Forth 1 have announced details of Forth 50 – Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station’s 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.
Taking place on Saturday 31st May, Forth 50 – Live!, with Eastern Western Motor Group, will welcome dance icons including Whigfield, Robin S, Mary Kiani, Haddaway, Heather Small, Corona and more for a daytime disco party like no other.
Tickets on sale 9am Friday 31st January via forth1.com
Celebrating Forth 1’s first 50 years, the incredible live gig will welcome fans to The Royal Highland Centre from 2pm- 10.30pm for the station’s biggest ever daytime disco. Forth’s most legendary presenters will join in the birthday celebrations with Boogie and Arlene, Marty, Garry Spence, Steven Mill and Callum Gallacher all presenting live on the day.
The one-off gig will have fans dancing throughout the decades with the sound of the 90s dance scene taking to the stage in Ingliston. Filling dance floors around the world from Ibiza to Edinburgh itself, the full line-up includes legends of the scene:
Haddaway, Heather Small (below), Whigfield, Snap, Corona, Robin S, K:Klass, D:Ream, Rozalla, Angie Brown, Alison Limerick, Oceanic and Mary Kiani.
Since Forth 1 first took to the airwaves on 22nd January 1975, the station has proudly represented Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk for five decades, breaking some of the hottest new acts and welcoming legends of the music scene to their shows. Forth 1 has remained at the heart of the community and is currently the number one station for Edinburgh and the East.
The daytime dance extravaganza will include some of the biggest tunes from the 90s with the likes of Whigfield’s ‘Saturday Night’, Haddaway’s ‘What Is Love’, Corona’s ‘The Rhythm of the Night’ and ‘Show Me Love’ from Robin S all sure to get the party started. Familiar faces on Top of the Pops in the 90s, there are countless number 1 hits to choose from as Forth fans can dance the day away to the tracks that defined a generation.
The special birthday gig was unveiled live on air by Boogie and Arlene, with tickets set to go on sale from 31st January.
Angie Brown (above) said, “I am really honoured to be performing at Forth 50 – LIVE this year. I’m incredibly excited and I am actually buzzing, because I know it’ll be a very glamorous and glittering occasion!”
Mary Kiani said,“Wishing everyone at Forth 1 ‘100% Real Love’ on their 50th birthday, thanks for letting the music play and I can’t wait to see you in May!”
Rozalla said,“I so look forward to performing and celebrating Forth 1. It’s a fantastic line-up and celebration to be part of. See you all there!”
Boogie and Arlene said,“It’s an amazing achievement for any radio station to still be going strong after 50 years. One thing Forth has always been well-known for is a good party and this is going to be the biggest one we’ve ever had.”
The Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston will host Forth 50 – Live, with Eastern Western Motor Group, welcoming fans and listeners to the indoor arena for a gig that is sure to kick off summer in Edinburgh and the East.
For a day of timeless tracks, era-defining songs and non-stop dancefloor fillers… don’t miss out – tickets on sale from 9am, 31st January via forth1.com
Tickets – £72 (subject to booking fee)
Over 18s only, photo ID may be required to gain entry.
Following five years of nationwide success, The Piper’s Rest in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is celebrating its fifth birthday on Burns weekend by inviting their loyal fans for a night of live music, and the chance to win Scottish-themed prizes including a VIP day at the Six Nations plus a whole keg of Tennent’s Lager.
Edinburgh pub-lovers rejoice as The Piper’s Rest celebrate their fifth year in business by hosting a huge party to say thank you to their loyal customers.
Located just off the Royal Mile, the pub opened just before the global pandemic, and has maintained a devoted fan base throughout the last five years by championing traditional Scottish produce and supporting local live music.
Over the last five years The Piper’s Rest’s welcoming reputation and high-quality service has earned the pub one of the top-rated spots on Trip Advisor’s ‘Best Bars & Pubs in Edinburgh’ and even caught the eye of the Come Dine With Me: The Professionalsproducers where the pub not only starred but was victorious in Season 2 Episode 20.
Friday 24th January will be an open-to-all night of traditional Scottish celebration as customers will toast to Burns weekend and raise a glass to an outstanding five years for The Piper’s Rest.
Lucky locals will have the chance to win two platinum Six Nations tickets to see Scotland host Wales at Murrayfield, including breakfast at Piper’s, transport to the game, and then dinner and a party back at Piper’s afterwards.
