Big Bear Music

16/09/2025

🌟Interview with author D.G. Torrens🌟

Birmingham based author, D.G. Torrens, recently interviewed Jim Simpson about his life and his work, including Black Sabbath, the evolution of jazz over the past half century, lessons learnt over the span of his career and thoughts on an ever-changing music industry.

For an insightful and warming read, check it out here:

FOUNDER BIG BEARRECORDS DIRECTORBIRMINGHAMJAZZ FESTIVALBIO:JIM SIMPSON, 87: A Lifelong Champion of Music and Birmingham stands as a towering figure in British music. He founded Big Bear Records in 1968.The name was inspired by his nickname from legendary Radio One DJ John peel. Jim helped shaped the...

14/07/2025

📢 JOB VACANCY 📢
Big Bear Music and Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival are recruiting for a full time, permanent staff member to support all areas of the company’s administration and marketing.
Send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
A full job description is available here:https://www.bigbearmusic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Big-Bear-Music-Group-Project-Coordinator-Job-Description.pdf

03/07/2025

Day one of The Visit Of Oz is finally here — and it’s gonna be wild!
Get ready for heavy riffs and grooving beats, all guaranteed to move your feet! Honestly, you’d be nuts to miss this.
Here’s what’s in store for Tonight:
 5 PM: Smokin’ Eskimo gets The Brasshouse groovin’.
 5:30 PM: The Uptown Jukes tear it up at Snobs Bar.
 7 PM: Chickenbone John & Harmonica Dave jam at The Barrel Store.
 7:30 PM: Back On The Road keeps it rolling at Wednesbury Library.
 7:30PM:Join Santu, A week full Of Mondays and Montarray at The Victoria (£8 advance, £10 OTD)
 8 PM: Hang with Honeyboy Hickling Blues Band at The Lord Clifden.
 8:30 PM: Finish strong with The Shufflepack back at Snobs Bar.
So, round up your crew, grab a drink, and let’s make some stories worth telling. See ya out there! And if you see a programme, snag it! It’s your guide to catching all the best shows.
⚠️Important: Rich Dickinson’s Driving Force will no longer be performing at Nortons as originally scheduled ⚠️

27/06/2025

From deep harmonica riffs to electrifying guitar licks, this Friday’s gig at Barton’s Arms is your ticket to a full-bodied blues experience with Honeyboy Hickling and a band of true masters.
A regular top draw at our shows

Free admission
Doors 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drinks from 6 till 9

26/06/2025

In a 30-year career, harmonica player and singer, Honeyboy Hickling spent three years touring with Steve Marriott, recording with Bo Diddley and a whole lot more. He’s joined by Tony Baylis (Trevor Burton, Chicken Shack and Steve Gibbons Band) and Frank Walker (Flying Hat Band and Glenn Tipton).
Collectively they’ve played with the greats – now they’re playing for you. Don’t miss Honeyboy Hickling Blues Band as they light up The Barton’s Arms with top-shelf blues this Friday, June 27th.
Free admission
Doors at 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drink from 6 till 9

25/06/2025

Step into a world of post-war Chicago blues, British grit, and timeless groove. Honeyboy and his all-star band will take over Barton’s Arms this Friday for a night of raw energy and musical mastery.
With him is guitar legend Bob Wilson (Idle Race, Ruby Turner, Steve Gibbons Band and many more)

Free admission
Doors at 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drink from 6 till 9

25/06/2025

Tonight’s the night!

Get ready for an evening of refined swing and heartfelt interpretations. Roy Forbes, praised as “a master of his trade,” invites you into his world of music, where every note tells a story, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Birmingham.
“Is there a better male jazz singer in this country? Probably not. Roy Forbes is a master of his trade” - Birmingham Mail

Free admission
Live music from 6 to 8pm
Special Offer: 30% off all drinks during the event

24/06/2025

Honeyboy Hickling Bluesband isn’t just another blues act – they’re a powerhouse of legends. With members who’ve rocked with Chicken Shack, Idle Race, and Glenn Tipton, this is a band that lives and breathes the blues. Catch them live on Friday, June 27th at The Barton’s Arms.

Free admission
Doors at 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drink from 6 till 9

24/06/2025

Renowned for his rich voice and magnetic stage presence, Roy Forbes delivers a jazz concert like no other. Join us for a night filled with rhythm, emotion, and unforgettable melodies tomorrow night (Wednesday 25th June) at the Delta Hotel By Mariott Birmingham.
Free admission
Live music from 6 to 8pm
Special Offer: 30% off all drinks during the event

23/06/2025

From sharing stages with Bo Diddley and Steve Marriott to headlining top blues venues, Honeyboy Hickling is bringing his fiery harmonica and soulful voice to The Barton’s Arms this Friday, June 27th. Get ready for a blues night to remember!
This is rocking, post-war Chicago Blues of the highest calibre delivered by a top-class band with musicians of impeccable pedigrees.
Free admission
Doors at 6:30pm
Live music from 8pm
30% off food and drink from 6 till 9

20/06/2025

This Wednesday 25th June, let yourself be carried away by the smooth, soulful sound of the Roy Forbes Trio at the Delta Hotel By Mariott.
Roy began his jazz career with Andy Hamilton and now has appeared with such notables as Larry Coryell, David Murray, Al Casey, and Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison.
Don’t miss this opportunity to watch one of the UK’s finest male jazz vocalists in a truly intimate setting.
Admission is free and there’s also 30% off all drinks during the event. You can’t say fairer than that!

Live music from 6 to 8pm