ICA Magazine - Issue 106 - May 2011

whatson inverness

dotcom

issue106 MAY 2011

inc. full Eden Court film guide

“Ridicule is nothing to be scared of.�

Still being dandy, Adam Ant live at Ironworks (& on film at IG:LU).

What’s on at the Pavilion this month?

midge ure

The multi-award winning lead singer of Ultravox and co-founder of Band Aid plays an acoustic set.

SATURDAY 28 MAY, 8pm TICKETS £25 CONC. £24

Tickets from Pavilion Office 01997 420124 or

24HR HOTLINE:

08444 771000

www.thebooth.co.uk www.ticketweb.co.uk

Dingwall Choral Society:

SATURDAY 7 MAY, 7.30pm TICKETS £8

With professional soloists.

THURSDAY 12 MAY, 1pm–7pm FREE ENTRY

Antiques Valuation Day with Bonhams Auctioneers. Organised by Friends of the Pavilion. Valuations £3 per item.

Richard Smith & Julie Adams Fabulous guitar and cello – an evening of wit and great music.

SATURDAY 14 MAY, 8pm TICKETS £14 CONC. £10

FRIDAY 20 MAY, 8pm TICKETS £12 CONC. £11

The St Kilda Tapes

David Allison with Maeve Mackinnon A thought provoking emotional journey with beautifully evocative live music and film.

Paul Rose A talk from the presenter of BBC’s Britain’s Secret Seas (showing on BBC2 from Sun 8th May at 8pm)

THURSDAY 26 MAY, 8pm TICKETS £14 CONC. £13

FRIDAY 27 MAY, 8pm TICKETS £16.50 CONC. £15.50

Karen Matheson Band The voice of Capercaillie is joined by James Grant, Donald Shaw and Ewen Vernal.

FRIDAY 10 JUNE, 8pm TICKETS £12 SENIORS £10 OTHER CONC. £5

SCO Scottish Chamber Orchestra play Rossini, Weber and Prokofiev.

Directed by Alexander Janiczek.

What do you expect from your next Conference Venue?

Efficient Service? • Friendly & Professional Staff? State of the Art AV Equipment? Good Food?

Strathpeffer Pavilion delivers everything you’d expect but with a twist that makes your event stand out from the crowd. The Pavilion is a registered Charity and Social Enterprise which exists to keep the restored iconic Victorian building vibrantly central to Highland life. Your business is supporting its future.

Strathpeffer Pavilion - We’re Good!

Tel: 01997 420124 • email: enquiries@strathpefferpavilion.org

www.strathpefferpavilion.org

Brahms Requiem

Children and young people in your area need foster homes If you have experience of caring for vulnerable young people, a spare room, and you’re up for the challenges and rewards of transforming a child’s life, we want to hear from you now. If you can offer a safe and caring home, we’ll give you excellent training, up to £30,000 per year and all the support you need.

Call 01463 717 227 or visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering

Do something life changing

Foster

Registered charity no. 1097940/company no. 4764232 A charity registered in Scotland no. SC038092 Photograph: Barry Willis. Some photographs are posed by models.

Produced by Action for Children 05/2010. 10/11 0346

ica • www.whatsoninverness.com

May at a glance. . .

15 reasons to read on. . .

Ooh, you’re not going to eat much this month, are you. There is so much on, you’ll be pushing over phone boxes for a few extra pennies to buy more tickets, never mind funding T*sco’s UK takeover plans...

Quite apart from the LEGEND that is ADAM ANT gracing our illustrious Ironworks, there are other WORLD famous music talents such as BILLIE JOE SPEARS, LENA MARTEL, PENDULUM, CHASE & STATUS, BBC SSO, LIZ CARROLL & JOHN DOYLE (who’ve performed for Barak Obama!), MIDGE URE and FOSTER & ALLEN; comedy greats DOM JOLY, CRAIG HILL, JENNY ECLAIR, MILTON JONES, RICHARD HERRING; a CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW, top ART HAPPENINGS, great new films, including PIRATES 4, THOR, PINA and 13 ASSASSINS; truly dramatic Dance from JASMIN VARDIMON, Drama from local fave DES DILLON and poet laureate CAROL ANN DUFFY, a musical with CLAIRE SWEENEY; plus the excellent NORTHERN ROOTS FESTIVAL, local rock acts LITTLE MILL OF HAPPINESS, THE BOOSTS, WILDFLOWERZ, BRONTO SKYLIFT, ALWAYS THE SIXTH, TOECUTTER and THE BALL DEEP. More this way >>> Six Black Candles, Eden Court, 10/11 May

DRAMA P52-53 ESSENTIAL MAY 2011

Des Dillon’s latest, also with stage productions from poet laureate, CAROL ANN DUFFY and KING OF SCOTLAND...

Dom Joly plays Eden Court, Fri 13 May

COMEDY P46-48

Plus JENNY ECLAIR, RICHARD HERRING, CRAIG HILL, MILTON JONES and comedy productions DINNERLADIES and I’M A SHAKESPERIAN CHARACTER, GET ME OUT OF HERE!

Chase & Status at Ironworks, Sat 21 May

CLUBBING P22-23

06

Also find PENDULUM with MC VERSE, JAPANESE POPSTARS plus NOISEMAKER, ADO, and a first ever outing of legendary local night NEW SOUL CITY at city hotspot, Hootananny...

ART Adam Ant live at Ironworks, Sun 22 May

FILM P14-16

ROCK P32-35

Johnny sails the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchise once more - plus PINA, THOR, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, 13 ASSASSINS, TREE OF LIFE and more...

plus MIDGE URE, RETROFRETS, ZOEY VAN GOEY, SPOKES, JUFFAGE, GoNORTH 2011 and more...

NB: Don’t miss ADAM ANT expo at IG:LU (P13)

Billie Jo Spears plays Eden Court 12 May

Tell Me On A Sunday at Eden Court 24-28 May

BID Classic Car Show Inverness City 14 May

BBC SSO play Eden Court 20 May

FOLK P24-28

MUSICALS P54

SPECIALS P40-1

CLASSICAL P21

Craig Shepherd at HUNG through May

Jasmin Vardon ‘7734’ at Eden Court 17 May

Ben Aigan Hill Race at Craigellachie 25 May

Colourful food...

Our latest Eating Out

ART P8-13

DANCE P50-1

SPORT P44-45

FOOD P57-61

plus LAU, FOSTER & ALLEN, KAREN MATHESON, FIONA MACKENZIE, POOZIES, NORTHERN ROOTS FEST & more

plus shows at KILMORACK GALLERY, BEAULY GALLERY, IOTA news and IG:LU news

Featuring CLAIRE SWEENEY - also on, DIE FLEDERMAUS and Scottish Opera’s RIGOLETTO...

A truly stunning production - with hidden meaning! Also SHAOLIN WARRIORS perform...

ica whatsoninvernessdotcom whatsonmoraydotcom

THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE AND FRIENDS entertain - but also don’t miss BARON MUNCHAUSEN, ONE LITTLE WORD and more...

also LOCH NESS FILM FESTIVAL, MOONLIGHT MEANDER & RICHARD DAWKINS...

plus ATHLETICS MEETS, MARATHONS, CHARITY RUNS and loads more...

19 church st inverness 01463 715125 mail@icanow.com

also two performances from SCO, plus ARTEM AKOPYAN and INVERNESS CHORAL SOCIETY...

also WHAT WE’VE BEEN SURFING, MAKING THE MOST OF YOU, KEN KELMAN and more!

NEXT ISSUE OUT 06 JUNE !! deadline for submission:

WED 18 MAY

SPECIALS

KIDS P18-20

plus EDUARDO NIEBLA, BUDAPEST CAFÉ ORCHESTRA, HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR, BAOBAB-GATEWAY, RUDY ALBA, ORQUESTRA LATINA DEL NORTE, and more...

SPORT

WORLD/JAZZ/ROOTS P30-31

THEATRE

Thomas visits Eden Court, Sat/Sun 04/05 June

BACK

Salsa Celtica play Findhorn, Tue 17 May

MUSIC

KIDS

>>>> full Eden Court film guide pages 75–78 >>>>

FILM

On Stranger Tides @ Vue, from Fri 20 May

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ica • www.whatsoninverness.com CRAIG SHEPHERD @ Hung, Lombard St, Inverness, from 29 Apr We did tell you that the area around Church Street (and coincidentally Iglu and the ICA offices) was about to become the city’s creative hub and it looks like we were right. Latest additions to what is surely going to be dubbed the Artists Quarter are a boutique Red Cross shop and a new gallery called Hung. The first exhibition at the latter is by Craig “Shep” Shepherd, a graduate of Gray’s School Of Art in Aberdeen who draws on influences like Zen Practice, De Stijl philosophy and Automatism for his abstract creations. There are some interesting works on show and hopefully it’ll be the start of great things for Hung. Welcome to our world.

SPRING EXHIBITION @ Kilmorack Gallery, until 30 Jul Kilmorack Gallery can usually be relied on for some interesting Scottish art and the spring exhibition is no exception, especially since it includes Helen Denerley’s latest major creation, a domestic cow called ‘Daisy’ which has shovels for a backside and plough shares for flanks.

There is also a large fountain sculpture by Laurence Broderick and an opportunity to see Allan MacDonald’s most recent landscape paintings. It’s an extensive show with other highlights including Jane MacNeill’s Garden of Eden paintings, James Newton-Adam’s naive figures reflecting Highland folklore, Kirstie Cohen’s rich landscapes and impressive works by Colin Brown (below) and Christopher Wood. Well worth a visit and to get a preview of some of the works on show, check out their website at kilmorackgallery.co.uk

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ART

RICHARD ROTH @ HICA, Dalcrombie, Loch Ruthven, Dores, 01 May-05 Jun Never shy of presenting stuff from the more conceptual end of the art spectrum, HICA are putting on an exhibition called Vernacular Modernism by American artist Roth. It’s certainly a challenging instillation as Roth reiterates the theory that displayed objects become artworks in their own right, a concept stretching back to Marcel Duchamp’s “readymades” a hundred years ago. In this case we’re presented with everything from eye-shadow compacts and house-paint colour charts (below) to paper targets for rifles and printed business forms, all shown as deliberately neutrally as possible. Whether that makes for great art is for you to decide, but it’s certainly lobbing a few questions into the fray. h-i-c-a.org

NEW EXHIBITION @ The Bike Shed, Merkinch, Fri 06 May onwards You can always rely on the Bike Shed to come up with something a little different. And so, alongside a show by artists Laura Collins and Joanna George, they’re putting on a special event on Sat 14 May from 2-5pm based around the creation of a Senbazuru. . A Senbazuru is a collection of 1000 handmade paper cranes and it’s a Japanese tradition that whoever creates such a thing will be granted a wish. And so the organisers are hoping to do just that, with a collective wish for peace, something which surely has to be encouraged right now. People are welcome to turn up to The Bike Shed anytime between 2pm and 5pm on the 14th to help with this mission. Paper and instructions will be provided and volunteers will be on hand to help out. People can bring their own recycled paper if they like. The cranes will be exhibited in The Bike Shed and will then be placed somewhere in the environment to slowly decompose. Entry is free and it’s suitable for all ages.

Turn Over >>

nt exhibition

an Adam A for info about

at the IG:LU !!

09 09

Inverness’ newest artspace: 19 Church St > 19 LOCAL UN t n e v e

#6

NDERGROUND

Mon 16–Sun 22 May 2011

‘BodiddleyQaQa’ - to lead up to his Inverness show on Sun 22 May, a CELEBRATION of ADAM ANT on screen, showing: n Derek Jarman’s legendary ‘JUBILEE’ n loads of ADAM & THE ANTS videos n the best of ADAM’s other films, including: LOVE BITES, DROP DEAD ROCK, TRUST ME, DESERT WINDS and more!!

Mon-Fri 11–4; Sat&Sun 12–5 | FREE ENTRY www. theIG. LU /event6 n plus very limited after-gig party with the LED & more – txt ‘IGLU’ then your name to 07786 206955 for your chance to be there!

BEAULY GALLERY ART

May brings an exciting array of colour to Beauly Gallery with works from David Body. Davids familiar use of bright blocks of colour to depict the Highland Landscape never fail to draw admiration. Also showing this month, Christine O’Keeffe, Janis Mennie ,Merrill MacWilliam and Suzanne Gyseman making a welcome return to Beauly Gallery with her fantasy inspired paintings. beaulygallery.co.uk

BIKE SHED

Laura Collins & Joanna George, from Fri 6 May, 5pm-7pm, Alongside this exhibition is a one-off event: Join in making a Japanese Senbazuru on Sat 14 May, a Senbazuru is a collection of 1000 handmade paper cranes that grants the maker a wish.

2pm - 5pm.

BRODIE CASTLE, Forres Pictish Throne

Exhibition, An opportunity to see this recreation of a Pictish throne, the first to be made in over 1000 years, by master craftsman Adrian McCurdy, who took his lines from ancient stone carvings.

CASTLE GALLERY 10th ANNIVERSARY Exhibition

to 21 May, A special exhibition marking ten years since the opening of the Castle Gallery, with about twenty new watercolour paintings and wood engravings by Gillian Jones.

IONA GALLERY,

Kingussie LIZZIE FAREY, BASKETMAKER, to 5 June, Traditional and contemporary techniques are used to weave willow and other natural materials to create vessels and sculptural shapes inspired by the natural world.

KILMORACK GALLERY, SPRING EXHIBITION

to 30 July, This show reflects the weight Kilmorack has acquired in the Scottish art-scene and includes Helen Denerley’s latest major creation, a domestic cow called ‘Daisy’ which has shovels for a backside and plough shares for flanks. There is also a large fountain sculpture by Laurence Broderick and an opportunity to see Allan MacDonald’s most recent landscape paintings. And much more. kilmorackgallery.co.uk

MORAY ART CENTRE Edwin Smith (1912-1971)

14 May - 2 July, Regarded by John Betjeman as ‘a genius at photography’ and who left the nation with an unofficial visual study of the British Isles of traditional landscape and architecture. As well as a selection of photographs the exhibition will include a number of Smith’s paintings which have never been seen in Scotland before. morayartcentre.org

Tore art gallery MICHAEL STUART GREEN

During May and June the gallery will host a long-awaited major exhibition of new work by Michael Stuart Green, a painter and printmaker working from Lochcarron. In the largest exhibition of his long career, Michael Stuart Green shows more than thirty examples of his diverse output, ranging from delicate dry-point etchings to a huge, figurative woodcut, by way of paintings (both oil and watercolour) and other media including original digital printmaking, a technique in which he is a respected pioneer. tore-art-gallery.co.uk

MYCHAEL BARRATT & TREVOR PRICE, from 28 May Mychael Barratt’s work draws inspiration from sources as diverse as fairy tales and Shakespearean dramas to paintings by “Great Masters” and 1960’s pop culture. Trevor Price’s subject matter, is a reflection of his life.

ELGIN MUSEUM

As I See It - 3-28 May, by Mary Black – the coastline of North East Scotland.

YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW 1-28 June, by Moray Arts Club.

H-I-C-A

Vernacular Modernism, Richard Roth, 1 May - 5 June, Roth’s practice combines Minimalist abstract painting with the curating and installation of collections of contemporary artifacts. For HICA, Roth will present a substantial installation of pieces from his collections. h-i-c-a.org

hung

CRAIG SHEPHERD, May, Inverness’s newest exhibition space opens with an exciting show of Craig Shepherd’s work. Employing modern and traditional materials influenced by Zen practice, De Stijl philosophy and the approach Automatism, drawings are constructed without an end result in mind, exploring what happens and playing with variables that might influence the materials.

IMAG

IMAGE OF THE HIGHLANDS, from 3 June Students studying the NC Portfolio course at Inverness College are proud to present an exciting range of location studies that capture the scenic beauty of Inverness and beyond. inverness.highland.museum

TORE art gallery painting, printmaking, gifts, cards, jewellery, ceramics ... with a warm welcome, even coffee! ten minutes north of Inverness

tore-art-gallery.co.uk

:Inverness Old Town Art: IOTA public art projects are percolating away and currently hitting the Highlands in different ways: intriguing entrances appearing at the Victorian Market, MIKE INGLIS’ artwork completed on Crown Wall, new innovative partnership launched in association with THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND at Culloden Battlefield with three artists (CATHERINE BERTOLA and ROGER&REID) appointed to develop ideas and build relationships within the local community.

The Conch [Sound Studio] by WALKER & BROMWICH has taken to the road after its initial launch at the Housing Expo and has been recently spotted at the harbour in Caithness. Artist, GEORGINA PORTEOUS (The Conch’s Guardian) has been interviewing people as it moves from location to location and is an enthusiastic advocate for the impact its making:

“It’s been a joy to see how people have come together with thoughtful conversations happening inside the Conch”

Conversations recorded have been staggeringly diverse both in content & location; contributions have been made by international surfer dudes, nuclear energy commentators, community activists, professional dancers & choreographers and local residents around the Highlands.

THE CONCH [Sound Studio] continues its voyage and is coming to numerous places in & around Nairn (Health Centre), Culloden and Inverness from MONDAY 16th May to FRIDAY 27th May.

Please check out the IOTA website for specific times or phone Susan Christie on 01463-724383. www.invernessoldtownart.co.uk

Photos: Susan Christie, Georgina Porteous, Frances Glover

Culloden Project & The Conch commissions are partnerships between IOTA and Highland Council and The National Trust for Scotland, funded through the Creative Scotland Rural Innovation Fund.

ica • www.whatsoninverness.com

PINA @ Eden Court Fri 20–Thu 26 May Legend

ary German director WIM WENDERS (‘P aris, Texas’, ‘W ings Of Desire’, ‘Bue na Vista Soci al Club’) was persuade d to recomm ence this project after the untimely death of it’s subject (choreograph er PINA BAUSCH) by he r company of dancers.

What is prod uced is a revo lutionary approach to showing danc e on film - stunning choreographi ca lly and with an excitin g take on 3D - trying to have the ca meras behave as much like a pair of ey es as possible . Prepare to have your breath taken.

Pirates Of The Caribbean 4: ON STRANGER SHORES @ Vue Cinemas from 20 May (tbc) And so the franchise sails ever onwards, sweeping through the seven seas of commerciality in search of shiny doubloons from the cinema-going public. This one’s subtitled “On Stranger Tides” and early reports suggest it’s something of a return to the excellence of the first two. Directed by Rob Marshall, whose only notable credits are “Memories Of A Geisha” and the TV movie of “Annie”, it finds Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embarking on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too. Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he’s not sure if it’s love or if she’s a ruthless con artist. Swashes will be buckled, or buckles swashed, that’s for sure.

THOR @ Vue Cinemas from 29 April (tbc) Superheroes have very nearly had their day and the year ahead looks set to be dominated by films remaking old fairy tales, but before that there’s one last hurrah in the form of the warrior Thor, cast out of Asgard to live with the humans and defend them from the bad guys. It’s directed, curiously, by Kenneth Branagh, who will no doubt invest things with an epic Shakespearean vim, while the lead role is taken by one-time star of Home And Away and Neighbours, Chris Hemsworth. Also popping up on screen are the always good value Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman who obviously decided to bank as many roles as possible (from the majestic Black Swan to the dire Your Highness)before giving birth. Whether this one will pay for the child’s college fund remains to be seen.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS @ Eden Court, 27 May–06 June (& Vue, tbc), The consistently underrated Reese Witherspoon and the inexplicably popular Robert Pattinson star in this story about a student joining a travelling circus during the Great Depression as a vet. Based on Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel you can expect a love story set against the often cruel world of early twentieth century circuses. Dumbo it ain’t.

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FILM

ART

COLD FISH @ Eden Court 27/28 May 13 ASSASSINS @ Eden Court, 03–09 June (Vue tbc - released 06 May) The latest flick from one of the world’s most prolific directors, Takashi Miike, this is a remake of Eiichi Kudo‘s 1963 film of the same name, which at the time drew some fire for being a bit too much like Seven Samurai, something which is, to be honest, no bad thing. In the era of the Shogun, an evil young lord rapes and kills, assured of immunity by law. But he doesn’t count on the Thirteen Assassins. A feared secret force, each with their own deadly skill, the Assassins undertake a suicide mission to wipe out the Lord. As he embarks on a perilous journey, the Assassins close off his escape route and ambush him in a village of death. But little do they know, they are outnumbered four to one by the Lord’s crack team of bodyguards.

Plenty of wonderfully choreographed action awaits.

Based on a true story apparently, this Japanese film directed by Sion Sono promises a rather gory tale of murder and underworld shenanigans set against, get this, “the bizarre world of tropical fish retailing.” What’s not to love?

TREE OF LIFE (released 27 May) By the time you read this, TREE OF LIFE may well have picked up the Palm D’Or at Cannes, which would be a fitting tribute to the writer and director Terence Malick, the man responsible for some of the greatest films ever made, particularly Badlands and Days Of Heaven. He works sparingly so each of his movies is widely anticipated among film fans and this is no exception. The plot has been kept top secret, but rumours are surfacing that it’s an impressionistic story of a Midwest family in the fifties with lots of unreconciled relationships and musings on the origin and meaning of life. Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star, though Heath Ledger was signed up to the project at one time. It could well be mystifying and ravishing in equal measure.

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ica • www.whatsoninverness.com FROM FRI 29 APR

ROUTE IRISH @ EDEN COURT CINEMA The story of a private security contractor in Iraq who rejected the official explanation of his friend’s death and sets out to discover the truth.

FILM

ABEL @ EDEN COURT CINEMA About a peculiar young boy who, as he blurs reality and fantasy, takes over the responsibilities of a family man in his father’s absence.

ORANGES AND SUNSHINE @ EDEN COURT CINEMA ARCHIPELAGO @ EDEN COURT CINEMA THOR (3D) @ VUE CINEMA

SUN 01 MAY

LIAF FAMILY SHORTS @ EDEN COURT CINEMA, 11.30AM, 2PM A programme of extra-special films selected for our most extra-special audience – plus whichever grown-ups they want to bring along. Suitable for 7-14 year-olds, these films bring the wonder of animation onto the big screen. They’re entertaining, thought provoking, colourful and enchanting – without a toy or games ad in sight!

