Culture Stirling Events Guide Sep-Dec 2017

SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2017 MUSIC | PERFORMANCE | ART | CLASSES | CULTURESTIRLING.ORG

Russian National Ballet The Nutcracker MARTIN SIMPSON FRANCIE & JOSIE JASON DONOVAN

STRANGE BEHAVIOURS

JONNIE COMMON ORKESTRA DEL SOL

Mànran & Skerryvore ZOE RAHMAN

PHOTOGRAPH DICK VALENTONE p5

As autumn beckons we bring you the most exciting mix of performances.

For our festive season we look forward to the return of both Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook to the Albert Halls, and the radio play It’s a Wonderful Life to the Tolbooth.

We welcome the spectacular Russian National Ballet’s Nutcracker and our seasonal knees up has moved to The Albert Halls, with a cracking double bill of Mànran and Skerryvore!

The Tolbooth is packed with the most incredible list of musicians for your delectation, including Martin Simpson, Karine Polwart, incredible blues duos Nine Below Zero and Guy Davis & Fabrizio Poggi, a rare date from Fish and first time appearances from Dick Valentine, Emily Barker, Eleanor McEvoy and the outstanding piano skills of Zoe Rahman. Do check out Dogstar Theatre’s The Sky is Safe and Chris Brookmyre’s play, both direct from successful runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Albert Halls season welcomes BGT winners Collabro and Jason Donovan as he talks about his career and life.

We also have the mighty Ray Mears and Doug Scott as well as lots of fun favourites including a brilliant homage to two of Scotland’s great comedians, Francie & Josie.

Topfest’s workshops and events this year have been included within an exciting new ‘History Live festival’ and don’t forget the annual Bloody Scotland Crimefest in September. Finally, check out the classes and workshops for adults and children.

The Culture Stirling Team

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

CONTENTS

Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road Stirling FK8 2QL Box Office 01786 473544 Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm Libraries 01786 237535 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.

We are delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to gain Young Scot reward points –whether it be through volunteering or attending a performance or one of our workshops.

There will also be a Young Scot discount for 4 performances, highlighted in the brochure and exciting new rewards opportunities. For further information see page 32in our News section 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 TOLBOOTH PARKING The Old Town Jail Car Park, in St 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.

TOLBOOTH Eleanor McEvoy 4 Ímar 4 A Tale Etched in Blood…

5 Dick Valentine 5 The Sky Is Safe 6 Nine Below Zero 6 City Music Live 7 Zoe Rahman 7 Emily Smith & Jamie McClennan 7 Keith James – The Songs of Leonard Cohen 8 Strange Behaviours – Siobhan Wilson 8 Scocha 8 TopFest 9 Orkestra del Sol 9 Yorkston/Drever/Withered Hand Strange Behaviours– Jonnie Common 9 Red Pine Timber Co 10 Don’t Dribble on the Dragon! 10 Ollie Howell 11 China Crisis 11 Session A9 11 Shappi Khorsandi 12 Stirling DIY Press Collective Halina Rifai 12 Electric Strawbs 12 Rock For Strathcarron The Amorettes 13 Theatre Broad – Bruce’s Quest 13 Martin Simpson 14

Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra 14 Walt Disco 14 Adam Holmes & the Embers/ Rachel Sermanni 15 Triptych String Trio 15 Strange Behaviours: Winter Party 16 Molsky’s Mountain Drifters 16 Laura MacDonald Quartet 16 Emily Barker 17 Guy Davis & Fabrizio Poggi 17 Fish 17 Rock for Strathcarron Quireboys 18 Ross Couper & Tom Oakes / Talisk 18 Christmas Ceilidhs 19 Karine Polwart 19 It’s a Wonderful Life 19 ALBERT HALLS W3L Wrestling Heart of Scotland Choir Hell’s Bells Hart Male Voice Choir Francie & Josie Forbidden Nights Ray Mears Joe Longthorne Doug Scott Memories are Made of This Russian National Ballet – The Nutcracker

21 21 21 22 22 13 13 24 24 24 25

Jason Donovan 25 A Celebration of John Denver 26 Stirling Council’s School’s Concert 26 Christmas Lights Switch On 26 Collabro 27 The Roy Orbison Story Christmas Special 27 Stirling Orchestra 28 NYCOS 28 Buddy Holly & The Cricketers 28 Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook 29 FUNBOX: Santa’s Funtastic Factory 29 Mànran & Skerryvore 30 Albert Halls Hogmanay Ceilidh 30 TOPFEST & NEWS

31

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

32

COMING SOON

35

4 TOLBOOTH | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Eleanor McEvoy Thu 7 Sep: 8pm £13/£11

Eleanor McEvoy is one of Ireland’s finest singers of recent decades. She is best known for her song ‘Only A Woman’s Heart’ the standout title song on a compilation work that became one of the biggest selling albums in Ireland’s history, and which has been covered by many including Mary Black and Emmylou Harris.

Lately it is the intimate concert setting she favours, allowing her vulnerable and expressive voice to tease new life out of emotional lyrics. Eleanor's latest release, Naked Music, her twelfth studio album includes songs co-written with Lloyd Cole, Nat Johnson and Dave Rotheray of The Beautiful South.

culturestirling.org | TOLBOOTH

5

Horsehead Theatre

A Tale Etched in Blood & Hard Black Pencil

by Christopher Brookmyre Sat 9 Sep: 2.30 & 8.30pm £12/£10

Performance time 90 minutes + interval / Age recommendation 14+

When a double murder reunites the classmates of St Elizabeth’s Primary School, scores are settled, debts repaid and alliances forged. Twenty years have passed but will those bonds still hold fast? This hilarious Scottish black comedy, adapted from Christopher Brookmyre's novel, takes a nostalgic look at school days, filled with psycho teachers, class jokers and playground feuds. All set to a cracking 70s/80s soundtrack! Warning – this play contains very strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.

We are delighted to bring this play by Horsehead Theatre Co to the Tolbooth as part of the Bloody Scotland festival, following a hugely successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Ímar

Dick Valentine (from Electric Six)

Glasgow’s hottest new folk property Ímar’s line-up features members of Mànran, Rura, Talisk and Barrule who have collectively amassed a heavyweight collective haul of top prizes - Adam Brown (bodhrán), Adam Rhodes (bouzouki), Mohsen Amini (concertina), Ryan Murphy (uilleann pipes) and Tomás Callister (fiddle). Ímar’s unmistakable synergy and distinctive sound centres on the overlapping cultural heritage from their roots, between Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. ‘definitely an act to watch!’ Songlines

Come one, come all to the intimate and festive occasion that is the Dick Valentine solo acoustic experience! Experience a seven-or-eight-times-in-a-lifetime chance to be up close and personal with an American music icon. It’s a low pressure, good time affair as the Electric Six frontman strips down all your favourite songs from the Electric Six catalogue, plays original solo material and swims in a sea of requested good-time covers.

Fri 8 Sep: 8pm £14/£12

Thu 14 Sep: Doors 7.30pm / Start 8pm £10 standing

Be one of the first to buy a copy of his latest solo work.

‘Robocalls’ is Valentine’s fourth solo album and there can be no doubting it will go down as his magnum opus. Imagine Mac DeMarco being spliced with Gordon Lightfoot… and you’ve got two Canadians being fused into one. In the background during the splicing procedure, you might hear a trace of Robocalls’ emanating from the anesthesiologist’s iPod. You will not see Electric Six in 2017 so this is the next best thing!

Pages with a red band denote events at Tolbooth

6 TOLBOOTH | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544 The Dog star Theatre Company

The Sky Is Safe

Fri 15 Sep: 8pm £13/£11 Recommended age: 12+ / Running time 60 mins, no interval

They meet on an Istanbul street, she a Syrian refugee, he a privileged westerner. What follows is an intimate yet epic story of war and displacement, identity and power, choice and its absence; a story of beauty, brutality and love. Writer and performer Matthew Zajac and director Ben Harrison, creators of the multi-award winning The Tailor of Inverness, combine with composer Pippa Murphy , video artist Time Ried and Syrian designer and artist Nihad Al Turk.