The night will also see a tasting from Scottish moonshine brand Highland Moon and a prize-draw to win a whole keg of Tennent’s Lager.
An advocate for Edinburgh’s live music scene, The Piper’s Rest is one of the only pubs in the city to host different local artists 7-nights-a-week. Regular appearances from cult favourites such as Acoustic David and Ted Christopher have made the venue a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Commenting on the fifth birthday, Frazer Henderson, General Manager at The Piper’s Rest, said: “When we opened Piper’s, we had the vision to utilise the best Scottish produce available, the best local live music out there, and serve customers with a smile on our face.
“Five years on, the welcoming, warming nature of the pub is what makes us proud. We can’t thank our loyal locals enough for making The Piper’s Rest what it is. Here’s to the next five years!”
Merchant Leisure owns bars & restaurants across the city including The Newsroom, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse and The Railbridge. Their speakeasy venue Jackson the Tailor, located at the top of Leith Street and inspired by the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, was recently shortlisted for a prestigious design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.
Most recently the bar and restaurant group took over Gordon’s Trattoria after a 43-year ownership as the sixth venue to be listed under the Merchant Leisure umbrella, which plans to continue serving authentic Italian cuisine for now in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
The Piper’s Rest is located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with a menu consisting entirely of Scottish favourites, using recipes passed down from parents & grandparents, with a modern twist – “Hearty, warming, traditional and comforting.”
From Shetland to Stranraer, young musicians are preparing to take the stage at the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Championships – the world’s largest celebration of school piping and drumming.
With the 31 January entry deadline fast approaching, schools across Scotland are invited to join this dynamic showcase of music and creativity at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock on Sunday 9 March.
Pipe and Drums Revival
Organised by the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT), the annual Championships are part of a broader effort to promote piping and drumming in schools across Scotland.
The Trust has played a crucial role in breaking down financial barriers to pipe band participation over the past decade, providing cash grants, internships and free instrument loans as well as tuition.
“This competition is about much more than music,” says SSPDT Chief Executive Alexandra Duncan. “It’s about giving young people confidence, the experience of working as part of a team and the pride of keeping an important part of Scottish culture alive.
“Last year we had a record 75 bands take part in the Championships.”
Championship Newcomers
This year, new bands from Inverclyde, Strathmore, Perth, Glasgow, and the Highlands will make their debut in the competition – a reflection of the SSPDT’s long standing teaching programme, which has co-funded over 60 start-up piping and drumming tutor roles in state schools since the initiative was launched back in 2015.
Emma Harvey, Principal Teacher of Performing Arts at Blairgowrie High School, said: “The support and guidance we’ve received from SSPDT has been truly transformative, allowing us to establishing the Strathmore Schools Pipe Band.
“Their help has enabled our young musicians to flourish both on and off stage.
“Thanks to their generous funding, we can offer free tuition to all learners and provide essential equipment like chanters, sticks, pads, drums and bagpipes.
“Beyond music, the pipe band experience has built leadership, confidence and independent learning skills in our pupils.
“We’re thrilled that our pupils have formed a cohesive band and are eagerly preparing for their debut at this year’s Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.”
New Piping and Drumming Roles in Capital Schools
The Trust has also recently awarded funding to Edinburgh City Council to help create two new pipe band tutor roles – with interviews taking place this week.
For the first time, students in Edinburgh state schools will be able to learn piping and snare drumming during school hours, just like other instruments – with the focus on offering provision at Castlebrae and Holyrood primary and secondary schools.
Alexandra explained: “We’re always keen to work with councils and with schools and communities to bring more opportunities to pupils in places where there is no tuition currently.”
Scotland’s Musical Melting Pot
One of the highlights of the Championships is the Freestyle Category, where bands push creative boundaries – combining traditional pipes and drums with unexpected genres, from classical and jazz to rock and pop.
Alexandra said: “The Championships are not just about preserving Scottish heritage – they’re about young people making it their own and keeping traditions alive in new and unexpected ways.
“You’ll see bands playing classic Highland tunes right alongside exciting new arrangements with violins, keyboards, and guitars.
“It’s amazing to see how pipes and drums are evolving and staying relevant for future generations.”
Enter by 31 January
Championship entries close on 31 January 2025 and the event is open to musicians of all skill levels from beginners to seasoned performers.
