Mik Artistik's Ego Trip

Mik Artistik's Ego Trip play the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath on Friday 13 November, starting at 7:00pm. They're one of the UK's best-known underground live acts, and for years a Glastonbury tradition, drawing crowds to the Croissant Neuf Bandstand and the Rocket Lounge in performances that have become part of festival folklore.

At the centre of it all is Mik himself — part punk-poet, part surreal philosopher, part stand-up comic. He tends to fix the audience with a compelling stare before launching into improvised tales, spoken-word detours, spontaneous tangents and moments of both hilarity and tenderness, often punctuated by unexpected interpretive dancing. The show is powered by the razor-sharp musicianship of Jonny Flockton and a rotating cast of superb bass players, weaving together rock, soul, funk, cosmic country and a DIY punk spirit.

They're champions at BBC 6Music and have earned high praise from Tom Robinson, Chris Hawkins and Gideon Coe; Iggy Pop called 'Sweet Leaf of The North' his favourite song of the last decade. Reviewers have likened the act to 'Brian Glover sings John Cooper Clarke and Half Man Half Biscuit'.

Tickets are £17.20, which includes the booking fee. The gig is at the Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ, on Friday 13 November, starting at 7:00pm.