On tour direct from the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Summerhall programme. Photo: Nihad al Turk

culturestirling.org | TOLBOOTH

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City Music Live under 18s Gig nights

Thu 21 Sept / Sat 28 Oct / Fri 1 Dec: Doors 7.30pm £4

Another 3 of the Tolbooth’s monthly under 18s events are lined up before the end of the year (see dates above).

A dedicated team of young musicians, photographers and music enthusiasts work together with the Tolbooth to curate nights which showcase the best under 18s bands and artists from across Stirling. The team book the acts, promote the shows, compère and even engineer the live sound on the night. Line-ups announced nearer the date via the City Music Live Facebook page. Get in touch if you’re an act looking for a gig, or keen on helping organise and run the events! facebook.com/citymusiclive / citymusiclive@gmail.com

Zoe Rahman – Dreamland Fri 22 Sept: 8pm £15/£13

Nine Below Zero

Sat 16 Sept: 8pm £13/£11 Famous for their no-frills, punchy and direct approach, we welcome back the acoustic duo version from one of Britain’s most respected R&B bands, namely NBZ frontman Dennis Greaves, with his rasping vocals and stinging guitar work, and fellow-founder, harmonica maestro Mark Feltham.

As a duo Dennis and Mark are a real class act, going back to their original love of blues roots, covering songs by blues legends such as Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Jimmy Reed and Leadbelly, along with unplugged versions of the best known Nine Below Zero material.

A vibrant and highly individual pianist and composer, Zoe Rahman’s style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British/Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste. Zoe’s latest album, Dreamland, features new compositions alongside tracks by Duke Ellington, Jessica Williams, Rabindranath Tagore. A former MOBO Award winner, Mercury Prize nominee, Jazz FM Award nominee and British Jazz Award winner, this is a rare opportunity to hear one of the UK’s most gifted jazz pianists in an intimate solo piano setting. ‘An exciting solo set, brilliantly performed and totally absorbing’ The Observer

Emily Smith & Jamie McClennan Sat 23 Sep: 8pm £13/£11

This 15th anniversary tour showcases a big new sound for Emily and Jamie. Drawing on influences from the folk tradition, Americana and beyond, the duo’s sumptuous harmonies are layered over sizzling double guitars, fiddle and accordion.

Multi award winning singer Emily (who also plays accordion and piano) is a leading figure of the Scottish folk scene.

Her long term musical collaborator, and husband, Jamie has accompanied her throughout her career on guitar and fiddle and in recent years produced several of her albums.

‘Bursting with joy and talent’ The Telegraph

8 TOLBOOTH | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

culturestirling.org | TOLBOOTH

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Keith James The Songs of Leonard Cohen

Orkestra del Sol

Enigmatic, mysterious and sub textural, songwriter Leonard Cohen wrestled with the unspoken, forgiving human frailty with the brush of each line. Keith James performs Cohen’s amazing material in the most intimate and sensitive way imaginable. Amongst songs such as; Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of Mercy, Suzanne and Hallelujah, are also Poems by Lorca (Cohen’s greatest influence) that Keith has set to music and songs from ‘You want it Darker’.

‘Certainly the UK’s most celebrated and evocative interpreter of golden music’ The Guardian

‘The swagger of a Balkan wedding band; the riotous energy of Latin carnival!’ Orkestra del Sol’s explosive reinvention of global brass music has captured imaginations, set pulses racing and left a trail of pummeled dance floors across continents. Their live shows are legendary, always infused with a roguish sense of theatre and a healthy dose of anarchic comedy – all the while staying true to their roots as a spontaneous and thoroughly entertaining street band.

Having announced that this is to be the last year of Orkestra del Sol, the band is now setting about making the rest of 2017 one mighty celebration! Join them for an evening of bombastic brass as they celebrate the release of their 4th album, Gross National Happiness.

Tue 26 Sep: 8pm £15 +6% booking fee

Strange Behaviours

Siobhan Wilson + Quick

Thu 28 Sep: Doors 7.30pm £9 advance/£11 on the door The Elgin-raised, French-speaking singer-songwriter’s mesmeric, delicately aching album ‘There Are No Saints’ has been widely adored by Radio 6 and BBC Scotland DJs, regularly played and swooned over on air. Captivating and memorable in the truest sense, her disarming live performance leaves you hanging on every syllable.

Fans of Eva Cassidy, Cocteau Twins and Joni Mitchell will find something to fall in love with here.

‘Mesmerising… a hugely exciting talent’ The Scotsman

Scocha

Fri 29 Sep: 7pm £15 +6% booking fee

Taking the best in rousing traditional Scottish music and giving it a classic rock twist, Scocha guarantee an excellent evening’s entertainment. Mixing traditional favourites alongside original material and the usual on-stage banter, if you are a first-time viewer and not a Scocha fan when you sat down – you certainly will be when you leave!

As the band’s motto goes… “ye can stand or you can sit – but you won’t sit still”! Scocha are delighted to add the wonderful talents of Ted Christopher to the bill but please note the show will start earlier than usual at 7pm.

Sat 30 Sep: 8pm + Workshop 1.30pm £13/£11 standing

TOPFEST / HISTORY LIVE Along with other workshops and events, the band will also be hosting a special one-off street band workshop in the afternoon for brass and drums as part of this year’s Topfest and History Live celebrations . See page 31 for more details.

James Yorkston / Kris Drever / Withered Hand Thu 5 Oct: 8pm £15

Three outstanding singer-songwriters, onstage together throughout sharing songs and stories… James Yorkston, named as the ‘Finest songwriter of his generation’ by the great John Peel, has led a varied and critically-acclaimed career: an original member of The Fence Collective, a highly-praised author, and member of genre-defying Yorkston Thorne Khan. ‘One of the most influential singer songwriters on the Scottish folk scene’ The Scotsman Kris Drever celebrated a decade of critical and commercial success by winning both BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of The Year 2017 and Best Original Track 2017 for the title track of his latest massively successful solo release If Wishes Were Horses.

Kris is a member of the celebrated British folk trio Lau. ‘Completely infectious’ BBC Music Withered Hand – aka Dan Wilson. His two albums, Good News and New Gods, have garnered accolades and been praised for their depth and startling honesty. A Rolling Stone ‘Artist to Watch’ ‘Endlessly lovable’ NME

10 TOLBOOTH | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544 Strange Behaviours

Jonnie Common + The Narcissist Cookbook

Fri 6 Oct: Doors 7.30pm £8 advance/£10 on the door £5 for Young Scot Card Holders

Stirling-based producer/performer Jonnie Common returns with his unique brand of dreamy electronic glitch-pop.

Touring new single ‘Restless’ ahead of his forthcoming new album, expect half-spoken verses of equal parts razor sharp wit and goofy every-day observations paired with lush ear-worm choruses that sweep you up in their path.

‘Gorgeous machine pop bard’ Nicola Meighan

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Ollie Howell

Fri 13 Oct: 8pm £13/£11

A young Ollie Howell was given his first pair of drum sticks

by Radiohead’s Philip Selway. A major champion is industry guru Quincy Jones. Increasingly in demand as a composer and arranger, you can hear Ollie’s arrangements on the latest albums from Jack Savoretti and George Ezra. He has been commissioned to write the soundtracks for several films this year and is currently composing a piece for the London Chamber Orchestra. ‘an unbelievable drummer.

So creative I couldn’t believe it… he really is a 360-degree beautiful young cat.’ Quincy Jones ‘Delicious dynamic flow and an almost elegiac beauty’ Mojo

Red Pine Timber Co.

