Culture Stirling May - Aug Events Guide

STIRLIN

G

Tolbooth | Albert Halls | Stirling Libraries Music | Performance | Art | Classes

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE Mairi Hedderwick Karen Matheson Three Blind Wolves culturestirling.org

Box office 01786 MAY – AUG 2016274000 / 01786 473544

GREGOR FISHER Nick Harper THE UPBEAT BEATLES Tashi Lhunpo Monks – Sacred Sounds from Tibet p71

W

elcome to Culture Stirling, the and new home for events, performances and activities at Tolbooth, Albert Halls, Cowane Centre and Stirling’s Library network.

Culture Stirling brings together the Culture, Libraries and Archives service of Stirling Council and offers a comprehensive and inclusive guide to what’s on throughout Stirling for the next few months.

Tolbooth, Jail Wynd, Stirling FK8 1DE Box Office 01786 274000 Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-6pm

Don’t miss out! You can always find the very latest event announcements at our new website www.culturestirling.org where you can book tickets and search for something to do near you.

Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2QL Box Office 01786 473544 Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm

We hope you like it!

Culture Stirling team

TICKETS & ACCESS Conditions: tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded unless the event is cancelled. We reserve tickets for a maximum of three days. No reservations will be taken within three days of an event. Concessions apply to some events; check individual event. Online booking fee applies. Our venues are fully accessible and can accommodate a number of wheelchair users at each performance.

Please mention at the time of booking if you require a wheelchair space. Tolbooth and Albert Halls have an induction loop system, please ask at Box Office for more details. If you need information on tape, large print or Braille, contact 0845 277 7000

Libraries 01786 237535

TOLBOOTH PARKING The Old Town Jail Car Park, in John Street, will be opened for the use of Tolbooth customers one hour before performances and re-opened for half an hour afterwards only. There will be no access out with these times. The Tolbooth is located in a residential area so your cooperation on use of the car parking facility is very much appreciated.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

2

CONTENTS

TOLBOOTH Stevie Nimmo & Ben Poole

4

John McCusker Band 25th Anniversary Tour 4 Think Thoughts: Miss Irenie Rose + Steven Kemp

5

Stuart Cosgrove & Graham Spiers, Football in Five Images 5 Strange Behaviours: United Fruit + Failed At Sea + Crashing Jets 6 The Unthanks

6

Carol Laula + support from Andrew Howie 7 Tashi Lhunpo Monks – Sacred Sounds from Tibet 7 Karen Matheson

8

Adam Holmes & The Embers + support Madeleine Dow 8 Schools Battle of the Bands

culturestirling.org

The Rising Des McLean

9 10

The Roamin’ Jasmine 10 Strange Behaviours: Three Blind Wolves + Fairweather & The Elements 11 Theatre Broad Presents… Super Natural by Gareth Candy 11 Saltfishforty 12 Les Trois Blondes

12

Wigwam Promotions present: Scocha 13 Summer Ceilidhs

13

Scottish Ensemble

14

GT’s Boos Band + support

15

Fèis Rois & Fèis Fhoirt Ceilidh Trail 15 Blazin’ Fiddles

16

Nick Harper

16

OFF THE PAGE AT TOLBOOTH

ALBERT HALLS

The Boy from Nowhere Gregor Fisher with Melanie Reid 17 How to Get Published: Editing Your Own Work

The Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 23 Strathcarron Singers 24

18

Nick Sharratt: Draw along with Nick!

18 Mairi Hedderwick with Martin McCardie: The Story of Katie Morag 19 Alex Norton There’s been a Life 19 OFF THE PAGE HIGHLIGHTS 20 LIBRARIES

Angel Anne Medium – Psychic Medium 23

21

Stirling Orchestra

24

Big Noise

25

Rhythm of the Dance

25

The Upbeat Beatles 26 Johnny Lee Memphis – Absolute Elvis 26 Scotfairs Antique Fair

27

The Runway Show Wedding Showcase

by Hotel Colessio 27 ARTS NEWS

27

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS 28

9

3

TOLBOOTH

Stevie Nimmo & Ben Poole

John McCusker Band 25th Anniversary Tour

DATE Thursday 5 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 / £11 Standing

DATE Saturday 7 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £16 / £14

A great blues double bill – two electrifying guitarists/songwriters sharing the same power house rhythm section of Matt Beable on bass and Craig Bacon on drums. Inspired by the Blues, infused with a hard hitting, rock approach and topped-off by virtuoso musicianship, Ben Poole is being talked of as ‘the’ new up-andcoming UK Blues guitarist.

Award-winner John is marking this his 25th year as a professional musician, by publishing a book of his compositions, releasing a new solo record and embarking on an extensive UK and European tour. The John McCusker Band features Andy Cutting, Adam Holmes, Innes White and Toby Shaer, some of the UK’s finest traditional musicians and singers.

‘the next Joe Bonamassa?’ Total Guitar

As well as regular tours with mighty names in the traditional world including Michael McGoldrick, Kris Drever and his partner Heidi Talbot, he has also toured with some of the biggest names in music, including Mark Knopfler and Graham Coxon.

Followed by one of Scotland’s best known blues artists -Stevie Nimmo. After touring for 20 years with his brother Alan, Stevie wrote and recorded his first solo album The Wynds of Life in Texas with an A-list of Austin’s finest musicians – an album which falls just as easily under the Americana banner with its roots, country and gospel influences as it does in Stevie’s more familiar blues setting.

‘Stevie’s voice is at times gritty, other times emotional but all times perfection!’

Maverick magazine

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

‘One of the UK’s most gifted and versatile musicians in any genre, John McCusker is equally in demand as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer’ The Guardian

4

TOLBOOTH

Think Thoughts: Miss Irenie Rose

Stuart Cosgrove & Graham Spiers

DATE Thursday 12 May TIME doors 7.30pm TICKETS £5 / £7

DATE Thursday 19 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12

With just her unmistakable voice, guitar and a loop pedal, Irenie forges dense layers of harmony and drama in her music. Stylistically, her palate is built as much from traditional and folk influences as from 60s and contemporary singer-songwriters, creating a blend that is haunting, subtly Celtic and entirely her own.

