Funky Knuckles & Mark Lettieri | Sun 17 Apr | Hare & Hounds
If the members of Funky Knuckles and Lettieri’s trio had turned up to Birmingham with all of the singers they had played for over their illustrious career, we would be holding a festival that would smash Glastonbury. The biggest in pop, R&B, funk, soul and gospel have called on the unreal talents of these musicians. Hailing from Texas, Lettieri is most recently known for his work with two time Grammy winners Snarky Puppy. Offering even more Texas soul and life to the room are The Funky Knuckles: want to see what some of the best session musicians do to really let loose and stretch themselves when they’re not hanging with Bey or Badu? They call Texas the Lone Star state, on this stage alone you’ll see the incredible range of Texas’ stellar talents. See our feature here
hwww.hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk

Newton Faulkner| Sat 16 Apr | 02 Institute
Arguably the only artist to cover Massive Attack’s untouchable Teardrop and do it justice (although many have tried and fallen short), Faulkner’s move away from a major label last year saw not a massive revolution in his acoustic troubadour sounds but certainly refinement and playfulness on the album ‘Human Love’. Faulkner’s shows have something indescribably life affirming about them. There is zeal for life in his songs, creativity in his playing, childlike excitement and wonder in his lyrics, and increasing depth and adventure in his latest tracks.
www.o2institutebirmingham.co.uk

Shonen Knife | Sat 16 Apr | | £13.20
Japanese pop-punk trio famous for Kurt Cobain’s fandom return to the UK for their 35th Anniversary tour.
www.seetickets.com

Nerina Pallot | Fri 15 Apr | O2 Insitiute | £18.50
Ditching the beautuful balladry and ‘award-winning singer-songwriter tag’ in favour of a meatier, beatier sound, meet an older, wiser and more industry-sceptic Nerina Pallot in all her reborn glory.
www.ticketweb.co.uk