Empowering Solo Women to Rock Out

Meet the Suffragette City Music Club Shaking Up Birmingham’s Live Scene

Birmingham’s live music scene is buzzing with talent—from gritty blues to classic rock and everything in between—but for many women, heading out to a gig alone can feel daunting. Enter Annette Pereira from Solihull, the passionate music lover behind the brand-new Suffragette City Music Club, a free Facebook group designed specifically for solo ladies who want to enjoy live shows together without the worry.

Annette opened up about why she launched this welcoming community just a couple of weeks ago. “I love live music, basically,” she said, “and I think our Birmingham live music scene is so undervalued by everybody because it is fantastic. The quality of musicians—you can see some amazing acts live.”

Annette’s love for the local scene runs deep. She’s been hooked since she was 14, sneaking into places like the Incognito Club to catch performances by legends such as Steve Gibbons. “He’s such a gent. He’s an icon,” she shared, noting how musicians like him remain under-the-radar gems outside the West Midlands. “But he’s a king.”

Life changes—like divorce—can leave people feeling isolated, and Annette noticed a gap: many women who suddenly find themselves single hesitate to venture out alone, especially to evening gigs. “A lot of women are timid and afraid to go out on their own,” she explained. That’s where the idea for Suffragette City Music Club came from—a practical, friendly way to connect solo women who share a passion for live music.

The name is clever and meaningful. It’s a nod to David Bowie’s iconic track “Suffragette City,” but also evokes the spirit of the suffragettes—empowering women to step out and claim their space. “You can do it, girl. Just get on and do it,” Annette encourages.

At the heart of the club is safety and friendship. Annette isn’t creating a “safe space” in the overly politicized sense—she’s building a real-world support network. “It’s so important, isn’t it? Because actually when you’re thinking about a night out, that’s the fundamental thing you want to be safe.” She pointed to venues like Chas Mann’s Man Cave in Kings Norton as perfect examples of welcoming spots. Run by Ian and his wife, it’s got a cafe upstairs, a motorbike shop, and a downstairs live music area with a fantastic atmosphere. “Such a welcoming, lovely atmosphere,” she said. But like many independent venues, it could use more footfall.

Annette’s vision is simple yet powerful: have club members meet up, travel together, and greet newcomers at the door. “There’d be somebody there on the door from Suffragette City Music Club. So you’re welcomed straight away.” She hopes to help pair people up—like connecting someone from Sutton Coldfield with another member nearby so they can share the journey. It’s not about cliques; it’s about making sure no one feels alone in the crowd.

Safety isn’t just theoretical for Annette. She shared a frightening experience from last summer outside a venue after a gig. Waiting for her Uber around 10 p.m., a man approached, grabbed her, and wouldn’t let go while his friend offered a “lift.” “I was frightened to death,” she recalled. Thankfully, local musician Mickey Sargent spotted the situation and intervened, scaring the men off. Since then, venues have stepped up with advice like “wait inside,” but Annette knows the reality: sometimes you have to step out for your ride. “It’s a catch-22.”

That’s why the club emphasizes practical support—whether it’s buddying up for travel or just having someone familiar nearby. And crucially, it’s not a dating service. “A lot of women that are on the run, they’re not looking for a man,” Annette stressed. “It’s a friendship. And actually just to enjoy life. That’s what it’s all about… to enjoy life seeing live music because there’s nothing better.”

The response from venues has been overwhelmingly positive. From Chas Mann’s Man Cave to spots like The Station in Kings Heath, Rock and Roll Brewery, Actress and Bishop, O Bar, Snobs, Henry’s Blues Club, and Jojo Jim’s—many are supportive and excited about the potential boost in attendance. Annette hopes the group gains traction quickly so she can coordinate with more venues if crowds grow. “If we do get inundated with lots of people, I’m going to have to start phoning venues to say I can’t be in four places at once!”

She’s also quick to shout out helpful resources like her friend Chris Barrow’s Brum Blues Gig Guide (brumbluesgigs.co.uk). It’s a free, volunteer-run site listing gigs across Birmingham and the Black Country, with summaries of bands and styles. “Birmingham City ought to sponsor him, actually,” Annette joked, highlighting how grassroots efforts keep the scene alive without much official support.

Annette’s passion shines through when talking about the musicians themselves. “Most of them work for peanuts… they don’t do it for the money. But you see the quality. Oh, the quality’s brilliant.” She laments the lack of stronger backing from Birmingham City Council for grassroots music, comparing it to how Liverpool celebrates its heritage. “Birmingham did for Black Sabbath… but grassroots, that’s where we need to be looking.”

Her message to any woman listening who loves music but hasn’t been out in a while—or feels unsure about safety—is straightforward and warm: “Message me. I will contact everybody personally and I’ll talk you through what.” The group is still a work in progress, but Annette sees it as a team effort. “It’s either going to work really well… And I do think it’s got legs.”

If you’re a solo woman in the Birmingham area who misses the thrill of live gigs but wants company and that extra layer of comfort, this could be the perfect way back in. Head over to Suffragette City Music Club on Facebook—give it a like, follow, and drop Annette a message. Whether you’re into blues, rock, or just great local talent, the club’s about getting out, making friends, and rediscovering why live music feels so alive.

As Annette put it: “Never mind ironing and watching… on the telly. Get yourself out there. And once you do, you’ll realise how important it is.”

People who love music love people—and Birmingham’s scene is waiting for you.

For more local stories, interviews, and what’s on in Birmingham’s music world, stay tuned to our station. If you’re part of the Suffragette City Music Club or have been to a gig with the group, drop us a line—we’d love to hear your experiences!