When: 11th – 16th September 2012
Where: Various locations in Digbeth

After its inauguration in 2011, Espirito Brum is coming back to Digbeth later this year. The festival is the UK’s answer to Espirito Mundo based in Brazil, and acts as a cultural exchange between the two countries.

With over 20,000 Brazilians living in Birmingham, and with Digbeth at the heart of the city’s creative quarter, it is an obvious choice of location. Espirito Brum provides artists and musicians with a meeting point to create, share and explore talent alongside artists from a far removed cultural context. See Nicky’s photos from last year’s festival launch party below to gain an idea of what to expect.

Organisers of the UK leg are currently on the look out for artists and musicians who would like to perform at this year’s Espirito Brum festival alongside a roster of Brazilian talent; if you or anyone you know are interested in taking part, head to the Espirito Brum website to apply.

When: 11th and 12th May 2012
Where: The Karczma Restaurant and HMV Institute

In 2010, ZAKOPOWER appeared in the exclusive line up of artists representing the best of Poland at Nigel Kennedy’s Polish Weekend at London’s prestigious South Bank Centre. Having sold out the Queen Elizabeth Hall, their performance caused quite a stir and gained them critical acclaim.

With a steadily increasing fan base here in the UK, ZAKOPOWER have added extra dates to their UK tour, coming to Birmingham on the 12th May.

Digbeth’s very own traditional Polish restaurant, The Karczma, will be hosting an audience with ZAKOPOWER on Friday 11th May at 8pm, giving diners a unique opportunity to meet with the band, including popular violinst and front-man Sebastian Karpiel Bulecka.

The Karczma only has 50 invitations for the VIP Dinner with ZAKOPOWER; the cost of £45 includes:

• Dinner with ZAKOPOWER on Friday 11th May 2012 at 8pm (two courses and a half-litre of Polish beer)
• A ticket for the concert at the HMV Institute on Saturday 12th May – doors open at 7pm

Bookings can be made in person at The Karczma restaurant on Bordesley Street, which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 23:00, and Sunday 11:00 to 21:00. Click here to see a map.

When: Wednesday 9th May, 10:00 – 15:00
Where: Volunteer Reading Help, Studio 313, Custard Factory

In 2010, one in five children left primary school below the average literacy level expected of 11-year- olds. Volunteer Reading Help (VRH) is a charity that provides training and support for volunteers who want to inspire children to read.

The Birmingham branch of the charity is based in the Custard Factory, and will be holding interviews for new volunteers at their offices on Wednesday between 10:00 and 15:00.

Volunteers are asked to go into a school twice a week for 90 minutes each time to spend half an hour with each of the three children they support, for a minimum of 12 months. For your time, you will receive training and ongoing support but will need to be CRB checked and provide two references.

For more information, visit the VRH website or contact Branch Manager Eileen on 0845 450 0336.

Although parts of our beloved Bradford Street need some TLC, other parts are seeing a brand new lease of life. Two new businesses have opened their doors in the past few weeks, with another soon to follow. Starting at the Bullring end of Bradford Street:

Mercat Bar and Grill
The talking ‘here for the beer’ tankard has been covered up and I’m sure the insides have also been revamped at Number 25 Bradford Street. By the looks of things, there are a few deals to be had as well!
If you remember what this bar was called before Mercat, or if you’ve sampled the delights – get in touch and let us know by commenting on this post or by email.

Star Coffee
Making use of the empty building on the corner with Rea Street, we think this new coffee shop/cafe is linked to the Somali youth centre further down Rea Street. I’ve been inside and spoken to the staff who are thoroughly lovely, but if you’d like to tell us more, again please get in touch!

Chinese Supermarket
Although the refurbishment process has been taking quite a while, the top of Bradford Street may soon be the proud owner of a shiny new supermarket. Digbeth Residents Association will be sure to let you know as soon as this happens!

When: Monday, 30th April, 19:30 onwards
Where: The Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick Street, Digbeth, B12 0NH

Monday evenings are boring aren’t they? Not in Digbeth!

The Spotted Dog will be hosting their fortnightly Filum Night this coming Monday, showing Carol Reed’s Odd Man Out:

“Odd Man Out” is far more than just a very good “cops and robbers” movie, although it can hold its own with most. Beneath that is a deep psychological drama as Johnny McQueen, an IRA rebel, wounded in a holdup, is pursued by police, his own gang, and several unsavory characters. McQueen becomes less of a man and more symbol to his hunters. He is viewed as a martyr, meal ticket, and art project. Robert Newton is excellent in his role as a half-mad artist who wants to hold Johnny just long enough to paint the expression in the eyes of a dying man. Intensely suspenseful, set in the working-class neighborhoods and slums, the gray atmosphere compliments the plot perfectly. One of James Mason’s finest.

As per usual, free tea and cakes will be served.