TUES 03 MAY

OUT OF THE PAST @ EDEN COURT CINEMA, 7.30PM [PART OF IFF’S FILM NOIR SEASON] A private eye escapes his past to run a gas station in a small town, but his past catches up with him. Now he must return to the big city world of danger, corruption, double crosses and duplicitous dames.

THU 05 MAY

THE PRINCESS BRIDE @ EDEN COURT CINEMA, 6.15PM A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing.

FROM FRI 06 MAY

LITTLE WHITE LIES @ EDEN COURT CINEMA HANNA @ EDEN COURT CINEMA / VUE CINEMA KILLING BONO @ EDEN COURT CINEMA WATER FOR ELEPHANTS @ VUE CINEMA A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet.

INSIDIOUS @ VUE CINEMA A family looks to prevent evil spirits from

TUE 10 MAY

to represent his company at an annual insurance convention, where he soon finds himself under the “guidance” of three convention veterans. Starring ‘that guy from the hangover’ - Ed Helms.

THU 12 MAY

CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS (3D) @ EDEN COURT CINEMA Werner Herzog gains exclusive access to film inside the Chauvet caves of Southern France, capturing the oldest known pictorial creations of humankind in their astonishing natural setting.

trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

AN EDUCATION @ NAIRN COMMUNITY AND ARTS CENTRE , 8.45PM Jenny (Mulligan) plays a bright Oxfordbound schoolgirl in 1960s London. Then playboy David (Peter Sarsgaard) comes on the scene.

BODY HEAT @ EDEN COURT CINEMA, 8.45PM [PART OF IFF’S FILM NOIR SEASON] In the midst of a searing Florida heat wave, a woman convinces her lover, a small-town lawyer, to murder her rich husband.

FROM FRI 13 MAY

THE WAY @ EDEN COURT CINEMA An American father (Played by the brilliant Martin Sheen) travels to France to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling “El camino de Santiago” from France to Santiago de Compostela (Spain).

PRIEST (3D) @ VUE CINEMA A priest disobeys church law to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece.

SAT 14 MAY

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM @ Elgin Museum. Elgin Museum Family Event.

Screening of the Ben Stiller movie at 7pm.

No charge. Tel 543675 or email curator@ elginmuseum.org.uk.

SUN 15 MAY

SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER @ EDEN COURT CINEMA

TUE 17 MAY

MILDRED PIERCE @ EDEN COURT CINEMA, 7.30PM [PART OF IFF’S FILM NOIR SEASON] After her cheating husband leaves her, Mildred Pierce proves she can become independent and successful, but can’t win the approval of her spoiled daughter.

FROM FRI 20 MAY

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4 @ VUE CINEMA

FROM SAT 21 MAY

THE BIG SLEEP @ EDEN COURT CINEMA. [PART OF IFF’S FILM NOIR SEASON] Private detective Philip Marlowe (played by the big shmooze Humphrey Bogart) is hired by a rich family. Before the complex case is over, he’s seen murder, blackmail, and what might be love.

FROM FRI 27 MAY

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS @ EDEN COURT CINEMA. ESSENTIAL KILLING @ EDEN COURT CINEMA. COLD FISH @ EDEN COURT CINEMA. WAKE BLOOD @ EDEN COURT CINEMA. THE HANGOVER 2 @ VUE CINEMA Phil, Stu, and Alan travel to Bangkok for Stu’s wedding only to find themselves in another post-blackout misadventure.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID 2 @ VUE CINEMA Back in middle school after summer vacation, Greg Heffley and his older brother Rodrick must deal with their parents’ misguided attempts to have them bond.

FROM SAT 28 MAY

HOP @ EDEN COURT CINEMA.

FROM SUN 29 MAY

BENDA BILILI @ EDEN COURT CINEMA.

PINA (3D) @ EDEN COURT CINEMA SOURCE CODE @ EDEN COURT CINEMA An action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

Directed by David Bowie’s Son, Duncan Jones.

CEDAR RAPIDS @ EDEN COURT CINEMA Tim Lippe has no idea what he’s in for when he’s sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa

MON 30 MAY

THE PIPE @ EDEN COURT CINEMA.

TUE 31 MAY

DOUBLE INDEMNITY @ EDEN COURT CINEMA. [PART OF IFF’S FILM NOIR SEASON] An insurance rep lets himself be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses an insurance investigator’s suspicions.

WIN SOME LIFESIZE

Pirates of the Caribbean cut-outs!

Just text ‘PIRATES’ to 07786 206 955 or email pirates@icanow.com (TXT COSTS 1 STANDARD MSG. COMP CLOSES MAY 27TH)

this space could be advertising your business

call 01463 715125

imag info: Opening Times: We are open from Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm.

Exhibitions: Enjoy a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Facilities: Browse in our shop and enjoy refreshments in the ‘Cuach’ coffee shop.

Find us behind Inverness Castle:

Access: The museum is fully accessible, and there is a platform lift for access to the ground and first floor galleries. Two parking spaces are available for disabled visitors.

Why not stop in to our excellent Coffee Shop for Lunch?

Contact Details: Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Wynd, Inverness. IV2 3EB. Tel: 01463 237114.

Email: inverness.museum@highland.gov.uk www.inverness.highland.museum

just 5 minutes walk from the Bus & Rail Stations and central parking.

ica • www.whatsoninverness.com THOMAS & FRIENDS LIVE ON STAGE: A Circus Comes To Town @ Eden Court, Sat 04 & Sun 05 Jun Even in the most remote of rainforests you get the impression that anyone under eight is driven to a state of almost catatonic excitement

by THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE and his railway pals, such is the impact that the tales continue to make, over sixty years after the character was first introduced to the world by the Rev W. Awdry. When writer/

THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN @ Eden Court, Mon 06 Jun Terry Gilliam has made some fine movies in his time and one of his most charming retold the traditional tale of Baron Munchausen, locked in an asylum for allegedly telling lies and using the only way he knows to escape, his imagination. It’s an amazing story that even stretches as far as the moon and manages to captivate old and young alike. Now it’s the turn of The National Black Light Theatre of Prague to bring the yarn to the stage as Mark Rind for Gingerbee Productions presents the UK premiere of a show that’s already picked up accolades all over the world. As you dive into the world of fantasy you will meet giants, sea monsters, and flying people all cleverly created (without wires) live on stage, in a production full of amazing stories, mesmerising illusions and incredible tricks accompanied by unique multivisual effects including animation and interactive film projections. “It has no

borders,” says NBLTP’s Jakub Marek. “If you’re an adult, you look at the show trying to figure out how we do it. If you’re a child, you get caught up in the story and the fun.” Have a sneak peek at what’s in store at

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http://tinyurl.com/4yaspug

producer Britt Allcroft mortgaged her house in 1979 to bring the series to TV she not only revitalised the franchise, but also ensured that for a whole generation Ringo Starr became more famous for his narration than any of that drumming business in a sixties pop group. Now Thomas is taking a break from tootling up and down various railways across the country, including Hampshire’s lovely Watercress Line, to pay a visit to Inverness alongside a colourful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and coopera- tion. When our hero makes a big mistake, all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top and Thomas must prove he’s a really useful engine once again. Find out what happens as he’s joined by Percy, James,

KIDS

Gordon and of course The Fat Controller. www.eden-court.co.uk

CLOCKWORK @ Universal Hall, Findhorn, Wed 08 Jun @ Eden Court OneTouch, Fri 10& Sat 11 Jun A collaboration between Visible Fictions and Scottish Opera, adapting best-selling author Philip Pullman’s short story about a character called Fritz telling a magical story to the townsfolk of Glockenheim as they’re gathered around a roaring fire, safe from the winter weather outside. Pretty much like any night in Inverness then. Apart from the fact that in this story, a tale of

“kings and queens and clockwork machines”, past meets present, man merges with machine and fiction becomes reality. Visible Fictions can be relied on for hugely entertaining productions as their most recent Shopping For Shoes showed and this looks like being every bit as rewarding.

ONE LITTLE WORD @ Eden Court, Wed 25 May Another bold idea from M6 Theatre Company, this time a play with just one spoken word. What is it? Well that would be giving the game away. All you need to know is that it’s a lovely story of friendship and creative play as two characters explore new space, new objects, dressing up and taking turns, but struggle when one of them wants to be the only captain of the ship. Some big lessons for later life there presumably. It’s performed by two actors with a specially composed soundtrack by Tayo Akinbode.

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SAT 07 MAY

Special Events JUNIOR BOOK GROUP @ Keith Library. Open to everyone in P6 or P7.

FRI 13 MAY

Misc CREATURES OF THE NIGHT @ Falconer Museum, Forres. Up close with insects and reptiles and even a bit of stargazing. A night of wonders at the Falconer Museum. www.falconermuseum.co.uk.

KIDS

A FISHTASTIC FESTIVAL @ Helmsdale.

The area’s rich fishing history has shaped the community and one of Scotland’s oldest working fishing boats, The Isabella Fortuna, will be sailing into town There will be a BBQ, sea shanties, storytelling, and the ultimate fish-tastic quiz. www.timespan.org.uk/.

SAT 14 MAY

HENNA HANDS @ Groam House Museum, Rosemarkie. Hands on Henna Workshop14 and 15 May:10.30 am - 12pm and 1pm - 2.30pmAdvance booking required www.groamhouse. org.uk. 01381620961 Art ‘STARTING A COLLECTION’ CERAMICS WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN @ Highland Museum Of Childhood, Strathpeffer, 11am. To launch ‘The Things Children Collect’, youngsters are invited to indulge their creative side with a hands-on ceramics workshop. highlandmuseumofchildhood.org.uk.

Adventure CREATURES OF THE NIGHT @ Elgin

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Museum. Enjoy a special screening of the Ben Stiller movie ‘Night at the Museum’, and experience the wonders of the Elgin Museum at night with the chance to investigate the world of creepy crawlies. This is a fun night of activities for all the family and a unique chance to experience the wonders of the world at night. www.elginmuseum.org.uk.

Misc A FISHTASTIC FESTIVAL @ Helmsdale.

INVERNESS CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW @ Inverness City Centre. Classic and Vintage vehicles on display in Church Street, Inglis Street, High Street and Falcon Square. Music and family entertainment, Food Taste Trail, Parade Finale High Street 2.45pm. Free Vintage bus rides on the “Monarch of the Glen” bus (trips depart outside Ramada Jarvis, Church Street).For more information and late entries contact 01463 714550.

SUN 15 MAY

Misc HENNA HANDS @ Groam House Museum, Rosemarkie. Hands on Henna Workshop14 and 15 May:10.30 am - 12pm and 1pm - 2.30pm.

Advance booking required www. groamhouse.org.uk. 01381620961 Art COLLECTOR’S FAIR: FOR TODAY’S YOUNG COLLECTORS @ Highland Museum Of Childhood, Strathpeffer, 2pm. This is a rare opportunity for youngsters to exhibit their collections and encourage others to start collecting too. highlandmuseumofchildhood.org.uk.

Misc A FISHTASTIC FESTIVAL @ Helmsdale.

TUE 24 MAY

Drama/Kids ONE LITTLE WORD @ Eden Court One Touch, 4pm. A beautiful and gentle story of friendship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play. 01463 234 234

WED 25 MAY

ONE LITTLE WORD @ Eden Court One Touch, 10.30am, 1pm. A beautiful and gentle story of friendship, power struggles and the rich world of creative play. 01463 234 234

SAT 04 JUN

THOMAS AND FRIENDS LIVE ON STAGE: A CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN @ Eden Court Empire, 11am, 2pm, 5pm. When Thomas makes a big mistake, all the engines must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top and Thomas must prove he. 01463 234 234

SUN 05 JUN

THOMAS AND FRIENDS LIVE ON STAGE: A CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN @ Eden Court Empire, 11am.

WED 08 JUN

Theatre CLOCKWORK @ The Universal Hall, 7.30pm. An adaptation of an original work by Philip Pullman. Fritz unravels his tale of kings, queens and mysterious clockwork machines. For ages 8+ and their adults. 01309 691170

CLOCKWORK

BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA @ Eden Court Empire, Fri 20 May

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CLASSICAL

A chance to get your thoughtful silences and inevitably vociferous applause captured for posterity as this concert from the prestigious BBC SSO is to be recorded for broadcast in the future on Radio 3. It s an appealing sounding programme with baritone and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Henk Neven singing a selection of arias, and Lawrence Renes (rather than, as originally advertised, Pablo Heras-Casado) conducting the orchestra in two popular symphonies, Prokofiev s Classical (which pays homage to Haydn and Mozart) and Beethoven s Pastoral . There are also works from the aforementioned Mozart as well as Handel and Britten.

To read more about the BBC SSO and its future programmes, go to www.bbc.co.uk/orchestras/bbcsso

ARTEM ARKOPYAN @ Nairn Community Centre, Sat 28 May

Young Russian pianist Arkopyan has been playing since the age of five and at a mere eight years old made his solo debut. Recent visits to these parts have demonstrated his prodigious talent which should again be on show as he performs works from Beethoven, Turina, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Janacek and Chopin. www.musicnairn.org.uk

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA @ Universal Hall, Findhorn, Sat 04 Jun @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, Fri 10 Jun

The award-winning SCO guarantee sell-out crowds when they play up here so you have a couple of chances to catch them playing a concert of popular classics under the baton of Bulgarian conductor, Danail Rachev. The Orchestra s brilliant young bassist Nikita Naumov will perform the Koussevitsky Concerto framed by Mendelssohn s overture The Fair Melusine and Haydn s Symphony No 101 The Clock . www.findhorn.org www.strathpefferpavilion.org

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ica • www.whatsoninverness.com JAPANESE POPSTARS @ Ironworks, Wed 11 May

In just four years Japanese Popstars have risen from nowhere to become the go-to guys for any party starting requirements, thanks to their in-

vigorating electrostomp. With their forthcoming album Controlling Your Allegiance (featuring collaborations with The Cure s Robert Smith, Jon

Spencer and Chicago House Legend Green Velvet set for release in June) this could well be the year they go massive. Now they re back in the

Highlands on a short tour leading up to what s bound to be a spectacu-

lar Rock Ness show and anyone who buys tickets for this will be entered into a draw for VIP tickets to the festival itself.

PENDULUM DJ SET/MC VERSE @ Ironworks, Sat 04 Jun

Another DJ set from an act who ve crossed from the underground to a wider audience with some aplomb. There won t be many festivals this

summer that aren t soundtracked in some part by Pendulum so here s a chance to experience something a little more intimate with their DJ set supplemented by the lyrical outpourings of their very own MC Verse.

Another good night guaranteed.

CHASE AND STATUS DJ SET @ Ironworks, Sat 21 May

Saul Milton and Will Kennard (pic below), producing under the name Chase & Status, have achieved

much in eight years not least their aptly named debut album More Than A Lot and more recently No

More Idols . Crossing over from the underground scene they ve been lauded by dubstep royalty as well as counting Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell among their fans.

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THE NOISEMAKER @ Cake, Sat 07 May

Audiolife s Alan Macpherson spends many of his late nights trawling the virtual ocean of the internet looking for fresh catch to feed to the Inverness clubbers and he may just have found a hidden treasure. Riccardo Piovesan (aka The Noisemaker) grew up near Venice and collaborates with artists and labels such as Emote, Wood n Bass, Genesa, Par, Suicide, Cirque Du Minimaliste and other splendidly monikered people. The sound? Well, hypnotic bass lines and post-industrial atmosphere, all accompanied by very deep percussion seems to be the order of the day. Or night.

This is his first UK visit so take him to your hearts. Before he plays there s a live gig from Retrofrets and Filthy Little Secret. Read more about that on our rock page.

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CLUBBING

ALSO AT CAKE THIS MONTH

Each month Cake seems to provide a whole heap of interesting looking nights and were it not for the fact that we have to sleep every now and then, it s quite possible we d never leave the place. This month we re particularly excited by the visit of Wax:On Music s Ado on Sat 21 May. Making waves across the country for his DJing and production, he s been playing alongside the likes of Erol Alkan and 2manydjs as well as remixing for Fatboy Slim and Kissy Sellout.

Support comes from Polymath, Mykol Blyth, Abraham Thunderwolf and The Boomshank Redemption. The organisers are bringing up Glasgow s finest visual and lighting team Broadcastr Visuals , so expect something special. And there are free CDs for the first 50m through the door.

Other highlights of the month include the launch of XX on Fri 13 with DJs Becci Brennan, Juste, Wuz and Hooker Barbie playing Techno, psytrance and hard dance, Bounce on Fri 27 May, billing itself marvellously as a night of fidget and wonk from Dirty Wee Decks and Twidget and Ambiance on Sun 29 May with chillout and minimal house from Aurora, Alottarhythmmam, Pluto with special guest Juste and Eron. For all the latest Cake info go to www.cakeinverness.co.uk

NEW SOUL CITY @ Hootananny, Fri 20 May

A bit of Northern Soul spirit comes to Hootananny courtesy of the always excellent New Soul City. Downstairs will be table free for dancing, following a set by local funksters Leonard Jones Potential.

MIAMI New Nightclub for Inverness Coming Soon

Opening in the former Bakoo Nightclub in May, MIAMI will cater for a range of music tastes - popular Dance will be to the fore for obvious reasons, but you ll also find Rap, Hip-Hop, Electro & RnB, plus 70/80/90 s and Rock. The people behind the venture are bringing between them 45 years of experience in the industry and are focused on creating a big city club atmosphere. More details in these pages soon - meanwhile keep yer eyes & ears peeled, check whatsoninverness.com and miamiinverness facebook.

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COUNTRY & FOLK: LADIES OF COUNTRY @ Eden Court Empire, Thu 12 May

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A terrific triple bill for fans of country, both of the American and European varieties. From not too distant lands there’s LEA MARTELL and the always hugely popular PHILOMENA BEGLEY, Ireland’s Queen Of Country, but we’re most excited about the prospect of seeing the wonderful BILLIE JO SPEARS, the woman responsible for such classics as “What I’ve Got In Mind”, “Blanket On The Ground” and “Misty Blue”. A true country icon, making this an essential show.

DUNCAN CHISHOLM @ Eden Court OneTou ch, Sat 21 May

The greatest of folk and traditional music is all about feel and instinct, put proficiency also pla ys a part and there are few fidd lers who make what they do look as easy as Chisholm does. A glorio us sense of the spirit of Highland airs is allied to a rare talent, making for inspiring performances. It’s litt le surprise then that at the time of writing, this show, where Chisholm will be joined by TONY BYRNE fro m Dublin on guitar, and ALLAN HE NDERSON from Mallaig on piano / fiddle, is almost sold out. Get you r tickets while you can. eden-cou rt.co.uk

It’s a good month for fans of what you might call “heritage” folk at Eden Court, with Irish duo FOSTER & ALLEN playing on Thu 19 May and giving you all your favourites from a career that stretches back to the seventies, while on Sun 29 May, THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS will be demonstrating their uniquely Scottish take on the traditional/folk thing with a body of work that also stretches back forty years.

Both gigs should show what a broad church the genre is. www.eden-court.co.uk

OTHER LOCAL FOLK ARTISTS:

Living up here we perhaps don’t realise how lucky we are to see some of the best folk musicians around playing regularly right on our doorsteps. Take SESSION A9 (Universal Hall, Findhorn, Wed 25 May) for example. As a combo who at times has featured many of the people on these pages, most notably Duncan Chisholm and Lau’s Kris Drever, they also include ADAM SUTHERLAND, one of the finest fiddlers in the country, who’s also played with Peatbog Faeries and Croft Number Five among an extensive list of collaborations. Not only is he playing with Session A9 at the above gig, but he’s also appearing alongside old buddy and fellow Crofter JOHN “Box Club” SOMERVILLE (Hootananny on Sat 28 May). SOMERVILLE is also playing on his own (Hoots Fri 13 May). Finally, no list of recommendations of gigs by local folk musicians would be complete without pointing you in the direction of ex-Daintee and adopted Highlander MARTIN STEPHENSON, whose songs are always a delight. He’s at Ceol Mor on Sat 14 May.

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Northern Roots Festival Bogbain Farm 3-5 June 2011 Folk • Country • Bluegrass • Blues Lorraine Lucas • Dan Cassidy & James Hickman • The Bonfire Band Comedy Songs Concert • Mainline North • Edwina Hayes • The New Rope String Band • Dylan 70th Birthday Tribute • Kieran Goss • Archie Fisher • The Paul McKenna Band

northernrootsfestival.wordpress.com Tickets: £15 per night/ £40 all weekend from Eden Court 01463 715125, www.eden-court.co.uk

LAU @ The Stables, Cromarty, Sun 15 May

FOLK

We can be proud that some of the most innovative exponents of modern traditional music hail from these

parts with Lau seeming to go from strength to strength. Highly regarded musicians in their own right, when

Kris Drever, Martin Green and Aidan O Rourke combine they come up with something quite awesome as a host of awards demonstrate. Their most recent album, Arc Light is their best yet so expect to hear plenty from it in a ferociously dynamic live show.

MUSIC

Phone 01381 600354 or email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk to reserve tickets.

LIZ CARROLL & JOHN DOYLE @ Eden Court OneTouch, Tue 03 May

For aficionados of Celtic folk, they don t come much more impressive than the duo of Liz Carroll and guitarist and singer John Doyle. The latter was a onetime member of the Irish American supergroup Solas, but it s with Carroll that he s making perhaps the best music of his career. And winning fans in influential places with the duo having played for none other than Barack Obama. Well worth checking out.

KAREN MATHESON @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, Fri 27 May

Who s got the most beautiful voice in Gaelic music? You can have all the arguments you like, but for some of us, there s only one answer and that s Karen Matheson. She first came to fame as co-vocalist for Capercaillie, immediately attracting fans for a voice that has the same warm purity as someone like Karen Carpenter, investing her songs in Gaelic with a swooping beauty. Oddly she even represented France at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1996 with a song in Breton.

Whether she ll reprise it here is debateable, but you ll get plenty of reasons to understand why she s so captivating.

