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Admiral Fallow What's On this week at the Tolbooth in StirlingreLOADED FEST: ADMIRAL FALLOWFri 30 Sep, doors 5pm Led by the captivating Louis Abbott’s unflinchingly personal lyrics and resolutely Scottish sensibility, the band combine multilayered harmonies with beautiful orchestration and mesh acoustic and electric textures to achieve a truly original, genre-spanning sound. Their eclectic set will have you dancing one minute and reflecting on life the next. reLOADED FEST: WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKSSat 1 Oct, doors 4pm We Were Promised Jetpacks have come a long way since winning a battle of the bands competition at high school. The four-piece from Edinburgh count Frightened Rabbit and Twilight Sad amongst their fans and have toured extensively with both across Europe and America. Most recently they supported Jimmy Eat World on the band’s North American tour. Given that these boys are barely ever in the country, we are delighted to host one of their rare Scottish dates at the Reloaded Festival. JAZZ SINGERS' OPEN MIC NIGHTWed's 5 Oct, 2 Nov & 7 Dec, 8pm If you’ve ever dreamt about singing your favourite jazz song with a live band in front of an appreciative audience, then our open mic nights are for you! All you need to bring is a simple lead sheet (chords & melody in your key) for the song you want to sing and our outstanding jazz trio will accompany you with empathy and panache. Our cabaret evenings are friendly, supportive and informal and feature the timeless standards of Sinatra, Holiday and Fitzgerald combined with the musical magic of the Jim Clelland Trio. Come and see for yourself – and if you’re not ready to sing, then why not join us just to relax in good company while listening to some great music. Please note that singers who bring three or more audience members will be admitted free of charge. JUAN MARTINFri 7 Oct, 8pm Juan MartÍn is a celebrated virtuoso of the flamenco guitar, voted one of the top three guitarists in the world by US magazine Guitar Player. A native of Andalucia in southern Spain, he performs at major festivals and venues across the globe and we are honoured to welcome this consummate master of his craft back to the Tolbooth. Come and be transported to the Café Cantantes of Andalucia, be astonished by the speed and skill of the fretwork and enjoy the power and beauty of flamenco music. Charming anecdotes throughout his performances convey his passion and knowledge for the music. THE OCEAN BETWEEN USWed 12 Oct, doors 7pm / £6 Following the release of their debut EP earlier this year, The Ocean Between Us are here to prove that their machete sharp blend of hardcore and metal is far superior to the trends and fads of the scene that once exiled them. The band has come back from the brink after some bleak times saw members leading a hand-to-mouth existence. Yet these troubled times fuel their new tracks and after signing to A Wolf At Your Door Records in December 2010, The Ocean Between Us have regained traction and hit 2011 with a ferocious bang. IAN RANKINFri 14 Oct, 8pm Ian Rankin returns to Stirling to talk about his new book ‘The Impossible Dead’, a pulsepounding thriller featuring Inspector Malcolm Fox in which Rankin holds up a mirror to an age of fear and paranoia, and shows us something of our own lives reflected there. The UK’s number one best-selling crime writer Rankin lives in Edinburgh and writes about the city in his award-winning novels, including his famous Detective Inspector Rebus series, now translated into 22 languages and bestsellers on several continents. Rankin is an eloquent and insightful speaker and his list of achievements is remarkable, most notably receiving on OBE for services to literature. In addition he is a Hawthornden Fellow, a past winner of the Chandler- Fulbright Award and the recipient of four Crime Writers' Association Dagger Awards including the prestigious Diamond Dagger in 2005. reLOADED FIDELIO TRIO perform Beamish /RavelSat 15 Oct, 1pm An exclusive performance of Sally Beamish's mesmerising setting of the Anglo-Saxon poem 'The Seafarer' performed by the Fidelio Trio with narration by Scottish actor Crawford Logan and projections by Jila Peacock. Afterwards Beamish will join the performers on stage to talk about her work and offer insights for the audience. The concert ends with Ravel's sumptuous Piano Trio in A minor. A work inspired by his native Basque country, it combines the composer's mastery of composition with his palate of intoxicating colour. The “virtuosic Fidelio Trio” (as described in the Sunday Times) performs extremely diverse repertoire internationally and features London-based Irish musicians Darragh Morgan (violin), Mary Dullea (piano), and Scottish cellist Robin Michael. TONY LAW: GO!Sat 15 Oct, 8pm Join Tony Law for an evening of off-the-wall, boundary-defying comedy and find out why he is widely regarded as one of the finest performers on the circuit by audiences and peers alike. Tony is a Canadian stand-up known for his surreal material and quirky delivery. Much of his material focuses on his time-travelling exploits in the company of his sausage dog, Cartridge Davison. Mixing delightful twaddle with some genuine insights into what makes comedy