Jazz Sax at The Spotted Dog
Dipping into the legendary Miles Davis’ Birth of The Cool sessions and paying homage to sax god Benny Carter, this project by gifted saxophonist and Birmingham Conservatoire graduate Alicia Gardener-Trejo features a phenomenal dectet (that’s ten musicians kids) of accomplished artists. With a history of exploring imaginative and eclectic musical directions, this latest achievement offers a perfect primer into this one-to-watch jazz talent. Donations welcomed.
Tue 14 Nov 8.30pm at The Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick Street, Birmingham B12. ONH www.facebook.com

HARK & Mothertrucker at Subside
HARK bring their Machinations tour, and a whole lot of ferocious hair, to Subside for another incredible free Surprise You’re Dead gig. Intricate, technical and absolutely brain blasting riffs and lead heavy rhythms power HARK along relentlessly, the sight of Jimbob Isaac and Joe Harvatt’s duelling guitars trilling live is astonishing. The dirty doom metal of local sludgelords Mothertrucker provide big and loud support.
Thu 16 Nov 7pm at Subside, 57 High St, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DA www.facebook.com

Josh Pugh at Patrick Kavanagh
Local boy Josh Pugh is a punnery master with an absurdist take on life that resonates with audiences. His gags deliver a stunningly high hit rate and in full flow there aren’t many can touch the 2016 comedian of the year for dizzying word play. Intelligent, imaginative and unpredictable.
Thu 16 Nov 7.30pm at Patrick Kavanagh, 142 Trafalgar Rd, Birmingham B13 8BX www.fatpenguinimprov.com

Throwback Thursdays at The One Trick Pony Club
The Night Owl crew descend on Moseley to brighten up Thursday nights with the start of a monthly residency at The One Trick Pony Club. Night Owl residents will be ensuring your ears are filled with the usual eclectic mix of soul, mod and the unexpected, don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Thu 16 Nov 7pm at The One Trick Pony Club, 93 Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8DD www.facebook.com

Baudelaire in Song at The Barber Institute
Beloved of goths and fops Charles Baudelaire’s poetry and prose explores the darkest of places with an unflinching and graceful eye. Join Professor Helen Abbott, specialist in nineteenth-century French poetry and music at the University of Birmingham, for an afternoon of intellectual insight with music from soprano Mary Bevan, and pianist Joseph Middleton.
Fri 17 Nov 1pm at The Barber Institute, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS barber.org.uk

Simon Joseph Gregory at The Dark Horse
Simon fronts a powerful three piece that rock through a variety of styles with wilful ease, drawing on a raft of influences from Radiohead to Jeff Buckley. Luke Davies’ Eagle Empire provide sophisticated and soulful support. A good night to check out emerging local musical talent for none of your English pounds.
Fri 17 Nov 9pm at The Dark Horse, 145 Alcester Rd, Birmingham B13 8JP www.darkhorsemoseley.co.uk

Subtle Sounds at Amusement 13
The beats will be dope, dirty and loud down at Amusement 13 tonight. A plethora of talented selectors mixing raging drum and bass tunes from The Subtle Sounds posse including Canista, Brent Kilner, Demtew and Versipelli. Move quick for your comp ticket because it will sell out for sure, free entry is only before 11.30pm. Boom.
Fri 17 Nov 10pm at Amusement 13, 71 Kent Street, Birmingham B5 6RD www.skiddle.com