East Ayrshire Provost, Claire Leitch, said: “We’re delighted that this prestigious event is once again returning to East Ayrshire and we are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of young musicians from across Scotland to compete at the William McIlvanney Campus in Kilmarnock.
“With its 500-seat arena and performance spaces, the campus provides the perfect stage for Scotland’s flourishing young pipe band talent.”
East Neuk Festival has announced full details of its 20th Festival programme of live music.
This 5-day music festival, taking place in some of East Fife’s most stunning seaside locations, offers an unmissable line-up of classical, jazz, folk, and experimental music, performed by some of the world’s leading musicians.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra which has played at every festival since it began and will play the opening concert on Wednesday 25 June. Photo credit Christopher Bowen
Among those returning, are festival favourites Diyang Mei (Principal Viola of the Berlin Philharmonic) and Sergio Pires (Principal Clarinet of the London Symphony Orchestra), who first performed at East Neuk when they were young rising stars; four of the world’s finest string quartets: Elias Quartet, The Pavel Haas Quartet, Castalian Quartet and the Belcea Quartet; the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) who have performed at every festival since its inception; and guitarist Sean Shibe who first came to the festival in 2012 and has since toured globally, won a string of awards, and earned the admiration of musicians and audiences from all over the world.
Plus, among those making their festival debut this year are celebrated tenor Mark Padmore and baritone James Newby, and in jazz and folk, the legendary Kathryn Tickell with her band The Darkness, and rising star of the London jazz scene, saxophonist Tom Smith with his septet.
Guitarist Sean Shibe who will perform with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at this year’s opening concert, and play three solo concerts for lute, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar. Photo courtesy East Neuk Festival.
This year’s 20th anniversary programme highlights include:
The opening concert with Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze directing the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on a journey through rural Sweden, royal Spain and imperial Vienna, joined by guitarist Sean Shibe who performs one of the most famous and popular of all works for guitar – Rodrigo’s Concierto d’Aranjuez. Manze’s programme culminates with Schubert’s Symphony No 6 in C major – a piece he himself entitled ‘The Great’.
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All five of Beethoven’s late quartets performed by four of the world’s finest: Elias Quartet, The Pavel Haas Quartet, Castalian Quartet and the Belcea Quartet. Between them they will perform these often mysterious but also humorous, searing and moving works, pairing each of them with music by Mozart, Schubert, Ades and Beamish.
Beethoven’s Septet which was the piece first performed in Elie Church more than 20 years ago in a taster event that led to the creation of the Festival. Some of the original players (Ursula Leveaux and Alexander Janiczek) will be joined by a hand-picked line-up of colleagues, including principals of the SCO, Berlin Philharmonic and Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, and the Nash Ensemble.
Guitarist Sean Shibe performing three solo concerts in Anstruther, spanning five centuries in the evolution of the guitar from lute to electric guitar. Scottish and French lute music collected in manuscripts from over five centuries ago; music by Bach and Thomas Ades on acoustic guitar; and his own joyous rendition of Steve Reich’s Electric Counterpoint on electric.
His performances will be followed by the return of celebrated Oud player Nizar Rohana with a rare solo performance on this ancient mesmerising instrument that is the ancestor of all European guitar-like instruments.
Schubert has been one of the most regularly performed composers at ENF over the past 20 years and this festival we will feature his three marvellous song cycles performed by celebrated tenor Mark Padmore and baritone James Newby, and pianist Joseph Middleton. Schubert’s String Quintet, (one of the most regularly requested discs on Desert Island Discs) will also be performed as part of The Pavel Haas Quartet’s concert.
To close this 20th festival, all four quartets join forces to form a ‘mega-star’ chamber orchestra and play Sibelius’s Andante Festivo alongside the world premiere of Field of Stars by Sally Beamish commissioned specifically for these 16 players and inspired partly by the many nations from which they come.
The Pavel Haas Quartet. Photo credit Neil Hanna
Anstruther hosts a weekend of jazz and traditional music concerts including legendary folk artist Kathryn Tickell with her band The Darkening; the Euan Stevenson Trio sharing tunes from Ellington and Evans; and rising star, award-winning saxophonist Tom Smith with his talented septet playing a bluesy, joyful set of jazz tunes.
A grand gathering of Fife community musicians join forces in the Bowhouse for the premiere of a new piece by composer and harpist Esther Swift. Musicians of all ages from StAMP (St Andrews Music Project), Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra, and East Fife Community Ensemble will join Esther and artist Esme McIntyre to devise and perform this piece, telling of stories of the Zulu fishing boats that once thronged the harbours of East Neuk, and their journeys far and wide.
