Stranded, Screw Loose, Sweet Vision, Cauldron live at Subside
Get your week off to a brutal start with another incredible Surprise You’re Dead free gig, this time headlined by local hardcore merchants Stranded. Support comes from bruising Manc outfit Screw Loose, Leeds punkers Sweet Vision and newcomers Cauldron who are making their live debut.
Mon 11 Dec 7.30pm at Subside, 57 Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DA www.facebook.com

Christmas Big Band at The Spotted Dog
Jazz night down at The Spotted Dog goes all festive with an all star Christmas Big Band led by bandleader and Conservatoire graduate Jonathan Silk.
Tue 12 Dec 8.30pm at The Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick St, Birmingham B12 0NH www.facebook.com

Tap Takeover: Odyssey, Burning Soul & Glass House at The Dark Horse
A three craft brewery face off as a triumvirate featuring some of the finest local microbreweries take over the Dark Horse with an incredible fifteen beers, if Odyssey bring their super strong Grievous ale this will be one hell of a contest.
Wed 13 Dec 6pm at The Dark Horse, 145 Alcester Rd, Birmingham B13 8JPwww.facebook.com

The Fletcher Quartet at Birmingham Conservatoire
Products of the internationally renown Birmingham Conservatoire, The Fletcher Quartet have built a strong reputation since forming this year, even appearing on BBC Breakfast. Join them for an end of term concert featuring recitals of Beethoven and Mendelssohn.
Wed 13 Dec 6pm at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, Birmingham B4 7XR www.facebook.com

Throwback Thursdays Xmas Party at The One Trick Pony Club
The Night Owl crew descend on Moseley for The Throwback Thursdays Christmas party and to continue the monthly residency that kicked off in November. 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 14 Dec 7pm at The One Trick Pony Club, 93 Alcester Road, Birmingham B13 8DD www.facebook.com

Rik Carranza at Patrick Kavanagh
The only Scottish/Filipino comic on the comedy circuit, full on geek and creator of the Star Trek versus Star Wars Fringe panel show is the latest talent to rock up at the consistently brilliant Fat Penguin Comedy Club in Moseley.  As usual the main act will be followed by some irregular improv and audience participation.
Thu 14 Dec 7.30pm at Patrick Kavanagh,  142 Trafalgar Road, Birmingham B13 8BX www.facebook.com

Lip Syncin’ Christmas at Cafe Ort
Put the hairbrush away and step back from the mirror, it’s time to take your lip syncing to the next level. Cafe Ort have got the tunes you just need to bring the moves and some fake vocal pizazz. Fancy dress, as your favourite pop star of course,  is a must and if you can’t find anything at home have a rummage in the Ort dressing up box. It’s free entry but please leave a nice donation in the charity box, it is Christmas.
Fri 15 Dec 8pm at Cafe Ort, 500-504 Moseley Road, Birmingham B12 9AH Free www.facebook.com