
Josh Rouse returns to Edinburgh with his brand new album. Unexpected and utterly sublime, this sultry song cycle will shuffle seamlessly in tandem with Getz/Gilberto and Graceland, albums as boldly surprising in their eras as El Turista is in this one. The record marks a new direction for the critically acclaimed cult artist, while offering the musical sophistication and emotional depth Rouse's devoted constituents have come to expect from him, thanks to a consistently enthralling body of work highlighted by the modern-day landmarks 1972 (2003) and Nashville (2005).
Drop into The Waverly Bar on St Mary's Street to find a jovial gathering of storytellers, singers and listeners enjoying tales and music for a Ceilidh Culture special at Edinburgh's famous monthly storytelling club. An open night for all to enjoy and contribute, hosted by Fergus McNicol.
Tickets available at Scottish Storytelling Centre: 0131 556 9579. Web: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com
Robert Tannahill (1774-1810), the Paisley song-writer and poet, arguably inherited the cultural mantle of Robert Burns more than anyone. Though 18,000 people turned out for his centenary celebration, he has been sadly neglected for the last 100 years. His works have been published in numerous editions - virtually always without the music - so that the songs have all but disappeared. It was with this in mind that Dr Fred Freeman launched a CD series in 2006 of what will be the only 'Complete Songs of Robert Tannahill' (Brechin All Records). This concert follows on from a widely acclaimed Bicentenary Concert and launch of volume 2 at this year's Celtic Connections.
A spectacular setting and Edinburgh's newest addition to the ceilidh scene, Ghillie Dhu, hosts its weekly Ceilidh night 'The Burly' with special guests the Cannongate Cadjers gracing the stage! The Cannongate Cadjers are inspired traditional musicians with an experienced caller who will ensure everybody is up and dancing for a night to remember. Over 18's only. Enjoy a stunning three course meal followed by the city's best ceilidh bands and party till very late. Alternatively, come along for the ceilidh only from 10pm till 3am. For more information please visit the website: www.ghillie-dhu.co.uk.
A day of workshops celebrating traditional song, featuring harmony with Ali Burns, Gaelic song with Mary MacMaster, Ulster songs with Mark Dunlop, The Story in the Song with Ruth Kirkpatrick, Song with the Wee Ones (for parents and young children), Songwriting and more. For full details and to book your workshop, see www.scotsmusic.org or call 0131 555 7668.
Andrew Gordon will be performing a selection of traditional and contemporary Scottish songs, from battle songs to ballads, as well as some good old sing songs. More details at www.andrewgordon.co.uk. Over 18's only.
Two of Scotland's best acoustic acts together in concert.
KC's Ideal Band ~ "A simply beautiful sound, each song an absolute gem" ~ Maverick
Three of Scotland's most experienced musicians with the best songbook in contemporary Scots folk, blended into one of the most exciting new line-ups to emerge in recent years, with a new CD on Fellside FECD226.
Fiona Cuthill & Stevie Lawrence ~ Current members of Scottish based "Rallion" with vast experience of touring, performing and recording together with ensembles ranging from "Canterach" to the progressive rock of Abel Ganz", opening for "The Red Hot Chilli Pipers", and release of their debut CD later in 2010.
Mr McFall's Chamber return to The Queen's Hall to present their latest album on Delphian Records which features the music of Martyn Bennett and Fraser Fifield. Martyn Bennett was one of Scotland's most innovative musicians, combining the traditional and modern, the local and international, until this tragically early death in 2005. Fraser Fifield is another of Scotland's great musical innovators who has used his virtuoso skills as multi-instrumentalist in groups as diverse as Salsa Celtica and Old Blind Dogs. For this concert, Mr. McFall's Chamber will feature guests Tom Bancroft and Jame Mackintosh (percussion), Chris George (violin), Fraser Fifield (pipes and whistles), Phil Alexander (piano) alongside their usual line-up of Ricky Standley (bass), Su-a Lee (cello), Brian Schiele (viola) and Robert McFall (violin).
Tickets availabe from Queens Hall: 0131 6682019
A spectacular setting and Edinburgh's newest addition to the Ceilidh scene, Ghillie Dhu, hosts its weekly Ceilidh night 'The Burly' with special guests the Robert Fish Band gracing the stage! The legendary Robert Fish Band have been on the scene for over a decade and are famed for getting Edinburgh folk on their feet. Over 18s only. Come along for the ceilidh from 10pm till 3am.
www.ghillie-dhu.co.uk
This competition is all about enjoyment and musicality, you will hear various bellows blown pipes played in a range of classes, including solo pipes, duet for pipes, pipe and song, duet for pipe and voice and duet for pipes and other instruments. We welcome audience participation by asking 5 different people selected randomly for each class to award each competitor marks out of 10. The remaining 50 marks are awarded by our judge for that particular class. Marks are awarded for overall performance, musicality and enjoyment. This is a relaxed and entertaining day and you will be warmly welcomed. Details of ow to obtain tickets can be found at www.lbps.co.uk.
