Jackmaster + Jasper James | Fri 18 Aug | Rainbow | from £16.50
Jackmaster enjoys three things: unearthing underappreciated house and techno corkers, exploring new musical terrain – and partying. It’s difficult to put your finger on what it is that makes Jackmaster’s sets distinctively Jackmaster; maybe it’s the seamless swerving through genres, or his ability to sense what the crowd is feeling at any given moment. Whatever it is, you know it when you hear it. Joining Jackmaster in the Blackbox is fellow Glaswegian Jasper James, a young selector with mixing capabilities beyond his years. If you know your dance music, this one’s probably already in your diary. See our feature here. www.skiddle.com

Colours: Idris Elba | Sat 19 Aug | Rainbow | from £16.50
‘Idris Elba? Isn’t he an actor?’ I hear you ask. Well, you’re half right. See, not many people know this but Elba was a selector long before his acting career got off the ground. In fact, the man who played Stringer Bell in The Wire was part of the original rave generation, spinning vinyl from as early as 1985. And in Elba’s jam-packed schedule, it’s not unusual to see DJ sets in Ibiza sandwiched together with stints on film sets. He’s a busy man, so this might be your last chance to catch him in Birmingham for a good while. Also featuring Low Steppa, Royal-T and more. www.skiddle.com

Encore: A Night of Classic Trance | Fri 18 Aug | Hare & Hounds | from £3.50
Though its peak has passed, the euphoria of trance lives on through genre torchbearers Tiësto, Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk, to name a few. And since its inception trance has been an integral part of Birmingham’s clubbing culture, finding a home in the now-defunct Godskitchen brand, which would sell out Digbeth superclub AIR and later the Institute on a weekly basis. If you weren’t around during the genre’s heyday, the Hare & Hounds has got you covered with this night of classic trance tunes. And if you were there to witness it all, take a trip down memory lane with DJs Adam Sinclair, Claire Jaq and co. this Friday. www.skiddle.com

BASS Collective: Free Party | Fri 18 Aug | Amusement 13 | from £11.25
UK bass massive rejoice as a free rave comes to a warehouse near you. And this is Amusement 13 we’re talking about, equipped with arguably the best sound system in the whole of Birmingham, so your favourite bassline wobblers are sure to sound crisper – and filthier – than ever. Topping the bill is local selector Bassboy with Bru-C on MC duties,  joined by Thorpey, Hayden Perry and more. Grab your free ticket here – it’s £5 entry past midnight.