THE POOZIES @ Eden Court OneTouch, Tue 31 May

One of the most influential all-female groups in folk, The Poozies have always had an admirably fluid approach to their line-ups, one of their best known previous members being Kate Rusby. Other members have come and gone over the years, one prodigal daughter in the current line-up being founding member Sally Barker meaning that they re just about as impressive as at any time in their history. If you ve not heard their mixture of traditional instrumentals and heartwrenching harmonies you re in for a treat.

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NORTHERN ROOTS FESTIVAL @ Bogbain Farm, 03-05 Jun

As if to emphasise the strength of folk music up here, not only is there the wealth of great gigs detailed on these pages, but it s also topped off with the annual Northern Roots Festival at Bogbain, run by Blazin Fiddler Bruce MacGregor. He s firmly established his farm as an essential part of the cultural landscape with not only notable gigs by the likes of Broken Records and Dick Gaughan, but also the recent inaugural Whisky Festival. The line up for this year s Northern Roots Festival is still promising some more surprises, but acts booked already include The New Rope String Band, The Bonfire Band, Edwina Hayes and the legendary Archie Fisher.

For all the latest announcements about the line up and clips of some of the acts who ll be performing, check out the festival website at www.northernrootsfestival.wordpress.com

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ica • www.whatsoninverness.com SALSA CELTICA @ Universal Hall, Findhorn, Wed 18 May

Sometimes genres are there to be blown wide open and that s very much the case with this lot. Salsa Celtica s music is a synthesis of Afro Latin Salsa with Scottish and Irish traditional and that s just the starting point. Their line up combines some of the most exciting traditional Celtic musicians with a stellar group of world, jazz and salsa players ensuring that shows positively throb with sassy invention.

Their most recent Universal hall show was recorded for their marvellous En Vivo En El Norte album, so this is something of a triumphant homecoming.

BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA @ Glen Urquhart Public Hall, Thu 19 May

Love music, love goulash? Tonight s for you, with both included in the ticket price. The New Budapest Café Orchestra play powerful, driving folk-based music from Eastern Europe, inspired by the music of European gypsies. Comprising violins, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz & balalaika, the five musicians play an impassioned but often tender mixture of Hungarian Czardas, Russian and Ukrainian folk songs and dances from Romania and Bulgaria, as well as their own electrifying compositions. Tickets £15/£12/£6 including food! Family ticket £34.

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MUSIC

EDUARDO NIEBLA @ Eden Court OneTouch, Thu 12 May

The king of gypsy jazz will, of course, forever be the mighty Django Rheinhardt, but the spirit is being kept alive and taken in lots of fine new directions by those who have followed in his wake. Check out child prodigy Andreas Varady on YouTube for just such an example or, better still, go and see Niebla who, for the last four decades has been investing proceedings with his own flamenco jazz flourishes. He ll be playing stuff from his well received new album My Gypsy Waltz as well as compositions from his hugely successful and influential career, accompanied by guitarist Carl Herring.

HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR @ Eden Court Empire, Sun 22 May

Of all the places in America, perhaps it s Harlem that is most synonymous with Gospel Music. And of all the gospel choirs performing around the world, it s the Harlem Gospel Choir that s widely regarded as the very best. Back in the UK for the first time in six years, this is a rare opportunity to witness one of the finest arguments around for accepting the transformative power of music as the choir, founded back in 1986, spread their message of love. There ll be dancing in the aisles and no mistake.

BEST OF THE REST

It s a packed month for fans of jazz, world and roots so, if you find yourself with a spare thirty seconds after taking in everything else on these pages, may we recommend the following: The Wilders at Universal Hall on Thu 05 May with their joyous hillbilly bluegrass, the startling guitar work of Richard Smith and Julie Adam at Strathpeffer Pavilion on Sat 14 May, the slinky rhythms of Orquestra Latina del Norte at Ceol Mor on Sun 15 May and a World Music Week at Hootananny which includes the Afro fusion Baobab Gateway on Mon 16 May (complete with an afternoon drum workshop in The Bothy in the afternoon) and ace reggae from Glasgow s Rudy Alba on Sat 21 May.

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ADAM ANT AND THE GOOD, THE MAD & THE LOVELY POSSE @ Ironworks, Sun 22 May Hyperbole has to be the worst thing in the world ever. Or the best. We always forget. Whatever, there’s no denying that Adam Ant is the one crucial link between the glorious, transgressive force of British punk rock and the self-aware sophistication of the current pop arena. Lady Gaga, The Killers and The Vaccines wouldn’t exist without him. Fact.

Stuart Goddard dropped out of art school and got caught up in the punk maelstrom, changing his name to ADAM ANT and forming his band while in the audience at a Siouxsie & The Banshees gig. One of a gaggle of scenesters who starred in Derek Jarman’s seminal “Jubilee” film, his band’s first album Dirk Wears White Sox remains an extraordinary record over thirty years after its release, combining the irresistible clatter of barely proficient instrumentality with sexually investigative lyrics and a general air of outsiderdom. Hanging around with Malcolm McLaren inspired him to adopt the Burundi drumming blueprint of Bow Wow Wow and, with the album Kings Of The Wild Frontier let him start to develop a musical and visual aesthetic that drew on everything from vaudeville and candy pop to something that hadn’t even been invented yet. After that, posterity perhaps got too hung up on the pop element (although only Blondie and Madness can lay claim to producing such a string of commercially memorable singles), but to have witnessed that moment of transition was a thing of wonder.

Which means there’ll be plenty of old fans (including us) shouting for Beat My Guest, Cleopatra and Car Trouble as well as lovers of Stand And Deliver, Goody Two Shoes, Ant Music et al when he comes to Inverness with his new combo, going under the name of The Good, The Mad and The Lovely Posse. The name’s a nod to Adam’s bipolar condition which has caused him to burn as many bridges as he built. In their ranks you’ll find his co-writer and guitarist, Chris McCormack, (with whom he’s been making new songs at Chris’ self-proclaimed House Of Noise) as well as Georgina Baillie, perhaps better known as the woman at the heart of Russell Brand’s Sachsgate scandal. There’s a new album in the pipeline and hopefully we’ll get some tastes, but we’re also promised hits ahoy, so get ready for the best pop songs you’ll 32 ever hear at Ironworks. See, you can always rely on hyperbole to get things right.

ART MIDGE URE @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, Sat 28 May

ROCK

In his long career Midge Ure has been in Slik, Ultravox and even, briefly, Thin Lizzy. For the latter he had to learn all their songs on a flight to America, cursing for once the fact that he’s been booked on Concorde! A co-founder of Band Aid and Live Aid, his contribution has been rather overshadowed by Saint Bob, but he can know that he’s done some good in his life. He’ll be performing acoustic versions of his hits and a pound to a penny there’ll be a point where everyone in the building howls “Ooooooooooooooh Vienna!” strathpefferpavilion.org

RETROFRETS /FILTHY LITTLE SECRET @ Cake, Sat 07 May

A gig prior to the club night by NOISEMAKER and a good example of how to cross-pollinate this wonderful musical world of ours. Glasgow garage rockers have a charismatic frontman in SEAN BROADLEY (who carries off youthful anger with some pizzazz) and a hatful of fine songs that change pace with joyous abandon. Fellow Glaswegians FILTHY LITTLE SECRET make a splendid racket influenced by The Cramps, MC5 and The Ramones which should make for a wonderfully bracing evening. Champion!

JUFFAGE @ Mad Hatters, Mon 09 May

Multi-instrumentalist Jeff T. Smith aka JUFFAGE lives in Leeds but has spent much of his time in Chicago where he spent time in studios with the likes of Steve Albini developing his lush multi-layered sound, complete with surprisingly sophisticated loops and whirls, combined with good oldfashioned cassettes. Very much one to watch. Check him out at soundcloud.com/juffage

SPOKES @ Mad Hatters, Wed 11 May

Manchester’s Spokes are doing their best to dispel any lingering notions of that city being made up entirely of chaps in baggy jeans or Factory/Smiths/Oasis acolytes, making as they do an inventive post-rock sound that draws on folk and even shoegazing without lurching into any kind of easy adoration for such genres.

They’re a bit complicated, but all the better for that.

DEAD BOY ROBOTICS /THE MACHINE ROOM @ Mad Hatters. Sat 21 May

A special night under the banner Singles Club from Edinburgh’s Tape Studios, bringing together a couple of bands who feature on their newly released split-single. DBR are part of the Bear Scotland Collective, bringing together disparate artists from diverse backgrounds. They’ve always been admirably open about the fact that they used to sound rubbish, but now seem to have developed a rather fine Animal Collective-y sound, complete with synths, tribal drumming and the all important yelps. THE MACHINE ROOM were assembled by John Bryden, ex-bassist in The Vivians, but in this incarnation the sound is appealingly floaty folkatronica...

>>>>LITTLE MILL OF HAPPINESS

@ Ceol Mor, Sat 28 May

Something of an Inverness supergroup, featuring as they do various members of Shutter, Lush Rollers and Low Tide Revelry. They’re drawing on influences as diverse as Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, Screaming Trees and The Doors, creating a hefty musical backdrop to the never less than impressively gravelly vocals of STEVE OBERN. While they’ve more experience between them than just about any band in town, there’s an energy to what they do that puts the young whippersnappers to shame. This should be great - might just be the sound of a band coming into their own...

MUSIC

LOCAL BAND GIGS

THE BOOSTS @ Ceol Mor, Fri 06 May

Colin Fraser, Paul Elliot, Jake Bolt and Mark Williamson have only played a handful of gigs together so far, but there’s something promising going on there with catchy songs allied to an energetic swagger.

TOECUTTER @ Mad Hatters, Fri 06 May

Sharing a bill with Roadway this Toecutter reunion suggests they’ve stirred from their slumbers to unleash some more noise on the people of the Highlands. Healthily unhinged.

THE WILDFLOWERZ @ Ceol Mor, Sat 07 May

First gig of the year for the band originally formed as a studio project by Rainland’s Mark Allison. They’ve shifted their sound from acoustic roots to something beefier and there’s even talk of featuring on a compilation album in America. Definitely on the way up.

BRONTO SKYLIFT @ Mad Hatters, Thu 12 May

If you’re heading along to see New Zealand trio Die Die Die (who come with a great reputation having been signed to the prestigious Flying Nun label) make sure you get along early to see the duo of Niall Strachan and Iain Stewart playing merry hell in their heavy jazz Helmet manner.

ALWAYS THE SIXTH @ Ceol Mor, Fri 13 May

Excellent punk from Wick courtesy of a band who even managed to cover Livin’ La Vida Loca and get away with it. Could there be a burgeoning Caithness scene about to take us by the scruff of the neck? If so, these are right at the front.

THE BALL DEEP @ Mad Hatters, Fri 27 May

Steady as she goes for the local quartet who are succeeding in building quite a following for their spiky indie rock while picking up coverage from 6 Music and even picking up some influential fans in the form of The View. It’ll be interesting to see how they develop this year.

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ART ROCK AGAIN:

ZOEY VAN GOEY @ Mad Hatters, Sun 22 May

R.E.M. - Collapse Into Now As a long-term (long-suffering) fan of the band who were formative in my musical coming of age, I’m delighted to be able to say that their new long player is their best since losing founder member Bill Berry 15 years ago.

JOHN GRANT - Queen of Denmark Matt from ZVG turned me on to this and Adam our newest recruit saw him play an excellent gig at Celtic Connections. Grand, darkly comic, melodic songwriting.

MUSIC

Fresh from touring with Belle and Sebastian in Europe, Glasgow’s delightful indie-folksters ZOEY VAN GOEY are coming to town. With Lou Reed among their fans and an album, Propeller Versus Wings, on Chemikal Underground inspired by the glorious Powell and Pressburger film A Matter Of Life and Death, they’re obviously rather special.

So if you like Yo La Tengo, Magnetic Fields, Dirty Projectors and their ilk, you’re in for a treat. We asked Michael John “MJ” McCarthy from the band to give us an insight into their influences. This is what he’s been listening to.

PJ HARVEY - Let England Shake I come & go with PJ, not as huge a fan as some people I know, but this is worthy of the critical hosannas. A collection of songs with a political edge that manages to be both angry and considered, and dare I say entertaining, without being pretentious or hectoring.

NIALL CONNOLLY - Brother The Fight Is Fixed Would strongly urge people to check out this NYC-based songwriter of Cork origin. He also has the gift of writing ‘political pop’ (don’t let that put you off!), something I wish I could turn my hand to with the same degree of assuredness.

SUN RA - Interplanetary Melodies Bit of an odd one this, caught my attention via a Yo La Tengo cover of one of its tunes. I gather Sun Ra’s more famous for jazz-fusion madness, but this collection of songs he wrote and produced for doo-wop groups is thing of joy.

GoNORTH @ Various venues, Inverness, Thu 09–Fri 10 June

One of the few times in the year when the various disparate venues around the city stop getting all quietly grumpy with each other and embrace the capacity of the place to celebrate enthusiastic creativity is during GoNorth. There’s something lifeaffirming about going from witnessing Glasgow indie bods in one place to stumbling across punks from the Faroe Islands down the road and ending up dancing to panglobal funksters, so we’re eager to know what to expect from this year’s event, which has ex-Undertone (and vociferous spokesman for digital rights) FEARGAL SHARKEY as keynote speaker. This year they’re not going to be present at RockNess, deciding instead to tour BELLADRUM, WICKERMAN, LOOPALLU and SUMMER IN THE CITY, but before that there’ll be the smorgasbord of new acts popping up at venues all around town. We’d love to tell you exactly who, but for now they’re keeping all under wraps, so check out www.wh atsoninverness.com or the GoNorth website at gonorth.biz for all the latest updates - or just scan this QR for line-up!

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MON 02 MAY ROCK

BILLY MORRISON @ Market Bar.

TUE 03 MAY FOLK

LIZ CARROLL AND JOHN DOYLE @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. See Preview P27

WED 04 MAY

JOOST @ Market Bar.

FOLK/ROCK

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

Findhorn, 8pm. There is something for everyone in their repertoire, including African songs, gospel, traditional Scottish and Irish melodies, and contemporary numbers www. toomanykooks.org.uk.

ROCK

THE BOOSTS & THE WHISKY RIVER BAND @ Ceol-mor, 9pm.

The Boosts make their much anticipated return to the Ceol Mor following last years not so secret debut gig which recieved raving local reviews. Send an email to wearetheboosts@hotmail.co.uk to get exclusive free tracks.

THU 05 MAY CLUBBING/CHART

DJ STEVE T @ The Vault, Aviemore.

ENTERTAINMENT

JIMMIE MACGREGOR @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 8pm. The enduringly popular entertainer has met Tarzan, John Wayne and Jimmy Shand. 01997 420124.

ROADWAY EP LAUNCH, WITH TOECUTTER @ Hootananny Madhatters, 10pm. Local rock acts with what should be the loudest shows in town this month.

JUDE @ The Room.

SAT 07 MAY CLASSICAL

MUSIC

CLUBBING/CHART

AMY HENDERSON @ Hootananny. Fine DJ G PETERS @ The Vault, Aviemore. accordionist bringing traditional tunes FOLK to a whole new generation.

COAST @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm.

JAZZ/WORLD 0871 789 4173 THE WILDERS @ The Universal Hall, 7.30pm. The Wilders from Kansas City, SATURDAY CEILIDH @ The Gellions.

Missouri, play storming roots-of-country, MISC. bluegrass and hillbilly. 01309 691170 WHISPERS @ Market Bar. MORAY JAZZ CLUB CONCERT @ The Elgin Museum Hall, Elgin High Street, ROCK THE WILDFLOWERZ @ Ceol Mor. 8pm. Details of whos playing when morayjazzclub.co.uk THE RETROFRETS AND FILTHY LITTLE SECRET @ Cake, 8pm.

BLIND & DEAF @ Dows Bar. JUDE @ The Room.

ROBIN & BILLS @ Market Bar.

FRI 06 MAY CLUBBING

SAFEHOUSE VS SOUNDCLASH @ Cake, 10pm. www.cakeinverness.co.uk

HOODJA @ Hootananny.

LOST CITY SOUL/RUSSIAN NINJAS @ Mad Hatters. Dundee five piece LCS, fresh from supporting The View are joined by highly promising young Fort William combo Russian Ninjas.

JUST JON @ The Vault, Aviemore.

ANDY MURRAY @ The Gellions.

FOLK/ROCK

BEDHEAD @ Dows Bar. MISC.

TOO MANY KOOKS @ Universal Hall,

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JAZZ/WORLD

TWISTED BLUES @ Eden Court Maclean Room, 3PM. The much acclaimed locally based Blues trio play a rare acoustic set.

ROCK

MON 09 MAY

BILLY MORRISON @ Market Bar. ANDY DUNCAN @ The Gellions.

WED 11 MAY CLUBBING

THE JAPANESE POPSTARS @ The Ironworks, 8pm. See Preview P22. 0871 789 4173 FOLK

PEARL & THE PUPPETS @ Hootananny.

Elton John is a fan of Pearl’s remarkably assured songwriting.

SPOKES/THE WHISKY TALKING @ Mad Hatters. Manchester quintet who swoop from soaring, ascendant post-rock to pastoral indie. Rather good indeed.

FOLK/ROCK

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

ROCK

FERGUS & GREG @ Market Bar.

THU 12 MAY CLUBBING/CHART

DJ STEVE T @ The Vault, Aviemore.

FOLK

OBI FOLK CLUB @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore, 9pm. Live Traditional Music Session with John Somerville, Ross Ainslie and friends. 01479 811 137 FOLK/ROCK

EMMA SHEARER’S COFFEE SHOP SESSIONS @ The Coffee Shop, Strathpeffer, 12am. Special guest - Megan Blyth folk rock vocalist/guitarist.

JAZZ/WORLD

EDUARDO NIEBLA IN CONCERT @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. A formidable flamenco-jazz guitar virtuoso, Eduardo Niebla is a master of today’s generation; technically superb, breathtaking versatile, supernaturally talented.

MORAY JAZZ CLUB CONCERT @ The Elgin Museum Hall, Elgin High Street, 8pm. morayjazzclub.co.uk

FOLK

SCHIEHALLION @ Hootananny.

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

WOODENBOX AND A FISTFUL OF FIVERS @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore, 9pm. Indie folk party starters who always go down particularly well up here. 01479 811 137

DINGWALL CHORAL SOCIETY SPRING CONCERT @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 7.30pm.

This very talented choir delighted a capacity FOLK audience at the Pavilion with their concert in BEN ARTHUR + JOHN COLETTA @ Ceol February. 01997 420124 Mor. Ben Arthur is a singer-songwriter currently based in New York who CLUBBING has since opened for artists such as THE NOISEMAKER @ Cake, 10pm. See Tori Amos, Shawn Colvin and Dave Preview P23 Matthews Band.

ROCK

FOLK/ROCK

ANDY DUNCAN @ The Gellions.

MISC.

THE WILDERS @ Eden Court One Touch, 8pm. Every time “the hillbilly hurricane” from Kansas City, Missouri, (aka The Wilders) blow into town,they’re amazing. 01463 234 234

LINDSAY AND THE STORM @ Hootananny.

The Storm’s unique sound consists of a languorous cello, soaring harmonies, an African djembe drum and a glockenspiel.

Plus Linsay’s hauntingly ethereal vocals.

SUN 08 MAY FOLK

LIVE MUSIC @ Bogbain Farm. Alternate Sundays Bruce MacGregor’s trad music sessions and Emma Shearer’s Music Cafe for songwriters. 01463772800

MISC.

LADIES OF COUNTRY @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm. See Preview P24.

THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN @ Ironworks Room 2, 7pm. A unique and sensitive concert. Keith James presents

SUN 15 MAY FOLK

Leonard Cohen’s songs in their most bare and honest form.www.keith-james.com.

ROCK

ROBIN & BILLS @ Market Bar.

BRONTO SKYLIFT/DIE DIE DIE @ Mad Hatters. Die Die Die are a New Zealand pop punk trio on the influential Flying Nun label who’ve been produced by Steve Albini.

Bronto Skylift are reassuringly unhinged.

Top night.

FRI 13 MAY CLUBBING

XX - OPENING NIGHT @ Cake, 10pm. With djs Becci Brennan, Juste, Wuz and Hooker Barbie. Techno - psytrance - hard dance.£5 (£3 with flyer).

NOISEBOX PRESENTS ALEX KIDD & MALLORCA LEE @ The Vault, Aviemore.

Hard dance innovator Alex Kidd is joined by maverick MC/DJ/Producer Majorca Lee for what should be a splendid night.

CLUBBING

NEW SOUL CITY @ Maple Court. The Highlands’ longest running soul night.

CLUBBING/CHART

FOLK

MARTIN STEPHENSON @ Ceol Mor. Martin Stephenson is a supremely gifted singer, songwriter, musician and performer, whose career in music stretches back now almost twenty years. Born in County Durham, in the North-East of England. Martin was initially fired up to play in a band when the Punk Rock phenomenon went overground in the late 1970’s. Then, as now, however, Martin’s free spirit incorporated a love for an eclectic range of musical styles, from Rockabilly, show tunes, through to straight ahead rock and full-tilt Punk. www.myspace.com/martinstephenson.

STRATHPEFFER & DISTRICT PIPE BAND SATURDAY NIGHT PERFORMANCE @ Strathpeffer Square, 8.30pm. The pipe band parade in Strathpeffer Square. The event lasts about one hour with a showcase of Highland Dancing - weather permitting.

FOLK/ROCK

JOHN SOMERVILLE @ Hootananny.

Sometime Box Club and Croft Number Fiver whose way with traditional tunes is always a delight.

CAPTAIN TOM @ Mad Hatters.

JAZZ/WORLD

EDUARDO NIEBLA @ Universal Hall, Findhorn, 8pm. The flamenco-jazz guitar virtuoso and composer tours his new album.

This is intricate, passionate flamenco fused with a myriad of Eastern colours and a Gypsy-jazz edge.

MISC.

C-RED @ Dows Bar. ROCK

STETSONHEAD @ Market Bar. BIRO @ The Room.