Andrew Gordon will be performing a selection of traditional and contemporary Scottish songs, from battle songs to ballads, as well as some good old sing songs. More details at www.andrewgordon.co.uk. Over 18's only.
Alan (vocal, keyboard, guitar, piano, accodion) has been an ever present member of the Battlefield Band since a few months after its inception in 1969. The 'Batties' have been pre-eminent in Scottish traditional music for over 30 years, have toured all over the world and made almost 30 recordings. Rob (vocals, guitars, mandolin) is a guitarist of exceptional skill and subtelty. He was born in the Netherlands and begun playing guitar at an early age. As his interest in music developed, he became influenced by the best of Folk, Rock, R&B and Blues. Their album 'The Rise and Fall O' Charlie' has been called a "captivating" and "superb package" by MU Magazine…
The College of Piping (est. 1944) proudly presents "Music of the Great Highland Bagpipe". A selection of traditional slow airs, marches, strathspeys, reels, hornpipes, jigs and piobaireachd featuring seasoned pipers and current students from the College, the International Centre of the Bagpipe World.
A terrific evening of poetry and music in the Central Reference Library will feature recitations by acclaimed broadcaster and author Billy Kay, interwoven with musical contributions by Rod Paterson along with some of Scotland's finest folk instrumentalists. The programme will be based on Fergusson's Auld Reekie, a compilation album of music and poetry which creates such a vivid portrait of 18th century Edinburgh. Fergusson was born off the High Street in Edinburgh in 1750 and died tragically young in the city's madhouse in 1774. Burns described him as 'by far my elder brother in the muse'. For ticket information contact The Central Music and Audio Library on 0131 242 8054 or garry.gale@edinburgh.gov.uk
A spectacular setting and Edinburgh's newest addition to the Ceilidh scene, Ghillie Dhu, hosts its weekly Ceilidh night 'The Burly' with special guests the Robert Fish Band gracing the stage! The legendary Robert Fish Band have been on the scene for over a decade and are famed for getting Edinburgh folk on their feet. Over 18s only. ceilidh only from 10pm till 3am.
www.ghillie-dhu.co.uk
Dancing Workshops with Nicolas Broadbridge
Simone Verheyen, who was to have come to teach again at our 18th annual Workshop Weekend, is unable to lead the workshops this year, but her programme will now be taught by Nicolas Broadbridge, teacher and leader of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Assembly, who has taught and played for workshops, festivals and dance camps in England, Europe and America, and has been teaching English Country Dance for many years.
He leads The Assembly Players band, which has recorded an extensive repertoire of dances (15 CDs) from which Simone chose her material for this weekend.
Music for the weekend will be played by two experienced and exciting musicians:
Aidan Broadbridge - violin
Michael Barnett - keyboard/ piano.
Drop in and have a go! Taster workshops in a variety of instruments, song and dance, with demonstrations, great live music and information and advice from experienced tutors and people who are already learning with the Scots Music Group. Find out about our adult absolute beginner's classes starting in 2010.
A great new event for Ceilidh Culture 2010. A lively night of Scottish music and ceilidh dancing, fuelled by some fantastic cocktails from our Reel Time bartenders. Playing on the evening will be the Reel Time Ceilidh Band: a funky 4 piece rock ceilidh band who will provide all the music and guidance required for a great night. Keeping guests refreshed, our handpicked bar team will be serving a range of cocktails and mocktails on top of our usual bar service. With a few more tricks up our sleeves, we look forward to sharing one of the best night of Ceilidh Culture with you... (Please be warned that this is not a traditional ceilidh, this is a taste of ceilidh for the future!)
Saturday evening dance:
Dance to the exciting duo Aidan Broadbridge (violin) and Michael Barnett (Piano)
Aidan is the fiddler for the Assembly Players, the popular band who have released 15 great albums of English Dance music and one of Scottish Ceilidh Dances.
Michael is musician and Musical Director of Caledon.
Dancing Workshops with Nicolas Broadbridge
Simone Verheyen, who was to have come to teach again at our 18th annual Workshop Weekend, is unable to lead the workshops this year, but her programme will now be taught by Nicolas Broadbridge, teacher and leader of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Assembly, who has taught and played for workshops, festivals and dance camps in England, Europe and America, and has been teaching English Country Dance for many years.
He leads The Assembly Players band, which has recorded an extensive repertoire of dances (15 CDs) from which Simone chose her material for this weekend.
Music for the weekend will be played by two experienced and exciting musicians:
Aidan Broadbridge - violin
Michael Barnett - keyboard/ piano.
