Town Hall adds real ale to soul launch

Birmingham brewery links up with new music venture in Sutton.

A new regular event at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is gathering interest from northern soul and ska music fans ahead of its launch.

Soundclash: Northern Soul vs Ska on Sunday 10th February is the start of what promises to be an exciting project by the charity venue and local music fans. Making use of one of the largest sprung dance floors in North Birmingham, plus an additional dance floor in the newly refurbished Sir Doug Ellis Bar, the event will mix sets from northern soul DJ Sean Taylor and seven-piece ska band The Interpreters.

The Interpreters will feature guest keyboard player Danny McCormack of Roy Wood’s band, plus Duane Eddy’s saxophonist Paul Corry and Al Beat of The International Beat on percussion. They will play an infectious, foot-stomping set of ska classics, from Toots and the Maytals to the Specials.

In preparation for the launch, organisers have engaged Birmingham’s leading vegan brewery, Rock and Roll Brewhouse, based in The Jewellery Quarter, to be its official real ale for the event.

Town Hall organiser Julie Rennison said “As our first event is on a Sunday, we’re starting it at 5pm so that people can relax with a few drinks and at least our hours of dancing without it being a really late night. Our May event will be on a Friday, but we’re launching on a Sunday in the tradition of the Northern Soul Sunday all-dayers held in the north and north-west.

The event is a partnership between local musician Rob Briggs and the Town Hall. Tickets are £10 in advance, or £15 on the door. To book, call the box office on 0121 296 9543 or visit www.townhallsuttoncoldfield.co.uk