5 Things to Do in Nottingham This Week

If you love nothing more than getting those cogs turning, you’re in luck. The Study Sessions are back at ‘Temphreh, all vamped up and ready to expand your brains. Each season, they base the sessions on subjects raised in their latest exhibition, and rope in the help of experts to give yer a right good schooling. This time, it’s all abaht Edward Said’s canonical book, Orientalism. The reading material and fortnightly discussions will get you thinking about Western representations of the East, contemporary politics and conflicts and Eastern culture. This week’s the first one, and it’s all about representations of femininity. Spaces are limited, so bag yours by emailing merce@nottinghamcontemporary.org.
Tuesday 16 January, 6.30pm-8.30pm, free, Nottingham Contemporary, event link

Sometimes, at the end of the working day, you just need a technological break. Step away from the computer, put down the phone and don’t even bother touching the tele… get yourself out there and go gawp at something REAL. Th!nk down at Cobden Chambers are kick starting their year with a solo exhibition by Anna E Davies, and her bold and intriguing paintings. Combining oil paints with collaging methods, Anna’s work feature a multitude of quirky characters that all like they’re up ta something mysterious.  A proper treat for the eyes.
Wednesday 17 January, 4pm-8pm, free, Th!nk, event link

Suddenly, all those years of hiding in your bedroom, sliding Britney’s Greatest Hits into your walkman and having a silent groove has all become worth it. The Rough Trade Pop Quiz is bleddy back! Quizmaster Nail will be running the proceedings, testing you on lyrics, song intros and famous faces. Top prize for the night is fifty pahnd to spend in any Rough Trade store, which seems well worth the battle, and there’ll be some rewards for second and third places too. Whether you come as a team or wish to tough it out alone, it’s bound to be a corker.
Wednesday 17 January, 7pm-10pm, free, Rough Trade, event link

Back in 2014, this London born stand up made history when he became the first black British act to be nominated for an Edinburgh Comedy Award for his debut show. The bogger’s shown no signs of slowing down since; fresh from hosting Live at the Apollo and bagging a sell out run in Edinburgh, Dane Baptiste is coming to Notts to give us a taste of his latest work. Not as innocent as you might first think, GOD is a show about the distractions and attractions of modern human life, focusing particularly on the things humanity has come to uphold over everything else; gold, oil and drugs.  
Thursday 18 January, 8pm-10pm, £12, Glee Club, event link

This is one for you rave lovers. Over the past three decades we’ve seen dance music capture the hearts of a new audience and transform from somewhat subculture to global mainstream. Join journo extraordinaire and electro fanatic Matthew Collin for a chat about his new book, Rave On, which is all about how dance music went from humble beginnings in Ibiza and Las Vegas to the multi-million dollar business that’s now sweeping as far wide as Shanghai. Matthew travelled the world to experience these dance scenes first hand, so he’s bound to tell a good story. Asking the questions will be Justin Turford from Notts’ own Truth & Lies event curators. See you kids there.
Thursday 18 January, 7pm, free, Rough Trade, event link