The Yardbird

Inspired by many years of visiting such great venues as the Jazzcafe (Camden), Madame Jo Jo's, Point 101, the Jazz Rooms, Ronnie Scotts and even wandering further afield to legendary places such as the Green Mile in Chicago and the Elbo Rooms in San Francisco...I decided that Birmingham was long overdue a bar and live music venue pivoting on the Jazz and Funk staple. So, after a grueling process of finding the right premises to set up home, I finally made the deal back in Dec06 and opened our doors in Feb07. The Yardbird concept is simple...we as a team want to provide a funky and intimate place where people can hang out, watch bands and dj's play, have a dance, have a bite to eat, and just generally feel enveloped in a warm and wonderful atmosphere. There isn't any dresscode, grumpy bouncers or even an ounce of pretension...just friendly faces, quality music, food and drink at very reasonable prices. The venue is now nearing it's 4th birthday and the response has been amazing and ever growing! I have been blessed with hosting the best local, national and international jazz, funk, soul and acoustic/folk artists around and I knew you good people were out there, but not in such full force. Thank you to everyone that has put The Yardbird on the map, from the great staff, regular customers old and new, and the bands, djs and promoters that have realised and help maintain my dream of doing something musically, socially and culturally different in Birmingham. Bring on 2011! Ollie Lloyd (Owner/Promoter)