Paul Weller's Back In Town

Karima Francis

Singer/songwriter Karima Francis will soon be supporting James Morrison on tour. But there's a chance to catch her before then when she plays her own solo dates in support of her debut album The Author. Francis, 21, is one of the nation's fastest rising stars whose pent-up expressiveness is beautifully captured on The Author. The record effortlessly broods and flows and showcases her passion for melody and heartfelt lyrics. She's been likened to Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading with good reason. Catch her at Birmingham's Glee Club on Monday. (march 16)

The Enemy and Kid British

Fans who are going to see The Enemy on their forthcoming UK tour would do well to get along early so that they can check out Kid British. The band offer a modern twist on old-fashioned, Specials-style rude boy pop and could well provide the soundtrack to summer. Their debut single Sunny Days is out on April 20 and catch them supporting The Enemy at Birmingham Academy on March 30 and 31.

Paul Weller

The Civic Halls, at Wolverhampton, are a hotbed of live action in coming months. Paul Weller returns for a sell out gig on Tuesday (17/03/2009) while the marvellous Starsailor will play songs from their new cd on April 1. Veteran punk Henry Priestman headlines the Little Civic on April 3 and Terrorvision - bring their How To Make Friends And Influence People 15th Anniversary Tour to the Wulfrun Hall on April 11. Beres Hammond and Maxi Priest bring dub sounds to the Civic Hall on April 12 and the excellent Gomez return on April 21. There's also chance to book ahead for Brakes at Little Civic on April 25.

Feast Of Folk

A feast of folk is on the menu during a series of concerts planned for Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall from May 15-17.

Venue spokesman Lyle Bignon said: "Following the success of English Originals 2008, Town Hall and Symphony Hall is delighted to host the second instalment of this celebration of folk artists and music that are uniquely English in character, all with a strong sense of place, identity, time and tradition.

"In a weekend of moving live performances, West-Country troubadour Seth Lakeman is welcomed back for an evening with friends at Symphony Hall, while Town Hall presents a unique tribute to West Midlands legend Nick Drake featuring Graham Coxon, Beth Orton, Robyn Hitchcock, curated by his legendary producer Joe Boyd, as well as an evening with the much-feted Northumbrian band Rachel Unthank & the Winterset."

The weekend will also see free performances by Birmingham singer-songwriter Vijay Kishore, eclectic DJ duo Mama Matrix, a screening of the film 'A Skin Too Few: The Days of Nick Drake' plus Drake's producer Joe Boyd in conversation with guests.

The running order features the following gigs:

Friday 15 May, 7.30pm. Town Hall, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset and special guests, £15

Saturday 16 May, 7.30pm. Town Hall, Way to Blue: The Songs of Nick Drake featuring: Martha Wainwright, Beth Orton, Graham Coxon, and Robyn Hitchcock. Produced by Joe Boyd and arrangements by Robert Kirby, £22.50

Sunday 17 May, 7.30pm. Symphony Hall, An Evening with Seth Lakeman & Friends, £18.50

Free events:

Friday 15 May, 5.30 - 7pm. Symphony Hall level 3 foyer, Folk4Free: Mama Matrix.

Saturday 16 May 4.30pm. Symphony Hall ICC Hall 5. A Skin Too Few: The Days of Nick Drake

Tickets £3.50 or free to ticket holders for Rachel Unthank, Way to Blue, Seth Lakeman & Friends. The title of this moving and beautifully photographed film - more of a poem than a documentary - comes from a quote from Drake's sister Gabrielle, who said 'I always say that Nick was born with a skin too few.' The film approaches the landscapes, locations, people and music in the life of one of rock's most tragically romantic figures.

Sunday 17 May, 4.30pm. Symphony Hall ICC Hall 5. Joe Boyd and guests in conversation

Tickets £3.50 or free to ticket holders for Rachel Unthank, Way to Blue, Seth Lakeman & Friends.

Sunday 17 May, 5.30 - 7pm. Symphony Hall foyer. Folk4Free: Vijay Kashore. Admission free

Esser

Esser is returning to the live scenen with a UK tour that will start in Leeds in April and continue until the end of the month, in London. It includes a date in Wolverhampton on April 22.