A discussion on the state of Scottish football featuring Stuart Cosgrove and Graham Spiers, two of Scotland’s most outspoken commentators. Graham and Stuart will debate the current challenges facing football, and offer candid opinions on the people, the policies and the prejudices that underpin the national game.

+ Steven Kemp

Support comes from Stirling’s own Steven Kemp, an artist who knows how to write an infectious chorus and deliver it with soft gravelly aplomb.

‘There’s something quite old-fashioned and charming about the live performances – but there’s also something thoroughly modern in the earwormy hooks you find in all her songs…’

Highland News

culturestirling.org

Football in Five Images

Stuart Cosgrove is one half of BBC Scotland’s ‘Off the Ball’ team. He’s a St Johnstone fan who argues passionately on behalf of Scotland’s smaller clubs. Like all football fans he is deeply biased and a raging hypocrite. Graham Spiers is one of Scotland’s most renowned journalists who has interviewed most of the key managers, influencers and players on the contemporary Scottish football scene. He claims to be objective but so do all journalists, and they all get found out eventually.

5

TOLBOOTH

Strange Behaviours: United Fruit +

The Unthanks

DATE Saturday 21 May TIME doors 7.30pm TICKETS £6 / £8

The Unthanks celebrate their 10th anniversary with a short tour of small intimate spaces, with a paired back line-up. Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and the only British folk representation in The Guardian’s and Uncut’s best albums of last decade (worldwide, all genres), The Unthanks is a family affair for Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, with Rachel married to pianist, producer, arranger and composer, Adrian McNally.

Using the traditional music of the North East of England as a starting point, combined with myriad cross-genre musical influences makes their truly distinctive sound which can be heard in the band’s 8 albums to date, including Mount The Air, released to huge critical acclaim last year.

Failed At Sea + Crashing Jets

From guttural beginnings in the Shellac/Jesus Lizard-esque EP ‘Mistress, Reptile Mistress!’ through to discordant punk album ‘Fault Lines’, the band have honed their ability to blend frenetic, post-punk guitars with shimmering pop hooks. Touring forthcoming album ‘Eternal Sun’, they’re a band who quite literally hurl everything they have at their performance.

This’ll be a good’un.

In support are Stirling 3-piece Failed At Sea, packing a sizeable powerpop alt rock punch, alongside the high-tempo alt/punk troupe Crashing Jets.

DATE Wednesday 25 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £18 / £16

‘… soaring, anthemic punk rock’ DIY Magazine

‘I’m glad to be around at the same time as them. They make my heart beat faster.’

Martin Freeman

‘… a snorting, snarling, four piece rock explosion’ Clash Magazine

‘It hits you in your soul, rather than your head.

I love them’ Ade Edmondson ‘There really is no better folk band in the land’ Q Magazine

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

6

TOLBOOTH

Tashi Lhunpo Monks

– Sacred Sounds from Tibet

Carol Laula

+ Andrew Howie DATE Friday 27 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £11 / £9 Carol Laula has been dear to Glasgow’s heart ever since her song ‘Standing Proud’ was picked as the anthem for its year as European City of Culture in 1990. Her eight albums to date have continued to showcase Laula’s vibrant voice and soulful folk-pop songwriting, interwoven with strands of country and blues. Tonight’s solo performance will feature songs from Laula’s latest offering ‘The Bones of It!’, and as ever will be warm, embracing, intimate and engaging.

Support is from Stirling based Andrew Howie (previously Calamateur) ‘who belongs in that small band of clever singer-songwriters who write sharp, beautiful songs’.

‘Laula deals with strength in adversity … on a personalised but universal level’ Q culturestirling.org

DATE Wednesday 1 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 / £11 / £8 under 16’s The dance and music of Tibetan monks from a monastery established in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama in the Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat) tradition. Tibet – a sacred world filled with the chanting of Buddhist texts, recitation of mantras, ringing of bells, blowing of trumpets and beating of drums. Recreating the mysteries of the Buddhist Monastery, eight Tibetan monks from Tashi Lhunpo offer a dramatic presentation of sacred dance, music and prayer with traditional costumes and ceremonial masks.

Founded by the first Dalai Lama in the 15th Century, Tashi Lhunpo is one of the most important monasteries in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Re-established in exile in South India, it is becoming one of the major centres of Buddhist learning, best known for its artistic tradition of masked dances and sacred music.

‘Majestic and atmospheric’ Songlines ‘A psychedelic whirl of chanting, dancing, drums and cymbals’ The Times

7

TOLBOOTH

Adam Holmes & The Embers Karen Matheson DATE Thursday 2 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £18 Widely recognised as the compelling vocalist with Celtic super-group Capercaillie, Karen’s life in the limelight began in the West coast of Scotland, where she was brought up immersed in the deep well of traditional songs that have been her inspiration for over 30 years of recording and performing worldwide. Karen’s latest solo album ‘Urram’ is a musical love letter to her families’ Hebridean roots, with a collection of timeless Gaelic songs that evoke the character and atmosphere of Island life, through waulking songs, love songs, lullabies, mouth music and evocative poems to the surroundings.

As a solo performer, Karen has been involved in many projects of collaboration worldwide – we are very excited to welcome her and her band back to the Tolbooth.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

+ support Madeleine Dow DATE Friday 10 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £12 Hotly-tipped Edinburgh singer-songwriter Adam Holmes crafts lyrics that resonate like old folk songs, set to melodies rooted in haunting slow airs. John Martyn’s strum and sting, laced with a slice of Paolo Nutini soul and a touch of traditional folk. His debut album Heirs and Graces, produced by the legendary John Wood, was released to critical acclaim.

