The Hare & Hounds: A Hidden Gem For Students

The Hare & Hounds is a little known venue among the student crowd but this is soon to change.

Located in Kings Heath, it’s less than a five minute taxi ride from Selly Oak.

Not only is it a great pub, but it has also put on shows from the likes of UB40, Basement Jaxx, Ed Sheeran, The Temper Trap, Beardyman, Ellie Goulding, Julio Bashmore and Jamie Woon.

Last week I saw a live performance of Active Child, the ambitious project of musician Pat Grossi. Combining choral vocals, a live harp, vast electronic soundscapes and technical drum beats, this was a truly unique and mesmerising performance.

Touring with the likes of James Blake in 2011, Active Child are now in the middle of their first UK headline shows. Their new album Rapor follows their successful debut album You’re All That I See.

Check out one of their songs here.

A ginger choir boy who plays the harp. How is this so cool?

The Hare & Hounds has two music venues (100 and 250 capacity) which both provide a great sound and intimacy not found in other larger venues. I managed to have a chat with Pat after, demonstrating the more personal experience you get here.

So if you’re not willing to fork out money to go to the NIA, The O2 Academy or The Institute then the Hare & Hounds is the perfect place for students looking to see great live performances on a budget.

Pat and I getting to know each other

For those of you who get frustrated with the music in Fab and other standard nights, then this might be the night for you. Expect cheap drinks with the promise of hearing your favourite songs and some original material thrown in too.