Concentrating on the cups – Blues notes

Andy Munro gives us a fan’s-eye view of Blues’ defeat at the hands of Newcastle.

Wolves night out – What’s on at The Civic

Three shows which are sure to be sell-outs have been announced at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

MG rides again

Amongst the seemingly non-stop economic gloom there’s been at least one positive news story this week with the launch of another new car to be made at Longbridge.

Albion hammered

Terry Wills is starting to get worried as the Baggies draw against West Ham.

Is the train strained?

Channel 4’S Dispatches documentary series is working on an investigation into Britains overcrowded rail services.

What’s on – Birmingham Symphony Hall and Town Hall

Lyle Bignon tells us what’s happening at Symphony Hall and Birmingham Town Hall.

Birmingham Businesses Use Profits to Go Green

Two Birmingham neighbourhoods are taking part in a ground breaking campaign to help businesses ‘go green.’

What’s on at The Public

As half term looms into view here’s a run down of what’s on at The Public in West Bromwich from Friday 18 February to Thursday 3 March 2011

Charity gig at The Robin 2

There’s a special charity fund-raiser at the Robin 2 on Thursday featuring Scott Matthews, Steve Gibbons, Ian Parker and others

Council contracts to be reviewed

Birmingham city council employees, already threatened with large-scale job losses, are to have their working conditions changed. An essential coincidence, or employer blackmail?

Mac Dance

KathakClassic Indian Kathak meets Urban Hip Hop in international dance premiere at mac.

Oh I don’t like to be…..

Dave Woodhall looks at another frustrating Villa performance, and didn’t much like the surroundings.

Walsall election predictions

Ian Robathan can’t resist putting his head over the parapet, sticking his neck out, staring into his crystal ball…. Walsall election predictions

Stoking the fires of optimism

After watching Blues win yet again, Andy Munro is starting to think beyond his wildest dreams.

Brum FoE demands clarity in public funding

£15m funding bid for Birmingham Internationals’ expansion plan was rejected

What’s on this weekend?

My Chemical Romance, Maroon 5 and the NME Awards tour are some highlights of the local gig scene over the next few days.

7,000 city council jobs at risk

Details are emerging of Birmingham city council’s proposals to cut public spending

If you go down to The Woods…..

After the national success of Treasured: A Secret Journey, Jane Packman returns to The MAC with The Woods until Sun 27 Feb.

Rite of Spring

Symphony Hall has announced a ground-breaking new production of Stravinsky’s classic ballet.

Rolling and Tumbling

Birmingham begins to feel the benefits of the 2012 Olympics later this year when hundreds of the world’s top gymnasts will arrive…

What’s on at The MAC in March

Recently refurbished, The MAC in Cannon Hill Park has loads on in March – music, comedy, theatre and performance arts.

The Black Atlantic go Public

Internationally acclaimed folk act The Black Atlantic will be performing at The Public

Access and Our Elite Universities: Birmingham Comes Out Top

Birmingham University has one of the best profiles for equal access to higher education.

Birmingham Council going sheepish?

A Birmingham meat supplier is coming under fire from Highgate residents over plans to expand their production facilities.

On the Baggie beat

Terry Wills offers up a view of life at the Hawthorns. Once more, he doesn’t understand it all.

Paper Cuts

Dave Woodhall comments on the news that a 15 year old in Bromsgrove has been banned from starting work early. Are such stories as clear as they seem?

The electoral future of Birmingham?

Labour supporter Ian Robathan offers his predictions for the May 2011 elections in Birmingham – not much mention of the far-right here.

Chess – I knew it so well

Terry Wills has been to see the revived musical Chess at Birmingham Hippodrome. He found that like the Hippodrome’s surroundings, it’s changed a bit.

Just Kidding

Football isn’t just about the glamour of the Premier League and it’s good when supporters realise it.

Brighton rocked – film review

New versions of old classics are being made all the time. They’re not always a good idea.