Live, he and his band the Embers combine the rhythm and blues, country and folk music textures of classic artists such as The Band, Neil Young and Ryan Adams and The Cardinals with a hint of Scotland.

‘Holmes and his band delivered a set shot through with melancholy but beauty too, his lilting bass vocal and blend of Scottish tradition and Americana frequently proving entrancing’.

Edinburgh based Madeleine Dow opens the evening. Adam Holmes produced her debut album which features her deep, resonant songs and her distinctive vocals.

8

TOLBOOTH

Schools Battle of the Bands DATE Saturday 11 June TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £5 Some of the best young bands in Stirling will be performing in front of classmates, friends and family to decide on this year’s winner.

Rescheduled from the original date in March, the heats are now complete and the finalists chosen. Triptych (Balfron High), O.M.A. (Dunblane High) plus Be My Enemy (Wallace High) will battle it out for a range of music prizes, including a recording session at the Tolbooth studio. We’ll also be welcoming back last year’s winners Saving Emily for a triumphant returning set.

culturestirling.org

The Rising DATE Wednesday 15 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £10 The Rising will take you on a musical journey spanning from Bruce Springsteen’s very first record “Greetings from Asbury Park” right up to his recently acclaimed “High Hopes” work. Delivered with precision and passion that will enthrall both the casual and enthusiastic Springsteen fan. Since forming in 2008, The Rising have gained a tremendous reputation particularly with hardcore Bruce Springsteen fans for quality and authenticity.

9

TOLBOOTH

Des McLean

The Roamin’ Jasmine

DATE Friday 17 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £12 / £10

DATE Wednesday 22 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £11

Des McLean is back at the Tolbooth with his hilarious new stand up show and The Multi award winning Comedian can’t wait to unleash a whole stack of new material at one of his favourite venues. Having spent the last few years starring as Tommy Sheridan in the hit comedy show ‘I-Tommy’ and touring USA, New Zealand Australia, and Canada with his Stand Up Tour, this is Des at his best, a master storyteller, with endless funny observations on life. Come and see why Billy Connolly describes him as one of his favourite stand-up comedians.

Formed out of the lively street music scene in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the members of the Roamin’ Jasmine found one another busking under the swampy Louisiana sun, along the banks of the Mississippi, or after hours in storefronts on Royal, Frenchmen and Decatur Streets. Their repertoire explores 1920’s era speakeasy blues, vintage Calypso from Trinidad, seminal 1950’s New Orleans Rhythm & Blues, and original compositions, all set to traditional jazz instrumentation.

‘A virtuoso Performance’ Chortle ‘Unmissable, A Master Storyteller’ The List ‘Devastatingly accurate’ The Scotsman ‘As comedy goes Mclean is pure Gold’ Times ‘Right out the top drawer, hilarious, hysterical’ Herald

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

10

TOLBOOTH

Strange Behaviours: Three Blind Wolves

Theatre Broad Presents

+ Fairweather & The Elements

Super Natural

by Gareth Candy

DATE Saturday 25 June TIME doors 7.30pm TICKETS £6 / £8

DATE Friday 1 & Saturday 2 July TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10 / £5

Returning reimagined and raring to go, Three Blind Wolves have taken the last 3 years to regroup and rebuild after the release of 2013’s ‘Sing Hallelujah for the Old Machine’.

Moving away from their harmony-laden folk sound towards something more punchy, electrified and light-hearted, forthcoming EP ‘The Bridge’ (mixed by Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit) boasts a new maturity in the songwriting and hooks built for the radio.

Lucy Scott leaving Stirling for a new life in America in 1840 returns in ghostly form in 2016 searching for justice. Pursued by the Grim Reaper and DavRose the Dalek; Sam, Dean, Mulder and Scully; accompanied by The Doctor arrive on a mission to protect her and seek out the answers to her questions. Join us for this musical extravaganza, full of thrilling fun, memorable songs and exciting filmed sequences.

In support are Fairweather & The Elements, a breezy indie-pop ensemble built around the songwriting of Ross Fairweather.

The production is part of Theatre Broad’s ‘Community Roots’ programme, where professional actors appear on stage with people of all ages who have a learning disability.

‘…would sit well on a late-night bourbonsipping playlist alongside everything by Lucinda Williams and what Bruce Springsteen did in the 1970s’ Sunday Herald

culturestirling.org

Suitable for ages 5+ years www.theatrebroad.co.uk

11

TOLBOOTH

Saltfishforty

Les Trois Blondes

DATE Thursday 7 July TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 / £11

DATE Thursday 14 July TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10 / £8

Cabaret Style

The powerhouse partnership of Douglas Montgomery (fiddle/viola) and Brian Cromarty (songs/guitar/mandola) aka Saltfishforty …

Linchpin figures in the currently flourishing revival of Orkney’s traditional music, they unite these deep-rooted sources with an exhilarating breadth of influence and expertise, catalysed by a creative empathy born from decades of friendship. The result is a sound of equally thrilling raw attack and multidimensional richness.

Their focus on Orkney music takes in traditional, contemporary and original material, boldly cross-fertilised with influences from Americana to East European folk, plus a highoctane whiff of heavy metal.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Celebrate Bastille Day in the Tolbooth’s ‘Cafe de Paris’ with Les Trois Blondes, featuring the music of Django Rheinhardt, Charles Trenet, Edith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier and many others. An evening when the accordion is king and the waltzes will entice you onto the dance floor.

Les Trois Blondes specialise in Bal Musette, the French café music of Paris. There exists a very strong tradition with Scottish accordionists of playing this style of music which is mostly in waltz tempo. The band comprises John Burns (lead accordion), George Burns, his brother (2nd accordion) and Fergus Wood (drums and compere).

John Burns is the current Musette Champion of Scotland and former All-Scotland Accordion Champion.