ANDY CHUNG @ The Gellions..

ROCK/PUNK

ALWAYS THE SIXTH @ Ceol-mor. Wick-based pop punk rockers who caused a stir with their cover of “La Vida Loca” and have followed it up with a new EP.www.myspace. com/alwaysthesixth.

SAT 14 MAY CLASSICAL

INVERNESS CHORAL SOCIETY - DREAM OF GERONTIUS @ Eden Court, 7.30pm.

Inverness Choral Society is bringing together two of the Highland’s leading choirs with full orchestra, plus distinguished soloists for what promises to be a memorable evening.

FOLK/ROCK

DJ G PETERS @ The Vault, Aviemore. Charts SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions. and Requests free entry -til 3.

ALLY MACKENZIE @ Hootananny. One of the finest accordionists around, playing traditional tunes.

FOLK

LAU @ The Stables, Cromarty, 7.30pm.

Three of the finest.

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

JAZZ/WORLD

RICHARD SMITH & JULIE ADAMS @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 8pm. Originally from Kent, Richard started playing guitar at 5 years old and?was invited to play with his hero Chet Atkins on stage in London when only 11. He has since toured the world, with his brothers as the Richard Smith guitar trio, and with his wife American cellist Julie Adams. He has also performed with other guitar greats, like Tommy Emmanuel, Les Paul and Martin Taylor, surprising audiences everywhere with his genius and a repertoire spanning an incredible range of musical styles from country, bluegrass, mainstream jazz, modern pop and rock, to classical guitar. ?Tickets from Pavilion 01997 420124. 01997 420124

JAZZ/WORLD

ORQUESTA LATINA DEL NORTE @ Ceolmor. Inverness’s own 16 Piece Salsa band returns to get you ready for summer. www. orquestalatina.com.

MISC.

KEVIN FRASER @ Dows Bar. ROCK

ANDY DUNCAN @ The Gellions.

NETSOUNDS ACOUSTIC/ROBIN ABBOTT/ STEVEN MILNE/GRAHAM BROWN @ Mad Hatters. An acoustic night showing the breadth of the genre.

MON 16 MAY FOLK

OBI FOLK CLUB @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore, 8pm. Live Music with LAU. Internationally acclaimed, award winning folk trio. £14. 01479 811 137 ROCK

BILLY MORRISON @ Market Bar. BAOBAB-GATEWAY - HWMW @ Hootananny. Roots fusion band from Edinburgh bringing some African rhythms to the party. There’s also a drum workshop in The Bothy in the afternoon.

TUE 17 MAY FOLK

LOCAL MUSICIANS @ Glachbeg Centre, 7.30pm. For performers and listeners, with performances from Fiona Mackenzie and Gil Anderson.

WED 18 MAY FOLK/ROCK

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

JAZZ/WORLD

MISC.

SALSA CELTICA @ The Universal Hall, 7.30pm. Enchanting blend of Afro Latin Salsa with Scottish. 01309 691170

ROCK

ANDY DUNCAN @ Market Bar.

KEVIN FRASER @ Dows Bar. KINKY KARMA @ The Room.

LITTLE KICKS/LITTLE BUDDHA/LOST IN AUDIO @ Mad Hatters. Melodic Aberdeen quartet who’ve got their own hometown club night and a growing legion of fans.

ROCK/COUNTRY

PORCH SONG ANTHOLOGY @ Market Bar. Rather lovely Glaswegian Americana.

ROCK/POP

PEARL AND THE PUPPETS/PETE LAWRIE @ The Loft. Pearl is much admired by Elton John while Lawrie makes “Southern blues country rock skiffle hop tronica”. 01343 850111

MUSIC

ANDY CHUNG @ The Gellions. Edinburghbased songwriter who’s much loved on the folk and world music scene.

LIVE MUSIC @ Bogbain Farm, 12am.

Alternate Sundays Bruce MacGregor’s trad music sessions and Emma Shearer’s Music Cafe for songwriters. Free admission.

01463772800

ROCK

THU 19 MAY CLUBBING/CHART

DJ STEVE T @ The Vault, Aviemore. Charts, requests and dance anthems free entry -till 3.

FOLK

BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA @ Glen Urquhart Public Hall, 8pm. A mixture of Hungarian Czardas, Russian and Ukranian folk songs and dances from Romania and Bulgaria, plus original compostions. £15/£12/£6 INCLUDING SUPPER! Family ticket £34.

IAIN MORRISION @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm.

0871 789 4173

37

JAZZ/WORLD

MORAY JAZZ CLUB CONCERT @ The Elgin Museum Hall, Elgin High Street, 8pm. Details of whos playing when morayjazzclub.co.uk ROOT MA TOOT SWING BAND @ Hootananny. Hoots World Music Week somewhat oddly reaches out to embrace a local 20 piece Big Band with an understandable love of swing.

a showcase of Highland Dancing - weather permitting.

FOLK/ROCK

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

ORGAN RECITAL BY GEORGE MACPHEE @ Old High Church, Inverness, 7.30pm.

RUDY @ Hootananny. Rudy Alba is a big Opening recital on the newly refurbished name on the Glasgow reggae scene and now Father Henry Willis Organ. it’s our turn to celebrate a sound heard far too rarely in these parts.

WED 25 MAY FOLK

SESSION A9 @ The Universal Hall, 7.30pm.

With players from Capercaillie, Peatbog Faeries, Fiddlers Bid and Blazin Fiddles.

01309 691170

FOSTER & ALLEN @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm. One of Ireland’s most popular acts.

01463 234 234 ROBIN & BILLS @ Market Bar. STEVIE REBEL @ The Gellions.

FRI 20 MAY CLASSICAL

BBC SSO @ Eden Court Empire, 7.15pm, 8pm. 01463 234 234 CLUBBING

ALT X @ Cake, 10pm.

JUST JON @ The Vault, Aviemore.

Mash up of monster tunes free entry -till 3.

MUSIC

FOLK

MISC.

MARGIE @ Dows Bar. ROCK

CHARLIES RANCH @ Market Bar. One of several combos providing creative outlets for local musicians Robin Abbot and Marc Clement. Expect emotional country rock.

THU 26 MAY CLASSICAL

SUN 22 MAY

JUDE @ The Room.

CHASE & STATUS DJ SET @ The Ironworks, 10pm. See Preview 22. 0871 789 4173

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

TAPE CLUB @ Mad Hatters. Two young Edinburgh bands, Dead Boy Robotics and The Machine Room who’ve just released a split single on the Tape label run by the recording studio of the same name.

ROSS MACEWAN @ Market Bar.

SAT 21 MAY CLUBBING

FOLK/ROCK ROCK

ROCK

STETSONHEAD @ Mad Hatters.

THE LONG NOTES @ Hootananny.

Combining the revered talents of accordionist Colette O’Leary, fiddler Jamie Smith and banjo and mandolin player Brian Kelly. Celtic tunes from stars of the London folk scene.

THE FUMES @ The Room. Rock music.

NOEL CASSIDY DUO @ Mosset Tavern, Forres, 8pm. Live Irish music.

FOLK LIVE MUSIC @ Bogbain Farm, 12am.

SCHIEHALLION @ Dows Bar. Alternate Sundays Bruce MacGregor’s trad music sessions and Emma Shearer’s Music BRYAN BENNER AND HAZEN METRO Cafe for songwriters.Free admission. 01463 @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore, 10pm.

772 800 Traditional music and folk rock from sometime members of the highly KASSIDY @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore, 9pm. regarded King Arthur’s Men. 01479 Dynamic harmonies and surging guitar 811 137 melodies make for a Scottish band who are zooming rapidly to very big things. 01479 JAZZ/WORLD 811 137 THE LJP @ Hootananny. A+ funk, pop and soul from Leonard Jones Potential.

STEVIE REBEL @ The Gellions.

TUE 24 MAY CLASSICAL

JAZZ/WORLD

MISC.

ROCK

Preview P33. 0871 789 4173

FOLK/ROCK

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

JAZZ/WORLD

FERGUS & GREG @ Market Bar.

MUSIC AT THE CROWN @ Crown Church, 8pm. Light classical choral music, including Verdi’s ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’, Schubert’s 23rd Psalm, and pieces by Rachmaninov, Faure and others.

CLUBBING/CHART

DJ STEVE T @ The Vault, Aviemore.

FOLK

OBI FOLK CLUB @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore, 9pm. Live Music with folk legend Mike Heron (ex-Incredible String Band).

A rare opportunity to see one of the true greats of the genre. 01479 811 137 FOLK/ROCK

DAVY COWAN @ The Gellions..

FOLK/ROOTS

EMMA SHEARER’S COFFEE SHOP SESSIONS @ The Coffee Shop, Strathpeffer, 12am. Special guest - Viper Central (mandolin, banjos, vocalists, guitarists, violin) playing grass roots music all the way from the Rocky Mountains.

JAZZ/WORLD

MORAY JAZZ CLUB CONCERT @ The NULLIGAN @ Eden Court Maclean Room, Elgin Museum Hall, Elgin High Street, 3pm. The world premiere of a Gerry Mulligan 8pm. Details of whos playing when (the king of ‘cool jazz’) tribute band. morayjazzclub.co.uk

HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR @ Eden Court, 7.30pm. Forget the imitations, this is the ADO @ Cake, 10pm. With support real spirit of New York gospel. An uplifting, from Polymath, Mykol Blyth, Abraham extraordinary choir. 01463 234 234 Thunderwolf, The Boomshank Redemption, Butterscotch and Science Phyction. Free CDs for first 50 through the door.

ROCK

ROBIN & BILLS @ Market Bar. MAN AT THE WINDOW @ Mad Hatters. Nine piece reaggae band from Glasgow.

CLUBBING/CHART

DJ G PETERS @ The Vault, Aviemore. Charts and Requests free entry -til 3.

FOLK

DUNCAN CHISHOLM @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. See Preview P25. 01463 234 234 STRATHPEFFER & DISTRICT PIPE BAND SATURDAY NIGHT PERFORMANCE @ Strathpeffer Square, 8.30pm. The pipe band parade in Strathpeffer Square. The event lasts about one hour with

38

ROCK

ZOEY VAN GOEY @ Mad Hatters Fresh from touring with Belle and Sebastian and certainly sharing much of the spirit of Murdoch et al. Catchy as the dickens.

FRI 27 MAY CLUBBING

ANDY DUNCAN @ The Gellions.

BOUNCE @ Cake, 10pm. A night of fidget and wonk from Dirty Wee Decks and Twidget.

Special guest TBA £5 (£3 with flyer).

ADAM ANT @ The Ironworks, 9pm. See

JUST JON @ The Vault, Aviemore.

JJ GILMOUR @ The Loft. JJ has built up a staunch fan base across Europe, and is widely recognised as one of Scotland’s most distinctive singer/ songwriters, able to fuse moving, intelligent lyrics with melodic harmonies. 01343 850111

event lasts about one hour with a showcase of Highland Dancing - weather permitting.

DAVY COWAN @ Market Bar.

JOHN SOMERVILLE/ADAM SUTHERLAND @ Hootananny. Leaders of the new generation CLUBBING of traditional musicians, maintaining the JUST JON @ The Vault, Aviemore. Mash up vigour that gave the genre its appeal in the of monster tunes free entry -till 3. first place.

FRI 03 JUN

FOLK/ROCK

SCHIEHALLION @ The Gellions.

MISC.

KAREN MATHESON @ Strathpeffer Pavillion. See Preview P27.

FOLK/ROCK

BEDHEAD @ Dows Bar. MISC.

D.B.F @ The Gellions.

DON’T BRING FRANKIE @ Dows Bar. ROCK

LITTLE MILL OF HAPPINESS @ Ceol-mor.

A veritable local supergroup featuring members of Shutter, Lowtide Revelry and Lush Rollers. Atmospheric original numbers and ace covers. thelittlemillofhappiness. bandcamp.com.

ROCK

THE RAT PACK IS BACK @ The Ironworks, 7pm. The Dick Feeney Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Dean Martin lets you relive the magic of the Rat Pack. www.ratpackisback.com. 0871 789 4173 DONNIE LIVINGSTONE @ Market Bar. THE MYSTIC SHOES @ The Room.

STEVIE AND THE MOON/THE BALL DEEP @ Mad Hatters. Strong melodies and intimate lyricism combine to set this Glasgow balladeer apart from the folky pack. He’s supported by excellent local act Ball Deep.

SELECTIVE SERVICE @ Flannagans Bar, Elgin, 7pm. Popular Glasgow act combining blues, funk and reggae.

SAT 28 MAY CLASSICAL

ARTEM AKOPYAN @ Nairn Community Centre, 8pm. A young prize-winning Russian pianist includes works by Tchaikovsky, Turina, Debussy, Janacek, Chopin, and Beethoven’s ‘Appassionata’ sonata. 01667 455701, www.musicnairn.org.uk. 01667 453476

STRATHPEFFER & DISTRICT PIPE BAND SATURDAY NIGHT PERFORMANCE @ Strathpeffer Square, 8.30pm. The pipe band parade in Strathpeffer Square. The

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA @ The Universal Hall, 8pm. MENDELSSOHN Overture, The Fair MelusineKOUSSEVITSKY Concerto for double bass and orchestraHAYDN Symphony No 101 ‘The Clock’Danail Rachev conductor, Nikita Naumov double bass. 01309 691170

ANDY DUNCAN @ The Gellions.

CLUBBING/CHART

MYSTIC SHOES @ Mad Hatters.

MIDGE URE @ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 8pm.

80’s is back. 01997 420124

SUN 29 MAY CLUBBING

AMBIANCE @ Cake Nightclub, Inverness.

Sunday Sessions of electronic chill / minimal houseResidents: Aurora, Alottarythmn, PlutoGuest DJ: Stina.

FOLK

THE TANNAHILL WEAVERS *CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF PRETTY GOOD MUSIC* @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. The Tannahill Weavers are Scotland’s beloved musical ambassadors with scores of recordings and countless tours over more that forty years to their credit. 01463 234 234

SANDRA MACBETH @ Hootananny.

ROCK

ANDY DUNCAN @ The Gellions.

TUE 31 MAY FOLK

DJ G PETERS @ The Vault, Aviemore. Charts THE POOZIES @ Eden Court. See Preview P27. and Requests free entry -til 3.

FOLK

SAT 04 JUN CLASSICAL

PENDULUM DJ SET @ The Ironworks, 10pm. See Preview P22.

0871 7894173

A*S*Y*S AND BRIAN M VS MCBUNN @ Cake, 10pm. Support comes from Nicco, MISC. Desudo, Maddog, Tiny, Variaudio, Roy Fraser, DON’T BRING FRANKIE @ Dows Bar. Tweek, Robbie N and Dirty Wee Decks.

CLUBBING/CHART

FIONA MACKENZIE WITH BOSIE @ Universal Hall, Findhorn, 8pm. Born and raised on Lewis, Mackenzie effortlessly blends traditional folk, soul and jazz – delivered with her distinctive, smoky voice.

Price: £10 / £8 /£6 U-16’s (concessions).

BY HOOK OR BY CROOK @ The Room.

OBI FOLK CLUB @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore, 9pm. Bank Holiday Special with KAN. £12 (or £6 if bought alongside LAU ticket). 01479 811 137

SHOOGLE @ Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore. The Old Bridge’s new funk/soul/disco night with live band and resident DJs. 01479 811 137

FOLK

CLUBBING

BOGBAIN MUSIC CAFE SESSIONS @ Bogbain Farm, 12am. With special guests.

01463772800

CLUBBING

MORAY JAZZ CLUB CONCERT @ The Elgin Museum Hall, Elgin High Street, 8pm. Details of whos playing when morayjazzclub.co.uk

THU 02 JUN CLUBBING/CHART

DJ STEVE T @ The Vault, Aviemore.

JAZZ/WORLD

DJ G PETERS @ The Vault, Aviemore.

FOLK

FIONA MACKENZIE WITH BOSIE @ Eden Court, 8pm.

MUSIC

FOLK

ROCK

Errata, Death Watch + Supports @ Flanagan’s Bar, Elgin.

8pm. Errata, Death Metal from Edinburgh, recently reformed make their first visit to Elgin. Support comes from the sludgey Death Watch from Aberdeen who will be promoting their new demo.

SUN 05 JUN

LIVE MUSIC @ Bogbain Farm. Alternate Sundays Bruce MacGregor’s trad music sessions and Emma Shearer’s Music Cafe for songwriters.Free admission.

JAZZ/WORLD

THE MORAY JAZZ QUARTET @ Eden Court Maclean Room. A chance to enjoy the sounds of the ‘house’ band from the Moray Jazz Club, Elgin. Admission £6. 01463 234234.

THU 09 JUN CLUBBING/CHART

DJ STEVE T @ The Vault, Aviemore.

FRI 10 JUN CLUBBING

JUST JON @ The Vault, Aviemore.

MISC.

TMSA KEITH FESTIVAL @ Keith.

Tmsakeithfestival.blogspot.com.

GOT SOME KIND OF MUSIC EVENT GOING ON? LET 110,000+ HOUSES KNOW FOR FREE! LISTINGS@ICANOW.COM

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ica • www.whatsoninverness.com

SHAOLIN WARRIORS: THE SPIRIT WITHIN @ Eden Court, Sun 29 May Last time Shaolin Warriors visited Inverness they were so popular that an extra show had to be added.

This new show for 2011 promises to be equally in demand so get your tickets this very moment. It’s a fully choreographed spectacular featuring 22 professionally trained Kung Fu masters who’ve used Buddhist Meditation and rigorous martial arts training to perform incredible feats of agility, strength and skill from qigong and animal imitation boxing to drunken sparring and fighting with 18 different dangerous weapons. The latter two sound pretty much like your average Saturday night out in Inverness, but we’re sure this will be rather more elegant with brilliant scenery, atmospheric music, superb lighting and hundreds of costumes. eden-court.co.uk

FESTIVAL OF MUSEUMS Fri 13-Sun 15 May A Scotland-wide event aiming to “ignite the imagination” with all sorts of galleries and museums putting on events both before and after dark. A new initiative, it’s good to see people joining some dots at last and showcasing a whole load of invariably underappreciated resources. We never tire of banging on about how well worth a visit the Inverness Museum is, yet there are still plenty of locals who haven’t even thought of stepping inside its doors. The same’s the case for a whole host of museums throughout the area so hopefully something like this will get folk to realise what a wealth of great experiences are there to be had. The organisers are making noises about it being a perfect way for “staycationers” to pass some time, but we prefer to see it as an opportunity for the ordinary person to see some extraordinary things.

And the events taking place up here have a wide appeal, ranging from Henna Workshops at Groam House on The Black Isle, lectures on Pictish archaeology in Fortrose and an all nighter at the Falconer Museum in Forres to a festival of fish in Helmsdale. For full details see our listings on page 38 and check out the festival website at www.festivalofmuseums.com

CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW @ Inverness City Centre, Sat 14 May, 11am-3pm A day to remind you that modern cars are rubbish. Now back for the third year, this display of vehicles in Church Street, High Street, Inglis Street and Falcon Square is a total delight, featuring everything from a tiny Austin Seven to a great big bus, every vehicle showing off a gorgeous design aesthetic that has been discarded in this age of homogenised silver grey people carriers. There’s a parade from the High Street starting at 2.30, plus music and street entertainers. You can learn much more about all the vehicles on show at invernessvehicleshow.blogspot.com

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MARIE CURIE EVENTS There are a couple of foodie events on this month to raise funds for Marie Curie Highland, beginning with a cookery demo at Dingwall Academy on Thu 09 Jun from the always engaging Lady Claire Macdonald, cookery writer and creator of award-winning Scottish cuisine at Kinloch Lodge on Isle Of Skye. She’ll be ably assisted by sous chef for the day, Rocpool’s Steven Devlin, who’s not half bad himself. Tickets cost £15 (01463 238328 or text ‘ Lady Claire’ to 07515 190240).

If it’s eating rather than cooking that you’re interested in, then there’s a fundraising Ladies Lunch at the Dairy at Daviot, Inverness on Sat 14 May at noon. Tickets are £30 and you get a three course lunch with wine, plus Prosecco on arrival. There’s also music from In Cahoots. For tickets and info contact Debbie on 01808 511466, email debbie.mckay@btconnect.com or text ‘dairy’ to 07884 073385

RICHARD DAWKINS: THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAUTY OF SCIENCE @ Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, Wed 11 May, 7pm

SPECIALs

The Monster Science festival returns in June and you’ll be able to read much more about it in next month’s issue.

Before that there’s a special talk from one of the stars of last year’s festival, renowned author and evolutionary biologist Professor Richard Dawkins. Exploring the question of beauty, and why we appreciate it, he’ll be looking at the roots of aesthetic attraction and sexual selection. He’ll also be posing the question, is science itself among the highest aesthetic experiences? Always an entertaining and informative speaker this should provide much food for thought. Tickets cost £10 and booking is essential. Online booking preferred (see www.monsterfest.co.uk), but you may also book by phone: 01463 273000. The main Inverness Monster Science Festival will be running from 11 to 19 Jun. Full details on www.monsterfest.co.uk

HIGHLAND HOSPICE MOONLIGHT MEANDER @ Brahan Estate, Ross-shire, Sat 21 May, 8pm Highland Hospice’s popular ladies-only sponsored walk, the Moonlight Meander, is set for a new look this year, with the introduction of a fun, fluffy flashing pink halo for each participant. Held for the first time on the Brahan Estate it’ll provide a scenic route for the ten mile stroll.

Highland Hospice’s Events & Community Fundraiser Amanda Mackay says, “The Moonlight Meander is always a fun and lively event for the hundreds of ladies who join us in support of Highland Hospice. It should be a spectacular sight to see a sea of flashing halos as dusk settles! This is a perfect opportunity to get dressed up and have lots of fun with your female friends and relatives, whilst raising important funds for Highland Hospice to help us care for our patients and their families.”

The Moonlight Meander will also feature a chocolate fountain to keep energy levels up for the walk (any excuse for chocolate frankly), and a barbecue afterwards with plenty of rewarding treats.

