Gigs, gags, movies, music, a major city with some major league venues.
(1.) Birmingham Academy Deritend, B'ham Forever The Hummingbird in the mind of old Brummies, the gig venue reopened with a special one-off Ocean Colour Scene gig at the tail end of 2000 and rapidly established itself as a major lure for acts such as SFA, Basement Jaxx, Beck, The Charlatans and Pulp. From major names to up-and-coming talent and regular club nights (inc. Ramshackle, Pump), just don't sit on the carpet (bleaugh!)
(2.) The Glee Club Hurst St, Arcadian Centre, B'ham Brum's only permanent comedy club. If Lee Evans or Jack Dee want to try out some new material prior to a major tour or TV series - this is where they road test their routines! With four acts per night and student specials mid week, it's guaranteed to tickle your funny bone (if you have one). Prepare those heckles!
(3.) Midland Arts Centre (MAC) Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, B'ham Multi-purpose arts venue that covers everything - leading comedians (Mark Thomas), bhangra, folk, jazz, art (from Picasso to local pot makers), theatre, yoga, art courses, films (classics, second runs, world cinema) ... there's even a bookshop, bar and café.
(4.) UGC Cinema Five Ways, B'ham The Broad Street cinema is Brum's best. Perfect location (surrounded by clubs and bars). Easy parking. Easy for public transport. Big screens. Great sound. Plenty of leg room. Lots of strangely coloured jelly sweets. And a bar.
(5.) National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Solihull. Cavernous venue for super concerts (UB40, Slipnot, Hear'Say) and such major events as The Motor Show, The Good Food Show, The Clothes Show and much more. Easy to get to (via Birmingham International), although the size of the venue can have an adverse affect on the atmosphere at some gigs, and the beer and food concessions ain't great...
* For news on gigs, films and events see icBirmingham's What's On sections including a fully searchable online listings database.