12

TOLBOOTH

Wigwam Promotions present

Scocha

DATE Saturday 16 July TIME 7.15 pm TICKETS £15 SCOCHA are undoubtedly one of Scotland’s best-loved Scottish Folk ’n Roll bands with the reputation for providing an entertaining and high-octane show full of traditional Scottish folk music given that truly SCOCHA treatment along with the band’s own compositions encouraging audienceparticipation.

Suitable for all ages the boast is… if you were not a SCOCHA fan when you arrived… you will be by the time you leave. You can stand or you can sit … but you won’t sit still!

culturestirling.org

Summer Ceilidhs DATE Wednesday 20 July

& Wednesday 10 Aug TIME 8pm TICKET £10 / £8 for groups of 4+ Our ever-popular summer ceilidhs are back and are suitable for all ages and stages!

Combining Scottish music and dance, our ceilidh band will lead you through some of the best known Scottish Country Dances. Suitable for all ages, and all stages – don’t worry if this is your first time – a ‘caller’ from the band will talk you through the steps, so there is no need to worry how to ‘Strip the Willow’.

The band features some of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians, and is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a great night out in good company.

13

TOLBOOTH

Scottish Ensemble DATE Saturday 23 July TIME 8pm TICKETS £17 / £15 /

£10 Students & under 18s Scottish Ensemble is the UK’s leading string orchestra. Performing standing up, the group is known for its dynamic performances and adventurous programming. Tonight’s concert is a chance to experience a smaller, intimate group of six Scottish Ensemble musicians performing pieces by Brahms and Schoenberg.

Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) is a one-movement sextet inspired by the poem of the same name by Richard Dehmel. The dramatic, emotionallyheightened piece caused controversy at its 1902 premiere due not only to Dehmel’s explicit references to sexual themes, but also its advanced harmonies. Today, the piece is one of the composer’s most well-known, with its moody, tense atmosphere created by the chromatic harmonies.

Brahms’ Sextet No.1 is quite simply a beautiful piece by a master of the form; in the decades after Brahms wrote his two sextets, it seemed other composers followed (including Schoenberg), and listening to Brahms’ chamber work for strings, it’s easy to see why.

The second movement in particular has been used frequently in film and TV.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

14

TOLBOOTH

GT’s Boos Band + support

Fèis Rois & Fèis Fhoirt Ceilidh Trail

DATE Saturday 30 July TIME 8pm TICKETS £12 Standing

DATE Wednesday 3 August TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £7 / £4

Stirling band GT’s Boos Band launch their new album tonight! Fresh from their appearance on BBC Four music documentary ‘UK’s Best Part-Time Band’, the band are releasing the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2013 début album ‘Steak House’ (nominated British Blues Awards Album of the Year 2014, Finalist ‘ Début of the Year’ Wasser-Prawda Magazine, Germany, ‘Album of the Week’ on Canada’s Blues and Roots Radio and as heard on Paul Jones’ BBC 2 Radio show). A night of rocking electric blues not to be missed!

A performance of traditional music by some of the most talented young players from Scotland. The Ceilidh Trail is an initiative offering young trad musicians (age 16-25) the opportunity to play and tour, offering them a learning week at the Schools of excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton, and a summer tour around the areas where they are based.

culturestirling.org

Tonight we repeat last year’s successful combination of the longest running and best known, National Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail alongside our own local Fèis Fhoirt Ceilidh Trail, with each band performing a cracking set of reels, jigs and songs.

15

TOLBOOTH

Blazin’ Fiddles

Nick Harper

DATE Thursday 18 August TIME 8pm TICKETS £16 / £14

DATE Saturday 20 August TIME 8pm TICKETS £12 / £10

Blazin’ Fiddles are undoubtedly one of the world’s most prolific fiddle groups. Over the last 17 years, no other band has quite managed to capture the excitement, passion and sensitivity of Scottish music all at once.

Born in London, raised in Wiltshire, the son of legendary singer/songwriter Roy… Having played guitar since the age of ten surrounded by the likes of Keith Moon , Jimmy Page , Robert Plant and Dave Gilmour, Nick made his recording debut at the age of fifteen alongside Jimmy Page on his father’s album ‘Whatever Happened to Jugula’.

With a Blazers performance comes the rare opportunity to hear the regional expressions, from Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, and the individual style from each fiddler – Invernesian Bruce MacGregor, Shetlander Jenna Reid, Nairn’s Rua Macmillan, and Orcadian Kristan Harvey in a blend of ensemble and solo sets. Fiddles and bows come alight atop guitar and piano from Anna Massie and Angus Lyon, delivering a musically intoxicating evening for all.

Whatever the hall – be it in a Highland village or London’s Royal Albert – this legendary, multi award-winning act never fails to set the hearts of their audiences alight.

To call Nick a superlative singer/songwriter could put his highly lauded guitar talent in the shade, and to call him a guitarist’s guitarist might slight his distinctive, soulful voice and passionate songs. Not forgetting the wild ride that is one of his live shows - from personal introspection to biting political satire via a charmingly caustic wit that would make Groucho Marx proud. ‘if you’ve never seen Harper live , you’re missing out on one of the musical phenomenons of our age’ Rob Adams, The Herald ‘Dylan for the IPod generation’ Guitarist

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

16

OFF THE PAGE EVENTS AT TOLBOOTH

Stirling Council Libraries annual Off the Page festival has a wide range of events for all ages and taking place in the libraries and venues across Stirling. The five events programmed at the Tolbooth are all featured in these pages; this is only part of the wider programme, for more highlights see p20 and for full details see culturestirling.org

The Boy from Nowhere Gregor Fisher with Melanie Reid DATE Friday 6 May TIME 7:30pm – 9pm TICKETS £5 / £3 VENUE Tolbooth BAFTA-winning Gregor Fisher is one of television’s most recognisable actors. He first became a household name with his portrayal of the character Rab C. Nesbitt in the multiaward-winning BBC sitcom of the same name.