China Crisis

Perthshire’s Red Pine Timber Co's winning blend of Americana, country, soul, blues and southern rock has rightly earned them a formidable reputation as a truly great live band.

After a sell out tours of the UK and America, China Crisis return in support of their new album ‘Autumn in the Neighbourhood’, their first album of new material in 20 years. Eddie Lundon and Gary Daly are the founder members of the hugely respected and well remembered 80s New Wave band China Crisis, which started in Kirkby, Merseyside back in 1979. Known for their string of hit singles, including African & White, Christian, Working with Fire and Steel, Black Man Ray and Wishful Thinking, the trio will be performing these classics and more, alongside tracks from the new album.

Sat 7 Oct: 8pm £12

Red Pine boast a magnetic front pairing of songwriter Gav Munro (formerly Southpaw) and the fabulous voice of Katie Whittaker, while Dave MacFarlane’s fiddle adds a Celtic flavour and the band’s trump card is the imaginative brass arrangements of trombonist Chris Marshall adding great depth and soul to an already combustible mixture.

The People’s Theatre Company Presents

Don’t Dribble On The Dragon

Wed 11 Oct: 2.30pm £10.50/£8.50/£34 family For adults and kids of all ages (not recommended for under 2s)

Tom is a toddler with a cool older brother, a secret dragon… and a dribbling problem that just won’t stop! When Tom’s endless drooling threatens to tear the brothers’ friendship apart can their dragon’s amazing magic help them put it back together again or will it only end up making things worse? Based on Steven Lee’s book, directed by Nick Lane and with magic designed by the legendary Paul Daniels, this spectacular musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family is the perfect feel good show for big hearted adults and loving little ones alike.

Running time approx 60 minutes.

Fri 20 Oct: 8pm £17.50

Session A9

Sat 21 Oct: 8pm £15/£13

A rare opportunity to see this mighty line-up, whose performance at this year’s Celtic Connections was an undoubted highlight. The band members are well known through playing with Capercaillie, Treacherous Orchestra and Nordic Bloc as well as numerous individual projects. Collectively their outstanding musicianship and combined mix of inspired tunes and songs guarantees an exhilarating evening. Session A9 are – Gordon Gunn, Kevin Henderson, Charlie McKerron & Adam Sutherland (fiddle), Brian McAlpine (keys), Marc Clement (guitar, vocals) & David ‘Chimp’ Robertson on percussion. ‘music with a full heart and a head for invention’ Songlines

12 TOLBOOTH | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Shappi Khorsandi

Sun 22 Oct: 8pm £12 Recommended Age 16+

Shappi is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of her arrival in Britain with a brand new show. She’s reclaiming patriotism, sending a love letter to her adopted land. Effortlessly funny, Shappi handles every subject with a razor sharp wit, softened only by her deliciously mischievous delivery and endless charm. Star of Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Have I Got News for You and Q.I. ‘She has plenty to say, and says it with pointedness and potency.’ The Guardian ‘seriously funny and surprisingly filthy’ The New Statesman The Stirling DIY Press Collective presents

Social media, PR, blogging & podcasts, with Halina Rifai

Tue 24 Oct: 7.30pm Free

Head of PR for esteemed Glasgow venue Bloc+, Halina has a long history of championing grassroots music in Scotland via her blog Podcart. Well-versed in the world of DIY music and a pro in the…sorcery?...science?... of PR in the social media age, this informal seminar is open to anyone keen to better utilise the range of digital promotional tools out there to boost creative projects and further their profile.

culturestirling.org | TOLBOOTH 13 Theatre Broad

Bruce’s Quest

Mon 30 & Tues 31 Oct: 7.30pm £8/£5 (carer goes free) +6% booking fee A Modern Musical Extravaganza – part of Theatre Broad’s ‘Community Roots’ programme. It’s been Twenty years since Bruce Wayne’s parents were ruthlessly taken by evildoers in Gotham city. We follow Bruce on his journey, as he goes back in time to search for the truth of what happened on that fateful night. As his quest unfolds, he realizes his destiny as a one-man crime fighter dedicated to defending the innocent; and striking fear into the hearts of Gotham’s toughest criminals. With brains, brawn and Bat-technology he relentlessly pursues his archenemies; including The Joker, Two-Face, Cat Woman, The Penguin and Poison Ivy. Bruce is not alone on his journey, as friends old and new assist him along the way. Look out for his trusted Butler and friend Alfred; The Doctor and Clara; Scully and Mulder; Captain Jack with the Torchwood team; Queen Victoria and many other colourful, historical characters.

Rock For Strathcarron

The Amorettes

Fri 3 Nov: 8pm £15 standing +6% booking fee

Rock For Strathcarron by arrangement with Fresh Start Management and X-Ray presents The Amorettes!

Electric Strawbs

Fri 27 Oct: 8pm £20 Following their superb acoustic inauguration in Britain’s fertile 1960s world of traditional folk, the Strawbs then developed a new electric framework to accommodate ambitious new compositions, resulting in sales of over three million for albums such as Hero and Heroine, Grave New World and Bursting at the Seams. In fact seven consecutive Strawbs LPs featured in the US Billboard top 200 chart.

Tonight, the resourceful and imaginative Dave Cousins fronts the show, with long-time regulars Dave Lambert and Chas Cronk as well as Tony Fernandez on drums, and Dave Bainbridge on keyboards – an impressive combination to showcase the Strawbs enduring compositions and immense creativity.

Described as being “like Airbourne fronted by Joan Jett”, classic rock 3-piece The Amorettes came to the fore in 2015, with the release of acclaimed album ‘Game On’. Since sharing a stage with some of the biggest names in rock from Thunder and Black Stone Cherry to Airbourne and The Dead Daisies, the band have also played a host of major festivals including Download & T in The Park and toured alongside rock legends Europe and Black Star Riders.

All of Rock For Strathcarron’s profits go to benefit Strathcarron Hospice.

14 TOLBOOTH | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Martin Simpson Sat 4 Nov: 8pm £15/£13

Universally acclaimed as one of the finest ever fingerstyle, acoustic and slide guitar players, and a fine banjo-picker to boot, Martin’s solo shows bear witness to an artist at the very top of his game. Whether interpreting traditional folk, American blues or singing his own potent self-penned songs, Simpson is a remarkable storyteller: captivating and profoundly moving.

Tonight will include material from his new release ‘Trails & Tribulations’ which features some of Martin’s most inventive playing yet.

Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra

Sun 5 Nov: 2.30pm £12/£5 for 16/£5 with Young Scot Card Under 16 free A wonderful afternoon of scintillating jazz performed by a new line up showcasing endless talent, improvisational skills, exuberance and verve. These young musicians play with a collective maturity well beyond their years and feature soloists of startling ambition and creativity, under the direction of Scotland’s most distinguished jazz musician, Tommy Smith. They pay tribute to great jazz legends and bring alive the music of jazz with a selection of fabulous tunes ranging from Ellington, Basie, Mingus or Gillespie classics to present day big band charts.

Walt Disco

Fri 10 Nov: 7.30pm £7 standing Walt Disco is a vibrant and talented 5-piece band based in Glasgow. They have quickly established themselves as one of the ‘go to see’ acts on the Glasgow music scene and regularly play venues such as King Tut’s and Stereo.

The music is loosely described as Indie/New Wave and certainly the music has a compelling drive and rhythm that you will find exciting, but the array of music they play does not readily fit within one genre. Come and see and hear for yourselves.

All the profits from this gig will be going to the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

culturestirling.org | TOLBOOTH 15

Adam Holmes & the Embers / Rachel Sermanni Sat 11 Nov: 8pm £14

A special double bill from two of the country’s finest singer/songwriters.

