy’. Clive explores a range of subjects in his art and endeavors to take the listener through a gamut of emotions so expect a thrill ride of laughter, sadness and everywhere in between. Also appearing are local singer/songwriter Katie Jay and spoken word performers Tim Scotson and Nick Lovell. There are also limited open mic places available.
Wed 18 Jan 7pm at Waterstones 24 – 26 High Street Birmingham B4 7SL shop3

Bad Girls Presents the Artists at The Mockingbird
Dovetailing nicely with the 6 of the Best festival this weekend showcasing the best in cinema from UK female filmmakers, Bad Girls presents is the first in what is going to be a series of events highlighting female artists from around the Midlands. Six artists working across a range of mediums will have art on display. It’s not just art though, the evening will be rounded off with DJ sets till the early hours. Read our full preview here.
Fri 20 Jan 7.30pm at Mockingbird, The Custard Factory, B9 4AA Birmingham www.facebook.com/

Bad Practice 1st Birthday at The Hare and Hounds
They may be new kids on the block but the Bad Practice crew have built a formidable reputation for their rousing club nights showcasing upcoming local DJ’s. Come and celebrate a year of incredible parties in style at the H & H and all for free. Four DJ’s will take you on a funky journey through disco and house till the early hours. Matty Norton-Smith, Paul Kaminski, Steffan Taylor and Richard Buckley will provide the sounds all you have to do is come along and strut your stuff.
Fri 20 Jan 9pm at Hare and Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ hareandhoundskingsheath

An Evening with Sam Redmore at The Dark Horse
A cracking combination of DJ and venue. If you’ve ever been clubbing anywhere in Birmingham then you will have come across the energetic and eclectic DJ Sam Redmore. A legend about town and in the capable hands of his nimble mixing fingers you will be grooving all night. Resistance is futile. Sam is your host for the whole evening and we’re sure he will be giving the wonderful Dark Horse sound system a damn good thrashing.
Sat 21 Jan 10pm at The Dark Horse, Alcester Road, Moseley B13 8JP Birmingham www.facebook.com