After celebrating its 25th anniversary with unforgettable, sold-out shows featuring icons like Mica Paris and Maxi Priest, the award-winning Birmingham venue Jam House is charting a new course, infusing fresh energy into the local music scene while staying true to its rich heritage. Moving into 2025 and beyond, the Jam House is not only honouring its legacy of incredible performances but also shining a spotlight on the next generation of talent.
On 27 October (1-8pm), BBC Introducing LIVE & 1Xtra will take over the Jam House for an unforgettable event to showcase emerging artists, which will include a 1Xtra open mic, networking, a panel discussion, and an industry feedback session designed to help black and Asian aspiring artists get their music heard by key industry players. Artists are encouraged to bring their music for personal feedback that could help refine their craft.
The highlight of the evening will be an open mic session hosted by BBC Introducing & 1Xtra, inviting rappers, MCs, and vocalists to showcase their talents. The best performances will earn a spot on BBC Introducing on 1Xtra, which amplifies black music and culture, including hip-hop and R&B. Artists are reminded that their music should align with these genres to make the most of this opportunity.
Since its grand opening with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on April 23, 1999, the Jam House has been a cornerstone of Birmingham’s vibrant music scene. Over the past two and a half decades, the venue has become synonymous with exceptional live performances in an intimate setting, hosting legendary artists such as Ben E. King, Bill Wyman, Beverley Knight, Don McLean, Ruby Turner, Heather Small, and Jamie Cullum.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Jam House, a milestone that celebrates a quarter-century of extraordinary performances, timeless memories, and an enduring legacy in the Midlands’ live music scene.
Throughout its history, The Jam House has remained committed to showcasing diverse talents, from the soulful harmonies of the Gospel Central Choir to providing a platform for emerging artists through ‘The Acoustic Sessions,’ a monthly showcase for new and unsigned talent, and Friday night’s brand new ‘All Singing, All Dancing’ affair. Also upcoming:
The Christians – 10 Oct
The Christians burst onto the scene in 1987 with their debut multi-Platinum selling album THE CHRISTIANS, containing 7 singles and making No 2 in the album charts. The second album ‘Colour’ released in 1990 went to No 1 in the charts, followed by ‘Happy in Hell’ in 1992 and ‘The Best Of’ album released in 1993. Garry Christian and the full band return to the Jam House to play all their hits and more. Including the hits: “Forgotten Town”, “Hooverville”, “Ideal World”, and their powerful cover of Gil Scott Heron’s “The Bottle”.
Dannii Mayers – 16 Oct
Birmingham-based Danni Mayers is a gifted and versatile vocalist who has performed and recorded with a variety of international artists from reggae legends such as Sugar Minott, Susan Cadogan and Tippa Irie to UK Soul legends Loose Ends and Omar to urban dance act Backyard Dog.
Laurence Jones – 23 Oct
Laurence Jones the multi-award-winning blues guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter born in Liverpool has been ‘hailed as the future of the blues’ by Classic Rock Magazine. Performing songs from his latest record ‘Bad Luck & The Blues’. Music Radar voted Laurence one of the world’s top 10 blues-rock guitarists. He has shared stages with legends like Sir Van Morrison, Sir Ringo Starr, Jeff Beck & Status Quo and many more legends.