The Harpers Return - Clarsach mo chridhe. The concert reflects the group's heritage featuring many traditional tunes and songs from the island of Lewis as well as compositions by group members who have been inspired by the landscape and the people. The hard has a long history in Lewis dating back to at least 1650 when Ruaridh Dall Morrison - 'The Blind Harper' -was born in Bragar. With the help of the Clarsach Society and the inspired teaching of Alison and Wendy, the harp has finally returned to Lewis.
Since their formation in 1991 Shetland's Fiddler's Bid have created a new benchmark for traditional music as they have astounded audiences all over the world with their expressive, high energy music and performance. 2009 saw the release of their latest album All Dressed in Yellow which won rave reviews and was voted Album of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2009. If they don't sweep you away, check your pulse - The Herald, Noone puts a finger remotely wrong on a front-runner for album of the year The Scotsman.
Tickets availabe from Queens Hall: 0131 6682019
Wrexham born and Glasgow based singer-songwriter Chris Rogers has been touting his wares around the Scottish folk club scene for around 10 years now with, as he says, varying degrees of success. The best moments in his view have been winning songwriting competitions in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Falkirk supporting Marting Stephenson at East Kilbride Arts Centre and having a commerical release on a Greentrax compilation, Gentle Giants. If he had to choose among his many influences, the one he would name is Tom Waits.
Paul Dooley presents an eclectic selection of old and new pieces from the Celtic countries, featuring mainly Irish dance music, exploring connections within different strands of the tradition as well as compositions by the celebrated 17th and 18th century Irish harper/composers such as Turlough O'Carolan and the Connellan brothers and medieval welsh pieces from the Robert as Huw manuscript. Rachel Newton and Lillias Kinsman-Blake's music draws on influences from the Highlands of Scotland to the Borders and beyond, incorporating both Gaelic and English songs with traditional and contemporary melodies. They are members of The Shee, Radio 2 Folk Award Music as part of the Rowan Tree Theatre Company.
On Tuesday 13th April the Jimi Shandrix experience will be playing. One of Scotlands best known ceilidh bands with the legendary accordionist Sandy Brechin. It should be another great evening of music and great craic.
www.edinburghceilidhs.com
Andrew Gordon will be performing a selection of traditional and contemporary Scottish songs, from battle songs to ballads, as well as some good old sing songs. More details at www.andrewgordon.co.uk. Over 18's only.
Experience a fun evening showcasing storytelling as entertainment, offering the chance to discover a genuine taste of rich Scottish culture. Enjoy a welcoming mix of live stories and songs at the centre's café, hosted by Liz Wilson. Sit back with a drink or delicious snack from the cafe-bar, or join in with a tale or song of your own.
Tickets available at Scottish Storytelling Centre: 0131 556 9579. Web: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com
Singer-songwriter Laura Marling was still studying for her A-levels when she released her debut single 'London Town' in 2007. Her album debut 'Alas, I Cannot Swim' followed at the start of 2008 and confirmed her precocious talent. Laura's recent appearance with Daniel Johnston at The Queen's Hall was a highlight of 2009 and this show promises to kickstart 2010 with a taste of her new material. "Remarkable, coming from someone so young." - The Guardian "A hugely impressive debut from an outstanding talent" - The Independent www.lauramarling.com
Tickets availabe from Queens Hall: 0131 6682019
Described by The Living Tradition magazine as one of the most talented pipes led groups around, Pipedown have been delighting audiences all over the British Isles and Mainland Europe with their lively performances and superb musicianship. Lee Moore (Highland and Scottish small pipes), Steve Reid (guitar), Alex Campbell (mandolin) and Stevie Fivey (percussion) were Danny Kyle Award Wnner's at Celtic Connections 2001and have released two critically acclaimed acclaimed albums. 'The First Measure' released in 2002 on the Greentrax label and 'Roag' released in 2006 on Phat Controller Records. They are currently working on their third album.
Paul Brady - singer, songwriter, musician and producer - has been at the forefront of popular music in Ireland for over 40 years. Starting out in The Johnstons and Planxty, he began to write his own songs in the early 1980's and has since forged a reputation as one of Ireland's finest singer-songwriters, releasing many popular and critically acclaimed records. Soon after the 1981 release of 'Hard Station' - his first album of his own compositions in 1981 - his songwriting began to come to the attention of artists worldwide and in 1982 Carlos Santana recorded 'Night Hunting Time'. Since then his songs have been recorded by the likes of Tina Turner, Cher, Carole King, Art Garfunkel, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, Ronan Keating and Mary Black. www.paulbrady.com
Famed for her beautifully haunting rendition of 'Auld Lang Syne' on the movie 'Sex and the City', award winning Scottish singer-songwriter Mairi Campbell's first solo album is to be released early 2010. Songs on her new album, co-written with husband Dave Francis, focus on a range of contemporary issues and have a strong storytelling quality. The issues addressed will resonate with a wide range of listeners looking for more of the subtle, yet powerful delivery which is Mairi's hallmark. She's even secured a place on Sean Connery's ipod playlist!