Free buses to and from the event will be available from Tulloch Inverness Caledonian Stadium.

If you are interested in joining the fun please visit highlandhospice.org/moonlightmeander or call 01463 227913 for further details.

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MON 02 MAY

Misc SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL @ Speyside. www.spiritofspeyside.com.

WED 04 MAY

Misc SPRINGTIME ALONG THE RIVER AVERON @ Alness, 1pm. Wander the River Averon looking for sandpipers and dippers and learn about the history of the sandstone crags.

01349 868563 Adults £3 Concession £2.

SAT 07 MAY

Annual GIRLZONE LUNCH @ Mambo’s Inverness, 1pm. www.gay-ness.org.uk.

Misc INVERNESS BUSHCRAFT DAY @ Abriachan, 12am. Try your hand at making a shelter, building a fire and foraging for food, with experts on hand to guide you. 01463 710786 for info.

THU 12 MAY

Misc ANTIQUES VALUATION DAY WITH BONHAMS @ Strathpeffer Pavilion.

Regular LGBT CURRY NIGHT @ Wetherspoons, Church Street, Inverness, 6.30pm.

FRI 13 MAY

Annual THE LOCH NESS WHISKY FESTIVAL 2011 @ Fiddlers, Drumnadrochit.

ART FAIR @ Strathpeffer Community Centre.

recording every living thing in Abriachan Forest. There will be activities for all the family. 01463 710786 for info

‘STARTING A COLLECTION’ CERAMICS WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS @ Highland Museum Of Childhood, Strathpeffer. highlandmuseumofchildhood.org.uk

Adventure LOCH NESS FILM FESTIVAL 2011 @ Craigmonie Centre & Abriachan Hall. lochnessfilmfestival.co.uk.

CREATE A SENBAZURU @ The Bike Shed, Grant St. It is a well know Japanese story that whoever creates a 1000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. As part of our exhibition we will be trying to make 1000 cranes for a collective wish of peace. People are welcome to turn up anytime between 2pm and 5pm on the 14th to help with this mission. Paper and instructions will be provided. People can bring their own recycled paper if they like.

Entry is free and it’s suitable for all ages.

SUN 15 MAY

HENNA HANDS @ Groam House Museum, Rosemarkie. Hands on Henna Workshop. www.groamhouse.org.uk. 01381620961 A FISHTASTIC FESTIVAL www.timespan.org.uk

@ Helmsdale.

ART FAIR @ Strathpeffer Community Centre.

WED 18 MAY

Misc THE DARK MYSTERIES OF BLACK ROCK GORGE @ Evanton, 12am. Learn about the chasm of Black Rock Gorge and the folklore that goes with it. Meet in village car park.

01349 868563 for more details.

SPECIALS

Misc CREATURES OF THE NIGHT @ Falconer Museum, Forres. falconermuseum. co.uk.

SAT 21 MAY

A FISHTASTIC FESTIVAL @ Helmsdale. www.timespan.org.uk.

Charity MOONLIGHT MEANDER @ Brahan Estate, 8pm. See Preview P41.

SAT 14 MAY

Annual THE LOCH NESS WHISKY FESTIVAL 2011 @ Fiddlers, Drumnadrochit.

LADIES LUNCH @ Dairy At Daviot, Inverness. Raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Highland.

Festival FESTIVAL OF ENLIGHTENMENT @ Merkinch Community Centre , 10.30am.

Misc RIVERSIDE WANDER @ Kilmorack, 12am.

Lovely walk along the riverside with scenery, wildlife and stories. Phone Corinne Hambly on 01463 710786 for more details.

RED KITE DAY @ Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie, 12am. An afternoon of crafts and fun activities to celebrate a beautiful bird of prey. Duncan Macdonald on 01540 673907 for more details. Free.

HENNA HANDS @ Groam House Museum, Rosemarkie. Hands on Henna Workshop. www.groamhouse.org.uk. 01381620961 A FISHTASTIC FESTIVAL www.timespan.org.uk

@ Helmsdale.

INVERNESS CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW @ Inverness City Centre. See Preview P41.

Annual FERINTOSH COMMUNITY MARKET @ Findon Hall, Culbokie.

Misc COMMUNITY MARKET @ Crown School, 12am.

SUN 22 MAY

GORDON CASTLE HIGHLAND GAMES @ Gordon Castle. Revival of the original Gordon Castle Gathering which was held on the estate in the 1920’s and 30’s. £7.50 for adults, £5 for concessions, children £2.50 and under 5s free.

TUE 24 MAY

Misc RUDDY TUFTY TEAL AND OTHER BIRDS @ Loch Kinellan, Strathpeffer, 7pm. An evening stroll to look and listen out for the ducks and grebes of the loch. 01349 868563 for more details.

WED 25 MAY

Misc SEABOARD COASTLINE @ Hilton Of Cadboll, 12am. Explore the coastline north of Hilton looking out for plants and bird life of the dunes and foreshore. 01349 868563.

FRI 27 MAY

Annual BIG BIO BLITZ @ Abriachan. 24 hours of

SAT 28 MAY

Annual BIG BIO BLITZ @ Abriachan.

Adventure LOCH NESS FILM FESTIVAL 2011 @ Craigmonie Centre & Abriachan Hall. lochnessfilmfestival.co.uk.

Annual SAIL CALEDONIA @ Williamsailcaledonia.org.

Great

Glen.

Misc SPRINGTIME @ Drummondreach Oak Wood, Black Isle, 12am. Take in the sounds of our feathered friends inthe oak wood as they sing for a mate at the open-air pulpit. Adjacent parking at Teandore, Alcaig to Findon Road.01349 868563.

INVERNESS CD & RECORD FAIR @ Thistle Hotel, Millburn Road, Inverness. As part of Beatles Day,Massive selection of Vinyl,CDs. CRAFTS WEEKEND FAIR @ The Stables, Cromarty. Wood, textiles, pottery and ceramics, jewellery, prints and more from some of the Highlands’ most skilled craftspeople and makers.

Regular LGBT BRUNCH @ Macnabs Bar And Bistro, Columba Hotel, Inverness. Visit www.gayness.org.uk.

SUN 29 MAY

Misc CRAFTS WEEKEND FAIR @ The Stables, Cromarty. Wood, textiles, pottery and ceramics, jewellery, prints and more from some of the Highlands’ most skilled craftspeople and makers. 01381 600354 info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk.

Misc BEAULY & FIRTH PIPE BAND & HIGHLAND DANCING @ Beauly Square, 12am. Scottish music followed by Highland dancing and a performance from Beauly Firth And Glens Pipe Band.

FRI 03 JUN

Charity FASHION SHOW @ Strathpeffer Pavilion. In aid of Blythswood. blythswood.org. 01997 420124

SAT 04 JUN

Misc ORCHIDS @ Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, 12am. Orchids are some of our most beautiful flowers and Merkinch LNR has plenty. No booking required. Phone Katy Martin on 01463 710786 for info.

THU 09 JUN

COOKERY DEMO WITH LADY CLAIRE MACDONALD @ Dingwall Acadeny, 7.30pm. Ably assisted by ‘sous chef’ Rocpool Restaurant’s, Steven Devlin. Marie Curie Highland event, Tickets £15, 01463 238328.

Short radio courses for beginners!

Radioskills gave Gemma unique hands on experience of life and work at the award winning MFR. Do you want to be next?

Applications are now being accepted for the following courses.

‘Introduction to Radio’- a one day taster course on the radio business: 27th May 2011 and 28th October 2011.

‘Pod-castic’ - is an introduction for beginners to the world of podcasting. If you have a computer at home, in two days we can have you pod-casting to the whole planet: 11th & 12th July 2011.

Download application forms from radioskills.org.uk, phone 01463 224433, or email radioskills@mfr.co.uk is coming back! www.monsterfm.co.uk

ica • www.whatsoninverness.com

CITY OF INVERNESS 54 HOLE OPEN @ Inverness Golf Clubs, Fri 27-Sun 29 May With the last day of the US Masters having staked a claim for being one of the most gripping sporting events of recent years and excitement building about the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart in July, golf is getting good again. There ll be plenty of entrants hoping not to fall apart quite as spectacularly as poor Rory McIlroy in this event taking place at Torvean Golf Club (27), Inverness Golf Club (28) and Loch Ness Golf Club (29). Entry forms from iv54holeopen@live.co.uk

RUN !!!

Plenty of opportunities to pound the Great Outdoors this month with running events aplenty. Here’s the best of the bunch:

BENROMACH 10K @ Benromach Distillery, Forres, Sat 07 May, 2.30pm

Part of the Northern Scot series, this takes place on a flat course starting and beginning at the distillery. For more details and registration go to forresharriers.org.uk

CULBIN FOREST RUN, Wed 18 May

This is the 13th staging of the Culbin Forest Run ‒ a 5-mile trail run in one of Scotland s finest forests. This race first came about in 1999 when the villagers of Dyke were raising money to build the new village hall that was eventually opened in 2001. The first run was such a success that within 3 years, two other village halls, and more recently Forres Guides, came together to help stage the Moray Forest Runs Series, with other races taking place at Roseisle, Quarrelwood and Monaughty. The series has gone from strength to strength, adding junior races and establishing itself as an important community fund raiser as well as an enjoyable festival of trail running for all ages. Registration will be open from 6 pm. The Under 12s race will start at 6.45pm.The Under 16s race will start alongside the 5-mile race at 7.15pm. The flat-rate entry fee is £4 which you can pay online at www.fabian4.co.uk. Cheques for any postal entries should be made payable to Dyke & District Hall and you can also pay cash on the day. There is no additional levy for unattached runners. forresharriers.org.uk

WHOLE HOG RUN @ Glenside Farm, Balfron, Sat 21 May

Now in its third year, the Marie Curie Whole Hog is a half day cross country run with a twist, combining an adventure assault course with the challenging environment and wild terrain of the Scottish countryside. Set against the backdrop of some of the region s most beautiful scenery, this innovative event finishes in grand style with a hog roast party, hence the name.

It s a six mile course involving scrambling up waterfalls and, inevitably, getting muddy, but should make for much team bonding. And of course it s in a very good cause. Participants must be aged 18. An outdoor clothing kit list will be provided upon booking. For entry forms ring the events team on 08700 340 040 or go to mariecurie.org.uk/wholehogbalfron

BEN AIGAN HILL RACE @ Fiddich Park, Craigellachie, Wed 25 May

If you want something a bit more challenging than flat roads then how about a bit of hill racing? This is a 6.4K run with a climb of 326m. Just the thing for working those hamstrings. scottishhillracing.co.uk

HIGHLANDS, ISLANDS & GRAMPIAN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS @ Queens Park, Inverness, Sat 28 May, 9am The regional champs and lots of opportunities for Chariots Of Fire moments.

ELGIN STREET MARATHON @ Elgin City Centre, Sun 05 Jun

The eleventh Street Marathon that they re calling the Marafun . Do you see what they ve done there? And you don t have to run the whole 26 miles because it s a relay event for teams of five. Each runner does eight circuits (5.2 miles) and runners of all abilities are welcome. Each team is asked to pledge £150. The afternoon will also feature stalls, displays, musical entertainment, new and classic cars and the popular show and shine event , which sounds intriguing. elginrotary.co.uk

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SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL @ Fort William. Three hundred riders come from round the world for the centenary of the SSDT, ssdt.org.

Sat 14 May

PBW WRESTLING @ The Ironworks, 6.30pm. The best wrestling talent in Europe. 0871 789 4173 Shinty CO-OPERATIVE MACTAVISH CUP SEMI FINALS full match listings at shinty.com BALLIEMORE CUP QUARTER FINALS full match listings at: shinty.com

Football COVE RANGERS V FORMARTINE UNITED TURRIFF UNITED V DEVERONVALE

Sat 07 May

Athletics BENROMACH FORRES 10K @ Forres, 2.30pm.

Forresharriers.org.uk.

GLENURQUHART V GLENORCHY CABERFEIDH V LOCHCARRON FORT WILLIAM V NEWTONMORE GLENURQUHART V GLENGARRY LOCHABER V KINGUSSIE LOVAT V SKYE ABERDEEN UNI V INVERNESS STRATHGLASS V BEAULY BOLESKINE V LOCHCARRON

Sun 15 May

Mon 16 May

Athletics HIGHLANDS, ISLANDS & GRAMPIAN REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS @ Queens Park, Inverness. Scottishathletics.org.uk

ARBROATH V ELGIN

Wed 18 May

FORT WILLIAM V NEWTONMORE KINGUSSIE V INVERARAY OBAN CAMANACHD V LOVAT

Sun 08 May

Athletics RACE FOR LIFE @ Bught Park, 1pm.

5K run. Join the girls in Inverness and walk, jog or run to help beat cancer.Tesco and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is a great day out, packed with inspiring memories and amazing moments to share with your family and friends.

Enter now and raise money for our groundbreaking work that has saved millions of lives. Cancer Research UK is entirely funded by the public and we need your support to continue to make progress and give hope to people affected by cancer.

Mon 09 May

Football KEITH V COVE RANGERS @ Keith.

Thu 12 May

CITY OF INVERNESS 54 HOLE OPEN @ Inverness Golf Clubs. 27th Torvean Golf Club 28th Inverness Golf Club 29th Loch Ness Golf Club Entry forms can be obtained by emailing iv54holeopen@live.co.uk.

Sat 28 May

Football ROSS COUNTY V COWDENBEATH

SCOTTISH HYDRO CAMANACHD CUP 1ST ROUND, full fixtures: shinty.com.

Fri 27 May

Athletics SCOTTISH YOUNG ATHLETES LEAGUE @ Inverness Scottishathletics.org.uk Football HUNTLY V COVE RANGERS

Shinty KYLES ATHLETIC V KILMALLIE OBAN CAMANACHD V LOVAT INVERNESS V TAYNUIL KILMORY V LOCHCARRON KINLOCHSHIEL V BEAULY

Shinty KINLOCHSHIEL V NEWTONMORE GLENURQUHART V KINGUSSIE LOVAT V FORT WILLIAM STRATHGLASS / FORT WILLIAM V KINLOCHSHIEL LOVAT V LOCHCARRON NEWTONMORE V INVERNESS LOCHABER / KILMALLIE V CABERFEIDH BOLESKINE V SKYE CAMANACHD GLENGARRY V BEAULY LOCHBROOM V KINGUSSIE GLENURQUHART V ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BEAULY V STRATHGLASS INVERNESS V SKYE

Athletics CULBIN FOREST RUN @ Culbin Forest, Near Forres. The first race in the 2011 Moray Forest Runs Series Welcome to the 13th staging of the Culbin Forest Run – a 5-mile trail run in one of Scotland’s finest forests.

Sat 21 May

Outdoor 10 UNDER THE BEN @ Fort William.

Now in its 7th year it’s a must do for all mountain bike enthusiasts. A 10 hour endurance event for individuals and teams.

WHOLE HOG CHALLENGE @ Balfron. Half day cross country run with a twist, combining an adventure assault course with the challenging environment and wild terrain of the Scottish countryside. finishes in grand style with a hog roast party. mariecurie.org.uk/wholehogbalfron.

NAVIGATION FOR NUMPTIES @ Near Fort Augustus, 12am.

Orienteering afternoon. For more info:: 01320 366633.

CITY OF INVERNESS 54 HOLE OPEN @ Inverness Golf Clubs

Walking NAVIGATION FOR NUMPTIES @ Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, 12am.

Hillwalk. For more information, contact the Great Glen Way Rangers on tel: 01320 366633, e-mail the Rangers at greatglenway@highland.gov.uk.

Shinty GLENORCHY V NEWTONMORE KILMALLIE V LOVAT KINGUSSIE V KYLES ATHLETIC OBAN CAMANACHD V GLENURQUHART CABERFEIDH V SKYE LOCHABER V LOCHCARRON STRATHGLASS V BEAULY LOCHABER V LOVAT BOLESKINE V ARDNAMURCHAN LOCHBROOM V BEAULY

Sun 29 May

CITY OF INVERNESS 54 HOLE OPEN @ Inverness Golf Clubs.

27th Torvean Golf Club 28th Inverness Golf Club 29th Loch Ness Golf Club Entry forms can be obtained by emailing iv54holeopen@live.co.uk.

SPORT

Mon 02 May

Sun 05 Jun

Athletics ELGIN ROTARY CLUB’S 11TH AND ORIGINAL CITY CENTRE RELAY MARATHON RACE @ Elgin. City centre relay “Marafun” in aid of charity. elginrotary.co.uk

Athletics CHALLENGE 66 @ Bught Park.

Andy McMenemy is aiming to run a world record 66 ultra-marathons on 66 consecutive days for charity. Get along to support him. challenge66.org

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ica • www.whatsoninverness.com DOM JOLY: Welcome To Wherever I Am @ Eden Court Empire, Fri 13 May “I’M ON THE PHONE!!!” Wonder if that’ll be Joly’s obituary? Perhaps carved on a tombstone shaped like a giant mobile phone. It seems like a lifetime ago when he first unleashed his prankster persona onto the small screen with Trigger Happy TV, though much of it still tickles.

Since then he’s popped up all over the place, from travelogues to reality shows and now he’s taking to the stage to recount some of his adventures. We’re promised some most peculiar holiday snaps as well as accounts of being arrested in Switzerland while dressed as a yeti, discovering he went to school with Osama Bin Laden and of course, what it was really like in the jungle with Gillian McKeith (shudders). www.eden-court.co.uk

JENNY ECLAIR: Old Dog New Tricks @ Ironworks, Thu 26 May Rearranged from last year, this is a chance for Eclair to show why once upon a time she was one of the groundbreaking breed of young female comedians, picking up a Perrier award and inspiring a whole bunch of women to take to the stage in her wake. More recently she’s rather languished in her role as spokesperson for Grumpy Old Women on the TV show of the same name, but hopefully she’ll revisit the sparky persona that shaped her. www.ironworksvenue.com

RICHARD HERRING: Christ On A Bike - The Second Coming @ Ironworks, Sun 08 May Erstwhile partner of the peerless Stewart Lee, Richard Herring is equally unafraid to take on the more intriguing subjects in his comedy. Having previously investigated the iconic nature of Hitler’s moustache and why it got snatched from Charlie Chaplin, he’s now looking at the notion of Christianity and his own alarming, er, affinity with the messiah. He’ll also be posing the big questions along the way like, “Why did Jesus always call Simon ‘Peter’? Is it like the way

Trigger always calling Rodney ‘Dave’?” . Tremendous.

CRAIG HILL: Why Don’t You Come Down The Front? @ Eden Court OneTouch, Fri 03 Jun A regular visitor to Inverness and, as the title of the show suggests, not averse to a bit of the old double entendre. It’s surprising how such an approach allows a performer to get away with far more outrageous remarks than more straight-ahead shock comics, particularly when wrapped up, as is the case with Craig Hill, in a cheekily engaging persona. There’ll be plenty of fans out in force so book your ticket now. www.eden-court.co.uk

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MILTON JONES:

COMEDY

Lion Whisperer @ Eden Court Empire, Sat 21 May Up until fairly recently Milton Jones was something of a secret pleasure for those who’d caught his quietly surreal Radio 4 show (imagine Harry Hill meeting Spike Milligan) or chanced upon a live performance. In the last few months however he seems to have popped up increasingly regularly on everything from Mock The Week to the Comedy

Roadshow. Which, we guess, means he’ll be touring the stadia soon, so now’s the best time to catch a gloriously unhinged imagination while he can still see the whites of your eyes. Wholeheartedly recommended.

We asked Mr Jones to tell us more about his place in the whole comedy lark.

Here’s what he said.

What’s it like in the bear pit of Mock The Week? Ruthlessly competitive? Yes. It’s like shaking hands before the start of a race There never seem to have been so many outlets on TV for comedians as there are now. Do you think there’s a danger that it can breed laziness?

No, every time we go back on the circuit we can feel the competition from other comics What first inspired you to want to make people laugh?

Not being good at anything else

We’ve always loved your Radio 4 series which seems to nod at the likes of Round The Horne and the like. Was that golden age of radio comedy a defining influence?

More of a Goon man myself. But comedy slowly moves on like a glacier.

THEATRE

Can you remember your first gig?

Yes, I threw pizzas at the audience and then ran away

Who makes you laugh these days? The Simpsons What can we expect from your show? You won’t learn anything. It’s stupid, stupid, stupid.

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ica • www.whatsoninverness.com COMEDY:

DINNERLADIES SECOND HELPINGS @ Eden Court Empire, Mon 30 May Victoria Wood’s unashamedly old fashioned sitcom set among the world of dinner ladies was as well-written as you’d expect from a women with a fine ear for the absurdities of everyday conversational interaction matched only perhaps by Alan Bennett. And it featured some splendid, charming performances from its ensemble cast, gathering a cult following and perhaps creating a space for more recent hits like “Miranda”. Now it’s transferred to the stage with a new cast, though Andrew Dunn will be reprising his TV role. Wood herself is, alas, absent, but the strength of her writing should shine through.

THEATRE

I’M A SHAKESPEARIAN CHARACTER GET ME OUT OF HERE @ Glen Urquhart Public Hall, Thu 02 Jun Charioteer Theatre was founded in 2004, and is based in Morayshire, where it puts on regular acting courses for both professional and potential actors, as well as community and audience involvement. The accent is on the process as much as the end result, making for invariably interesting productions. This one finds Prospero having kidnapped all Shakespeare’s characters, keeping them on his island and giving them all the satisfactions they need. But not all of them are happy. Hamlet, Lady Macbeth and Puck decide to escape and get back to the real world. Prospero gives them a chance, via a game show, to justify their existence, making for a most unusual take on the Bard.

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It’s directed and written by Laura Pasetti. www.charioteertheatre.co.uk

E R U

H C O

EROUT

M

S

UM

BRNOW!OR

UP OAD Y CK NL OP I P W C DO OUR Y

ica • www.whatsoninverness.com 7734 @ Eden Court, Tue 17 May One of the most creative groups around, Jasmin Vardimon Company was founded in London in 1997 and has risen to become a significant element within the British dance theatre scene. The company is dedicated to the choreography of Artistic Director, JASMIN VARDIMON – Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells since 2006 and last visited Eden Court in 2008 with the well-received Yesterday.