comedy, he presents a sketchy, arty show that is pretty much indescribable – so you’ll just have to come and see it for yourself. FIDDLERS BIDThu 20 Oct, 8pm Be sure to book fast for a mighty celebration as the “musical tornado” known as Fiddlers Bid take to the road on their Stay Young and Fresh UK tour to mark their 20th anniversary! The Bid are internationally respected as leading exponents of Shetland’s rich fiddle tradition. Their exciting and dynamic music is created through the distinctive bond of seven formidable musicians including four fiddlers who link together musically with almost telepathic precision. They are backed by a rhythm session of guitar and bass, with the flawless finishing touch of Catriona McKay on harp and piano. Since forming in 1991 the Bid have taken fiddle tradition in many new and exhilarating directions, releasing a string of internationally acclaimed albums along the way. FIDDLERS BID Thu 20 Oct, 8pm £14/£12 Their music effortlessly blends the traditional culture of their homeland with wider musical influences, drawn from other traditions much further afield. Reels, jigs and polkas are all delivered with amazing power, dexterity and accuracy, while their beautifully measured waltzes and slow airs never fail to delight. As an added bonus, their onstage banter is second to none. THE TRAVELLING BANDFri 21 Oct, doors 7pm Alternative ‘crunk folk’ act The Travelling Band are one of the most talked-about groups to emerge from the bustling Manchester music scene. The band’s shimmering blend of cosmiccountry- pop, understated psychedelia, vocal harmonies and nu-folk gives them a genredefying sound unlike anything else on offer in the current musical market. This date at the Tolbooth is part of an extensive UK tour to promote their critically acclaimed new album, Screaming is Something. AJ ROACH and NUALA KENNEDYFri 28 Oct, 8pm A rare opportunity to see two consummate yet quirky musicians perform together. Bluegrass musician A.J. Roach was born and raised in the deep hollows of mountainous Scott County, Virginia – the cultural and geographical epicenter of America's Appalachian Mountain Range, and the birthplace of American country music. Known for his thoughtful poetic lyrics and powerful singing voice, A.J.’s performances are so intense that they have been known to move audience members to tears. Nuala Kennedy is a traditional folk singer and flute player who grew up on the East Coast of Ireland, an area steeped in mythology and with long historical links with Scotland. She combines traditional and contemporary material with integrity and originality, constantly seeking new musical challenges which she masters with incredible alacrity. Together the pair create a breathtaking performance that is at once mesmerising and exhilarating. EMILY SMITHSat 29 Oct, 8pm Emily Smith is one of the leading singers of the contemporary Scottish folk scene whose powerful, crystalline vocals have gained her worldwide recognition. As a passionate collector she is adept at presenting fresh and evocative interpretations of traditional songs. Emily's latest work, Traiveller's Joy, features songs written on the road throughout 2010, beautifully blended alongside traditional material sourced from the travelling people of Scotland. Emily continues to draw inspiration from her home town in rural Dumfriesshire in south west Scotland but this album sees her writing from a more personal viewpoint than ever before. Audiences on the autumn tour will be the first to hear a new band line-up and new material. DAVID HAYMAN SIX AND A TANNERThu 3 Nov, 8pm / £15/£12 BAFTA-winning actor and director David Hayman stars in the hugely powerful one-man play Six and a Tanner. Written by Rony Bridges, the play sees a middle-aged man relive the joys and tragedies of his 1950s childhood as he rages at the coffin of his dead father. Is it an act of revenge or redemption? Or simply the moment in a man’s life when he faces his own mortality? Based on a true story, this is a powerful, moving and hilarious tribute to life in all its absurdity. The performance will be followed by a Q&A session with David which promises a lively discussion full of warmth, humour and insight. Audiences can ask him directly about his humanitarian work with Spirit Aid as well as his distinguished career. Proceeds from the play go to David’s charity, Spirit Aid. BREABACHFri 4 Nov, 8pm Powered by double bagpipes, flute and fiddle, the uncompromising force of Breabach is further fuelled by the tight groove of double bass, guitar and step-dance. The group’s astonishing musicianship and adaptability is elegantly displayed through the thoughtful arrangement and delivery of songs. A repertoire that effortlessly fuses the traditional and contemporary underlines their commitment and passion for their musical heritage but also displays a willingness to explore and challenge boundaries. With increasing popularity and fast growing international recognition it is little wonder Breabach received nominations for 'Best Group' at both the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and the Scots Trad Music Awards simultaneously. DAY OF SONGSat 5 Nov