Adam Holmes’ songs with his band The Embers showcase his distinctive vocals and emotionally tinged lyrics and reflect his love of classic artists such as The Band, Neil Young and Townes Van Zandt, with a strong a hint of Scotland thrown into the mix.

Rachel Sermanni exploded onto the folk scene to heaps of praise from fans and critics alike. A straight-up storyteller with a voice to blow all others clean out of the water.

Weaving images of childhood, womanhood, of instinct and inhibition simply with the breath from her lungs, a hardy martin guitar and a bandolim called Sue.

Triptych String Trio Fri 17 Nov: 8pm £13/£11

Stirling’s Carolyn Sparey is back at the Tolbooth, this time with her newly formed string trio, Triptych: Carolyn Sparey – violin, Stephen Spackman – viola, Nicola Chakraverty - cello.

The programme for the evening will include the familiar, the unfamiliar, and a few surprises – some Mozart, Schubert, Piazzola, and a lot more. Carolyn Sparey began her musical career working in London before taking up the position of principal viola, first of all with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, followed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Stephen Spackman’s musical career began as a boy chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. He taught for many years in the University of St Andrews, and as a viola player has commissioned several works, as well as organising the 2009 International Viola Competition there. Nicola Chakraverty, cello, has worked as a freelance musician on both period and modern instruments, touring with the European Community Baroque orchestra and performing with Concerto Caledonia in Glasgow and the Avison ensemble in Newcastle.

16 TOLBOOTH | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Strange Behaviours: Winter Party

Sat 18 Nov: Doors 7.30pm £10 in advance / £12 on door £8 for Young Scot Card Holders Forever reincarnating and slightly adjusting to catch you off-guard, the ‘big November Strange Behaviours gig’ is back for another round. After 3 years of weekend mini-festivals, the big event was split into 2 separate nights this year – our Summer Party in July was a blast, a whole eclectic heap of the best in Scottish acts with a strong DIY ‘dae-it-yersel’ ethic. So the inevitable ‘Winter Party’ is next – multiple stages of indie and alternative genres, bands and artists. See the Strange Behaviours Facebook page and Tolbooth website for lineup announcements and ticket details

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Emily Barker + Pete Roe Thu 30 Nov: 8pm £14/£12

Emily Barker will feature songs from her latest album Sweet Kind of Blue, a love story between Barker and Memphis, with Emily returning to the soul and blues influences that first inspired her. Australian-born Barker penned and performed theme songs for television dramas Wallander and with her former band The Red Clay Halo the theme for noir thriller The Shadow Line as well as the score for Jake Gavin’s road movie, Hector. ‘heartfelt songwriting… bridging the gap between folk, country and Fleetwood Mac’ The Times.

Support is from London-based singer-songwriter Pete Roe.

Molsky’s Mountain Drifters

Guy Davis & Fabrizio Poggi

Grammy-nominated artist on fiddle, banjo, guitar and song Bruce Molsky is joined by Allison de Groot and Stach Wyslouch. As well as his new band, Bruce’s recent projects include Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny’s Mozaik and guest performances on Mark Knopfler’s latest CD and on the hugely popular Transatlantic Sessions DVD Allison de Groot combines wide ranging virtuosity and passion for old-time music. Boston-based Stash Wyslouch is one of bluegrass’ great young genre-bending pioneers and brings some superb guitar and vocal chops to the trio. ‘one of the greatest American fiddlers of all time’ WBUR (Boston NPR)

The Last Train Tour: Rediscover the genius of blues masters Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, with an evening inspired by these two musical greats. Heavily influenced by the storytelling style and harmonica technique of Sonny Terry, Guy Davis (on vocals, guitar, harmonica and foot stomps) has spent much of his career carrying his reverence for the blues around the world. Now he teams up once again with the Italian harmonica ace Fabrizio Poggi in this exciting opportunity to see two expert musicians perform music that really sparks their passion.

Laura MacDonald Quartet plays Cole Porter

Fish

Tue 21 Nov: 8pm £13/£11

Fri 24 Nov: 8pm £13/£11

Laura Macdonald has gained her status as one of Scotland’s leading band leaders and jazz educators with sheer hard work, determination and a great deal of talent.

Tonight with her quartet Laura re-examines the work of her favourite composer, Cole Porter. With Kevin McKenzie on guitar, Mario Caribe on bass and Alyn Cosker on drums they will perform two sets of Cole Porters most famous tunes including True Love, Love for Sale and My Heart Belongs to Daddy as well as many more.

Sat 2 Dec: 8pm £13/£11

Wed 6 Dec: 8pm £20 standing SOLD OUT Singer songwriter Fish featuring a full performance of ‘Clutching at Straws’, his last album with former band Marillion on its 30th anniversary as well as songs from his new album ‘Weltschmerz’ scheduled for release in Summer 2018 and other well-known tracks from his long solo career.

Returning to the Tolbooth after a sold out show in 2011 on his Fishheads Club acoustic tour, tonight is the full band version with Robin Boult, guitars, Steve Vantsis, bass, John Beck on keyboards, Gavin Griffiths on drums and Doris Brendel on backing vocals. A unique opportunity to catch him up close and personal.

18 TOLBOOTH | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544 Rock for Strathcarron

The Quireboys

Thu 7 Dec: 7.30pm £20 standing +6% booking fee Rock For Strathcarron presents the return of The Quireboys!

A hugely popular and enduring UK classic rock act, the band have shared a stage with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Aerosmith and Whitesnake over their 30-year plus career. From brilliant debut album, “A Bit Of What You Fancy”, to forthcoming blues-homage album “White Trash Blues”, the band have consistently delivered the goods on record, but onstage is where they’re truly in their element. Part of their UK acoustic tour, tonight the band play their classic songs in a stripped back form.

All of Rock For Strathcarron’s profits go to benefit Strathcarron Hospice.

Ross Couper & Tom Oakes / Talisk Fri 8th Dec: 8pm £14/£12

A cracker of a double bill featuring a set each from duo Ross Couper and Tom Oakes and Talisk…

Ross Couper from Shetland and Tom Oakes from Devon are a fiddle and guitar duo deeply rooted in the traditions of Scotland and Ireland. Expect a highly dynamic mixture of power and fragility combined with warmth and humour.

Ross’ explosive fiddle playing lies at the heart of some of the biggest acts on the Scottish folk scene including the mighty Peatbog Faeries. Tom Oakes is a multi award winning guitarist and flautist and founder member of the genre defying Auvo Quartet.

‘Gleaming with musicianship. Exquisite’ The Guardian Nominees of the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Horizon Award, and winners of the 2015 Young Folk Award, Talisk are one of the fastest rising bands on the UK folk scene.

Mohsen Amini (concertina), Hayley Keenan (fiddle) and Graeme Armstrong (guitar) create a captivating, energetic and dynamic sound that, in just a couple of years, has earned them multiple award wins, nationwide media praise, and a busy touring schedule.

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Christmas Ceilidhs

Sat 9 Dec: Family 3-5pm £10/£8 Evening 8-11pm £12/£10 What better way to spend the lead up to Christmas than celebrating the festive season with friends and family in traditional Scottish style? Expect the usual fun seasonal knees up, with the ever-popular Brian McAlpine and his International Ceilidh Collective. And don’t worry if you’ve never been to a Ceilidh before, a caller will talk you through the dances and ensure a fun time for all. Both ceilidhs are open to all, though the afternoon ceilidh is particularly popular with families of all ages.

Karine Polwart

Fri 15 Dec: 8pm £17/£15 Karine Polwart is one of Scotland’s finest voices with ‘an unflinching social eye’ The Observer. Four times winner at The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including twice for Best Original Song, her most recent album ‘Traces’ was picked as Album of The Year by both The Herald and The Guardian and was shortlisted for Scottish Album of the Year Award. Karine’s award-winning one-woman play Wind Resistance, is being performed on the main theatre stage of Edinburgh’s Lyceum Theatre in November 2017. Tonight Karine is accompanied by her brother Steven in a rare intimate performance.