Renowned for her uniquely theatrical choreographic and directorial style combining physical theatre, quirky characterisation, innovative technologies, text and dance, Vardimon accentuates her work with an acute observation of human behaviour. With sharp instincts and provocative daring, she has developed an individual choreographic voice, distinguished by her beautifully detailed movement, insightful humour and

50

DRAMA engaging drama. The company’s works manage to balance social relevance with not just passion and skill, but also accessibility, something that many equally ambitious companies often seem to ignore.

This is a gutsy piece about man’s inhumanity to man and how it never ceases to stun each generation. In 7734 the company question the human forces and weaknesses that have manufactured hell on earth, whilst illuminating both “our capacity for survival and the poetry of hope”.

Combining stylish choreography and video with text, music and spectacular performances by a nine-strong company of international performers. 7734 features a specially commissioned script by Soho Theatre’s Pamela Carter. And why 7734? Look at the title upside down for the only clue you need.

THEATRE

Catch a preview at http://tinyurl.com/69enf3s www.eden-court.co.uk

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ica • www.whatsoninverness.com SIX BLACK CANDLES @ Eden Court Empire Tue 10 & Wed 11 May Des Dillon just can’t keep away from Eden Court. Not content with his own solo appearances, he’s also seen his tremendous “Singing I’m No’ A Billy He’s A Tim” staged several times and now it’s the turn of one of his earlier works to get a welcome revival. Six Black Candles was first performed at the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh in 2004, but hasn’t been staged in Scotland since. Not that it hasn’t been a success though as it’s proved an unlikely hit in the Ukraine, showing (in translation by the son of an oligarch) twice monthly in Kiev for years.

Dillon has said that he thinks of himself as the Bruce Springsteen of writers, fascinated by “white trash” characters and their situations, using simple language and powerful images. That might be to understate the force of his works, but they’re certainly accessible to all. So what’s Six Black Candles all about?

“Six sisters, their Maw and their Granny gather to take revenge on Caroline’s wayward husband. Six black candles, one black affronted Maw, two gallons of vodka, one crazy old Irish Granny, a pile of burning boxer shorts, barrels of bickering, a hit man, a pentangle and a frozen head in the fridge. Enter one adulterous husband and one unsuspecting Catholic Priest.”

And he knows exactly who it’s going to appeal to.

“A play for hen nights? Totally. Men get it in the neck, and women leave with big smiles on their faces.”

Set in present day Coatbridge against a backdrop of superstition, witchcraft and venomous sisterhood, it’s a fine piece of storytelling and should ensure loads more members of the growing Des Dillon Fanclub. www.eden-court.co.uk

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ART DRAMA KING OF SCOTLAND @ Eden Court OneTouch, Fri 27 & Sat 28 May Another regular visitor to Inverness is JONATHAN WATSON (pic) of “Only An Excuse” fame. And he’s back again in the second production from new company Glasgow Actors, who debuted with Julie Tsang’s play

“Like This...” It’s written and directed by Iain Heggie, the writer of Wholly Healthy Glasgow, American Bagpipes, the Sex Comedies and recently the hugely successful

Tobacco Merchant’s Lawyer. His previous directing credits at the Tron are Martin McDonough’s Beauty

Queen Of Leenane and his own adaptation of Charles Bukowski’s Hollywood.

When “King Of Scotland” was first written it picked up a well deserved Fringe First award and it’s been updated to tie in with the Scottish elections. It tells the tale of long term unemployed Tommy McMillan (Watson), who joins a government funded retraining scheme ‘Up The Ladder’. Cited as a shining example of the government’s employment policies and chosen for a media profile, Tommy is taken on by The Department of Upward Mobility. The department gets more than they bargained for when they discover just how far up the ladder Tommy is expecting to go. Featuring trouserless bankers, talking dogs, flying taxis and a razor-sharp parody of the workings of the Scottish politics this looks like being not only hugely entertaining, but also

THE WORLD’S W IFE @ James Milne In stitu

Thistle Bee Thea

te, Findhorn Villa ge, Fri 20 May, 7.

30

tre Company pres

pm

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Info and reservati ons: 07969 0179 77 / 07585 448748 www.thistlebee @hotmail.co.uk

THEATRE

elegantly relevant. eden-court.co.uk

53

ica • www.whatsoninverness.com MUSICAL THEATRE Scottish Opera: RIGOLETTO @ Eden Court Empire, Thu 09 & Sat 11 Jun There can’t be a whole heap of shows starring a hunch-backed jester, but such is the role of Rigoletto, title character of Verdi’s extraordinary operatic take on Victor Hugo’s play. Set in the court of the Duke Of Mantua, it’s a richly tangled story of intrigue, paternal failings and troubled love affairs. As you’d expect from Scottish Opera this UK premiere promises to be one of the year’s most exciting productions, with a host of big names involved. Director Matthew Richardson is at the helm and English baritone Eddie Wade takes on the role of Rigoletto. Edgaras Montvidas, (Nemorino in the recent production of The Elixir of Love) sings the role of the Duke while Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Nadine Livingston brings a fresh innocence to the role of Gilda.

Tobias Ringborg, well known to Scottish Opera audiences from 2009’s Cosi fan tutte, conducts.

Although it’s sung in Italian with English surtitles, there still might be some who are a bit wary of the opera experience, so it might be worth taking advantage of the excellent Rigoletto Unwrapped, a free hour-long taster introducing the characters, plot and some key scenes from the production, as well as letting you in on some of the theatrical secrets behind the show. Featuring the orchestra of Scottish Opera, singers and back-stage crew.

Contact the box office to book tickets. www.eden-court.co.uk

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY @ Eden Court Empire, Tue 24 May

THEATRE

54

Well, Lindsey Corkhill’s come a long way from Brookie hasn’t she? Actress CLAIRE SWEENEY got her acting chops in the Scouse cul-de-sac that had a higher per capita murder rate than Midsomer, but has since carved a career as an all round musical entertainer, much in the mould of the person for whom this piece was first created, Marti Webb. The lead role has in the past been taken by the likes of Elaine Paige, Sarah Brightman and Denise Van Outen and now it’s Sweeney’s chance to front the tale that charts the romantic misadventures of a young English girl newly arrived in New York. Brimming with optimism, she seeks success, companionship and, of course, love. But as she weaves her way through the maze of the city and her own anxieties, frustrations and heartaches she begins to wonder whether - in fact - she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places. www. eden-court.co.uk

Other GORDON SMITH @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. Gordon Smith has published 9 books on spiritualism and counselling and has numerous TV appearances to his credit. 01463 234 234

THU 05 MAY

FRI 20 MAY

Drama SCDA - FESTIVAL OF ONE-ACT PLAYS @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm. Festival of one-act plays. 01463 234 234

FRI 06 MAY

SCDA - FESTIVAL OF ONE-ACT PLAYS @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm. Festival of one-act plays. 01463 234 234 LOCKERBIE: UNFINISHED BUSINESS @ Eden Court One Touch, 8pm. After Lockerbie, grieving father Jim Swire found his faith in his country’s legal system shattered. His full shocking story is told in this Fringe First awardwinning production. 01463 234 234

SAT 07 MAY

SCDA - FESTIVAL OF ONE-ACT PLAYS @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm. Festival of one-act plays. 01463 234 234 Musical/Opera A LITTLE BIT OF RIGOLETTO @ Imag, 11am, 1pm. See Preview P52.

Other HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. The Inverness Festival Association present highlights from this year’s Inverness Music Festival as a tribute to the breadth of talent we have on display in the Highlands. 01463 234 234

SUN 08 MAY

Comedy RICHARD HERRING - CHRIST ON A BIKE: THE SECOND COMING @ The Ironworks, 7.30pm. See Preview P42 Musical/Opera ITALIAN SERENADE: SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA @ Eden Court Empire, 7.15pm, 8pm. Playing a pair of ideas off against each other can achieve as satisfying a musical menu as you could wish for. 01463 234 234

TUE 10 MAY

Drama SIX BLACK CANDLES @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm. See Preview P48-49.

WED 11 MAY

SIX BLACK CANDLES @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm. See Preview P48-49.

FRI 13 MAY

Comedy DOM JOLY “WELCOME TO WHEREVER I AM” @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. See Preview P42.

TUE 17 MAY

Drama THE WORLD’S WIFE @ James Milne Institute, Findhorn Village, 7.30pm.

See Preview P52 Musical/Opera St Kilda Tapes@ Strathpeffer Pavilion, 8pm. Multi media creation based around the haunting St Kilda. 24-hour ticket hotline 08444 771000.

TELL ME ON A SUNDAY @ Eden Court Empire, 2pm, 8pm. See Preview P52.

MON 30 MAY

Drama DINNERLADIES: SECOND HELPINGS @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. See Preview P44

TUE 31 MAY

DINNERLADIES: SECOND HELPINGS @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm.

WED 01 JUN

DINNERLADIES: SECOND HELPINGS @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm.

SAT 21 MAY

THU 02 JUN

TUE 24 MAY

Comedy CRAIG HILL - WHY DON’T YOU COME DOWN THE FRONT? @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. See Preview P42

Musical/Opera TELL ME ON A SUNDAY @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. See Preview P52

SAT 04 JUN

Comedy MILTON JONES ‘LION WHISPERER’ @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. See Preview P43.

Drama/Kids ONE LITTLE WORD @ Eden Court One Touch, 4pm. See Preview P15

WED 25 MAY

Drama/Kids ONE LITTLE WORD @ Eden Court One Touch, 10.30am, 1pm. See Preview P15

I’M A SHAKESPEAREAN CHARACTER, GET ME OUT OF HERE! @ Glen Urquhart Public Hall. See Preview P44

FRI 03 JUN

Drama/Kids THOMAS AND FRIENDS LIVE ON STAGE: A CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN @ Eden Court Empire, 11am, 2pm, 5pm. See Preview P15

SUN 05 JUN

Musical/Opera TELL ME ON A SUNDAY @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. See Preview P52

THOMAS AND FRIENDS LIVE ON STAGE: A CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN @ Eden Court Empire, 11am. See Preview P15

THU 26 MAY

MON 06 JUN

Comedy JENNY ECLAIR - OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS @ The Ironworks, 7pm. See Preview P42 Musical/Opera TELL ME ON A SUNDAY @ Eden Court Empire, 2pm, 8pm. See Preview P52

FRI 27 MAY

Comedy STAND OUT STAND-UP @ Ceolmor. While the line up is still to be confirmed, Inverness’s new regular stand up comedy night goes from strength to strength. Headliners so far have included Vladimir McTavish, Chris Forbes and John GavinTickets £5 on the door or £4 in advance, contact the venue for details.

Drama KING OF SCOTLAND @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. See Preview P48 Musical/Opera TELL ME ON A SUNDAY @ Eden Court Empire, 8pm. See Preview P52.

SAT 28 MAY

Dance/Contempoary 7734 @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm.

See Preview P46-P47.

Drama KING OF SCOTLAND @ Eden Court One Touch, 7.30pm. See Preview P48.

WED 18 MAY

Musical/Opera

Drama THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN @ Eden Court Empire, 7pm. See Preview P15

THU 09 JUN

Musical/Opera RIGOLETTO @ Eden Court Empire, 7.15pm. See Preview P52

THEATRE

WED 04 MAY

Musical/Opera DIE FLEDERMAUS @ Eden Court Empire, 7.30pm. Strauss. 01463 234 234

FRI 10 JUN

Drama/Kids CLOCKWORK @ Eden Court One Touch, 1.30pm, 7.15pm. ClockworkAn adaptation of an original work by Philip Pullman. A Visible Fictions and Scottish Opera Co-production Imagine starting to tell a story but not knowing how it will end. 01463 234 234 Musical/Opera RIGOLETTO @ Eden Court Empire, 6pm. See Preview P52

GOT SOME KIND OF THEATRE EVENT GOING ON? LET 110,000+ HOUSES KNOW FOR FREE! LISTINGS@ICANOW.COM

1EATING OUT:

The Review: IN THE PARK* LOCH NESS ROAD INVERNESS 01463 230512 Way back in January I predicted the return of the High Tea. With its traditions of dainty food, manners and quaintness, it can be more of an art form than a meal.

Anyway, after much research (in the form of eating) and investigation, I discovered that what I had always called a ‘posh’ high tea was in fact a working class tradition of a fairly heavy meal served after 5pm at a high table. So the meal I was thinking of, with cucumber sandwiches, fine china and French fancies, was in fact a low tea or just plain old afternoon tea, typically served on a low table in the mid afternoon and thought to be invented by the Duchess of Bedford in the mid 1800’s to stave off that ‘sinking feeling’

between meals – I believe she was rather a large lady...

So what has all of this afternoon tea nonsense got to do with my lunchtime review?

Well, I’ll tell you. As part of my research into the whole ‘high tea’ revival I happened upon a rather fantastic tea here at the *LOCH NESS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL and it really was a rather stand out, splendid affair. I thought people who can do such a spiffing job in the mid afternoon would surely be worth investigating earlier or later in the day. So that is what led me to their door – nestled as it is, quietly and elegantly, in it’s own secluded setting with lush lawns and sprawling country views – for lunch. You would be hard pushed to know you were just yards from the busy A82 and a minute’s drive from the city. Since changing hands (and name, from Dunain

Park Hotel) the interior has been beautifully transformed with the best combination of modern and classic. So, all the omens were good.

The lunch time menu offers 2 courses for £9.95 or 3 courses for £12.95. Being tied to a lunchtime menu was not a problem as the choices were varied and interesting. Let me therefore, finally, get to the food. Firstly we were served with Fresh Baked Sun Dried Tomato Bread, served not only with butter but also a Sun Dried Tomato and Olive Tapenade – a nice touch and very more-ish. Starters for me was a Pistachio Crusted Crottin of Goats Cheese sitting on a bed of Beetroot Pannacotta and a Red Pepper Couli, which was a superb and original affair. The goats cheese, was firm, rich and creamy, very fresh in flavour.

Presentation was exceptional,

57

ica restaurant directory

| FREE LISTING | YELLOW HIGHLIGHT from £10 | BLUE BOX from £25 01463 715125

ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 223777 AL RAJ INDIAN RESTAURANT (Nairn) . . 01667 455370 ANDERSONS (Boat of Garten) . . . . . 01479 258033 ANDERSON (Fortrose) . . . . . . . . . 01381 620236 ASH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 231926 ASPENDOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 711950 AULD DISTILLERY RESTAURANT & BAR 01463 717637 AURORA HOTEL (Nairn) . . . . . . . . . 01667 453551 BEAUFORT HOTEL . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 210959 BEAULY TANDOORI . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782221 BELLA ITALIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 230138 BEN MHOR HOTEL (Grantown OS) . . . 01479 873537 BLACKFRIARS HIGHLAND PUB . . . . . 01463 233881 BOGBAIN BISTRO . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 772800 BREWERS FAYRE . . . . . . . . . . . . 08701 977142 BROCKIES LODGE (Nr Beauly) . . . . . 01463 741257 BUNCHREW HOUSE HOTEL . . . . . . 01463 234917 CAFÉ 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 226200 CAFÉ INDIA (Dingwall) . . . . . . . . . 01349 862552 CAIRN RESTAURANT (Grantown OS) . . 01479 872286 CAWDOR TAVERN . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 258056 CHIEFTAIN HOTEL . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232241 CINNAMON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 716020 CLACHNAHARRY INN . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239806 CLASSROOM (Nairn) . . . . . . . . . . 01667 455999 CONTRAST BRASSERIE . . . . . . . . 01463 227889 CORNER GRILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 226767 CHAPTER ONE (Forres) . . . . . . . . . 01309 671682 COTTAGE BAR & REST. (Maryburgh) . . 01349 861230 CRAGGAN MILL (Grantown OS) . . . . . 01479 872288 CROFTERS CAFÉ BAR (Fortrose) . . . . 01381 620844 CROFT RESTAURANT (Dingwall) . . . . . 01349 864161 CULLODEN HOUSE HOTEL . . . . . . . 01463 790461 CULLODEN MOOR INN . . . . . . . . . 01463 790022 DINGS (DINGWALL) . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 861381 DORES INN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 715203 DORNOCH INN . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01862 810376 DORNOCH HOTEL . . . . . . . . . . . 01862 810216 DOWS DINER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 719960 DRAGON PEARL (Nairn) . . . . . . . . . 01667 454158

DUNAIN PARK HOTEL . . . . . . . . . .

DRUMOSSIE HOTEL . . . . . . . . . .

EDEN COURT RESTAURANT . . . . . .

EILEAN DUBH (Fortrose) . . . . . . . .

FAIRWAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FIDDLERS (Drumnadrochit) . . . . . . .

FILLING STATION . . . . . . . . . . . .

GATHERING PLACE . . . . . . . . . . .

GELLIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GIRVANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GLENURQUHART HOUSE HOT’L (Drum) GREEN’S (Tain) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HAVELOCK INN (Nairn) . . . . . . . . .

HEATHMOUNT HOTEL . . . . . . . . .

HIGHLAND PALACE (Nairn) . . . . . . .

INDIAN OCEAN RESTAURANT . . . . . .

JIMMY CHUNG’S . . . . . . . . . . . .

JAIPUR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

JOHN MACNAB’S . . . . . . . . . . . .

JOHNNY FOXES . . . . . . . . . . . .

JOY OF TASTE . . . . . . . . . . . . .

KANISHA INDIAN CUISINE (Tain) . . . .

KIST (Nairn) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

THE KITCHEN . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LANNA THAI . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LA TAVERNA RISTORANTE (Aviemore) . .

LA TORTILLA ASESSINA . . . . . . . .

LITTLE ITALY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOCH NESS LODGE (Brackla) . . . . . .

LORIMERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAMBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MANILA CAFÉ & REST. (Alness) . . . . .

MAPLE COURT HOTEL . . . . . . . . .

MUSTARD SEED . . . . . . . . . . . .

NAIRN TANDOORI . . . . . . . . . . .

NICO’S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NUMBER 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NORTH KESSOCK HOTEL . . . . . . . .

OAKWOOD RESTAURANT . . . . . . . .

OLD NORTH INN . . . . . . . . . . . .

RefleXions

at The Waterside

A River View from Every Seat!

Reflect - Reflections - Savour

Great Food & Friendly Service

Exciting New A La Carte Menu Something for Everyone

Served Daily from Noon - 9pm Prepared & Cooked Entirely from Fresh Local Produce

Outstanding Value Special 2 Course Lunch - only £6.95 Traditional High Tea - £9.95

Sunday Carvery from £8.95

with Hog Roast on first Sunday of month Also Daily: Quality Coffee - Home Baking - Snacks Meals Served Outside (weather permitting) Weddings, Funerals & Private Party Facilities

The Waterside Hotel

19 Ness Bank, Inverness. Tel 233065

www.thewatersideinverness.co.uk

01463 230512 0844 8799017 01463 732688 01381 620690 01463 212323 01456 450678 01463 663360 01463 713244 01463 233648 01463 711900 01456 476234 01862 894433 01667 455500 01463 235877 01667 454211 01463 237755 01463 237878 01463 232914 01463 231391 01463 236577 01463 241459 01862 893003 01667 459412 01463 259119 01463 226644 01479 810683 01463 709809 01463 712963 01456 491181 01463 712102 01463 243342 01349 884800 01463 230330 01463 220220 01667 456293 01463 234308 01463 241999 01463 731661 01463 212200 01463 831296

ORIENTAL STAR . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712715 OYSTERCATCHER (Portmahomack) . . . 01862 871560 PALACE HOTEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 223243 PIZZA EXPRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 709700 PIZZA HUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 223344 THE PRIORY HOTEL (Beauly) . . . . . . 01463 782309 RAJAH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 237190 RAJ TANDOORI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 615041 RAMADA ENCORE . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 228850 RAMADA JARVIS . . . . . . . . . . . . 0845 8159006 REDCLIFFE HOTEL . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232767 RED POPPY @ Strathpeffer Pavilion . . . 01997 258002 RIVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 237377 RIVER CAFÉ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 714884 RIVERHOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 222033 ROCPOOL RESTAURANT . . . . . . . . 01463 717274 ROCPOOL RESERVE . . . . . . . . . . 01463 240089 THE ROOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233077 ROO’S LEAP (Aviemore) . . . . . . . . 01479 811161 ROYAL BENGAL (Nairn) . . . . . . . . . 01667 454442 ROYAL TANDOORI (Aviemore) . . . . . . 01479 784017 SAMS INDIAN CUISINE . . . . . . . . . 01463 615023 SHIREEN INDIAN CUISINE . . . . . . . 01463 230752 SKI-ING DOO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01479 810392 SNOWGOOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 701921 SPICE OF INDIA (Aviemore) . . . . . . . 01479 811964 SPICE TANDOORI . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 241919 STATION HOTEL (Fortrose) . . . . . . . 01381 620246 STOREHOUSE (Nr Evanton) . . . . . . . 01349 830038 SUTOR CREEK (Cromarty) . . . . . . . 01381 600855 TEANNINICH CASTLE HOTEL (Alness) . . 01349 806594 TIME OUT (Forres) . . . . . . . . . . . 01309 672425 TOMATIN COUNTRY INN . . . . . . . . 01808 511291 WATERFRONT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233870 WATERSIDE HOTEL . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233065 WHITE COTTAGE TEAROOMS . . . . . . 01463 731047 ZIZZI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 237735 <<<<< SAY YOU SAW IT IN ICA !!! >>>>>

More Readers = Better Results Why not advertise in the North’s best read food section?

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GREAT VALUE LUNCH MENU fRoM £6.55 Available Monday – friday, 11am – 5pm

8-10 Academy Street, INVERNESS IV1 1JT Tel: 01463 663 360 follow us on

as I hope you can tell from the pictures. A dash of avocado & mint couli, 3 drips of a sensational beetroot couli and a sweep of red pepper couli.

It looked more like an artists palette than a plate of food.

I was reluctant to spoil it but alas, the aroma was so darned good I just had to - and I was duly rewarded as each little splash and dash added to the overall effectiveness of the taste of this dish. The beetroot pannacotta was an absolute first for me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and I declared myself knocked out.