His extensive TV career includes multiple series of Scotch and Wry, Naked Video and acclaimed productions including The Tales of Para Handy, Gormenghast and Oliver Twist.

He also has numerous theatre and film credits.

He is about to tour in the National Theatre of Scotland’s Yer Granny. Gregor will talk about his biography The Boy from Nowhere.

Melanie Reid is an award-winning writer and columnist in The Times. Since 2010, when she fell off her horse and broke her neck, she has written Spinal Column in The Times Saturday magazine. She previously held positions at The Scotsman, Sunday Mail and The Herald.

culturestirling.org

17

OFF THE PAGE EVENTS AT TOLBOOTH

How to get Published: Nick Sharratt: Editing Your Own Draw along with Nick!

DATE Saturday 14 May Work Tolbooth DATE Wednesday 11 May TIME 7.30 – 9pm TICKETS £5 / £3 VENUE Tolbooth Every writer needs an editor: to act as an arbiter of good taste and judgement, to correct mistakes, and to ‘read’ the book on behalf of the intended audience. Indeed, it is often said that it isn’t possible to properly edit one’s own work because it needs a fresh, impartial pair of eyes. But editors need to be paid and what if your bank balance is zero?

Best friends and your Auntie Irene are the last people you should call on to edit your work – personal relationships can suffer. So what’s to be done? Is it possible to edit your own writing? How necessary is a thorough edit before you send out that all-important final draft? And where do you begin? Our panel of publishing experts will provide guidance, insight, and some tall editing tails… sorry, tales. www.allanguthrie.co.uk Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

TIME 11am – 12.30pm TICKETS £5 adult / £3 child VENUE Tolbooth Suggested age: family and children 4+ years

Join us to meet the award-winning author and illustrator Nick Sharratt – pick up your pen and board and draw along! Nick says, ‘I've now illustrated close to 250 books. They range from board books for babies to novels for young teenagers. I've worked with authors including Julia Donaldson, Jeremy Strong, Michael Rosen, Giles Andreae, Kaye Umansky, Kes Gray and most notably Dame Jacqueline Wilson and I've also written around 40 of my own books. I'm delighted to say that quite a few of the books have won prizes. I was the official illustrator for World Book Day in 2006 and I have a fellowship from Hereford College of Art. I'm also the proud recipient of a gold Blue Peter badge.’

18

OFF THE PAGE EVENTS AT TOLBOOTH

Mairi Hedderwick Alex Norton with Martin McCardie: There’s been a Life DATE Monday 16 May The Story of TIME 7.30 – 9pm TICKETS £5 / £3 Katie Morag DATE Saturday 14 May TIME 2 – 3.30pm TICKETS £5 adult / £3 child VENUE Tolbooth Suggested age: family and children 4+ years Mairi Hedderwick, author and illustrator, talks about her most famous creation, Katie Morag, and offers some wry insights and observations from behind-the scenes of the multi-award winning TV series. Why did some Glasgow Libraries ban Katie Morag in the 1980's?

And what is the story behind Grannie Island's identity crisis? In conversation with one of the writers of the Katie Morag stories on CBeebies and CBBC, Martin McCardie, Hedderwick explores the enduring popularity of Katie and discusses life beyond the isle of Struay to talk about painting, illustrating and travel-writing. culturestirling.org

VENUE Tolbooth

ALEX NORTON’s journey from the streets of Glasgow’s notorious Gorbals to blockbuster Hollywood movies has hardly been smooth, but in a career that has spanned five decades he has pretty much seen¬ and done¬ it all.

He has since had an incredible career, having appeared in iconic movies such as Braveheart, Gregory’s Girl and Local Hero. Alex has played Captain Bellamy alongside Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and made an everlasting mark on British TV as DCI Burke in Taggart. He has worked with the likes of Billy Connolly and Dudley Moore amongst a whole host of other stars. Alex will be talking about his autobiography There’s Been a Life.

19

LIBRARIES

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS Dragonese Day Saturday 7 May, Dunblane Library 1-3pm

Lin Anderson Thursday 12 May, Plean Library 12.30-2pm

Ajay Close Monday 9 May, Doune Library 7-8.30pm

Denise Mina & Helen Fitzgerald Thursday 12 May, Central Library 7.30-9pm

Chris Townsend Tuesday 10 May, Dunblane Library TIME?

Mairi Hedderwick Saturday 14 May, Balfron Library 10-11am

Macastory Tuesday 10 May, Mayfield Centre 6-7pm

Bookbug Week Flagship Event Monday 16 May, Bannockburn Heritage Centre 10.30-2.30pm

For full festival information and to book please see culturestirling.org 20

LIBRARIES

Stirling Libraries

There are 16 libraries in the Stirling area and each one has events for children and adults regularly during the week. From Book Bug to author visits and of course book clubs there is something for everyone and so much more than you think. As well as the Off the Page annual festival, there are special events through the year to tie in with national initiatives such as Poetry Day and Book Week.

Contact your local library for full details 01786 237535.

Regular events include; Bookbug Sing, clap, bounce around and enjoy yourself! Bookbug Sessions are free, fun and friendly events for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families to enjoy together. Each session lasts around 30 minutes and includes songs, stories and rhymes. They take place in a very relaxed environment and are a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your little one.

The Sessions are widely available throughout Stirling Libraries, so they are also a good way to meet other parents and children in your local area. They have lots of benefits for your child, such as building up their confidence and social skills, and will give their speech and language development a real boost! culturestirling.org

Bestselling Author visit: Tess Gerritsen Thursday 21 July, Albert Halls TICKETS FREE Bestselling author Tess Gerritsen is also a physician, and she brings to her novels her first-hand knowledge of emergency and autopsy rooms. Her thrillers starring homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles inspired the hit TV series Rizzoli & Isles which averages 6.5 million viewers every week in the US and was launched in the UK by Alibi TV. Her books have sold over 40 million copies worldwide and her last thriller Die Again was a top 10 Sunday Times bestseller in the UK. She will be talking about her latest thriller Playing with Fire.