ENF Founder and Chair, Donald MacDonald CBE, said: “I am delighted that we have such a packed programme of incredible musicians joining us in East Neuk to celebrate our 20th year.
“I find it utterly humbling that we have so much talent at our festival year-on-year, and it brings me so much joy to know that some of these musicians were at the very beginning of their careers when they first performed at the festival, and have since gone on to play in some of the greatest concert halls in the world.
“However, none of this would have been possible without the generous support of all our supporters and funders who dig deep year-on-year, so a huge thank you goes to them all.”
ENF Director Svend McEwan-Brown who has directed the festival since its inception said: “In the past 20 years we have seen so much change, in the world – of course – but specifically in music.
“Undoubtedly things have got tougher, so right now, thinking about how many people have really put themselves out to do something a little special for our 20th festival, I feel we have so much cause to celebrate. We’re still here! And more people than ever want to come to festivals and share something extraordinary.
“The music is the thing and I hope every single person who comes, goes home with a very special memory of an unrepeatable experience here, combining music with this magical place. This festival programme has been three years in the making – I hope everyone will agree that every minute of that, was worth it.”
Clare Hewitt, Music Officer at Creative Scotland says: “Every East Neuk Festival is infused with a breath of fresh coastal air. The significance of the event to Fife’s communities and to its visiting artists and audiences shines through this year’s programme as it celebrates the past while looking to the future.
“Congratulations to everyone who makes this remarkable event happen.”
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
The fourth edition of the nationwide language initiative will take place from 24th February – 2nd March 2025 celebrating the theme, Ceanglaichean gun Chrich (pronounced kyeh-leech-un gun chreech), which signifies Building Connections in English.
More than 60 groups across Scotland and beyond, have been awarded funding through the initiative’s Small Grants Fund, supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, to stage events and activities championing the Gaelic language next month.
A record number of people applied for funding to be part of the celebrations this year, with over 100 applications received. This was a 44% increase in submissions from 2024, as the appetite for and appreciation of the indigenous language continues to grow.
A wide range of events are set to take place, all united by the common bond that demonstrates the linguistic, cultural and human connections that language forges, with a range of programme highlights in Edinburgh.
People across Scotland and in diaspora communities around the world are being encouraged to get involved in this year’s Seachdain na Gàidhligand stage their own events.
Individuals, community groups and organisations with any level of Gaelic can host an activity in their community that promotes the language and builds connections.
Events can be added to the World Gaelic Week website at
People can also take part in the hugely popular Say a Gaelic Phrase Day as part of Seachdain na Gàidhligon Thursday 27th February 2025, which engages thousands online each year.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2024showcased over 170 events in 100 locations throughout Scotland and across the world, including Nova Scotia and New York. The initiative also delivered its first-ever programme of digital assemblies for schools, which engaged 12,600 pupils from 136 schools across 27 local authority areas and will be expanded for 2025.
Joy Dunlop, Director of Seachdain na Gàidhlig, said: “There’s a number of activities planned for Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2025 across Edinburgh which will have far-reaching positive impacts.
“This year’s funded programme demonstrates the power Gaelic has in building bonds, enriching lives and enhancing community cohesion. Seachdain na Gàidhlig continues to grow year on year and provides an important platform for Gaelic cultural exchange.
“We are very grateful to Bòrd na Gàidhlig for their support to make the initiative possible and would encourage anyone in and around Edinburgh with a love of or interest in Gaelic to stage their own event and get involved.”
Organised by Scottish traditional culture and music organisation Hands Up For Trad, with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Seachdain na Gàidhlig was inspired by the success of other minority language initiatives such as Seachtain na Gaeilge in Ireland and Mìos nan Gàidheal in Nova Scotia.
The week-long celebration gives Scottish Gaelic speakers, learners and supporters the opportunity to celebrate the language at home and internationally and drives national recognition and awareness.
Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2025 will take place from 24th February – 2nd March 2025. For a full list of events running throughout the week and information on how to get involved, visit: www.seachdainnagaidhlig.scot.
Global pop superstar and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran wowed children and young people in North Edinburgh today with a surprise visit to local music initiative, Tinderbox Collective.
The secret visit formed part of the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a new music education initiative setting out to support and develop young talent and make music accessible to all.
