Friends of Thimblemill library

02/11/2026

Grandson of late Brum jazz legend Andy Hamilton, Louis Hamilton-Foad is a drummer in demand.

The gifted accompanist and bandleader brings his exciting quintet Impossible Conversations to Thimblemill Library in Smethwick on Saturday November 21.

Joining him in this powerful jazz-fusion outfit are Gabriel Amann (trumpet), Ben Carter (sax), Alex Smith (keyboards) and Hassan Khairi (bass).

There is a palpable buzz about these young Midlanders, and Louis provides a hyperlocal focus, having helped his parents to run Silvershine Jazz Club in Bearwood - renamed from Corks in honour of saxophone giant Andy, who died in 2012.

He is fast rising through the ranks as a player, being Soweto Kinch's regular drummer.

"I've just done a few things with Impossible Conversations, actually - it’s been pretty busy," he told Jazz At Wolverhampton development officer Steve Bradley.

"Did a few things last September, playing with Bryan Corbett a bit and then a few gigs with Giacomo Smith at Ronnie Scott’s, and then one in Lichfield with him: two back-to-back gigs which was pretty fun. And then I had a gig with Soweto at the end of September at Hastings Jazz Festival. It was a fun gig."

The gig is our second in collaboration with Friends of Thimblemill library. Tickets are just £10 plus booking fee here:

https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Birmingham/Thimblemill-Library/Impossible-Conversations/42643449/

📷 by Garry Corbett

01/11/2026

A Theatre Masterpiece – George and the Drag Queen

Thought-provoking, laugh-out-loud funny, deeply sad and wonderfully acted.

George and the Drag Queen had everything you could wish for from a piece of theatre. It made us laugh, made us think, and touched our hearts. A powerful story, beautifully delivered, with performances that brought every emotion to life.

Pipeline Theatre, you have created a masterpiece. Absolutely outstanding theatre. Thank you for such a memorable experience at Thimblemill

01/11/2026

Nearly there….love seeing theatre coming together….

01/11/2026

So the transformation of a library into tonight’s theatre…..George and the drag queen…..doors 6.30pm for 7pm start…
Thimblemill library…. THIS PUECE OF THEATRE IS ONE OF THE BEST YOU WILL SEE…WEST END WORTHY…poignant, amazing, funny, sensational, intelligent and one of the best…. Take a look at the reviews in the comments below…

01/11/2026

More chances to Move & Groove! 🎶

From next week, we’re adding an extra session at 4 Community Trust, Hurst Road, giving you even more opportunities to enjoy movement, music and a bit of fun.

Every BODY is welcome, whatever your abilities.

No booking required. Just come along and join in.
Friends of Thimblemill library

31/10/2026

Forceful young jazz-fusion quintet Impossible Conversations bring a distinctly local spin to our next gig at Thimblemill Library in Smethwick on Saturday November 21.

Drummer Louis Hamilton-Foad, grandson of late Brum saxophone legend Andy Hamilton, drives this exciting and eclectic band through a series of memorable originals.

Louis, currently playing with Birmingham star Soweto Kinch, deploys a huge range of influences in his playing, alongside bandmates Gabriel Amann (trumpet), Ben Carter (sax), Alex Smith (keyboards) and Hassan Khairi (bass).

Esteemed reviewer thejazzmann.com said of the group's gig at Marr's Bar in Worcester (4.5 stars):

"The individual skills of the players was never in doubt but the quintet was admirably well drilled and cohesive and also supremely funky."

Louis told Jazz At Wolverhampton development officer Steve Bradley:

"We just had a gig with the band at Lapworth Museum, so that was pretty cool. We sold out – it’s our second sold-out show. It's really weird playing next to a load of fossils, but it was really good!

"We played at Matt & Phred’s in Manchester the week before which was sold out as well. It was a good show – it was really fun."

Don't miss Impossible Conversations, presented in association with Friends of Thimblemill library. Tickets here:

https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Birmingham/Thimblemill-Library/Impossible-Conversations/42643449/

📷 by Garry Corbett

31/10/2026

31/10/2026

A truly special night at Thimblemill library – Alice Howe & Freebo

What an absolutely wonderful evening our Thimblemill audience were treated to!

We had the privilege of welcoming two exceptional American musicians, Alice Howe and Freebo, who gave us a night of outstanding musicianship, beautiful songwriting, soulful vocals and fascinating stories from a life spent travelling and performing across America.

It was one of those evenings that reminds us exactly why we do what we do at Thimblemill – bringing extraordinary musicians, wonderful music and people together in an intimate setting where every note, every story and every moment can be appreciated.