21

TOLBOOTH GALLERY

FORTH VALLEY OPEN STUDIOS JUNE CAREY DREAMS AND VISIONS Friday 3rd June – 7th July 2016

Forth Valley Art Beat welcomes Stirling based artist, June Carey, to the Tolbooth Gallery, with a new exhibition inspired by different cultures throughout the world. June Carey began her Art Education in the 1960s at Glasgow School of Art. In 1982 she became a member of Edinburgh Printmakers and began a lifelong love affair with printmaking.

Discovering etching brought about a turningpoint in her work and career. The process of making an etching set her imagination free.

Suddenly she had found her subject.

ART AND SOUL

Saturday 16 April – Saturday 7 May Preview 16 April 12-2pm Paintings by members of the Cowane Centre workshop groups. Come along and see paintings by member of the current workshops, led by Peter Russell. There are currently two classes on Wednesdays and Fridays, if you are interested in joining then phone box office on 01786 27 4000

culturestirling.org

BRICK CITY

Friday 16 September – Sunday 16 October Brick City – the tour is an exhibition of the models of ‘brick city’, the best selling book by artist Warren Elsmore. Featuring stunning lego recreations of architectural icons from around the world, Brick City celebrates our global environment and the simple magic of the famous Danish children's toy.

22

ALBERT HALLS

Angel Anne Medium Psychic Medium

The Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival

DATE Friday 6 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £18.50 / £15 concession

Over 16 years only

DATE Saturday 7 May TIME 12-4pm TICKETS £20

Angel Anne is a third generation medium and is regularly featured in national press, radio and T.V. she has a bubbly and lively personality, and her humour comes across while she works.

She will take those receiving a communication from the unseen world on a trip down memory lane. She brings forth the characteristics and personality of the communicator as well as hard evidence, fact after fact, to the recipient.

She goes direct to the recipient with the information too, a fun and uplifting night assured. Anne is supporting the “Make a wish Foundation” who help children diagnosed with life changing illness and in some cases happy memories for the families left behind.

culturestirling.org

The Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival returns to the Albert Halls for their annual May event. The festival, now in its 5th year, will see many of Scotland’s top whisky brands available for tasting on the day as well as master classes for those who’d like to learn that little bit more about the ‘liquid gold’ in the glass.

With an estimated 200 drams available on the day for tasting The Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival is set to attract visitors from all around the globe including the US, Russia, New Zealand, Chile, Hungary and Canada ensuring its position as one of Stirling’s key events and great day out for whisky lovers!

23

ALBERT HALLS

Stirling Orchestra

Strathcarron Singers

DATE Sunday 8 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10 / £8 concession

£5 Students with ID / £2 child

DATE Saturday 21 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10

An orchestra of mostly amateur players from the Stirling area of Scotland and Stirling University, with conductor Stephen Broad, and orchestra leader Robert Jennings, and tonight featuring guest soloist Ross Montgomery on clarinet.

Tonight’s programme: Sibelius – Symphony no. 5 Smetana – The Moldau (from Ma Vlast) Mozart – Clarinet Concerto

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Strathcarron choir was started by the matron of Strathcarron Hospice in 2004. Today there are around 45 members, many of whom are associated with the Hospice, including current or former staff members, spouses or partners. This is their 12th annual concert in aid of the Hospice.

For tonight’s performance the Singers are delighted to announce their special guests will be the Clackmannan District Brass Band, one of Scotland’s top brass bands and a firm audience favourite and the highly talented young pianist Anna Michels from Denny, who is currently studying at St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh.

24

ALBERT HALLS

Big Noise

Rhythm of the Dance

DATE Sunday 26 June TIME 7.30pm TICKETS FREE

DATE Friday 29 July TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £24 / £22

The Big Noise orchestra from Stirling’s Raploch is a social action programme aiming to boost the life chances of the children taking part. Music might not be the main aim at Big Noise but the music played is of a very high standard. This is a chance for music fans from around Stirling and Scotland to see and hear how the children are progressing.

Feel the joy of the Raploch families and community as Big Noise celebrates its eighth birthday, with performances from children at various ages and stages. The concert takes place at the Albert Halls on Sunday 26 June at 4 pm. We have 100 free tickets available from the Albert Halls booking office.

This two-hour dance and music extravaganza live show celebrates the rich history of Ireland and the art of Irish dance, from the disciplined Celtic Step to the sensual, ancient Sean Nos dance style.

culturestirling.org

‘Rhythm of the Dance’ creates a new era in Irish entertainment, presenting some 22 world champion dancers, a traditional Irish band, and the handsome young Tenors. Internationally rated as one of the most popular and successful Irish Step Dance shows on tour, by critics, audiences, and millions of fans around the world. Be sure to experience Rhythm of the Dance when it performs in The Albert Halls...you’ll be very glad you did! 4.5 million fans can’t be wrong!!

25

ALBERT HALLS

The Upbeat Beatles DATE Thursday 4 August TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £20 / £18 concessions/students From Beatlemania to Psychedelia and Beyond… It’s 1963 and a new band is taking the country by storm, playing a heady mixture of Blues, Motown and Rock ’n’ Roll. With the songs that changed a generation, this show will have you tapping your feet from the opening bars, taking you on a journey that is the story of The Beatles through their songs. Let them take you on a Magical History Tour!

Since 1997 The Upbeat Beatles have been the best in the business at recreating the excitement, authentic sound and downright raw energy of the original Fab Four. Supremely talented guys. 13 guitars, 5 costume changes, great powerhouse vocals and close harmonies, teamed with a driving backbeat to give you a night to remember.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Johnny Lee Memphis + Absolute Elvis DATE Saturday 27 August TIME 8pm TICKETS £18.50 / £14

6% commision fee The 27th August will see the debut appearance of Scotland’s very own Johnny Lee Memphis in the Albert Halls as part of his 2016 tour.

