MONDAY 1 – SATURDAY 27 APRIL

T.A.P @ 1000 Trades

We say pancakes, what comes to mind? Lemon, sugar, maybe a spread of nutella for good measure. Now forget all that. Because in April we throw out everything you thought you knew about pancakes. Stick with us and leave those lemons at the door. Spring is often the harbinger of new beginnings and here at 1000 Trades it’s no different. We’re proud as punch to be welcoming new chef Andrew Gabler to take the reins of our kitchen, with six months of unparalleled menus that even the proverbial hare couldn’t keep up with.

Inspired by a love of the American diner, Twisted American Pancakes – T.A.P –  is Andrew’s first menu creation. Not your ordinary pancake, these savoury specials are served up with BBQ rib, vegan curried cauliflower, and yes, there’s a sweet dessert pancake for good measure. We’re known at 1000 Trades for not strictly adhering to tradition (wine on tap anyone?) so we knew this was right up our street – and we know you’ll love it too. Serving lunchtimes and evenings Monday-Saturdays. See 1000trades.org.uk for the full menu and to book.

MONDAY 1 APRIL

Photo Cafe 7–9pm

Informal discussion and meet up that invites speakers and participants to discuss ideas, debate topics around contemporary photography issues and network with others. No prior knowledge needed and all welcome. Free. More details via facebook.com/PhotoCafeBirmingham

TUESDAY 2 APRIL

Angular Coding Meetup 6.30–8.30pm

Find about the latest news in the Angular ecosystem, share your ideas, help others and get help from the Angular community in and around Birmingham. Free. Register via meetup.com/Angular-Birmingham

Birmingham Amateur Brewers (BAB) 7–9pm

Whether you’re a seasoned brewer or have never set eyes on a grain of malt, this is an informal monthly meet-up for people to share their skills, knowledge – and beer! Free. More details and this month’s agenda via Facebook group

THURSDAY 4 APRIL
1000 Trades Networking Club hosted by Ian Gardner 4.30–6.30pm

Mingle with your neighbours and like-minded business people. All welcome. Free.  Register via Eventbrite

FRIDAY 5 APRIL

Birmingham Jazz Presents: Gisela Horat Trio 7.45pm

Established Swiss piano trio visit Birmingham Jazz as part of their UK tour. The Gisela Horat Trio was established in 2009 and tells stories as life has written them in all its different forms and variations. The compositions by Gisela are the foundation from where the fascinating encounters between written and improvised music are happening. The interaction builds on the different worlds of musical education and growing of the three musicians. The groovy, jazz-like sound describes wonderful stories of moments in life, dreams, feelings and fortune. £12.50/ £10 members/ £3 students. Tickets via birminghamjazz.co.uk (more on the door)

1000 Trades Presents: Simon Tricklebank 8pm–12am

Former Victoria stalwart, resident electrician and all round nice man Simon Tricklebank combs through his extensive record collection to bring you the finest disco, soul and house, joined by Dan Farrell. Sparks will fly, but no fireworks. Free. See Facebook events page for more details

SATURDAY 6 APRIL

1000 Trades Presents: Pigeonhole Easter Special Edition 8pm–12am

Pigeonhole Meets 80s Rampwalk Uptown!  Pigeonhole host Jon Harris is joined by George Bate in his 80s Rampwalk guise.  80s Rampwalk is a monthly show on NTS Radio. Jon and George also do a weekly Friday show (6-8pm) on Brum Radio called Coughing Pigeon. Expect the usual range of sounds from across the spectrum – a mixture of things that you already know and love and some that you don’t yet but are sure to love!  They will play back to back in 30 minute chunks and cover many bases. Free. See Facebook events page for more details

TUESDAY 9 APRIL

Birmingham Entrepreneurs Meetup 6.30–9.30pm

Monthly opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs at different stages of business. Try out a new business idea in a safe and constructive environment. Free. Register via meetup.com/Birmingham-Entrepreneurs-Meetup-Group

THURSDAY 11 APRIL

Birmingham Freelancers Meetup 6–8pm

This meetup group is for freelancers, aspiring freelancers, side hustlers, or those who work from home in Birmingham and the West Mids. The aim is to get out of the house (or co-working space) and get together for relaxed networking, business insights, and co-working opportunities, meeting every second Thursday of the month. Free. More details and to register via meetup.com/Birmingham-Work-At-Home-Meetup

FRIDAY 12  APRIL

Birmingham Jazz Presents: John Law Re-Creations 7.45pm

Tremendously popular with audiences everywhere they play, this group led by award-winning classical prodigy John Law plays tunes taken from the jazz and pop worlds and takes them on a creative journey. His new quartet, Re-Creations, featuring Parliamentary Jazz Award winner Sam Crockatt, have added to their repertoire which already included pieces by Pink Floyd, Adele, Daft Punk, Radiohead, the Beatles and some Bach for good measure! Not to be missed. £10/£7.50 members/ £3 students. Tickets via birminghamjazz.co.uk (more on the door)

SATURDAY 13 APRIL

1000 Trades Presents: The Yardbird Sessions 7pm–12am

Birmingham’s much-missed jazz and funk bar lives on….Ollie Lloyd brings the funky hybrid sounds of The Yardbird for the latest instalment of DJ sessions, digging deep into his record collection to create the trademark Yardbird sound of dusty deep funk, latin, dancefloor jazz and instrumental grooves! Free. See Facebook events page for more details

TUESDAY 16 APRIL

MMF/MPG Tribes Music Industry Networking Event 7.30–10.30pm

Join the Music Managers Forum, the Music Producers Guild and Birmingham’s local music community to grow your network. With attendees including managers, producers, artists, labels, accountants, lawyers, publishers and agents this will be a great opportunity to make new contacts. Featuring a guest unsigned, undiscovered artist on the night from the musical talent that the Midlands has to offer. Free. Book via Eventbrite. Music industry professionals only

