Local Bands

Gigbeth 07 first night, Digbeth High St

Venues across Digbeth host live performances from a wealth of local and national talent on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th November 2008 as part of the Gigbeth festival.

Now in its third year, Gigbeth is Birmingham's biggest and most diverse music festival.

Acts announced so far include: American hip hop veterans Sugar Hill Gang whose first hit, Rapper's Delight was released in 1979; acclaimed break beat DJ duo Stanton Warriors; Leicestershire indie act Young Knives and Radio One favourite Guillemots.

The Brascoes

A wealth of local bands and singer-songwriters will be taking to the stage in venues such as Barfly, The Rainbow Courtyard and The Dragon Bar.

These include: The Scarlet Harlots; Mr. Bones & the Dreamers; The Brascoes; Einstellung and Mama Matrix. Many of these local bands can be heard on BBC WM Introducing every Thursday night from 10pm on 95.6FM.

In addition, on Saturday 8th November a free gig will take place at South Birmingham College featuring local breakout stars Bryn Christopher, 15 piece band eastern European-style group The Destroyers and reggae act Musical Youth.

Technical problems plagued the 2007 event with a delayed start on opening night and complaints about a lack of organisation. Gigbeth organiser Claire Edwards insists these are in the past.

Sam greets his fans

"Last year we had 45 events all with live music," she says. "Gigbeth so far has mostly been me and people working voluntarily with me. Last year I suddenly felt like I had lost grip of it. It was too big really.

"We've brought it back down in scale in terms of how many venues and shows there are but that means we can spend more on the acts."

The Gigbeth conference

On Thursday 6th November, as a precursor to the festival, the Radisson SAS Hotel hosts the third annual Gigbeth conference. The aim is to help musicians find paid work by bringing those in education closer to music industry insiders.

Claire Edwards

A range of speakers will be on hand to talk to those dreaming of working in the music business and Guillemots frontman Fyfe Dangerfield will be interviewed by the BBC's Janice Long.

"The conference has been successful every year," says Claire. "It is around to try and get the music industry more linked up. For me, as someone who came out of their degree with no roots into work except my own enthusiasm, I'm quite passionate about that."

To watch Frankie Ward's interview with Gigbeth organiser Claire Edwards, click the link below:

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