Hobotalk have been out on the road with Don McLean, Ron Sexsmith, Jolie Holland, Gomez and The Verve to name a few. Signed by Dave Boyd in 1999 who also signed David Gray, Marc Pilley aka Hobotalk has gathered a fine collection of five star reviews from Q magazine and Rolling Stone. They spend a large amount of their time touring The Netherlands, Belgium, Holland and Spain and have built a loyal following. This is a great opportunity to go see these rare birds.
A spectacular setting and Edinburgh's newest addition to the Ceilidh scene, Ghillie Dhu, hosts its weekly Ceilidh night 'The Burly' with special guests the Wild Geese gracing the stage! The Wild Geese deliver an exciting blend of traditional Scottish and Celtic tunes, as well as folk, blues and rock songs for your dancing pleasure. Over 18s only. Come along for the ceilidh from 10pm till 3am.
www.ghillie-dhu.co.uk
Learn the origins of the powerful Celtic fairy folk and enter the magic 'once upon a time' world of everywhere and always in this interactive half day workshop. Join storyteller David Campbell in exploring the deep, age sifted wisdom in these engaging tales, and in finding your way to telling them. Total beginners welcome.
Tickets available at Scottish Storytelling Centre: 0131 556 9579. Web: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com
In the oral arts, it is important to 'be present' in the song or story. In order to do this we need to attend to the messages and moods contained in the song.. In this participative singing workshop you will work together with storyteller and singer Ruth Kirkpatrick to uncover these riches beyond the words and tune. Open to anyone with an interest in stories and song.
Tickets available at Scottish Storytelling Centre: 0131 556 9579. Web: www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com
Come dance away the evening with one of Edinburgh's most well-known ceilidh bands, the Robert Fish Band - they'll be calling all dances, with a lively mix of traditional Scottish tunes and a few dances from further afield. Special guests include the 20+ piece Forest Choir. We have a local and organic licensed bar, raffle and Gandolf as our Master of Ceremonies. This is Ceilidh Collective event with 100% profits from the door, bar and raffle going to the UNITY centre. The UNITY centre in Glasgow provides practical solidarity and support for asylum seekers, especially when they face being locked up in detention centres or being forcibly removed. UNITY is run by a collective of volunteers and funded entirely by donations.
A chance to experience raw energy, sweat and strength and learn from some of the top male dancers from around Scandinavia and Scotland. From the Norwegian Halling dance with Anders Aasberg (as featured in the 2009 winning Eurovision Norwegian entry) to the older male form of Scottish Highland dancing with Jamie Macdonald Reid, to men from the Dancing Danes! Each session will have a talk & performance and then workshop element - male and female audience and participants welcome! 12.30-2.30pm: Scotland; 2.30-4.30pm: Norway; 4.30-6.30pm: Denmark. A partnership between the TMSA Edinburgh & Lothians Branch’s Northern Streams Festival and Dance Base.
A chance to experience raw energy, sweat and strength and learn from some of the top male dancers from around Scandinavia and Scotland. From the Norwegian Halling dance with Anders Aasberg (as featured in the 2009 winning Eurovision Norwegian entry) to the older male form of Scottish Highland dancing with Jamie Macdonald Reid, to men from the Dancing Danes! Each session will have a talk & performance and then workshop element - male and female audience and participants welcome! 12.30-2.30pm: Scotland; 2.30-4.30pm: Norway; 4.30-6.30pm: Denmark. A partnership between the TMSA Edinburgh & Lothians Branch’s Northern Streams Festival and Dance Base.
Just like a ceilidh but traditional Jewish Eastern European dancing. No experience necessary. Try out some steps with top Yiddish dance caller Sue Cooper. Live music from Scotland’s Klezmer quartet Celter Schmelter.
More info on www.myspace.com/celterschmelter or phone 07814 657 029.
Email celterschmelter@hotmail.com for tickets.
A chance to experience raw energy, sweat and strength and learn from some of the top male dancers from around Scandinavia and Scotland. From the Norwegian Halling dance with Anders Aasberg (as featured in the 2009 winning Eurovision Norwegian entry) to the older male form of Scottish Highland dancing with Jamie Macdonald Reid, to men from the Dancing Danes! Each session will have a talk & performance and then workshop element - male and female audience and participants welcome! 12.30-2.30pm: Scotland; 2.30-4.30pm: Norway; 4.30-6.30pm: Denmark. A partnership between the TMSA Edinburgh & Lothians Branch’s Northern Streams Festival and Dance Base.