IKON Slow Boat Launch & free screenprinting
Following a recent transformation complete with a new design by Lamorna Conlon, a member of the IKON Youth Programme, Ikon’s Slow Boat is ready to set sail. Offering a free drop in session for its launch, the boat will navigate the canals of Birmingham and Sandwell whilst promoting workshops and performances to engage the locals. The slow boat, called Looping the Loop, is supported by several trusts and charities in the local area, and is a unique chance for artists to work with new and wider audiences. Make your own limited edition screenprint. Donations welcome. Also see here for details of the exhibition openings in the main gallery with a live performance by acclaimed experimental sound artist Rie Nakajima at 6.30pm.
Wed 21 Mar, 3pm – 7pm. Drop in, limited capacity, Brewmaster Bridge, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2JB. Free. www.ikon-gallery.org

Gig: High Horses at The Dark Horse
Local folk rockers and six piece party starters High Horses will be raising a ruckus upstairs at The Dark Horse tonight. John Smith of The Big Sets will be joining them armed with a harmonica and DJ Pete Toney will be keeping the tunes big and bluesey till the early hours.
Fri 23 Mar 9pm at The Dark Horse, 145 Alcester Rd, Birmingham B13 8JP www.darkhorsemoseley.co.uk

Film: Best F(r)iends & The Room at The Mockingbird 
Birmingham University’s Bad Film Society bring you the mother of all dross movies with a screening of Tommy Wiseau’s celluloid monument to ineptitude The Room. Bring plastic spoons. Completing an awful double bill is the Wiseau road movie Best F(r)iends.
Mon 19 Mar 7.30pm at The Mockingbird, Custard Factory, Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AA www.facebook.com

Film: 1984, When The Sun Didn’t Rise at Impact Hub
Teenaa Kaur Pasricha’s award winning documentary explores the impact on women of the Delhi riots that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi. Thirty thousand Sikhs were killed all over India in the ensuing violence, the film chronicles the lives of the women living in Delhi’s widow colony. Following the screening Pasricha will be discussing the issues raised.
Tue 20 Mar 7pm at Impact Hub, 58, Oxford St, Birmingham B5 5NR impacthub.net

Film: Hampstead at Journey Film Club
The slight Notting Hill knock off Hampstead has some interesting moments and the true story on which it is based, Hampstead Heath squatter Harry Hallowes, is fascinating. If you can stomach the schmaltz it’s a pleasant way to while away a couple of hours and in the company of Journey Film Club without troubling your pockets, what’s not to like?
Tue 20 Mar 7pm at Birmingham LGBT, 38-40 Holloway Circus, Birmingham B1 1EQ www.journeyfilmclub.co.uk

Gig: Seaborne at Cherry Reds
Second instalment of the returning Jazz at Cherry Reds event. A great turnout last time for the Dan Kemshell Trio and we expect more of the same from the free jazz improvisers Seaborne starring Christos Stylianides on trumpet. We can think of nothing better than relaxing to some cool tunes and enjoying the delicious range of food (and beers) available at Cherry Reds.
Wed 21 Mar 8pm at Cherry Reds, 92 John Bright Street, Birmingham B1 1BN www.facebook.com

Film: Comedy shorts at Artefact
Unbox your laughing gear and get strapped up for an evening of quality short cinema at Stirchley’s wonderful independent arts space Artefact. Eleven films from five different countries. It’s pay what you like but with all proceeds going to Sifa Fireside to help the homeless in Birmingham we know you will dig deep.
Wed 21 Mar 7.30pm at Artefact,  1464 Pershore Rd, Birmingham B30 2NT www.facebook.com

Gig: Anavae, Veridian and Free Galaxy at Subside
Earnest rock duo Anavae bring their full live band to Subside for another Surprise You’re Dead gratis showcase, their electronica tinged heavy anthems are uniquely soulful and powerful, check out the track Feel Alive here. Support comes from Reading alt-rockers Veridian and newcomers Free Galaxy.
Thu 22 Mar 7pm at Subside, 57 Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DA www.facebook.com

Comedy: Ben Hanlin at Patrick Kavanagh
Local magician and television personality Ben Hanlin will be bringing his dexterous mind tricks and cheeky banter to Moseley for a free show this evening, new material is promised so expect to be amazed. The usual Fat Penguin improv shenanigans will be taking place with the Bunkum Factory, get involved it’s more fun that way.
Thu 22 Mar 7.30pm at Patrick Kavanagh, 142 Trafalgar Rd, Birmingham B13 8BX www.fatpenguinimprov.com