My dining companion chose a more subdued Homemade Courgette And Lemon Soup which was obviously more of a one dimensional dish but also one full of flavour. I was sceptical at first that courgette

60

could provide anything other than a rather watery bland soup but this one was full bodied with layers of taste.

The lemon added a fresh, light feel that countered the subtle courgette. Also on the starters menu was a choice of either a duck or salmon dish.

My main course was Butternut Squash, Pine Nut & Basil Pithivier (a round, enclosed pie) with a Rich Butter Puff Pastry. This was served with a selection of flash roasted vegetables and a butternut puree. I hardly know where to begin. The puff pastry just melted in the mouth and the fillings complimented it perfectly. Anything with pine nuts is always worth a look in my book and along with the fresh basil, it was a dream. The

vegetables were an interesting selection of carrot, asparagus and artichoke. A dish that kept the interest up right the way through and had me wishing I could eat more of it than my stomach would allow for. Other choices on the mains menu were a chicken dish, scallops, steak or pork.

My partner decided to test the chefs ingenuity (and waiting staffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patience) by asking if they could come up with an additional vegetarian dish.

This they did with aplomb. A Wild Mushroom Risotto was produced and though it is rather a standard vegetarian choice it was raised above the ordinary by the varied selection of fresh mushrooms in the dish and the brilliant herb flavouring. The texture

and consistency were faultless and to have produced it off menu was appreciated.

context was brilliant. This dish also came with a delicate Pistachio Ice Cream.

Last but of course never least, there was the dessert menu to be addressed – but before we could decide on that we were served with a little predessert of Baileys Pannacotta – creamy and delicious and just a little bit exciting.

I couldn’t quite decide on which dessert to have so the very helpful server suggested they do a Taster Dish, where you can have a little bit of every dessert. What an absolutely marvellous idea, eh?

Perfect for me, as I am known for being dissatisfied with my own choice, usually preferring everyone else’s dessert.

In fact, why stop at doing this for desserts, why not life in general? You could be a teacher but also have a little go at being a racing driver and a park keeper. You can be happily married but also have a little go with Johnny Depp or Angelina Jolie. A little bit of everything does you good

My partner decided on the interesting sounding Dark Chocolate and Green Tea Mousse with Wisp Puff Pastry. The velvety smooth mousse came sandwiched in between 2 wafer thin, crisp pastry slices and the sweetness of the chocolate was tempered by the drops of Green Tea mousse which on its own could be a little challenging but in

and all that... However I’m not sure that this outrageous dessert did DO me much good but it blooming well FELT good doing it! I can’t really say anything about it – just look at the picture and decide for yourself. It would be all I would eat for the rest of my life if I could get away with it.

So after this splendiferous lunch I am left with just 3 questions: !) With a lunch this fabulous and at such a great price why is this place not packed to the gills?

2) Why did I not know about it before?; and 3) Why am I telling all of you?

If I can’t get a table there next time, I’ll only have myself to blame.

Total for 2 (exc. drinks) £25.90

61

what we’ve been surfing.. http://multiplexslut.blogspot.com/

Someone on a mission to watch and review every single film at their local multiplex forever. That’s dedication.

rosscountytactics.com

“Tactical analysis of games involving Ross County.”

Not “just hoof it” then?

www.retrombm.com

More football in the form of classic matches from the past recounted in minute-by-minute style.

antigravitybunny.com Interesting blog about strange music.

pollymorgan.co.uk

Taxidermy like you’ve never seen before.

http://www.disrupt.fm/

Word of mouth music sharing through Facebook

awkwardfamilypetphotos .com “Celebrating the special bond between people and their pets”. In a good way.

Offshoot of successful awkwardfamilyphotos.com

www.scaredycatstalker.com/me.html

One woman’s diaries from, like, forever. There’s also a link to her interesting food blog.

eightbit.me http://www.icorrect.com/

Correcting myths and misinformation.

mariusbrill.com/wordpress

New social networking hoo-hah, with avatars in old-school eight bit graphics.

Interesting blog from an admirably odd novelist and satirist.

eightshit.me

www.supperclubfangroup.ning.com

www.ramblingrose.eu

Pop up restaurants from all over the world. None from Inverness. Yet.

tinyurl.com/92xg

Match the countries to the names. It’ll help when the next revolution starts.

And here’s the inevitable, rather good, riposte to the above.

A couple who travel the world house-sitting.

www.mindmyhouse.com

...And here’s where you can go to try house-sitting yourself.

barnabybarford.co.uk

The Banksy of ceramics.

www.fatpaint.com

Free graphic design software.

www.toothpickart.com

Impressive sculptures made from toothpicks.

gameground.com

Save your high scores in games, make a profile and share them with your friends.

62

Want to see all these on your phone?

Simple - just scan this qr code and there they are!

Getting in a right old lava – about bulbs!

by Ken Kelman

It’s the Lava Lamp I fear for, I worry we may have

Back

seen the last of its elegant beauty. I have a giant one,

screw in the lamp

so big it has to stand on the floor - no table could

and

re-assemble

suffice. Lately though it’s has been dark and silent.

Etna,

plug

Well, I suppose technically it’s always been silent, I

in, switch her on

mean you expect them to make a gloopy, squelchy

and nip off to the

noise, but by and large they don’t, not sure why

kitchen

actually, maybe it’s the thickness of the glass, maybe

a

celebratory

it’s squelch-free lava that’s in them - who knows,

coffee

-

far less cares. I merely say it’s been dark and silent

number

because I feel the gravity of the statement calls for

there is no cause

more than one adjective.

for celebration. Coming back into the living room

It’s the bulb, I know that. All that’s needed to get old Etna (show me where it says it’s wrong to have a pet name for your lava lamp) back in to life is a new bulb.

Unfortunately, and bizarrely, because of global warming, it’s not so easy getting the right bulb these days.

home

to

you

her

make mistake

two

-

with your tall skinny, you settle down with a book and await Etna’s first eruption. Maybe an hour into this exercise you start to wonder, but it’s been ages since you used the lamp and you vaguely remember that it takes some time to reach its full potential so you have another coffee and continue reading. Two

Disassembling a lamp such as Etna you’ll see that

hours into the game with the contents of Etna’s

you need a small round bulb with what’s known

glass dome still resembling a lump of purple soap

as a Miniature Edison Screw. That’s fine you think,

suspended in dimly lit bath water and you finally

the DIY shop should have plenty of those and off

concede something’s not right. The bulb may have

you trot, happy that you’ll soon have your little

fitted the screw thread and the space available ..

lunar landscape in a bottle back to soothe you.

and after a short period of intense gloom it even lit

In the emporium you are of course met with a

up just like before, however the new bulb is clearly

bewildering array of bulb-age and typically none

lacking in some necessary function and you know

perfectly match the one you extracted earlier, you

in your heart of hearts that Etna will no more regale

could ask an assistant but that would be admitting

you with her soporific gloopy charm.

do before the battle has even commenced. So you peruse the bulbs, and you continue your perusal for what seems like the best part of an hour, because it actually has been. You begin to think this is silly, I should just ask, when you eye is caught by a little bulb that looks like three curly glass pigs tails intertwined. If memory serves (you should have brought the old bulb with you, but that would have been too sensible) it’s about the size you need, and joy-of-joys it has a Miniature Edison Screw! It’s now that you make your first mistake, you buy the bulb and go home all chuffed with yourself.

They key problem is the whole low-energy nature of your modern light bulb, 8-10 watts being nowhere near hot enough to melt the lava of the lamp. Sure if you hunt around or, horror of horrors, admit defeat and ask an assistant you can get the old-fashioned incandescent bulb you need, but for how long.

Soon such bulbs will be rare and/or inhibitingly expensive and we shall have to say goodbye to the lava lamp for ever. It is my fervent hope that somewhere a team of scientists are racing to

BACK

defeat and that’s not something you’re going to

develop a safe, affordable lamp-lava that melts at far lower temperatures.

KEN

63

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TRY

H

ICA PROPERTY:

HSPC Market Review 2011 - 1st Quarter Buyers remain in a strong position in the Highlands and Islands proper ty market as we end the first quar ter of 2011.

Figures just released show that the Highland Solicitors Proper ty Centre had record numbers of active proper ties on their register during the first three months of this year. The first quar ter

sponsored by HSPC.co.uk

ended with almost a third more proper ties on the market than at the same time last year.

it is fair to assume that, if the conditions are right, they will make their move.

While sales are still being constrained by the financial climate, there are clear signs that interest in the Highland proper ty market is strong and growing.

The HSPC figures show a steady increase in website enquiries, ending the first quar ter 34% ahead of last year.

Turning that high level of interest into sales, however, is still proving difficult due to a lack of confidence about financial prospects and continuing difficulties accessing mor tgages. Fluctuating sales and average prices have been the stor y of the last couple of years, as HSPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statistics have reflected the public mood and availability of finance.

That is a ver y substantial increase and it indicates growing pent-up demand, which is cer tainly a good indicator for the future strength of the Highland proper ty market.

Clearly people are watching what is coming on the market and

hspc.co.uk | 01463 231173 | 30 queensgate inverness

Having risen 2% in 2010, the HSPC figures show the average Highland house price was down 3.67% in the first quar ter of 2011.

Sales were also constrained,

65

H

ICA PROPERTY:

down 8.29% on the first three months of 2010.

The growing interest in the proper ty market is impor tant, because, as soon as confidence returns (especially if the mor tgage supply eases), the interest should be reflected in house sales. Growing demand would also bring an increase in average house prices.

At the end of the first quar ter of 2011, the average house price in the Highlands was £171,838. The average for a flat was £138,250, with a bungalow at £178,683 and a villa averaging £226,917.

Meanwhile, Highland house buyers can enjoy the widest ever choice of proper ties and, with a large

sponsored by HSPC.co.uk

number of proper ties chasing a smaller number of buyers, some prices are competitive.

For house sellers, the current strong interest, is also good news. It may take a return of confidence to bring a substantial upsurge across-the-board, but if those following the market see a proper ty they really want, they are likely to make their move.

So whether you are looking for a flat ideal for first time buyer:

Or a 1 million plus pad like this one:

Woodlands, 15 Island Bank Road Inverness HSPC’s the place to look.

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H

ICA PROPERTY:

sponsored by HSPC.co.uk

Are you looking to Rent a Property Out as a Landlord or Become a Tenant?

In

the current economic climate property rental is a real growth area. With house prices remaining high, uncertainty about financial prospects and tighter mortgage lending, more and more people are looking at renting their homes. This growth has, in turn, produced an opportunity for those who have property to rent, or are seeking an alternative investment for the future.

For those who are looking to rent, the first place to start is to set yourself a manageable budget. How much can you afford per month? (If you are looking at ‘per week’ rental figures remember a month is 4.33 weeks, not four). Remember also to budget for house contents insurance, council tax, utility bills, service charges (if any) and any deposit.

The next step is to research the area you want to live. Is it right for you? What about transport for work, schools, further education, recreation and shops?

The HSPC website www.hspc.co.uk is a great place to start your search. Click on ‘rentals’ on the bar at the top of the page to see a selection of rental properties in the Highlands. You can use the search facility to narrow your search to your chosen area, number of bedrooms and rental price. Once you have found a property, or properties, you can talk to the solicitor firm dealing with the rental property.

Take your time to have a good look at the properties you visit. Do they fit your needs? Ask to see the Home Energy Certificate and look at things like central heating, windows and doors, because your heating bills will be one of your biggest costs. Don’t forget to also check showers and appliances.

If you have a property to rent out, it is equally important that you take advice. Tenants legal rights are considerable, so you should have the lease drawn up professionally.

Your solicitor will guide you through the legal requirements, including the need for an Energy Performance Certificate and registering with your local authority. You may need a House of Multiple Occupancy Licence and gas safety certificate. If you have joint ownership, or a mortgage, you will need permission from the lender.

You will also need to set up rent appraisals, checking references, regular inspections, payment collection, inventories and arrangements for repairs and renewals.

Property rental should also be a beneficial relationship between tenant and landlord. But, like all good working relationships, it needs to be established on a clear understanding of what is expected and required from each party.

hspc.co.uk | 01463 231173 | 30 queensgate inverness

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Making The Most Of You:

Fashion > Tattoos

WOMEN’S PEROGATIVE: Tattoos - From The Margins To The Mainstream from Lisa McGougan at 2 Tone Tattoos

For centuries, the tattoo industry has been dominated by men – for both the “giver” and the “taker”, if you will. Body art has certainly undergone a modern renaissance and some of the best artists in the world are now female.

The whole field of tattoos for women is growing at a tremendous rate. If you think back even 20 years ago tattoos for women were not all that popular and most of the women getting them were keeping them covered up. Nowadays almost 50 percent of all tattoos are being done on women, many of whom are counsellors, nurses, doctors, lawyers and business managers.

Times have definitely changed and tattoo designs have really advanced at a tremendous rate. Today’s tattoos have more brilliant colours, finer line work and are a far cry from your grandfather’s Hawaiian girl tattoo on his forearm. With sexy female celebrities and models sporting tattoos in abundance, women with tattoos are no longer a rarity. Naturally, as tattoos for women are becoming increasingly more prevalent in modern society, they are becoming more socially acceptable as well. >

continued > It used to be that women would get an occasional rose or name tattoos on their shoulder or some well hidden spot.

However with current fashion trends there are tons of cute and classy designs for women out there and women are now getting tattoos at an amazing rate and placing them in far more visible places.

It appears in a lot of cases that women get tattoos when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve experienced some kind of major life change. Those changes can range from the death of a loved one to marriage to childbirth or a new job. Sometimes tattoos are also used to cover up scars and other permanent blemishes So what are the most popular tattoos for women? : Stars, fairies, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s names, flowers and animals. Dolphins were the most popular tattoos for women, in around 2003 but every year demand for a particular tattoo design changes.

And of course it goes without saying; women have a very high tolerance to pain!!!!!!

BALANCING OUR DAILY

A

s we go through life our posture changes.

As children we have perfect posture but as we grow into adulthood most of us become a little round shouldered from sitting behind the steering wheel of a vehicle, using a computer or turning into couch potatoes on the sofa in the evening. This change in posture not only creates aches and pains in our muscles but can make us look older than we actually are.

One of the ways to reduce this is by regular massage.

But there are so many different types of massage - how do you know which one is right for you?

A Swedish body massage corrects posture problems by easing congestion out of the muscles and aligning the body from head to toe, helping us keep that perfect posture and retaining a youthful appearance. A remedial or sports massage can work on those really achey spots in a more focused way, reaching the direct fibres which can be problematic.

An Indian Head Massage can ease tension

STRESSFUL LIVES... which has built up around the shoulders, neck and head and relaxes the facial muscles which always become tense when a person is concentrating or under stress. It can also be very useful for tension headaches and migraines. A natural facial massage will relax the facial muscles and reduce the chances of deep wrinkles forming later on in life and is much more enjoyable than Botox or a surgical face lift. The use of essential oils can allow the massage to be tailored even more to your specific needs with certain oils able to ease emotions which have maybe been building up over a long period of time.

All of these forms of massage will help you relax, have a good night’s sleep and release stress; on a physiological level they can deliver nutrients and remove toxins from our tissues while on a psychological level provide a sense of clarity and perspective. With so many benefits can we afford not use this drug-free, non invasive therapy to balance the busy lives which we lead today?

Inverness Ice Centre everything’s cool... !

Public Ice Skating

Making The Most Of You: 2 Health&Beauty > Massage

Lorna Hamilton BSc, RMT, SMTO Professional Therapeutic and Remedial Massage Therapist Inverness Therapy Clinic 65 Kenneth Street Inverness

Sleeping Beauty Salon 14B Margaret Street, Inverness Tel: 0844 445 7771 Book online at www.sleepingbeautysalon.com

Thu 5th - Sun 8th May: 2pm – 4.30pm Wed 25th - Thu 26th May: 2pm – 4.30pm

Early Spring May Bank Holiday Sun 1st & Mon 2nd May: 2pm - 4.30pm

Strictly Inverness 2011 9th - 22nd May: Last Few Tickets Remaining!

Spring May Bank Holiday Fri 27th - Mon 30th May: 2pm - 4.30pm

Ice Discos Sun 1st May: 7pm – 9pm Fri 6th May: 7pm - 9pm Fri 27th May: 7pm – 9pm Sat 28th May: 7 – 9pm

LEARN TO SKATE Courses Available

Bught Drive, Inverness. Tel: 01463 235711

www.inverness-ice-centre.co.uk

Spring Special Offer Treat yourself to a Dermalogica Face Treatment (£48) and enjoy a 30 min add-on reflexology session for FREE. Available till 31st May 2011. Quote ‘ICA’ when booking.

Follow us on Facebook at ‘Sleeping Beauty Salon’

ICA Business feature:

Talking Heads hairdressing

TALKING HEADS is one of the longest standing Hairdressing salons in Inverness, having opened its doors some 17 years ago. Owner/manager Angela Mackay is a local woman with 30 years experience in the hairdressing field. Before opening her own salon, Angela had gained experience working in a variety of establishments but sought the challenge of running her own business.

“As I have always lived in the Culcabock area it felt only natural to start my own business when premises became available at 40 Culcabock Road.”

She now employs 3 fully qualified senior stylists, who all have in-depth experience and who maintain their passion for hairdressing by keeping up with all the latest technology and trends in the field.

“Whether it’s traditional, sleek or sassy, glam or glitzy we at Talking Heads take the concept of beautiful stunning hair to the next level.”

Angela takes great pride in making sure Talking Heads is a comfortable and stylish salon to visit and places great emphasis on creating a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere for her clients, as well as providing them with a top quality experience.

“We use the finest quality products in order to guarantee that our customers receive only the best.”

Talking Heads is all about looking out for its’ clients convenience - not only does it offer ample parking adjacent to the salon but now also offers extended opening hours with late nights (until 8pm) on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Angela and her team look forward to welcoming not only the ladies but also gents and kids as well to Talking Heads some time soon.

Talking Heads 40 Culcabock Road Inverness 01463 715154

book film tickets: 01463 234234

May

cinema@ 01463 234 234 www.eden-court.co.uk

HANNA (12A) Director Joe Wright I Starring Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana, Olivia Williams

USA/UK/Germany I 2011 I 111 mins I http://focusfeatures.com/hanna

Raised by her ex CIA father in the wilds of Finland, Hanna's upbringing and training have been geared toward making her the perfect assassin. When she’s sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys across Europe while eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative. As she nears her ultimate target, she faces startling revelations about her existence and unexpected questions about her humanity.

FRI 06 – THU 19 MAY (Friends only preview screening 05 May 20.30)

THE WAY (12A) Director Emilio Estevez I Starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt USA I 2010 I 128 mins I www.theway-themovie.com

Tom (Martin Sheen) travels to France to collect his dead son’s remains. The son died during a storm in the Pyrenees while walking the famous Camino de Santiago. Driven by a profound sadness and a desire to understand his son better, he begins walking the Camino where his son left off. Before long he makes some knew friends and forms friendships which help him better understand the difference between “the life we live and the life we choose.”

FRI 13 – THU 19 MAY See timetable for screening times

CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS (U) 3D Director Werner Herzog France/Canada/UK/USA/Germany I 2010 I 90 mins I www.caveofforgottendreams.co.uk/

Werner Herzog’s mesmerising documentary takes us on a journey through the Chauvet caves in Southern France, the site of the oldest prehistoric art currently known to man. A rock face collapse thousands of years ago isolated the caves and perfectly preserved the 32,000 year old rudimentary paintings which adorn the walls and reveal, for Herzog, “the beginnings of the human soul.”

FRI 20 – THU 26 MAY See timetable for screening times

Welcome to the Robertson Screens. At Robertson we’ve always been a keen supporter of the arts: from brass bands to theatre shows to music festivals and now cinema. We helped to redevelop Eden Court and we’re proud that we can continue to work in partnership with them by sponsoring the cinemas. We hope you enjoy your film. robertson.co.uk Robertson – Investing – Building – Caring

14/4/11 book by phone: 01463 234234

Eden Court May Cinema:EDEN COURT FILM jan

ABEL (15) www.abel-lapelicula.com

14:44

LITTLE WHITE LIES (FORIEGN LANGUAGE SITE)

Director Diego Luna Starring Christopher Ruíz-Esparza, José María Yázpik Mexico I 2010 I 78 mins (Spanish with subtitles) Abel is no ordinary nine-year-old. After becoming mute following his Father’s disappearance, he suddenly speaks again and simultaneously reinvents himself as the patriarch of the house.

Everyone goes along with his odd behaviour but when his father suddenly re-appears, the fragile family dynamic looks set to snap. This touching directorial debut from Diego Luna is a definite “must see.”

SUN 01 & MON 02 MAY

LES PETITS MOUCHOIRS (15) www.littlewhiteliesmovie.co.uk Director Guillaume Canet Starring François Cluzet, Marion Cotillard France I 2010 I 154 mins (French with subtitles) From the Director of Tell No One, Guillaume Canet. Despite a traumatic event, a group of friends decide to go ahead with their annual beach vacation. Their relationships, convictions, sense of guilt and friendship are sorely tested as they are finally forced to own up to the little white lies they have been telling each other.

FRI 06 – THU 12 MAY

Sun 01 17.15 I Mon 02 20.45

See timetable for screening times (Friends only screening 09 May 11.30)

ROUTE IRISH (15)

KILLING BONO (15)

Director Ken Loach Starring Mark Womack, Andrew Lowe, John Bishop UK/France/Italy/Belgium/Spain I 2010 I 108 mins Frankie and Fergus served together in Iraq and then returned to the conflict zone as private security contractors. But when Frankie’s killed on Route Irish, the most deadly section of road in Iraq, Fergus refuses to believe his death was accidental and begins to doggedly put together the pieces in this intricate puzzle.

www.killingbono.co.uk

SUN 01 – WED 04 MAY

Sun 01 17.00 I Mon 02 20.30 I Tue 03 19.00 I Wed 04 11.30

ORANGES AND SUNSHINE (15) www.iconmovies.co.uk/orangesandsunshine Director Jim Loach Starring Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham UK/Australia I 2010 I 105 mins This moving debut from Jim Loach (Ken Loach’s Son) tells the remarkable story of social worker Margaret Humphreys. Against all odds she brought authorities to account and reunited thousands of families in one of the most shocking social scandals of recent times: the forced deportation of children from the United Kingdom to Australia.

