Ranker’s list of musicians from Birmingham might make you wonder if anyone from the 21st century picked up a guitar in the West Midlands. The charts stopped being relevant long ago as anyone who knows the city’s thriving music scene will attest.
Not only is the city alive with the sound of music, but it also has some of the best and most diverse in the country. Here, we pick our five favourite music haunts which aren’t cavernous auditoriums:
Mama Roux’s
The Big Easy arrives in Brum! Imagine slipping into Bourbon Street as you walk through the door at Mama Roux’s. With a capacity of 250 and Louisiana-themed décor, there’s a brilliant mix of food and music as DJs and sassy music nights in Digbeth’s finest venue.
Welcoming new and established bands alike, Mama Roux’s has something for everyone as it maintains some intimacy away from the stage. In an area which isn’t short of live music venues, Mama Roux’s stands out from the crowd.
Unit 3, 23 Lower Trinity Street, Birmingham. B9 4AG
https://www.mamarouxs.co.uk/
Symphony Hall
This is as big as it gets for us venue-wise, but as you’d expect the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is an outstanding acoustic experience.
A broad range of musical tastes from classical to indie are catered for in the 2,262-capacity venue which is the sister to the less impressive Town Hall.
The multi-tiered auditorium suits the brash and the basic, with the current vogue for acoustic performances from major artists ideally suited to the local bands making good.
International Convention Centre, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA
https://bmusic.co.uk/
The Sunflower Lounge
A veteran venue of the Birmingham music scene. Opened in 2002, the Sunflower Lounge is a familiar step on the ladder for local bands, as well as those from out of town. There are no hard and fast rules for musical tastes but the 120-capacity basement bar is as down-to-earth as it comes.
Upstairs, the main bar serves a fine range of craft beers for the discerning hipster. That compliments the food which has an American vibe to it. It certainly qualifies as a ‘dive bar’ across the pond.
The focus on the local music scene is close to the owner’s heart, promoting Birmingham bands as much as those from out of the area. If you like your music up close and personal, the Sunflower Lounge is the place for you.
76 Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham B5 4EG.
The Sunflower Lounge
Actress & Bishop
Just like the jokes which inspired its’ name, the Actress & Bishop has been around forever. If forever began in 2003, that is. In the fifteen years since it’s become one of Brum’s best indie venues. If your music has to have guitars, then the Actress & Bishop caters to your tastes.
Located in The Jewellery Quarter, on St Paul’s Square, the Actress & Bishop has a hearty mix of tribute acts, indie and rocks bands; who knows there may even be a mix of all three from time to time.
35 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham B3 1EH
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Hare & Hounds
A Victorian pub in the heart of Kings Heath is an unlikely site for a non-stop music venue but it’s so typically Birmingham. Indeed, expect the unexpected ought to be the city’s motto. And the Hare & Hounds is unexpected.
It’s forged a strong reputation among DJs on the dance music scene. Regular events are organised by This Is TMRW and Leftfoot with a wide range of acts filling the two stages (250 & 150 capacity respectively).
High St, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7JZ
https://hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk/