No Nonsense Productions

It’s a Wonderful Life; A Radio Play on Stage

Sat 16 Dec: 2.30 & 7.30pm £18/£16 Back by popular demand – the story of the most inspirational film of all time. The heart-warming American family classic.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is brought to the stage in a Live Radio Play. Performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Six actors perform the characters of 1940s radio actors, who in turn portray the dozens of characters of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. Featuring live sound effects and live music this performance is a rare opportunity to see how a 1940s radio broadcast was produced, and the perfect way to start of the festive season.

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W3L Wrestling

Fri 1 Sep: 7pm £13/£11 Family Ticket £37 +6% booking fee The World Wide Wrestling League brings top quality American style Wrestling Action featuring all your favourites plus special guests back to Stirling for a night of wrestling to be enjoyed by all the family. Heavyweights, Tag Teams and Womens matches will feature with fans at ring side cheering on their favourites!

IAN RANKIN ALEX GRAY VAL MCDERMID PETER MAY GRAEME MACRAE BURNETT AND JOHN SIMENON CHRIS CARTER AND MASON CROSS ANN CLEEVES AND DOUGLAS HENSHALL VINCE CABLE AND NICHOLAS SEARLE JAMES OSWALD AND PROFESSOR SUE BLACK LOUISE WELSH, DOUG JOHNSTONE AND E.S. THOMSON CHRIS BROOKMYRE LYNDA LAPLANTE

SPONSORED BY:

STIRLING 8—10 SEPTEMBER 2017 BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM

SCOTLAND’S INTERNATIONAL CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL

Heart of Scotland Choir

Castle on The Hill

Sat 23 Sep: 7.30pm £12 + 6% booking fee Come and show your support for lots of great local talent by joining Forth Valley’s funkiest choir and their awesome band in their favourite venue for a fun-filled family evening, jam-packed with loads of fantastic hits. From traditional to musical theatre to modern song (Ed Sheeran, Shakira, Wicked...) there’s something for everyone and a great night out is guaranteed!

Hell’s Bells

Sun 24 Sep: 7.30pm £16.50/£15 + 6% booking fee Formed in 1996 Bristol’s Hells Bells has evolved into perhaps the most well-known and professional AC/DC tribute band in the UK. The band play material from both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras, covering four decades of classic no-nonsense, foot stomping rock n roll - from the blistering scream of the vocals, the duck-walks, the pounding rhythm & bass and the frenzied schoolboy antics to the booming cannons and pyrotechnics at the finale. The camaraderie of all 5 musicians is second to none and the excitement & passion shines through the music. All the elements are there for an awesome show of spectacle and power.

Pages with a blue band denote events at The Albert Halls

22 THE ALBERT HALLS | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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Hart Male Voice Choir Opening More Doors

Forbidden Nights Circus Just got Sexy

Hart Male Voice Choir – Opening More Doors, present A Matinee of Music with the Stirling Male Voice Choir, Hillfoots Music for Youth Orchestra and special visiting guests from Hampshire HART MALE VOICE CHOIR. One of the South of England’s leading Male Voice Choirs.

Roll Up! Roll Up! Jam-packed with action from opener till finale, Forbidden Nights’ new show will leave you on the edge of your seat! Get ready for an evening of sultry delights and heart raising tricks with a seductive infusion of sexy circus performed by world-renowned circus performers who ooze talent and are very easy on the eye.

Sun 1 Oct: 3pm £10 + 6% booking fee

All in aid of Home Start Youth Support – Alzheimer’s & Multiple Sclerosis.

Fri 13 Oct: 7.30pm £22.50/£19.50

If you enjoyed last year’s routines they’re only getting hotter for 2017. New to the Forbidden Cast for this year, there is a fireball of smooth moves who is not afraid of playing with fire and Forbidden Nights' very own king of acrobatics! He will spin you into frenzy as he shows off his superhero strength.

You’ll struggle to keep your eyes on him as he flips, spins, and climbs his way around the stage. Keeping all your favourites such as aerial chains, fire acts and live musicians…

Not forgetting the side-splitting Comedy Compère!

Francie & Josie

Ray Mears Born to Go Wild

Two of Scotland’s most famous Iconic Characters are treading the boards once again in a Fantastic Tribute Show.

After two sell out tours – Liam Dolan & Johnny Mac have scoured the archives for some more classic Francie & Josie routines, songs and sketches. They have added them to a few belly laughing fantastic routines. This brand new show is guaranteed to take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Cat Harvey, Radio Presenter & Columnist said ‘The likeness and comedic timing is uncanny as they pay a clever and reverent tribute to their boyhood heroes. Nostalgic, sympathetic and fantastic. Will this show make you laugh and smile? Sure Josie, sure, sure, sure….’

The joy of travelling in wild places Ray Mears, survivalist, Bushcraft expert, author, photographer and the star of countless television series is embarking on a UK tour. With a theme of the enjoyment of wild places Mears gives audiences a unique insight into his wilderness travels and survival techniques.

Thu 5 Oct: 7.30pm £16/£17/£18/£19 +Special Guests

‘Absolutely brilliant, as close to the originals as you are ever going to get’ Mrs Jack Milroy

Sat 14 Oct: 7.30pm £17.50/£20/£25

Ray – who has a new series this autumn – Australian Wilderness with Ray Mears – will include tales of his most recent travels in Australia, trekking through mountains and deserts, rainforests and oceans. Mears will also take the opportunity to talk extensively about fire, what it means to humanity and the essential role it plays in our survival.

Ray’s various television series Tracks, World of Survival, Trips, Money Can’t Buy with Ewan McGregor, The Real Heroes of Telemark and more have catapulted him into the public eye and inspired generations.

24 THE ALBERT HALLS | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Joe Longthorne

culturestirling.org | THE ALBERT HALLS 25 Russian National Ballet

Thu 19 Oct: 7.30pm £20/£21.50/£22.50/£24

The Nutcracker Music by Tchaikovsky

A welcome return by TV and Recording star Joe Longthorne, who will be joined on stage by his sensational live band and a special guest. Come and join Joe as he takes you on a rollercoaster of songs and impressions including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and his incredible impression of Sammy Davis Jr, all delivered with incredible accuracy! With Gold and Platinum albums to his name and with records sales in the region of 10 million, Joe is up there with the best of them! Book now to be sure you don’t miss out on a fantastic night of song, chat and laughter.

Prepare to enter a magical new world with this fairy-tale of classical ballet. Featuring a timeless score from Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker is a classic festive family favourite, with evocative music and beautiful dance – a ballet full of mystery and romance, which continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. Based on ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, this Christmas story tells the story of Marie, whose godfather Drosselmeier gives her a Nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve which turns into a prince and the magic starts…

Doug Scott Crawling Down the Ogre Thu 26 Oct: 7.30pm £15/£13

Thu 2 Nov: 7.30pm £15/£18/£19.50

Russian National Ballet is a family run company that focuses on bringing the best Russian Classical Ballet productions to audiences across Britain.

The Ogre is the most difficult of the world’s high mountains to climb. In 1977 Doug Scott and Chris Bonington made the first ascent; their subsequent descent, in the dark, immediately became an epic. Abseiling off the summit tower, Doug slipped on ice and swung into the cliff he had just climbed, breaking both legs – just shortly after, a storm blew in!

The ultimate and beautiful fairy-tale where goodness and beauty triumph.

Their escape is one of mountaineering’s greatest epics.

Tonight Doug Scott will talk through that incredible experience.

Thu 16 Nov: 7.30pm £25/under 16s £17.50

Memories are Made of This Fri 27 Oct: 7.30pm £15/£13

The Ultimate Feel Good Show – a fast moving, roller coaster of a journey through some of the greatest songs ever written.