Incredible vocals, stage presence and likeness to The King earned him the inaugural title of World Champion at the Elvis World Cup in 2010 and European title in 2014. Consistently amazing fans with the attention to detail in his performances, outstanding voice and gestures.

Performing alongside Johnny Lee Memphis is the superb JLM band featuring The Graceland Horns complemented by the Memphis Belles backing vocalists who all come together to create a lively, loud and energetic show. You will enjoy all the classic tracks from the 50’s through to the 70’s. Prepare for a night of Elvis… Absolute Elvis.

26

ALBERT HALLS

ARTS NEWS

Scotfairs Antique Fair Talk: Hywel Roberts DATE Sat 14 May / Sat 4 Jun Imagineering the

Sat 2 Jul / Sat 6 Aug TIME 10 – 4:30pm Curriculum ADMISSION £1.50

Accompanied children free.

Scotland’s largest antique, vintage and collectors’ fair and great shopping experience.

Antiques for the connoisseur, hidden treasures for the experts, specialist items for the experienced collector, and thousands of interesting, beautiful and affordable items for the general public. Come along and enjoy the informal atmosphere of the market!

Our specialist registered dealers can offer free valuations without obligation on all antique, vintage and collectors’ items:- jewellery, silver ceramics, glass, coins, medals, postcards etc. www.scotfairs.co.uk

The Runway Show Wedding Showcase

by Hotel Colessio DATE Sat 28 & Sun 29 May TIME 11am-5pm

FREE entry The Runway Wedding Show, hosted by the luxury Aurora Hotel Collection, is set to be Stirling’s most unique and glamorous wedding event to date. Showcasing the very best Scottish Wedding Venues as well as amazing live music, fashion shows, hair & make up demo’s, tips from industry experts and much, much more. If you are planning your wedding, this is a weekend you do not want to miss! culturestirling.org

VENUE Tolbooth DATE Monday 16 May TIME 4.30 – 6.30pm

Doors open at 4pm for

registration and refreshments It’s time to reclaim our professional imagination: A talk by top creative teacher, educationalist and author Hywel Roberts, about his approach to classroom strategies that really do switch on all young children to learn, to think, to participate, to take responsibility and to enjoy the whole wonderful process.

Open to anyone with an interest in education. wwwcreatelearninspire.co.uk For information, or to book contact creativelearning@stirling.gov.uk www.createlearninspire.co.uk Contacts Carolyn Paterson Senior Programmer & Arts Development Officer 01786 274023 patersonc3@stirling.gov.uk Kenny Bates Music Development Officer 01786 274002 batesk@stirling.gov.uk Clare Hoare Senior Practitioner (Creative Learning) 01786 274014 hoarec@stirling.gov.uk

27

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

ADULTS KNITTING & CROCHET BEE Tue 19 Apr – Tue 28 Jun, 5.30 – 7.30pm £1 per session, includes refreshments, drop in sessions, no booking required.

BODHRÁN Tue 26 Apr – Tue 14 Jun Beginners 7–8pm £42 / £34 for 8 sessions Intermediate 8–9.30pm £50 / £42 for 8 sessions FIDDLE (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL) Wed 27 Apr – Wed 15 Jun, 7-8:30pm £50 / £42 for 8 sessions CERAMICS – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Beginners: Tue 19 Apr – Tue 14 Jun Intermediate: Wed 20 Apr – Wed 15 Jun 7 – 9pm (except 10 /11 May) £60 / £50 for 8 sessions Includes materials & firings ART/PAINTING Wed 20 Apr – Wed 15 Jun (except 11 May) Fri 22 Apr – Fri 17 Jun (except 13 May) 10am – 3pm, with 1 hour for lunch £112 / £96 for 8 sessions TOLBOOTH SINGERS Thu 21 Apr – Thu 16 Jun, 7-9pm (Except 26 May) £52 / £42 for 8 sessions GUITAR Thu 21 Apr – Thu 16 Jun (except 26 May) Beginners 7 – 8 pm £42 / £34 Intermediate 8 – 9.15 pm £48 / £40 need you own guitar

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

STIRLING WRITERS GROUP Drop in sessions. Tuesdays 7.15-9.45pm £5 / £3.50 per session SEE CULTURESTIRLING.ORG FOR FULL DETAILS & BOOKING INFO CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE TRADITIONAL MUSIC WORKSHOPS Monday nights: 18 Apr – 6 Jun (except 2 May) Age 10-18 FREE Traddies, for complete beginners: 5 – 5.30pm Fiddle, guitar, whistle Folkus, min 1 yr experience 5.30-6.15 pm Session for fiddle, guitar, whistle, flute The Session* intermediate level 6.20 – 7.20pm The Session Extra* Intermediate + level 6.20 – 8pm Tolbooth Trad Band* advanced level by audition 7 – 8.15pm *All trad instruments welcome STIRLING & CLACKMANNANSHIRE YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE Monday nights: 18 Apr – 6/13 Jun (except 2 May) Age 10-18 FREE Jazz Big Band/access 5 – 6pm Complete beginners to intermediate level Youth Jazz Ensemble 6 – 7.15pm Intermediate to advanced level PUMP UP THE JAM Wed 20 Apr – Wed 8 Jun Age 11+: 4.45 – 7.15pm FREE CITY MUSIC PROJECT Fri 29 Apr – Fri 17 Jun Age 12-19: 7 – 9pm FREE 28

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

FIDDLE, CLARSACH, GUITAR, ACCORDIAN & WHISTLE Sat 23 Apr – Sat 11 Jun Popular trad music classes run by Fèis Fhoirt for all levels, for times and fees, and to book please contact John MacNeil, feisfhoirt@aol.com tel: 07770 930295 ART – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Sat 23 Apr – Sat 11 Jun Age 6-9yrs: 9.45 – 11am Age 10-14yrs: 11.30 – 12.45pm £36 for 8 sessions (inclusive of materials) CERAMICS – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Sat 23 Apr – Sat 11 Jun Age 10-14yrs: 9.45-11am Age 7-9yrs: 11.30am-12.45pm £38 for 8 sessions (inclusive of materials)

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

SEE CULTURESTIRLING.ORG FOR FULL DETAILS & BOOKING INFO

During the school summer holidays the Tolbooth will once again be running arts activities for children and young people – including music technology, circus skills, animation, art and ukulele.