During his visit, EdSheeran stunned a local youth club at Muirhouse Library, where he joined a group of young people trying out different instruments, and chatted to them about his journey, offering tips to aspiring musicians.
Maxwell from Craigroyston High School said: ““We were absolutely shocked. I’ve always admired Ed Sheeran and the way he sings and his music. I want to do music and now I feel even more motivated.”
A member of the Tinderbox Collective, Anno said: “Unbelievable. I really like Ed and I listen to his music. Just to see him right now is amazing. Crazy. Inspiring.”
Muirhouse Library was the first of Scotland’s “We Make Music Instrument Libraries”– an initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like taking out a book.
The initiative was established by Tinderbox Collective in partnership with Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group and has since spread to over 30 libraries in 12 local authorities across Scotland.
The ambition to spread this as widely as possible across the country continues, and other libraries or library services interested in joining this programme and offering instruments as part of their service should get in touch.
Ed then joined a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre made up of pupils from Forthview Primary School, Craigroyston Primary School, Pirniehall Primary School, St David’s RC Primary School and Craigroyston High School, and performed his hit single ‘Bad Habits’ with young rappers, singers and musicians from Tinderbox’s wider music programme.
Rhian from Craigroyston High School said: “Singing with him is something we’ll always remember.”
Lily from Pirniehall Primary Schooladded: “He came in and we all started screaming and there were happy tears.”
The visit to Edinburgh marked the official launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, an initiative designed to support youth music education across the UK through grant-making, raising awareness, and fostering collaborations.
Speaking about the foundation, Ed Sheeran said:“Music education has shaped who I am. I’ve always enjoyed playing music, and it’s led to some of the best moments of my life.”
As one of the first organisations across the UK to benefit, the foundation will support Tinderbox’s “Live in Libraries” tour to help kickstart Instrument Libraries around the UK, as well as elements of its signature programmes including its multi-genre orchestra, music technology lab and youth music hub.
Tinderbox Collective is a local charity offering a vibrant and inclusive space for young musicians who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. From creative youth clubs filled with instruments, bands, song-writers and game design, to their flagship 20-piece Tinderbox Orchestra, their work builds a strong sense of community that has a profound impact on the lives of budding young artists.
Ed Sheeran’s visit underscores the importance of music education and the positive impact of making it accessible to all. In Scotland, a successful campaign to make instrumental tuition in schools free across the country was adopted by all parties in the last Scottish elections, and research from “What’s Going on Now” – a report on youth music in Scotland – has shown that over 100,000 more young people would take up opportunities to learn music if the service was expanded.
Ed Sheeran added: “It is so important to have brilliant music education both in and out of school. It’s great to hear that music tuition is now free in all schools in Scotland, but it is not reaching everyone and we need to do everything we can to make sure it is accessible and inspiring for all children and young people.”
Jack Nissan, Director of Tinderbox Collective, said: “Ed’s visit was so inspiring for all the young musicians in Tinderbox and it’s fantastic to have him advocate for music education and help build links with the wider music industry.
“We need to work together across schools, the community and the industry to fill music education with as much energy, diversity and creativity as possible, and to make sure that it is accessible, relevant and inspiring for everyone.”
Councillor Joan Griffiths, education, children and families convenor at the City of Edinburgh Council said: “We are committed to nurturing and encouraging local music talent in our city.
“In Edinburgh around 5,000 pupils currently receive free instrumental music tuition, with over 19,000 receiving free whole class music through the Youth Music Initiative. There is always more that can be done to make learning an instrument and access to music education more inclusive.
“Programmes run by Tinderbox Collective open up musical opportunities for youngsters who may not otherwise have had the chance, bringing young people and the wider community together.
“It’s fantastic to see Ed’s commitment to using his platform to champion accessibility to music and I have no doubt that he will have inspired all those he has met in Edinburgh.”
Mae Murray from Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group said: “It is amazing to have Ed Sheeran visit young people in Scotland and help advocate for music education here.
“In 2021 we won a campaign to make music tuition free in all Scottish schools, but we still don’t reach all of Scotland’s young people, and we need more investment both in school and in the community to ensure that music is accessible to everyone.”
Our Open Music Space sessions resume for the new year next Friday – 10th January!
People are welcome to attend one session, a few, or all. The sessions are relaxed and informal, and no previous experience of making music is required.
