Out and about

Anyone looking for a couple of good nights out this week should get on down to The Robin2 where some of the best examples of music old and new can be found.

Wednesday sees the Sharabangs headlining a night of up and coming talent. This local indie five-piece reached the final of the 2010 Battle of the Bands held at Wolverhampton Civic Hall and their debut EP has received plenty of radio play. Support are from Wolverhampton-based mod band the Town and their fellow Wulfrunians the Uppers, a ska-punk hybrid describe by Charlatans drummer as coming from “the sharp end of style and suss.”

Tickets are £6 or £5 in advance.

This display from the new face of local music is followed by a man who has been a great influence on their sound. Colin Blunstone is one of the great unsung heroes of the British music scene, whose work with the Zombies is more respected now than ever. Not only that, but his appearances at the Robin are invariably amongst the venue’s highlights of the year. Usually performing in conjunction with his fellow band member Rod Argent, a good night is guaranteed every time this veteran who began in the sixties – and who unlike many of his contemporaries can still boast a voice as good now as it was back then  – takes to the stage.

Thursday sees a rare date with his own band, as part of a tour to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Blunstone’s debut solo album, One Year. With an enviable back catalogue including the hits Say You Don’t Mind and What Becomes of the Broken Hearted as well as his Zombies work to call on, this one promises to be another memorable evening.

Tickets are £15 (£16 on the night).