Norman Jay (Good Times Set) | Fri 10 Mar | Hare and Hounds Kings Heath | £13.50
What better way to celebrate the Hare and Hounds 10th birthday than with DJ legend Norman Jay. Not only is this man the King of Notting Hill Carnival, Co-founder of the infamous Good Times Sound System and much loved dance music station KISSFM, he even has an MBE for his exceptional contribution to music and he’s about to grace the second city with his presence. This will be an expertly handled set, as he gives up the ‘rare groove’ to an undoubtedly satisfied crowd. He’s renowned for refusing to be categorised or forced into playing a particular genre, meaning his set will be an eclectic compilation of varying dance sounds. One thing can be guaranteed however; he’ll have the crowd in the palm of his hand, manipulating them through music all night long.
www.skiddle.com

Sankeys Opening Party | Sat 11 Mar | Sankeys Birmingham | £25
Mancunians recently mourned the loss of the original Sankeys venue which makes this opening in Birmingham particularly exciting. If they stay true to their hard-earned reputation this will be a stripped back industrial setting with killer speakers, that will be pumping unrelenting techno and house. Darius Syrossian is one of the biggest names in the line-up, the Tribal Sessions resident has an honest, no-fuss ethos stating ‘It’s all House and Techno and I’m not into fads’ making him the perfect choice for Sankeys. Other names include Tania Vulcano, Martinez and Bontan, so if you fancy being engulfed by a world of thumping techno, this is the place to be.
www.sankeysbirmingham.com

Festival of the Dead | Sat 11 Mar | The Rainbow Venues | £21.90
Get tickets fast if you fancy taking a trip to the underworld – it’s almost full. This Saturday the much-awaited Festival of the Dead finally comes to Birmingham and they’ll be transforming the Rainbow Venues into a den full of devilish wonder. Expect skull processions, acrobats, dancers and ornate décor that will make you feel as though you’ve crossed onto the other side. Festival goers will be welcomed by feverous carnival energy and hypnotic house rhythms as they party the night away under the watchful eyes of the dancing skulls. This promises to be a unique and sensory spectacular where you can feel free to release the dancing devil lurking within.
www.fatsoma.com

*Special mention this week to the Northern Disco Lights screening & after-party Sat 11 Mar at The Mockingbird. See our full preview here