People can book a place on a session by going to the Wellbeing section of the Hospice website, by phoning the Hospice, or by talking to a member of staff!
Sessions take place between 11 & 12 in the music studio, and this block will run until 14th March 2025.
Music fans packed out the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh for Soundhouse’s first ever Winter Festival (28 Nov to 2 Dec). Bringing in an audience mostly comprised of locals (73% from the capital, with 21% from the rest of Scotland), it proved the best antidote to a dark time of year and a great way to mark St Andrew’s Day.
The festival ran over five days thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and included some of the finest jazz, indy and folk musicians from Scotland. Sellouts included the Nicole Smit Quintet; Fergus McCreadie with an outstanding performance from guest Italian star Mattia Galeotti on drums; and Su-a Lee performing alongside a stellar line-up of trad favourites – Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw and Hamish Napier.
Other popular highlights included a screening of The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric (1933), opened by Shetland pianist Amy Laurenson, and accompanied by music composed by award winning multi-instrumentalist Inge Thomson from Fair Isle with Shetlander Catriona Macdonald; a preview of rock goddess Megan Black’s new album; and a performance of Unwritten Women read by Edinburgh’s former Makar Hannah Lavery to a new score written and performed by Kate Young.
The Festival also received five star reviews and was a key part of this year’s Fair Saturday celebrations in Edinburgh.
Jane Ann Purdy and Douglas Robertson, producers of the Soundhouse Winter Festival said: “We are thrilled with the appetite that audiences have shown for live music during the winter months.
“We knew that people would come out for the festival if we programmed great music, so that’s what we did and it paid off.
“It’s been an absolute blast to present five days of jazz, rock, punk, poetry, and silent film, not a line-up we have had the opportunity to programme before, but one that we would definitely look to repeat next year.”
The Soundhouse Organisation returns in May with more live music at the Traverse for Edinburgh’s Tradfest (2-12 May 2025). Dates for the Soundhouse Winter Festival 2025 are to be confirmed.
There is just one day to go before the brand new Soundhouse Winter Festival kicks off in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
The programme is packed with big names and up and coming bands from across Scotland including award winning feminist rock goddess Megan Back, who hasrecently returned from gigs in California, performing tracks from her new album out next year; and impulsive punk/rock n’ roll multi-instrumentalist Callum Easter performing with his full band the Roulettes and special guest indie/folk soloist Iona Zajac.
They will be headliningalongside some of Scotland’s finest jazz and trad musicians including Fergus McCreadie, Su-a-Lee, Duncan Chisholm, Hamish Napier, and Donald Shaw; a screening of silent film The Rugged Island: A Shetland Lyric accompanied by music composed by multi-instrumentalist Inge Thomson and fiddle player Catriona Macdonald; and live performance poetry with Edinburgh’s previous Makar Hannah Lavery accompanied by music from Kate Young.
Callum Easter & The Roulettes who play the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh on Monday, 2 December with special guest Iona Zajac
The festival’s programme also includes early evening concerts at the Traverse with Nicole Smit performing some cool jazzy numbers with her Quintet (Vid Gobac on drums, Cameron Bradley on piano, Dave Toule guitar, and Kassandra E’Silva on saxophone); Gaelic singer-songwriter Rachel Walker performing with one of the country’s foremost folksingers and accompanists Aaron Jones; Edinburgh-based poetic psychedelic supergroup Acolyte (Ruairidh Morrison on bass, Gloria Black on synth and backing vocals, Daniel Hill on percussion and led by award-winning poet and spoken word artist Iona Lee); and acclaimed singer songwriter Victoria Hume, joined by long-term collaborator Chris Letcher.
Plus, there will be a showcase of emerging new jazz musicians including the Rosalind Orr Trio, TAO and C.A.L.I.E; a masterclass with jazz pianist Fergus McCreadie; and two workshops -Gaelic lullabies with Rachel Walker, and jazz saxophone with one of Scotland’s leading jazz instrumentalists Helena Kay.
Jane Ann Purdy and Douglas Robertson, producers of the Soundhouse Winter Festival said: “We are thrilled to be presenting a five-day festival of live ‘music from Scotland’ at this time of year.
“There are so many world class musicians working here right now that we were literally spoilt for choice. We hope the Soundhouse Winter Festival will not only be a chance for music lovers to hear some of their favourite live bands, but also a chance to hear some of the best up and coming artists of the moment.”