workshops from 10.30am Our third Day of Song is again packed with workshops, culminating in an evening performance by song groups and tutors. The workshops will cover various styles, including world music, popular classics and solo singing led by Alison McMorland, Jo Miller, Kim Edgar and Sarah Harrop. Guest tutor Ali Burns will lead the mass workshop in the afternoon, working on songs which will feature as the finale of the evening performance. This event is open to all but priority booking will be given to those who attend local song groups Singin’ Stirling, Liltin’ Lassies, Kippen Wee Sing and Bracklinn Singers. When booking a ticket, please ask for a booking form to choose your workshops. BRUCE MOLSKYFri 11 Nov, 8pm Bruce Molsky is one of the finest fiddlers of the old-time style, a virtuoso of Appalachia's timeless folk music traditions. That must feel odd for a former engineer from the Bronx who didn't begin his music career until he was forty. Folded into these unusual circumstances is the secret to his unique genius. Whether performing an ancient reel from Virginia, a Swedish waltz, or a loping cowboy ballad, personal authenticity deeply informs his music. EDINBURGH QUARTETSat 12 Nov, 8pm With its distinguished international profile, the Edinburgh Quartet is Scotland's premier string quartet. Resident at the Ian Tomlin School of Music, Edinburgh Napier University, and at the University of Glasgow, it is one of the UK's longest-established university-based professional quartets and is Scotland's only full-time chamber ensemble. The Quartet is Tristan Gurney (violin), Philip Burrin (voilin), Mark Bailey (cello) and James Slater (viola)*. TASHI LHUNPO MONKSThu 17 Nov, 8pm Recreating the mysteries of the Buddhist Monastery, eight Tibetan monks from Tashi Lhunpo offer a dramatic and colourful presentation of dance, music and chanted prayer with traditional costumes and ceremonial masks. This performance offers a rare opportunity to witness a unique and endangered culture. Founded by the first Dalai Lama in the 15th Century, Tashi Lhunpo is one of the most important monasteries in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Re-established in exile in South India, it is once again becoming one of the major centres of Buddhist learning, best known for its artistic tradition of masked dances and sacred music. A truly fascinating spectacle that will delight, entertain and provoke deep thought. THE DARK HOLLERSun 20 Nov, from 2pm To continue with our Dark Holler tradition we have the Scottish version of Western Swing with guitarist Jack Evans, founding member of The Easy Club and fiddler Pete Clark, best known for playing in the style of our own Niel Gow, but also a demon at Western Swing. WORKSHOPS IN SCOTTISH RHYTHM & SWING / 2.30-3.30pm / £6 Fiddle with Pete Clark Guitar with Jack Evans for age 16+ / intermediate + PERFORMANCE / 4–5pm / £6 or £10 for workshop and performance. FILMS / approx 2pm, 3.30pm & 5pm / FREE Including a screening of the story of Bob Wills, one of the founders of Western Swing. DARNLEY TEX MEX / 5-7pm / £8.50 A special pre-gig meal at our local coffee shop. Price includes red chilli, a marguerita and live music. HOT CLUB OF COWTOWNSun 20 Nov, 8pm£17 Western Swing and country honky-tonkin’ meets the Hot Club de France in this Austin trio of Elena James on fiddle and vocals, Whit Smith on vintage Gibson guitar and Jake Erwin on double bass, with everyone on glorious three-part harmony. Their sound goes back more than 80 years to one of the founders of Western Swing, Bob Wills, the subject of the group’s latest album ‘What Makes Bob Holler’. Stars of Jools Holland’s Hootenanny and firm festival favourites at Glastonbury and Cambridge, Hot Club of Cowtown is a cult item just about to go overground, and one of the best nights out you can find. Their music is sincere, free of irony, and focused on a simpler time. This show at the Tolbooth is the only Scottish date on Hot Club’s UK tour – so don’t miss it. ROD JONES' THE BIRTHDAY SUITSat 26 Nov, doors 7pm Idlewild guitarist and songwriter Rod Jones is back with a remarkable new solo project, a return to the noisy pop moments he first made his name with. ‘The Birthday Suit’ sees Rod deliver some of his most passionate, fiery and powerful material yet. He returns to the sounds of early Idlewild albums like the classic ‘100 Broken Windows’, which was recently voted number one Scottish album of all time by readers of The Skinny magazine. Rod says: “The last few years I’ve been picking up my acoustic guitar more and more, so it’s been almost like a release, plugging into an amp and remembering my noisier side. Working with the group I’ve put together has been totally unique and wonderful. