Following a viral article on the personal and social effects of loneliness, author, journalist and all-round hero of the good George Monbiot paired up with singer-songwriter Ewan McLennan to expand the idea into a musical project. ‘Breaking the Spell of Loneliness’ is one of a limited number of live events where the two will share the songs and talk about the stories behind them. An unusual gig to be sure, but a laudable effort to break the topic out into the open and to find genuine connections with people who share the same fears.

Wed 8 Feb, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH. £12.50 – 16.50 www.macbirmingham.co.uk