Over 160 amazing costumes, a touch of humour from one of the UK’s top comedians and performances from a superb cast of singers and dancers. Including songs

by Brenda Lee, Frank Sinatra, Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Abba, Barry Manilow, Jersey Boys, Michael Buble and many more.

‘Visually stunning, incredible performances… an all-round fantastic show… absolutely brilliant’ WH Times, London

Jason Donovan & his Amazing Midlife Crisis

Jason is delighted to announce that he will be hitting the road once again in the autumn, only this time, it’s a tour with a twist!! He is headed to new locations across the country and these intimate gigs will be a unique opportunity to see him like you’ve never seen him before!

At aged 49 ½ and with a wealth of tantalising tales under his belt, this autobiographical show will take Jason’s looming 50th birthday as its starting point and will zigzag back and forth through his life.

Hear some new stories (and possibly one or two you’ve heard before!) plus some acoustic versions of the songs you know and love for a night like no other!

26 THE ALBERT HALLS | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544 Wayne Denton

A Celebration of John Denver Sat 18 Nov: 7.30pm £20/£18

We invite you to pay homage to one of the most prolific and phenomenally successful artists of the Twentieth Century – join us on a magical journey through the musical career of John Denver, featuring popular hits such as ‘Annie’s Song’, ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’, ‘Rocky Mountain High’ and title track ‘Take Me Home Country Roads’.

John Denver is a unique artist who has inspired a generation.

Releasing over 300 songs and penning some of American Folk Rocks most memorable hits he is a true musical legend.

Join us to celebrate the life of John Denver and sing along to his most memorable hits performed by the renowned Wayne Denton and his talented musicians with AV footage throughout. This is a presentation that will lift the hearts of ALL music lovers… everywhere!!!

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Collabro

Fri 24 Nov: 7pm £39.50/£29.50/£19.50 +6% booking fee Limited VIP tickets £99 available through Ticketmaster or Seetickets Britain’s Got Talent winners and the world’s most successful musical theatre group, Collabro come to Stirling as part of a massive nationwide tour! Since their formation in 2014, Collabro have released two massively successful albums ‘Stars’ and ‘Act Two’. They have performed at the Royal Variety Performance, and on Britain’s Got Talent twice, including the ten-year grand final compilation of past contestants,, and have achieved massive international success. Collabro, now made up of Jamie Lambert, Michael Auger, Matt Pagan and Thomas Redgrave, will be performing songs from through their career, including numbers from their third album ‘Home’.

Stirling Council’s Annual School’s Concert

Sun Nov 19: 7.30pm £6/£4 Available from Mon 9 Oct Stirling Council’s annual School’s Concert involves over 200 young musicians from all seven High Schools in a musical extravaganza including a vocal ensemble, symphony orchestra, wind band, pipe band, string orchestra, pianists, pipe band and guitarists, showcasing Stirling’s wealth of young talent.

There are two performances, in McLaren High School, Callander on Saturday 11th November followed by the one in The Albert Halls.

Christmas Lights Switch On Sun 19 Nov: 2pm

An afternoon of free family fun kicks off in Stirling at 2pm with the Santa Parade from the Albert Halls down to The Thistles, followed by a radio roadshow at the foot of King Street and the light switch on at 5pm.

Full programme will be available nearer the time at www.stirlingwinterfestival.com

Barry Steele & Friends

The Roy Orbison Story Christmas Special Fri 1 Dec: 7.30pm £20.50/£21.50

Barry Steele is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading vocalists playing homage to legend Roy Orbison.

He has stunned audiences across the globe with his uncanny similarity and ability to authentically revive the exquisite toetapping sound of this music giant and evergreen favourite.

After the rousing reaction to last year’s performance, Barry is back with the favourite Roy Orbison classics, but in a new show featuring classic Christmas hits from the past, again with a backdrop of fabulous images of the man himself, and all performed by immensely talented musicians and singers – so come along and celebrate Christmas the Orbison way with us!

‘True Identikit brilliance’ The Stage

28 THE ALBERT HALLS | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Stirling Orchestra

Sun 3 Dec: 7.30pm £10 Adult /£8 Concession/£5 Student with ID/£2 Child

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Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook Sat 16 Dec: 7.30pm £23/£24/£25/£26

Stirling Orchestra’s first concert of the 2017/18 season is an eclectic mix of late Romantic, early 20th-Century music featuring Finlandia by Jean Sibelius – the composer’s tone poem railing against his country’s subjugation by Russia; Symphony No 1 by Gustav Mahler – a hugely impressive piece of music, and Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor – one of the world’s two most performed works for the instrument (the other is by Dvorak).

An undisputed highlight of The Albert Hall’s programme last year, we are thrilled Phil Cunningham’s delightful show is coming back to Stirling bringing some welcome Christmas cheer! Once again the evening features the stunning vocals of Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson and Kris Drever with the instrumental prowess of Phil, John McCusker, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire and the Songbook Brass Band, performing a heady mix of favourite classics and contemporary carols and tunes.

NYCOS

As well as outstanding music, the evening is full of charm, humour, banter as well as some sing-a-long moments.

What better way to get into the festive spirit – simply unmissable

Tue 5 Dec: 7pm £8/£5 concession from NYCoS NYCoS Stirling Choir annual winter concert showcasing an exciting and varied repertoire. The singers, aged 8-18 years, will be led by Choir Director, Anne Murphy. For tickets and details, contact Choir Coordinator, Maragret Glencross on mob 079641 30944 or Margaret-glencross@nycos.co.uk Buddy Holly & The Cricketers

Holly At Christmas 2017 Sun 10 Dec: 7.30pm £20/£18/£16

25 Years of Rock ’n’ Rolling The World!

Buddy Holly and the Cricketers once again herald in the Yuletide festivities with Holly at Christmas, the show that is now as traditional as mulled wine and mince pies!

Holly’s hits, other contemporary classics and some Christmas crackers are all wrapped up in a fast, furious and funny feast of entertainment to make the perfect gift for all the family. Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, make your Heartbeat a little faster with the show that has thousands of fans the world over saying: ‘I can’t believe it’s not Buddy!’

‘The audience were dancing in the aisles and roaring for more’ The Stage ‘Buddy brilliant!’ Graham Norton, BBC One ‘Fantastic… the best… tremendous night out… I can’t praise the show enough’ The Kent and Sussex Courier

FUNBOX

Santa’s Funtastic Factory

Thu 28 Dec: 1pm & 3.30pm £13/Parent & baby under 12months £15/Family £48 /Groups of 10+ £10 Get ready for perfect presents, terrific toys and mechanical mayhem! The Funbox team are back with their brand new show SANTA’S FUNTASTIC FACTORY and are ready to make all your Christmas wishes come true! Christmas may have come and gone but Gary, Anya and Kevin are busy at work in the Fun Factory fixing any presents from Santa that may have been a bit bashed and bruised, but things aren’t quite going to plan. There’s no time to look for their keys as Santa’s magic machine is playing up creating chaos and topsy-turvy toys, so its up to the Funbox gang to save the day! Funsters Fluffy and Flossie are along for the fun, Fairy Fran has some tasty treats to share and everyone’s favourite dog, Bonzo has been making mischief too. But will their keys turn up?

Will they manage to fix the magic machine? And what has Bonzo been busy with? Packed with singalong favourites like ‘The Animals went in 2 by 2’, ‘Homemade Band’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ along with Christmas classics and brand new songs, SANTA’S FUNTASTIC FACTORY is festive family fun not to be missed. There’s chances to help on stage and who knows, you might even see Santa… But only If you’ve been good!