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve put together and genuinely believe it to be some of the best songs I’ve ever written.” JIMMIE MACGREGORWed 30 Nov, 8pm Jimmie MacGregor is 80 years young and comes to the Tolbooth to talk about the songs and the stories of a lifetime in music and the media. Teaming up with Robin Hall in the 1950s, Jimmie appeared five nights a week on the BBC's Tonight show for four years! Hugely influential in the folk music revival and with 20 albums to their credit Jimmie and Robin went on to host the White Heather Club and record the now legendary 'Football Crazy'. Latterly Jimmie hosted the long-running, double award-winning, 'MacGregor's Gathering' on BBC Radio Scotland. This relaxed and humorous evening will be full of memories and music from a true legend. THE CHAIRSat 3 Dec, 8pm Orcadian eight-piece The Chair bring together fiddles, accordion, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass, drums and percussion to create an expansive and full-blooded sound. A mix of Orcadian, Scottish, Irish and European influences is underpinned by a dynamic rhythm section, with additional inspiration drawn from rock music, salsa and jazz. The Chair initially formed in 2004 with a simple goal of filling floors at the Orkney Folk Festival, but they proved such a hit that they are now in huge demand on the UK and European festival circuit. The band has received international acclaim and in 2008 they won Scottish Folk Band of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. BELLA HARDYThu 8 Dec, 8pm At just 25 years old, traditional singer and fiddle player Bella Hardy is already a firm favourite on the folk circuit, renowned for her rich and true voice. This winter she brings her new festive tour, Bright Morning Star, to the Tolbooth, with special guests Anna Massie on guitar and Chris Sherburn on concertina. In Bella's north Derbyshire hometown, Christmas songs have long been the local speciality. People flock from far and wide to sing the Peak District's local carols, and in these dark months the villages are lit up with song to celebrate hope and community. Expect a showcase of festive cheer, including Bella’s local Castleton carols 'Down In Yon Forest' and 'All in the Morning' and well known classics 'O, Come All Ye Faithfull' and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'. TOMMY SMITHSat 10 Dec, 2pm The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra bring jazz music alive, paying tribute to the legends of jazz and making their compositions sing with enthusiasm, style, personality and expression. Established in 2002 by leading international saxophonist, Tommy Smith, the TSYJO features the very best of Scotland's young jazz musicians. Showcasing endless talent, improvisational skills, exuberance and verve, the TSYJO musicians demonstrate these traits in every performance and the orchestra has grown from strength to strength receiving critical acclaim both at home and abroad. Enjoy a break from the Christmas shopping at this afternoon concert and listen to the TSYJO, who will play tracks from their new CD, Emergence, as well as original musical arrangements from the great names in jazz such as Duke Ellington and Wayne Shorter. THE BEVVY SISTERSSat 10 Dec, 8pm Edinburgh harmony trio The Bevvy Sisters unite the richly seasoned voices of Heather MacLeod, Kaela Rowan and Roberta Pia in a heady cocktail of classy original songs and artful contemporary covers, combining vibrant vintage jazz, folk, gospel and Americana. These three sassy lassies launched with a sellout show at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival, and have since grown from strength to strength. Backed by guitar, mandolin and percussion, this powerhouse trio is a force to be reckoned with, the girls’ live shows proving their ability to re-invent the folk genre. RODDY WOOMBLE'S CHRISTMAS HOOTENANNYFri 16 Dec, 8pm / £17/£15 The Tolbooth’s annual Christmas wonderland show is back, this time featuring a one-off gig by indie singer-songwriter Roddy Woomble. The Idlewild frontman has carved a name for himself as a respected folk artist, and this special festive performance will see him backed by a full band as he sings recentlywritten solo material alongside best-loved Idlewild hits and an array of Christmas classics. This intimate show guarantees an evening of high-spirited festive entertainment, allowing you to relax and de-stress before the Christmas chaos unfolds. Support for this show comes from Scottish violinist, vocalist and composer Seonaid Aitken, who was handpicked by Roddy to provide the warm-up to his Hootenanny. The perfect winter warmer for a cold Friday evening! CHRISTMAS CEILIDHSSat 17 Dec Our ever-popular Christmas Ceilidhs are back! Be sure to book early if you want to take part in this year's seasonal knees up. What better way to spend the weekend before Christmas than celebrating the festive season with friends and family in traditional Scottish style? Even if you have never been to a ceilidh before, our ace band will talk you through the dances to ensure a fun time for all. Both ceilidhs are open to all, though the afternoon ceilidh is particularly popular with families of all ages. SKERRYVOREWed 28 Dec, 8pm When award-winning Scottish band Skerryvore last visited the Tolbooth, they sold out their show in record time. Their return performance promises to be bigger and better than ever before, combining blazing bagpipes, fiddle and accordions with urban rhythms and soul-gripping funk to create a trad-rock fusion for the 21st Century. From traditional roots in Tiree in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, the band have developed in both size and sound and have gripped audiences across the world from Chicago to Beijing. Led by the mesmerising voice of singer Alec Dalglish, the all-male, six-strong band have been dubbed the ‘boyband’ of Scottish traditional music. | |||
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