King George I on Horseback at The Barber Institute
The Barber Institute holds lunchtime tours and talks every Tuesday to introduce visitors to their exhibitions, displays and collections. Each talk is 30 minutes long and no booking is required, and of course they are free of charge, a great way to soak up some culture, in a wonderful environment. This week’s talk and tour is entitled ‘King George I on horseback’.
Tue 26 Jul 1.15pm at The Barber Institute, Edgbaston, B15 2TS  barber.org.uk/

Jazz at Second Cup
A brand new night in the heart of Birmingham. Second cup presents a fortnightly gig showcasing some of Birmingham’s best up and coming players on the scene. Each week will feature a different guest with the Second cup trio this week featuring the incredible, legendary Mike Williams!
Wed 27 Jul 7pm at Second Cup Coffee Shop, 64 New Street, Birmingham B2 4DU www.facebook.com/

The Nightingale Film Club *CANCELLED*
Party Monster (dir: Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, 2003, cert 18) Macaulay Culkin stars as the notorious king of the club kids Michael Alig, in this biographical tale of drugs, prostitution and murder. Alig’s life was not a pretty one and whilst Culkin’s performance in the lead role is notable, he merely reflects the hollow narcissism of a desperate character, producing a soulless film.  You are encouraged to bring your own snacks and the Nightingale is always an interesting place to hang out. *CANCELLED*
Wed 27 Jul 8pm at The Nightingale, 18 Kent Street, Birmingham B5 6RD www.nightingaleclub.co.uk/

Gregory Peck’s Jazz, Funk & Soul Open Mic Night at The Night Owl
The Night Owl is always a cool venue to spend time in. Throw in some free live funk music and, if you’re that way inclined, bring along your own instruments to plug in and make some tuneful noise.
Wed 27 Jul, 9pm at The Night Owl, Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth www.facebook.com/

Be History at Millennium Point
Free music and spoken word performance in an inimitably Brum style. See our full preview here.

King Kong Comedy Club at The Gunmaker’s Arms
This venue is fast establishing itself as a cultural hub featuring several free events a week. The comedy club is a riot, featuring 8 comedians of various competencies, and all kept ticking along good naturedly by compere Jonny Cocker.
Thu Jun 28 8pm at Gunmakers Arms, Bath Street, Birmingham. www.facebook.com/events.

Summer Sessions at the mac with Sizwe
The mac’s wonderful Summer Sessions continue with a performance from Sizwe. Exploring  Africa’s rich musical history crossed with the influences of jazz, groove and improvisation. Grounded in African drumming roots, this group of friends explore heavy percussion grooves, rich township melodies and a dose of electronic crossover for good measure.
Fri 29 Jul 6pm at mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH macbirmingham.co.uk/

Matilda Family fun day at Highfield House 
The lovely Highfield House in Hall Green is the setting for this delightfully imaginative family day organised by the mac. There will be a screening of Matilda so we can all revel in Mrs Trunchbull’s deserved comeuppance again and imagine which teachers we would have used telekinetic powers on!  Before the film, artist Benny Semp is on hand to help make animated flick books and colourful character book marks.
Sat 30 Jul 12pm at Highfield House, 15692 Stratford Rd, Birmingham B28 9JA macbirmingham.co.uk/

Big John’s Birmingham Mela 2016
Cannon Hill Park plays host to what promises to be an amazing mela for all the family featuring music, dance, food and a funfair. Acts appearing include Imran Khan (not the legendary Pakistani fast bowler to save confusion), Zack Knight, Juggy D and B21. There will also be Bhangra dancers, DJs and martial arts displays. The food court will have 15 stalls serving a range of cuisines. If the sun shines this will be great day.
Sun 31 Jul 12pm at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH www.bigjohnsbirminghammela.com/