For details look up culturestirling.org or phone 01786 274000 for full details

Box office 01786 27 4000

29

THE TOLBOOTH STUDIO A HIGH-SPEC CREATIVE SPACE FOR RECORDING PROJECTS BIG AND SMALL

Contact Kenny | 01786 274 002 | batesk@stirling.gov.uk

01786 27 4020 / ferrien@stirling.gov.uk for more information on hires

A beautiful venue in the heart of Stirling offering the perfect location for your event.

Our experienced events team will be on hand to advise you every step of the way, whether corporate, family or lavish celebration!

Uncompromising in quality and service Henderson’s cater for a wide variety of events: Pre theatre dinners, Private functions, Corporate Events and Weddings

01786 469727 / hendersons.co.uk for reservations and enquires

30

COMING SOON… IN 2016!

Friday 2 September Dogstar Theatre Presents Mungo Park

Saturday 1 October Rura

Saturday 8 October Thank Abba for the Music

Friday 4 November Swinging at the Cotton Club Take a step back into 1920s New York City and through the doors of Harlem's hottest nightclub, 'The Cotton Club'!

Friday 9 December Barry Steele & Friends: The Roy Orbison Show

‘Swinging at The Cotton Club’ is the action-packed show celebrating the music, dance, and songs of the Cotton Club – New York City’s most celebrated nightclub of the 1920s and ‘30s.

Performances by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne and Fats Waller would have had the club swinging, whilst dancers such as Bojangles Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers lit-up the stage with their breathtaking routines.

In this show, the electrifying dance and music of the Cotton Club is recreated by the fabulous Lindy Hop Dance Company and The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra featuring vocalist Marlene Hill and compere/vocalist Megs Etherington.

Tuesday 29 November Glenn Tilbrook culturestirling.org

31

AT A GLANCE MAY Stevie Nimmo & Ben Poole Thu 5 May, 8pm The Boy from Nowhere Gregor Fisher with Melanie Reid Fri 6 May, 7.30pm-9pm Angel Anne Medium Psychic Medium Fri 6 May, 7.30pm The Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival Sat 7 May, 12-4pm John McCusker Band 25th Anniversary Tour Sat 7 May, 8pm Stirling Orchestra, Sun 8 May, 7.30pm How to Get Published: Editing Your Own Work Wed 11 May, 7.30-9pm Think Thoughts: Miss Irenie Rose + Steven Kemp, Thu 12 May, doors 7.30pm

Stuart Cosgrove and Graham Spiers Football in Five Images Thu 19 May, 8pm Strathcarron Singers Sat 21 May, 7.30pm Strange Behaviours: United Fruit + Failed At Sea + Crashing Jets Sat 21 May, doors 7.30pm The Unthanks Wed 25 May, 8 pm Carol Laula + support from Andrew Howie Fri 27 May, 8pm The Runway Show Wedding Showcase

by Hotel Colessio Sat 28 & Sun 29 May 11am-5pm

JUNE

Tashi Lhunpo Monks – Sacred Sounds from Tibet, Wed 1 Jun, 8pm Karen Matheson Thu 2 Jun, 8pm

Nick Sharratt: draw along with Nick!

Sat 14 May, 11am-12.30pm

Adam Holmes & The Embers + support Madeleine Dow Fri 10 Jun, 8pm

Mairi Hedderwick with Martin McCardie: The Story of Katie Morag Sat 14 May, 2-3.30pm

Schools Annual Battle of the Bands Sat 11 Jun, 7.30pm

Alex Norton – There’s been a Life Mon 16 May, 7.30-9pm

The Roamin’ Jasmine Wed 22 Jun, 8pm Strange Behaviours: Three Blind Wolves + Fairweather & The Elements, Sat 25 Jun, doors 7.30pm Big Noise Sun 26 Jun, 7.30pm

JULY

AUG Fèis Rois & Fèis Fhoirt Ceilidh Trail Wed 3 Aug, 7.30pm The Upbeat Beatles Thu 4 Aug, 7.30pm

Summer Ceilidh Wed 10 Aug, 8pmm

Theatre Broad Presents… Super Natural

by Gareth Candy Fri 1 & Sat 2 Jul, 7.30pm

Blazin’ Fiddles Thu 18 Aug, 8pm

Saltfishforty Thu 7 Jul, 8pm

Johnny Lee Memphis – Absolute Elvis Sat 27 August, 7.30pm

Les Trois Blondes Thu 14 Jul, 7.30pm Wigwam Promotions present: Scocha Sat 16 Jul, 8pm Summer Ceilidhs Wed 20 Jul, 8pm Scottish Ensemble Sat 23 Jul, 8pm Rhythm of the Dance Fri 29 Jul, 7.30pm GT’s Boos Band + support Sat 30 Jul, 8pm

Nick Harper Sat 20 Aug, 8pm

Scotfairs Antique Fair Sat 14 May / Sat 4 Jun Sat 2 Jul / Sat 6 Aug 10-4.30pm OFF THE PAGE / LIBRARIES Outlined above are the events from this festival which are taking place in the Tolbooth. There are other highlights see www.culturestirling.org TOLBOOTH ALBERT HALLS OFF THE PAGE / LIBRARIES

The Rising Wed 15 Jun, 7.30pm Des McLean Fri 17 Jun, 8pm

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

32