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culturestirling.org | NEWS 31

Mànran & Skerryvore

Fri 29 Dec: 7.30pm £24/£22/£20 standing

Get in the mood for New Year as we bring you an unmissable double bill – as two of the best contemporary Scottish celtic folk-rock bands, Skerryvore and Mànran, bring you an evening of high energy music. Both bands have won numerous awards and are in ever-increasing demand taking them to festivals and tours around the world.

Skerryvore will perform from across their extensive 13 year old catalogue, including new material from their ‘Live Forever’ tours of 2017, that saw them thrill audiences across the globe, from the band’s own flagship event ‘Oban Live’ to USA and throughout Europe. Formed on the tiny lsle of Tiree , the band’s signature sound fuses a mix of musical styles from traditional to rock and iazz.

Mànran are known for their fiery tunes from fiddle, accordion, flute, uilleann and Highland bagpipes, binding powerfully to a rhythm section awash with elements of funk, jazz and rock to create some of the most innovative and uplifting instrumental music around. Couple that with songs ranging from the explosive to the poignant in both Gaelic and English, it’s easy to understand their success. Each will do a set each, and then will come together for a mighty last number together for an evening to remember. Get your tickets fast!

‘Mànran are an exceptionally talented bunch of young guys that are taking the music world by storm’ Donald Shaw, Celtic Connections ‘Skerryvore – The sound of Young Scots Power Folk’ Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

TOPFEST 2017 30th Sept This year the family arts festival is part of the wider History Live festival, and we’ll be offering up a great mix of workshops some are free.

ORKESTRA DEL SOL’s riotous street band who are performing in the Tolbooth at night are leading workshops earlier in the day – bring along your brass/wind instrument or have a go at street band drumming (drums provided) 1.30-3pm, £3 Also in the Tolbooth and The Boys Club – Botanical Storytelling, Street Theatre, Creating Your Heritage, Junk Instrument Making, Coat of Arms making, Lego Animation, Sea Sculptures, Cardboard Castle, lunchtime trad music session and more… At The Engine Shed, there are workshops run by our partners on Creating your own Heritage, and The Smith Art Gallery & Museum are leading walks from the Tolbooth to STEP BACK IN TIME. Find out more and book tickets at: culturestirling.org/ creativelearning

Albert Halls Hogmanay Ceilidh

Sun 31 Dec: 7.30pm on Sale from 3 Oct, with early bird prices to 31 Oct £55/Thereafter £60 There is no finer night of the year and our Hogmanay Ceilidh is the perfect way to celebrate. With dinner, dancing, entertainment and a full bar, there really is no better place to see in the New Year with old friends and new. Your host Moira Kerr will provide the usual welcoming mix to make sure that your event will go with a swing. Carriages are at 1am.

HISTORY LIVE FESTIVAL 29 & 30 Sept, 1 Oct To celebrate the Year of History Heritage and Archaeology, Historic Environment Scotland’s festival will be taking over the city and surrounding area with a festival that’s jam-packed with events, activities and workshops which will bring Scottish history to life. Find out more and book tickets at historylive.scot.

ART WORKSHOP Portraits inspired by Joan Eardley Sat 7 Oct: 2.30-4.30pm, £6 For Adults Artist Jan Bee Brown of the Thrive Collective brings her popular workshop inspired by the art of Joan Eardley – Exploring drawing portraits of children – simply bring a photo of a ‘wee one’ to inspire.

STIRLING COUNCIL LIBRARIES Digiknow Day FREE Tue 10 Oct: drop in 11am–1pm / 2–4pm Come and see all the digital opportunities and tools that Stirling Council Libraries can provide – there’s something for everyone, from tiny tots upwards. Get hands-on and play with a range of activities including Appiness, Coding (Scratch and Python), 3d printing, Digital Design, Minecraft, Robots, Osmo, MakeyMakey, HP Sprout, Lego Mindstorms and more! Learn about the availability and future possibilities on offer through your local library network.

LED BY LOUISE GRAHAM AND RAY CRAMB

32 CLASSES & WORKSHOPS | Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544 NEWS Stirling Young Scot Card Holders We’re delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to gain Young Scot reward points – whether it be through volunteering or attending a performance or workshop.

You just need to bring your card for scanning.

There’ll also be a Young Scot discount for 4 events highlighted in the brochure.

Even better – there will be Young Scot Rewards opportunities at the Tolbooth, including working with our sound/lighting engineers and a free studio recording session. More info on both the Young Scot website young.scot/stirling & culturestirling.org. Young people must have a Young Scot Rewards account to participate. Please note rewards are only available for Stirling Young Scot Card Holders.

For more info contact The Youth Participation Team, Skills & Youth Employment on 01786 233560 / skillsandyouthemployment@stirling.gov.uk

ADULTS

KNITTING & CROCHET BEE Tue 1 Aug – Tue 19 Dec, 5.30-7.30pm £1 per session, includes refreshments.

An informal gathering for chatting, swapping patterns, techniques and tips. All levels welcome, no booking required.

FIDDLE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL Wed 18 Oct – Wed 6 Dec, 7-8.30pm £50/£42 for 8 sessions For fiddlers with some repertoire, who can play at a reasonable pace in several keys.

As well as looking at popular session tunes, focus will be on developing tone, fluency of notes, along with more intricate bowing techniques and ornamentation. Not for fiddlers at the early stage of learning to play. TUTOR: JO MILLER unless otherwise stated all classes are in Tolbooth

CERAMICS – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Beginners : Tue 17 Oct – 12 Dec (not 5 Dec) Intermediate: Wed 18 Oct – 13 Dec (not 6 Dec) Both 7-9pm, £60/£50 for 8 sessions Includes materials & firings. Demonstration and tuition for mixed levels in a wide range of hand-built ceramic techniques including use of glazes, but not potters’ wheel.

TUTOR: LORRAINE ROBSON ART / PAINTING – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Wed 20 Sep – Wed 29 Nov (not 4, 11 Oct) Fri 22 Sep – Fri 1 Dec (not 6, 13 Oct) 10am-3pm, with 1 hour for lunch £126/£108 for 9 sessions A chance for artists with some experience or beginners to challenge their definition of painting in a supportive social environment.

Participants to bring their own materials.

TUTOR: PETER RUSSELL GUITAR Thu 19 Oct – Thu 7 Dec Beginners 7–8pm £42/£34 Intermediate 8–9.15pm £48/£40 Beginners will journey through the basics – easy chords, scale tones and rhythm building blocks. Intermediates will explore the major scale and chord construction along with group playing and popular tunes. Bring your own guitar. TUTOR: LORNE RALSTON

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

TRADITIONAL MUSIC WORKSHOPS From Mon 18 Sep Age 9–18, FREE An opportunity to play traditional music for the first time or to develop and improve playing and performance skills. No music grades or previous experience of traditional music is needed.

5.30–6.15pm Traddies – absolute beginners (0–12 months experience) whistle, guitar and violin (fiddle) – can loan instrument if needed 5.30–6.15pm Folkus – improvers

culturestirling.org | CLASSES & WORKSHOPS 33 (1–2.5 years experience) whistle, guitar and violin (fiddle) – own instrument needed 6.20–7.15pm The Session – intermediate (2 – 8 years’ experience) for all traditional music instruments 7.20pm – 8.15pm Trad Band – advanced (by invitation) TUTORS: LORI WATSON, INNES WATSON & OTHERS STIRLING YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE From Mon 18 Sep Improvers to intermediate 5–6pm Access Ensemble (1–4 years experience) Intermediate to advanced 6-7.15pm Stirling Youth Jazz Ensemble (4 years+ experience) Age 9 – 18, FREE Sessions look at improvisation, various jazz styles and performance in a fun and friendly atmosphere. No music grades or previous experience of jazz needed. Both groups open to any brass, wind, string, percussion instrument. TUTORS: LAURA MACDONALD & KEVIN MACKENZIE. THE TRAD AND JAZZ MONDAY WORKSHOPS ARE FREE THANKS TO FUNDING FROM THE YOUTH MUSIC INITIATIVE. PUMP UP THE JAM Wed 18 Oct – Wed 6 Dec, 4.45-7.15pm Age 11+, FREE The songwriting and band workshop PUTJ returns for another 8 week block, taking a squad of young musicians and songwriters and transforming them into 4 fully-fledged bands with their own set of original music.