THURSDAY 18 APRIL
1000 Trades Presents: Phil Thomson’s Arts Lab 7.45–9.30pm

Making a return visit – this time with a headline set – Phil welcomes back Hannah Brown – one of the Midlands most talked about singer songwriters. Named ‘a voice of her generation’ by Indie Midlands, you’ll find a direct line to KT Tunstall and Laura Marling, with angst and wonderful irony permeating her well-crafted world – so much so that you’re bound to recognise your own journey somewhere in every song. No wonder she is being noticed by the consistently supportive BBC Introducing network. Equal billing must surely go to spell-binding Billy Spakemon, author, Black Country Radio host and all-round raconteur. Be prepared for dialect verse set to Gregorian chants, local history in the rhythm of rap and perfectly captured fusions of folk and spoken word. A troubadour for our time. Then there’s the occasional film short and their constantly surprising Open Mic.  Free. See Facebook events page for more details

FRIDAY 19 APRIL GOOD FRIDAY

1000 Trades Presents: Blue Dot Radio 8pm–12am

Birmingham based Blue Dot Radio have a proud reputation for entertaining listeners with the very finest selection of music, playing a selection of plays an eclectic mix of soul, jazz, neo-soul. jazz funk and reggae, pledging to put the “Jazz Your Razzmatazz and the “P in your Funk”. Headed by Curtis Armstrong and friends, they will be conjuring some well-crafted tunes to ease your way into the weekend. Free. See Facebook events page for more details

SATURDAY 20 APRIL EASTER SATURDAY

1000 Trades Presents: Midnight Riot! with Yam Who 8pm–2am

Yam Who? aka Andy Williams has been working his passion for musical disco innovation since the late 80s, those formative years when the dance explosion swept the UK. Now running 3 record labels Midnight Riot, Black Riot & Ism he has recently signed to Glitterbox as Qwestlife alongside his partner in crime, Tom Laroye. Most weekend’s you’ll find him rocking the dance floor, DJing at clubs & festivals around the globe including Glitterbox, Lovebox, Ministry Of Sound, Horse Meat Disco, Love International, Glastonbury and the legendary Pikes in Ibiza playing alongside Greg Wilson, Joey Negro, Purple Disco Machine, Danny Krivit & Crazy P to name just a few.

Over the years he has remixed & added his fever to the likes of Pharrell WIlliams, Joss Stone, Grace Jones, John Legend & Kanye West & countless others – this is set to be a great night. Free. See Facebook events page for more details

SUNDAY 21 APRIL EASTER SUNDAY

1000 Trades Presents: Robodisco 5pm–12am

Fling the doors open and refresh your soul with a a daytime disco extravaganza! Only the proper-ist disco on offer to soothe your Sunday and take you through to the bank holiday in style. Sunday roasts and jazz duo as usual til 5pm.  Free. See Facebook events page for more details

WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL

Kamikaze Club Open Mic 7.30–10.30pm

The Kamikaze Club return for another Open Mic comedy session. Fresh acts looking for a spot, as well as pros looking to shine up their material will be on hand to keep hilarity at a high. Free. More details via facebook.com/TheKamikazeClub

THURSDAY 25 APRIL

Social Circle @1000 Trades 5.30–8pm

Another outing for monthly meetup hosted by JQ face Kirsty Smith. Social Circle was born from monthly get-togethers between friends, where they’d gather round with a few drinks and chat about the latest in social media marketing. Everyone welcome. Free. More details and to register via Eventbrite. Also see ‘A Schooner with..’ on 1000 Trades website.

FRIDAY 26 APRIL

1000 Trades Presents: Pitch Control 8pm–12am Trades blog.

A night of deep, deeper and deepest from the world of upfront new electronic music; expect a journey through time and tempo. From lazy downtempo and easy grooves, to the slower pitched-down side of house and low-slung disco – all blended intricately to create a unique, understated funk which is impossible to resist. With DJ Matt Cottom (Pitch Control). Free. See Facebook events page for more details

SATURDAY 27 APRIL
Jewellery Quarter Lettering Workshop 2–5pm

As part of excellent local initiative Townscape Heritage, uncovering the history of the JQ, an introduction to traditional sign writing in the Jewellery Quarter and beyond with Jim Kerr from Seven 9 Signs. Find out about Jim’s work and sign writing practice, explore the basics of drafting letter forms using tools of the trade and have a go at painting letters. All materials provided. Over 18s only. £3. Tickets via Eventbrite

NOW HAM – A Night of Credible 80s  8pm–2am

Special late edition! Banish Banarama, Kybosh Kylie and Erase Europe ….our monthly night dedicated to proper music from the most underrated decade since the last one. . Featuring the likes of Japan/ Talk Talk/ Scritti Politti/ Vissage/ Bauhaus/ Haircut 100/ King/ Depeche Mode/ Orange Juice/ The Chameleons/ China Crisis/ The The/ Aztec Camera/ The Associates/ The Cure/ Tom Tom Club/ Lotus Eaters/ Heaven 17/ New Order/ Prefab Sprout/ Talking Heads/ Altered Images/ The Teardrop Explodes/ Tears for Fears/ Art of Noise/ Simple Minds. Free. See Facebook events page for more details

MONDAY 29 APRIL

Maker Monday 5.30–8.30pm

Ever wanted to create and develop the latest innovative art and technology applications, while collaborating with media experts and researchers at the same time? Maker Monday is that opportunity, designed as a monthly event focused on combining the expertise of individuals in both arts and technology in a collaborative space. There’s even free beer and food! Free. See facebook.com/makermonday for details of this month’s theme and to register