We’re hopeful that on 04 May – Script-writer Rona Munro will be joining us for a post screening Q & A.

ARCHIPELAGO (15)

Director Nick Hamm Starring Ben Barnes, Robert Sheehan, Krysten Ritter, Pete Postlethwaite

UK/Ireland I 2010 I 113 mins Two punk schoolboys in Dublin in the 1970s, Neil McCormick and his brother Ivan had their dreams of pop stardom all worked out: the albums, the stadium concerts, and the quest for world peace.

The one thing they hadn't counted on was the boy sitting on the other side of the classroom who had plans of his own... Hmm, can you guess what his name was?

FRI 06 – THU 12 MAY

See timetable for screening times

www.enterthesourcecode.com Director Duncan Jones Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Vera Farmiga USA/France I 2011 I 93 mins Colter Stevens is part of a secret government operation called ‘Source Code’, a method of mental transplantation that allows him to occupy a host subject for the last eight minutes of their life. He finds himself in the body of a man on a train that was destroyed only hours earlier in an explosion. In the time he’s aboard the doomed train he falls for another passenger and is forced to relive the experience of the explosion again and again in the hope he’ll uncover a vital clue, work out who’s responsible and try to save the girl – all in a day’s work for Mr Gyllenhaall.

FRI 20 – THU 26 MAY

PINA (U) 3D www.pina-film.de (FOREIGN LANGUAGE SITE) Director Wim Wenders Germany/France/UK I 2011 I 104 mins Paying tribute to the renowned German choreographer Pina Bausch, Wim Wenders directs the very first art-house 3D dance spectacular. Pina, who died in 2009, was a leading influence in the development of the Tanztheater style of dance and Wenders recreates many of the performances she choreographed for the stage.

Experimental, poetic and surreal, Pina reinvigorates the way 3D film technology can be used by taking the audience on a sensual, visually-stunning and moving journey.

FRI 20 – THU 26 MAY

See timetable for screening times

RANGO (PG) www.rangomovie.com Director Gore Verbinski Starring Johnny Depp, Timothy Olyphant, Isla Fisher, Bill Nighy, Ray Winstone USA I 2011 I 107 mins From the director of Pirates of the Caribbean comes, Rango, a hapless but loveable chameleon who accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in need of a new sheriff. Although he’s most definitely not the stereotypical hero – he might just save the day.

SAT 07 & SUN 08 MAY

Sat 07 11.30, 14.00 I Sun 08 11.30, 14.00

SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER (15)

Director Joanna Hogg Starring Kate Fahey, Tom Hiddleston, Lydia Leonard UK I 2010 I 114 mins Joanna Hogg follows up her 2007 breakthrough film Unrelated with this equally thought-provoking look at middleclass life. Set on one of the Scilly Isles, ARCHIPELAGO is a raw and biting drama that paints a bittersweet portrait of a family in crisis.

Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift USA I 1959 I 109 mins Adapted from the Tennessee Williams play, Suddenly last Summer stars the late Elizabeth Taylor as a woman who’s committed to a Mental institution after witnessing her cousin’s death.

Her aunt Violet tries to influence the neurosurgeon to keep her drugged. But does she have another motive?

SUN 01 – THU 05 MAY

SUN 15 MAY 14.00

See timetable for screening times

SOURCE CODE (12A)

See timetable for screening times

SUN 01 – THU 05 MAY

See timetable for screening times

Page 3

CEDAR RAPIDS (15) www.foxsearchlight.com/cedarrapids Director Miguel Arteta Starring Sigourney Weaver, Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche UK/Australia I 2010 I 86 mins With his tank-tops, comfortable slacks and side-swept hairdo (not in a cool Justin Beiber or Kai from our education department way) Tim Lippe is an unfulfilled 34 year old insurance salesman from sleepy Brown Valley, Wisconsin.

Nothing exciting ever happens to Tim but when he’s sent to Cedar Rapids for a do-or-die insurance convention, he makes some new friends who really know how to have a good time! Hilarious.

FRI 20 – THU 26 MAY

See timetable for screening times

RIO (U) 3D www.rio-themovie.com Director Carlos Saldanha Voices Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx Brazil/Canada/USA I 2011 I 95 mins Neurotic macaw Blu believes he is the last of the species. So when he discovers there’s another, and she’s a she, he leaves the comforts of his cage in small town Minnesota and heads to Rio. But it’s far from love at first sight between the domesticated, flight-challenged Blu and the fiercely independent, high-flying female, Jewel.

SAT 21 & SUN 22 MAY

Sat 21 11.00, 13.30, 15.30 I Sun 22 11.00, 15.30

book online: eden-court.co.uk COLD FISH (18)

HOP (U)

http://thirdwindowfilms.com/films/cold-fish Director Sion Sono Starring Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Tetsu Watanabe

www.iwantcandy.com

Japan I 2010 I 144 mins (Japanese with subtitles) Although based on a true story, Director Sion Sono (Love Exposure) re-locates the action of this gory and tense thriller inside the bizarre world of tropical fish retailing. Estranged from his wife and daughter, shop owner Shamoto is pulled into a seedy underworld via a new found friend and assists in the disposal of a corpse. Many murders later, Shamoto is desperately trying to escape this new and regain the respect of his wife and daughter.

USA I 2011 I 95 mins

On the eve of succeeding as head of the family Easter Bunny business, E.B. leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream to become a drummer. But his plans change when he’s hit by a car driven by out of work slacker, Fred. Feigning injury, E.B. convinces Fred to look after him, and Fred soon finds himself stuck with the world's worst house guest. Hop blends animation with live action and is the new comedy from the creators of Despicable Me.

USA I 1947 I 96 mins This screening will be introduced by the Inverness Film Fans.

SAT 28 & SUN 29 MAY

Director Lawrence Kasdan

FRI 27 & SAT 28 MAY

Sat 28 11.30, 14.00 I Sun 29 11.30, 14.00

Fri 27 20.15 I Sat 28 17.45

ESSENTIAL KILLING (15) www.essentialkilling.com/ Director Jerzy Skolimowski Starring Vincent Gallo, Emanuelle Seigner Poland/Norway/Ireland/Hungary I 2010 I 84 mins Winner: Special Jury Prize & Best Actor Venice Film Festival 2010. An Afghan prisoner being held captive in an isolated eastern European detention centre seizes the opportunity to escape. Determined not to be imprisoned again he goes to extreme lengths to ensure his survival.

FRI 27 – MON 30 MAY

See timetable for screening times

Director Tim Hill Voices Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie

BENDA BILILI! (PG) www.bendabilili.co.uk Director Renaud Barret, Florent de La Tullaye Starring Cubain Kabeya, Maria Barli Djongo

www.thepipethefilm.com Director Risteard O’Domhnaill

Hot on the heels of their remake Let Me In, the horror masters at Hammer Films continue their resurrection with this dark tale of paganism in rural Ireland. A grieving couple have the opportunity to bring their dead daughter back to life but only for three days.

With the clock ticking, what will they do when visiting hours are over?

Ireland I 2010 I 83 mins

Director Francis Lawrence Starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon USA I 2011 I 120 mins During the Great Depression, Jacob, a penniless veterinary school student, uses his expertise with animals to get a job with a second-rate travelling circus. He quickly falls for Marlena, one of the star performers but their secret romance is complicated

by Marlena's husband, the charismatic but unbalanced circus boss.

FRI 27 – SUN 29 MAY Fri 27 18.00 I Sat 28 20.15 I Sun 29 13.00, 16,45 Mon 30 20,15 I Tue 31 11.30

Starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner USA I 1981 I 113 mins

THU 12 MAY 20.45

MILDRED PIERCE (PG) USA I 1945 I 110 mins This screening will be introduced by the Inverness Film Fans.

TUE 17 MAY 19.30

THE BIG SLEEP (PG) USA I 1947 I 113 mins

Ireland/UK I 2011 I 90 mins

www.waterforelephants.com

BODY HEAT (18)

Director Howard Hawks Starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall

THE PIPE (NC)

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (12A) AD & S

TUES 03 MAY 19.30

SUN 29 & TUE 31 MAY

www.thewakewood.com

See timetable for screening times

Director Jacques Tourneur Starring Robert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas, Jane Greer

Director Michael Curtiz Starring Joan Crawford, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott

WAKE WOOD (18)

FRI 27 – MON 30 MAY

OUT OF THE PAST (PG)

Democratic Republic of Congo/France I 2010 86 mins (Lingala & French with subtitles) This sensitive and inspiring documentary follows the band, Staff Benda Bilili who were a huge sensation at WOMAD last year, on their remarkable journey from the streets of Kinshasa, Congo to international stardom. 'Benda Bilili' means 'see beyond', which has profound meaning for this group of musicians, who include five paraplegics and an able-bodied teenager who makes music from a tin can connected to a stick with a piece of nylon.

Sun 29 19.00 I Tue 31 19.00

Director David Keating Starring Aidan Gillen, Eva Birthistle, Timothy Spall

FILM NOIR SEASON

Reminiscent of Local Hero, but infinitely more troubling, this gripping documentary tells the real-life (and ongoing) story of Shell UK's plans to lay a giant, high-pressure gas pipe through the town and fishing waters around Rossport, County Mayo. When the residents of Rossport stand up to oppose the project, the clashes between protestors and police as well as between the locals themselves, begs the question: what responsibility do government and big energy have to the communities they profit from?

SAT 21 & SUN 22 MAY Sat 21 14.00 I Sun 22 17.00

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (PG) Director Billy Wilder Starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck USA I 1944 I 107 mins This screening will be introduced by the Inverness Film Fans.

TUE 31 MAY 19.30

MON 30 MAY 20.00

SHORT FILM SELECTION SUN 01 & WED 04 MAY We are delighted to be screening two programmes of the best shorts screened at the London International Animation Festival.

FAMILY SHORTS (7+) SUN 01 MAY 11.30, 14.00

ADULT SHORTS (15+) WED 04 MAY 18.00 £4.00 per ticket

Staff Pick THE PRINCESS BRIDE (PG) Director Rob Reiner Starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, Robin Wright

USA I 1987 I 98 mins My name is Inigo Montoya, You killed my Father...

Prepare to die! “Pirates, Villains, Princesses, Giants, True love and rodents of unusual size – What more could you ask for from a movie? This action packed family funfest is one of my favourite fantasy films of all time.” Hayley (Harry Potter aficionado) Savage – Additional Needs Drama Worker.

THU 05 MAY 18.15

14:44 Page 1 book14/4/11 online: eden-court.co.uk

Eden Court May Cinema:EDEN COURT FILM jan

Eden Court, Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA Box Office 01463 234 234 Administration 01463 239 841

MAY

Sun 01 11.30 LIAF Family Shorts 14.00 LIAF Family Shorts 17.00 Route Irish 17.15 Abel 19.15 Oranges And Sunshine 19.30 Archipelago Mon 02 18.00 Archipelago 18.15 Oranges And Sunshine 20.30 Route Irish 20.45 Abel Tue 03 11.30 Oranges And Sunshine 19.00 Route Irish 19.30 Out Of The Past

Mon 09 11.30 Little White Lies

FRIENDS COFFEE MORNING

18.00 18.15 20.30 20.45

Killing Bono Hanna Little White Lies Hanna

Tue 10 11.30 Hanna 19.00 Hanna 19.30 Little White Lies Wed 11 11.30 Little White Lies 19.00 Killing Bono 19.30 Hanna Thu 12 11.30 Killing Bono

DREAM & SCREAM

Wed 04 11.30 Route Irish 19.00 Oranges And Sunshine 18.00 LIAF Adult Shorts 20.00 Archipelago

14.00 17.45 18.00 20.30 20.45

Hanna Little White Lies Hanna Hanna Body Heat

Thu 05 11.30 Archipelago 18.00 Archipelago 18.15 The Princess Bride

Fri 13 18.00 18.15 20.30 20.45

The Way Hanna The Way Hanna

Sat 14 14.00 14.00 17.45 18.00 20.15 20.30

Hanna The Way Hanna The Way Hanna The Way

STAFF PICK

20.15 Oranges And Sunshine 20.30 Hanna FRIENDS PREVIEW SCREENING

Fri 06 18.00 18.15 20.45 21.00 Sat 07 11.30 14.00 14.00 17.30 18.00 20.00 20.30

Little White Lies Hanna Hanna Killing Bono Rango Hanna DREAM & SCREAM Rango Killing Bono Hanna Little White Lies Hanna

Sun 08 11.30 Rango 13.30 Hanna 14.00 Rango 16.30 Little White Lies 17.00 Hanna 19.30 Hanna 19.45 Killing Bono

All Tickets pre 5.00pm Adults (over 18) Adult Concession Under 18’s & Students Eden Court Friends

Mon 16 18.00 The Way 18.15 Hanna 20.30 The Way 20.45 Hanna Tue 17 11.30 The Way 18.00 Hanna 19.30 Mildred Pierce 20.30 The Way

£6.00 £7.00 (Fri & Sat £7.50) £6.50 (Fri & Sat £7.00) £5.00 at all times £1.00 off

Thu 19 11.30 The Way 14.00 Hanna 18.00 The Way 18.15 Hanna 20.30 The Way 20.45 Hanna Fri 20 18.00 18.15 20.15 20.30

Pina 3D Source Code Cedar Rapids Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D

Sat 21 11.00 13.30 14.00 15.30 18.15 20.15 20.30

Rio 3D Rio 3D The Big Sleep Rio 3D Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D Source Code Pina 3D

Sun 22 11.00 Rio 3D 13.30 Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D 14.00 Source Code 15.30 Rio 3D 17.00 The Big Sleep 18.00 Pina 3D 19.30 Cedar Rapids 20.30 Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D

Sun 15 13.30 Hanna 14.00 Suddenly, Last Summer 16.30 The Way 17.00 Hanna 19.00 The Way 19.30 Hanna

TICKET PRICES

Wed 18 11.30 Hanna 19.00 The Way 19.30 Hanna

Mon 23 18.00 Cave of ForgotteDreams 3D 18.15 Cedar Rapids 20.15 Source Code 20.30 Pina 3D

Thu 26 11.30 Source Code

DREAM & SCREAM

17.00 18.00 19.30 20.00

Pina 3D Cedar Rapids Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D Source Code

Fri 27 18.00 18.15 20.15 20.30

Water For Elephants Essential Killing Cold Fish Wake Wood

Sat 28 11.30 14.00 17.45 18.15 20.15 20.30

Hop Hop Cold Fish Wake Wood Water For Elephants Essential Killing

Sun 29 11.30 Hop 13.00 Water For Elephants 14.00 Hop 16.45 Water For Elephants 17.00 Essential Killing 19.00 Benda Bilili 19.15 Wake Wood Mon 30 18.00 Essential Killing 18.15 Wake Wood 20.00 The Pipe 20.15 Water For Elephants Subtitled AD Tue 31 11.30 Water For Elephants DREAM & SCREAM

19.00 Benda Bilili 19.30 Double Indemnity

Tue 24 11.30 Pina 3D 14.00 Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D 19.00 Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D 19.30 Source Code Wed 25 11.30 Cave of Forgotten Dreams 3D 14.00 Source Code 19.00 Cedar Rapids 19.30 Pina 3D

FRIENDS SCREENINGS exclusive screenings for Eden Court Friends.

Friends Evening Preview Screening – Thu 05 May, 20.30 Hanna (12A) Friends Coffee Morning – Mon 09 May, 11.30 Little White Lies (15) DREAM AND SCREAM Bring your baby to one of our Dream And Scream screenings, specially for parents and carers of new babies aged 0–12 months. Look out for ‘Dream & Scream’ on individual screenings AUDIO DESCRIBED & SUBTITLED FILMS Eden Court offers a range of accessible film screenings. Look out for the (AD) for Audio Described, and (S) for subtitled screenings.

SUPPORTED BY

Eden Court Highlands (trading as Eden Court) is a company registered in Scotland (company number SC63216) and a charity registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (registered number SCO08237)

!

IVE L W NO

PUSH THE BUTTON Whether you’re JOB-SEEKING or SEEKING RECRUITS, the local game is changing.

We’ve simplified the whole process, and yet given you more options. www.ICA-JOBS.com

Your Vacancy. this size = from £125 also available: lineage from ~ £1/word web only prices from £15/vacancy 110,000 magazines, plus online!

Stylists required Full and part time positions available.

To apply please give Agnes a call on 01463 795905 or email your CV to info@hair-station.co.uk

MAY

GLUTEN INTOLERANT? WRONG!!!!

We at 1ST PLAICE FISH BAR have been working away quietly behind the scenes and have come up with a GLUTEN FREE batter mix so that you can now enjoy all your favourite foods.

Frying every MONDAY and THURSDAY between 4pm – 9pm choose from our famous Fish & Chips, Battered Smokey Sausage, Battered Beef Burger, Fried Chicken (breast/leg) or our ever popular Homemade Chicken Fillets, exclusively available from 1st Plaice Fish Bar @ GlenUrquhart Rd Inverness.

We guarantee that all your favourite foods will be fried completely separately to our normal menu, all we ask is that you state VERY CLEARLY when ordering that it is the gluten free version you require, as we will be running our normal menu alongside.

WALK IN DEALS: Exclusive deals available instore only

 LUNCH - 12 noon til 3pm Mon to Fri HOMEMADE SOUP ONLY 99p DAILY HOMEMADE SPECIAL from ONLY £2.99 FRIED CHICKEN LEG & CHIPS ONLY £1.99 100% BEEF ¼lb-er BURGERS BUY ONE GET ONE FREE LARGE & X-LARGE PIZZAS BUY ONE GET ONE FREE SMALL MARGARITA & A CAN OF JUICE ONLY £3.00 FRESHLY BAKED BAGUETTES & HOT WRAPS from ONLY £2.95

s KEBABS Whether you choose our SPICED ORIGINAL DONNER, our FAMOUS SPICY CHICKEN BREAST or our new PIRI PIRI CHICKEN we guarantee you wont be disappointed, served in a warmed pitta bread with a super fresh salad of shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, mixed peppers, jalepenos and a wedge of lemon to drizzle.

Prices start at JUST £4.00 – and

EVERY MONDAY buy any LARGE KEBAB and get a regular one the same for FREE!! s PIZZAS Now we all know our pizzas are the best, voted MFR’s Best Pizza In The North Of Scotland and the proud winner of the ICA Award Best Local Takeaway for 2009 and 10 as voted for by YOU, our great customers. Dough freshly made daily, special pizza sauce and only pure 100% mozzarella gives you the perfect margherita and the base for creating your own special pizza, choose from the highlands biggest selection of toppings …feel free to experiment as EVERY TUESDAY, ANY PIZZA, ANY SIZE is BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!! s FISH & CHIPS ** BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE!! a beautiful thick boneless (not guaranteed but we do our best!!) fillet of haddock is dipped in our special batter and deep fried to perfection, served with loads of chunky chips salt and a good splash of malt vinegar (your choice) cant you just taste it!!!

And best of all...

EVERY WEDNESDAY BUY A STANDARD HADDOCK SUPPER AND GET A SINGLE HADDOCK FOR FREE!!

We are proud to support MFR’s Cash For Kids Charity and during April we have a very special pizza competion, tune into MFR for full details

MEGA DEALS!!

MILY FEAST THE FA A LARGE PIZZA ONE EXTR with up to 2 toppings, plus GARLIC BREAD GARLIC CHEESE BREAD And a box of SPICY WEDGES

All this for only £18.99

PARTY PACK MEGA popular demand –

Back by our monsterous pizza deal!!

TWO EXTRA LARGE PIZZAS with up to four toppings, plus BBQ CHICKEN WINGS 2 GARLIC BREAD ONION RINGS CHICKEN DIPPERS LARGE BOX OF CHIPS LARGE COLESLAW ALL THIS for the cracking price of

just £25.00

NATIONAL VEGETARIAN WEEK: 23RD TO 29TH MAY

Direct DID YOU KNOW… We at 1st Pizza d to mite com are Bar Fish e Plaic 1st and taste our offering EVERYONE the chance to in pure fried are food fried our all , food t grea Rings, n Onio from se choo oil, table vege Veggie Garlic Mushrooms, Veggie Burgers, ials spec de ema hom t grea Our , age Saus now with Vegetarian Cheddar include our Broccoli NEW our , SE HEE ’N’C MAC y ndar lege you would & Cauliflower Bake, and anything delighted to be we’d u men our on see too like have a great hear from you… especially if you Burger… ie Vegg ome awes truly a for e recip >>> admin@1stpizzadirect.co.uk

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pure OUR PIZZAS are only topped with s in mozzarella - unlike most other pizzacheeses, town, we have no dodgy blends of rest synthetics or analogues so you canis TRULY assured the Pizza you buy from us ss you put SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS (unle pepperoni on top of course!) and top it Go on, start with a great Margarita ings… topp ie vegg of list nsive exte our from theeeyyy’re ggreeaattt…

May only, Still not enough?? 23rd to the 29th Veg Pizza, y Spic a t, Feas e tabl Vege a buy we will give or our newest Stir Fry Pizza and for free!! size e sam the of ta gari Mar a you to get a deal!

See, you don’t have to eat meat

** selected deals not available in dingwall store

CAN’T EAT FISH & CHIPS?

1st Pizza Direct & 1st Plaice Fish Bar... great food for EVERYONE!!

Culloden Inverness Nairn Dingwall Unit 2 Keppoch Rd, Culloden

Unit 2 Glenurquhar t Rd

The Bus Station, Nairn

61 High Street, Dingwall

DELIVERY HOTLINE:

DELIVERY HOTLINE:

DELIVERY HOTLINE:

DELIVERY HOTLINE:

01463 798400 01463 717171 01667 456268 01349 864979

ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.1STPIZZADIRECT. CO.UK