Songs are recorded in the Tolbooth Studio, and the full live final performance takes place on the 7th Jun LED BY DAVIE SCOTT

unless otherwise stated all classes are in Tolbooth

YOUTH GUITAR Fri 20 Oct – Fri 15 Dec (not 1 Dec) Ages 14-17 6-6.45pm Improve guitar skills and learn well-known songs as part of a fun, small group.

Open to all levels.

CITY MUSIC PROJECT Fri 20 Oct – Fri 15 Dec (not 1 Dec) 7-9pm, Age 12-19, FREE Our Friday night music club is open to all, designed to improve your instrument skills, get you writing and performing with others.

FIDDLE, CLARSACH, GUITAR, ACCORDIAN & WHISTLE Sat 26 Aug– Sat 9 Dec (not 30 Sep, 7&14 Oct) 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 / 07770 930295 ART – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Sat 14 Oct – Sat 2 Dec Age 6-9yrs 9.45-11am Age 10-14yrs 11.30-12.45pm £36 for 8 sessions (inclusive of materials) Explore painting, printing and drawing – learn about colour, design and composition and have fun creating your own works of art.

TUTOR: LORI ANDERSON CERAMICS – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Sat 14 Oct – Sat 2 Dec Age 10-14yrs 9.45-11am Age 7-9yrs 11.30-12.45pm £38 for 8 sessions (inclusive of materials) Learn different hand-building techniques using clay and colour glazes to make your own original objects to be fired in the kiln (not using potters’ wheel).

TUTOR: LORRAINE ROBSON

TO HIRE THE SPACES IN THE TOLBOOTH – THE AUDITORIUM, ATTIC, GALLERY OR MEETING Header ROOMS – FOR PERFORMANCE, Date: Time £1/£2 MEETING OR CONFERENCE, CONTACT NICKY FERRIE Body copy goes here 01786 473544 FERRIEN@STIRLING.GOV.UK

35 Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

G 18 IN 0 M n2 CO N i O SO

THE TOLBOOTH STUDIO a high-spec creative space for recording projects big and small. Contact Kenny 01786 274 002 batesk@stirling.gov.uk

Graeme Costello’s Strata Sat 3 February

RSNO’s Viennese Gala Wed 11 January

Paul Young’s Los Pacaminos Frid 9 March

Jimeoin Tue 13 February

Schubert Ensemble Sat 10 March Uncompromising in quality and service Henderson’s cater for a wide variety of events: Pre theatre dinners, Private functions, Corporate Events and Weddings

01786 473544 / ferrien@stirling.gov.uk for more information on hires

Jimmy Osmond & His Band Thu 15 February

Header

Date: Time £1/£2 Body copy goes here

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!

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

Declan O’Rourke Sun 15 April

The Searchers Fri 20 April

AT A GLANCE SEPTEMBER W3L Wrestling Fri 1 Sep: 7pm Eleanor McEvoy Thu 7 Sep, 8pm Ímar Fri 8 Sep: 8pm A Tale Etched in Blood, Sat 9 Sep: 2.30pm & 8.30pm Dick Valentine (from Electric Six) Thu 14 Sep: 7.30pm Dogstar Theatre Company The Sky Is Safe Fri 15 Sep: 8pm

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Hart Male Voice Choir, Sun 1 Oct: 3pm

Russian National Ballet – The Nutcracker Thu 2 Nov: 7.30pm

The Roy Orbison Story, Fri 1 Dec: 7.30pm

Yorkston/Drever/ Withered Hand Thu 5 Oct: 8pm Francie & Josie Thu 5 Oct: 7.30pm Strange Behaviours Jonnie Common Fri 6 Oct: 7.30pm Red Pine Timber Co Sat 7 Oct: 8pm Digiknow, Tue 10 Oct: 11am – 4pm Don’t Dribble on the Dragon, Wed 11 Oct: 2.30pm

Nine Below Zero Sat 16 Sept: 8pm

Forbidden Nights Fri 13 Oct: 7.30pm

City Music Live Thu 21 Sept: 7.30pm

Ollie Howell Fri 13 Oct: 8pm

Zoe Rahman Fri 22 Sept: 8pm

Ray Mears Sat 14 Oct: 7.30pm

Heart of Scotland Choir, Sat 23 Sep: 7.30pm

Joe Longthorne Thu 19 Oct: 7.30pm

Emily Smith & Jamie McClennan Sat 23 Sep: 8pm Hell’s Bells Sun 24 Sep: 7.30pm Keith James – The Songs of Leonard Cohen, Tue 26 Sep: 8pm Strange Behaviours Siobhan Wilson Thu 28 Sep: 7.30pm Scocha Fri 29th Sep: 7pm TopFest Sat 30 Sep: 10.30am Orkestra del Sol Sat 30 Sep: 8pm

China Crisis Fri 20 Oct: 8pm Session A9 Sat 21 Oct: 8pm Shappi Khorsandi Sun 22 Oct: 8pm

Rock For Strathcarron The Amorettes Fri 3 Nov: 8pm Martin Simpson Sat 4 Nov: 8pm Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra Sun 5 Nov: 2.30pm Walt Disco Fri 10 Nov: 7.30pm Adam Holmes & the Embers/ Rachel Sermanni Sat 11 Nov: 8pm Jason Donovan Thu 16 Nov: 7.30pm Triptych String Trio Fri 17 Nov: 8pm A Celebration of John Denver Sat 18 Nov: 7.30pm Strange Behaviours – Winter Party Sat 18 Nov: 7.30pm Christmas Lights Switch On Sun 19 Nov: 2pm

Stirling DIY Press Stirling Council’s Collective- Halina Rifai, School’s Concert Tue 24 Oct: 7.30pm Sun 19 Nov: 7.30pm Doug Scott Crawling Molsky’s Mountain Down The Ogre Drifters Thu 26 Oct: 7.30pm Tue 21 Nov: 8pm Electric Strawbs Laura MacDonald Fri 27 Oct: 8pm Quartet Fri 24 Nov: 8pm Memories are Made of This Collabro Fri 27 Oct: 7.30pm Fri 24 Nov: 7pm City Music Live Emily Barker Sat 28 Oct: 7.30pm Thu 30 Nov: 8pm Theatre Broad – Bruce’s Quest, Mon 30 & Tue 31 Oct: 7.30pm

City Music Live Fri 1 Dec: 8pm Guy Davis & Fabrizio Poggi, Sat 2 Dec: 8pm Stirling Orchestra Sun 3 Dec: 7.30 pm NYCOS Tue 5 Dec: 7pm Fish Wed 6 Dec: 8pm Rock for Strathcarron The Quireboys Thu 7 Dec: 8pm Ross Couper & Tom Oakes/ Talisk Fri 8 Dec: 8 pm Christmas Ceilidhs Sat 9 Dec: 3-5pm & 8–11pm Buddy Holly & the Cricketers, Holly at Christmas Sun 10 Dec: 7.30pm Karine Polwart Fri 15 Dec: 8pm It’s a Wonderful Life Sat 16 Dec: 2.30 & 7.30pm Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook Sat 16 Dec: 7.30pm Funbox Santa’s Funtastic Factory Thu 28 Dec: 1 pm & 3.30 pm Mànran & Skerryvore Fri 29 Dec: 7.30pm Hogmanay Ceilidh Sun 31 Dec: 7.30pm TOLBOOTH THE ALBERT HALLS Light Switch on is a Stirling Council event