Rachael Cohen Quartet at The Spotted Dog
The alto saxophonist from the Shetland Islands has built up a rich musical pedigree which has seen her passing through the Birmingham Conservatoire and onto perform with some of the most renowned jazz musicians around. After a stint with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland Rachael has shared a stage with the likes of Joe Locke, Arild Andersen and Tommy Smith. Debut album ‘Halftime’ was released to much acclaim in 2012, quite a coup that we get to see a jazz artist of such standing as part of the weekly free sessions at the Spotted Dog. Make the most of it.
Tue 24 Jan 8.30pm at The Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick Street, B12 0NH Birmingham facebook

DeBasement Birthday Party with Zeitgeist at Cogs Bar
An evening hosted by those fine local purveyors of transgressive art events DeBasement, who celebrate their first birthday by hijacking the Cognitive Jazz Therapy session at Cogs. Headlining are Zeitgeist who really have to be heard to be believed. A heavy metal jazz trio. An unholy alliance? Maybe. A beautiful racket? Definitely. The Leeds based band have supported several big names including Three Trapped Tigers and their imaginative blend of power chords and oh so tight jazz melodies continues to make waves. With DeBasement in charge expect the unexpected. Read our full preview here.
Thu 26 Jan 7.30pm at Cogs, 61 Newhall Street, B3 3RB Birmingham facebook

Kenneth Hamilton Lecture Recital at the Barber Institute
Twice a year Professor Kenneth Hamilton, Head of Music at Cardiff University, gives lecture recitals at the Barber Institute. A fine host whose wit and charm is immediately engaging, you just might learn a thing or two to go along with the beautiful music. The recitals will come from the music of Chopin and Lizst.
Fri 27 Jan 1.10pm at The Barber institute, University of Birmingham, B15 2TS Birmingham facebook

The Take Over Free Party With Young Culture Sound at The Dark Horse
Moseley’s Young Culture Sound are taking over the upstairs of the Dark Horse Friday night and this is good news. YCS have a solid reputation for hosting barnstorming dancehall events featuring the likes of Solo Banton and Gentleman’s Dub Club. That’s several hours of floor rumbling bass rhythms to pound your skulls all for free. There will also be live music from The Young Culture Collective, a seven piece roots reggae band with an extensive repertoire of covers and original material. Bring on the skanking.
Fri 27 Jan 9pm at The Dark Horse, Alcester Road, B13 8JP Birmingham facebook

Drink and Draw at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Drink & Draw is back to scribble and scrawl its declarations of funky creativity and social high jinks all over your heart. This very special night for self-confessed doodle-addicts, casual cartoonists and quick/slow-draw aficionados, aims to offer a perfect social space to let both your creativity and the good-times flow. Bring your posh pens and creative spirit, paper is provided along with a full bar. See our full preview here.
Sat 28 Jan 6.30pm at Birmingham Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH. www.facebook.com/penanddrink

The Fireman’s Ball (dir: Milos Forman, 1967, cert U) at The Gunmaker’s Arms
Before Milos Forman left for Hollywood to direct such classics as ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Amadeus’ he was an integral part of the Czech New Wave movement. One of the most fertile periods in cinematic history until it was crushed, like the rest of the country, by Russian tanks. After being sacked by his studio at the new regime’s behest Forman left for America. His legacy was ‘The Fireman’s Ball’, a classic of the Czech New Wave, on the surface a riotous comedy following the bumbling antics of a band of firemen as they attempt to organise the eponymous ball, but look a little deeper and you will find a razer sharp satire on the endemic corruption of Eastern communism. At one point ‘banned forever’ by the Czech authorities.
Sat Jan 28 8pm at Gunmaker’s Arms, Bath Street, B4 6HG Birmingham Free facebook

Chinese New Year Celebrations at Various Venues
Chinese New Year is nearly upon us. Food, music, fireworks, culture, markets, fairground rides, kids creative workshops. This year invites the celebration of The Year of the Rooster, the tenth year in the Chinese Zodiac. There will be stages on Hurst Street and Ladywell Walk as well as events at The Arcadian and The Hippodrome. Read our full preview for more details of times and workshops here.
Sun 29 Jan, 11am – 4pm, Southside Birmingham. Genting Stage (Hurst Street) 12pm – 4pm
Birmingham Airport Stage (Ladywell Walk) 12.30pm – 3pm. www.birminghamhippodrome.com