Culture Stirling Events Guide May - Aug 2017

MAY – AUGUST 2017

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

LAU Grupo Magnético The King is Back Ben Portsmouth as Elvis

SKIPINNISH

Yola Carter Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards Phill Jupitus

culturestirling.org

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Reginald D Hunter p221

As we head into Springtime, we are delighted to welcome you to our new brochure. We have some great performances lined up, with Lau back at the Tolbooth, a one-off with James Grant and the Hallelujah String Quartet, the first visit from the award-winning Canadian rising stars The East Pointers

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

and the incredible story of Rudolf Hess,

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

in the one man play Hess.

Libraries 01786 237535

At The Albert Halls Scottish accordion wiz Brandon McPhee is bringing his show to Stirling, and we welcome the quite incredible Ben Portsmouth as Elvis in the King is Back – check out how good he is!

Looking to the end of the year, we are chuffed to confirm that Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook will be coming back at The Albert Halls, and we are planning a special double bill trad gig for The Albert Halls in December. So do keep an eye on our web-site, this will be announced very soon…

And yes, Jason Donovan is coming in November – talking about his life and including some acoustic pared back versions of his hits – tickets already selling very fast.

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

Look out for Stirling Council Libraries’ Off the Page in May with highlights including Alan Bissett’s brilliant Moira Monologues and James Kelman talking about his book Dirt Road. This book is being made into a film, and the star is local musician Neil Sutcliffe who will be performing at this event.

Also, as well as the Comic-Kids event that libraries are running at Off the Page for young people, there will be a range of summer workshops for children at the Tolbooth once again – so do look out for the confirmed dates which will be announced shortly.

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.

Look forward to seeing you soon!

The Tolbooth Team

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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CONTENTS

TOLBOOTH

Jay Phelps Quartet

14

Alan Bissett The Moira Monologues 4

Lost In Echoes + Serenity Came Calling

14

Comic-Kids with Gary Erskine 5

Rock for Strathcarron The Sensational David Bowie Tribute Band

15

Yola Carter

The King Is Back

23

The Brandon McPhee Show

24

Scotfairs Antique Fair

24

15

NYCoS Stirling Choir Summer Concert

25

James Kelman with The Dirt Roadsters and Neil Sutcliffe

5

How to Get Published: Taking the plunge?

6

Golden Hum

16

EU Musical

25

An Evening of Poetry

6

Off The Page Riverside Ceilidh Band

Strange Behaviours Summer Party

16

Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards – Try Hard

26

6

Summer Ceilidhs

17

Big Noise

26

Strange Behaviours Lush Purr + Shredd + Stock Manager

7

NYOS Jazz Orchestra ‘Road Trip Across The Americas’ 17

The Dreamboys

27

The Rising

7

Hunter & The Bear

8

Sally Barker & Brooks Williams 8 Hess 9 The East Pointers

9

SPATZ & Co Showband present Midnight at THE OASIS 18

19

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

The Ceilidh Trail

19

LIBRARIES Coming Soon

City Music Live

10

Auld Hat New Heids

20 20

James Grant Hallelujah String Quartet

11

Stirling Orchestra – A Night At The Opera

The Elephant Sessions

11

Memory Lane

21

Grupo Magnético

12

Come & Play with Stirling Orchestra

21

Reginald D Hunter Support from Glenn Wool

22

Strathcarron Singers

22

Karen McCagh

23

Lau 13 culturestirling.org

31-33

Phill Jupitus

ALBERT HALLS

13

28

18

10

Kent Duchaine

ARTS NEWS & EXHIBITIONS

Hannah Aldridge

New Focus Quartet

Strange Behaviours: Pronto Mama + Dead Electric 12

Skipinnish 27

29 35

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OFF THE PAGE EVENTS AT TOLBOOTH

Alan Bissett Stirling Council Libraries annual The Moira Monologues Off the Page festival has a wide range of events for all ages and is taking place in the libraries and venues across Stirling. The events programmed at the Tolbooth are all featured in these pages; this is only part of the wider programme, there are many more events in libraries across Stirling. For the full Off The Page 2017 programme culturestirling.org/offthepage

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

DATE Friday 5 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10/£8 Age recommendation 16 years + WARNING Contains language. Which people actually speak.

She’s back! Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Writer of the Year 2013, Alan Bissett, performing his cult classic ‘one-woman show’, The Moira Monologues, for the first time in Stirling Meet Moira Bell – ‘the most charismatic character to appear on a Scottish stage in the last decade’ (The Scotsman) – single-mother, part-time cleaner and the hardest woman in Falkirk. Listen in as she recounts to her BFF Babs her hilarious tales of love, and just getting that bawheid next door telt.

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OFF THE PAGE EVENTS AT TOLBOOTH

Comic-Kids with Gary Erskine DATE Saturday 6 May TIME 12-4pm TICKETS £5/£3 Suggested age: 7+ years/Family Celebrate Free Comic Book Day in style: join us for a day of all things comic, geeky, graphic and cool. Gary Erskine has worked for Marvel, DC Comics, 2000AD and Image Comics and many more! Headlining the day Gary will offer an insight into the opportunities that comics and art can offer. Why not bring your own folio – for some advice from Gary?

Stirling born author Chris Mitchell – the man behind The Realm Legends series, will run an illustration workshop working with participants to show how to develop characters & bring your own ideas to life.

Bring your pocket money and browse the latest in must-have merchandise – we’ll have a wide range of comics and graphic novels too. Don’t forget to show off your favourite costume…there will be prizes for the best!

culturestirling.org

James Kelman with The Dirt Roadsters and Neil Sutcliffe DATE Tuesday 9 May TIME 7.30-9.30pm TICKETS £10/£8 A unique opportunity to see James Kelman in Stirling. For this performance Kelman is working with musicians. He will discuss and read extracts from Dirt Road, with musical accompaniment from the Dirt Roadsters band, featuring special guest Neil Sutcliffe.

James Kelman was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1989 with his novel, A Disaffection, which also won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction. He went on to win the Booker Prize five years later with How Late it Was, How Late: Stories, before being shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2009 and 2011.

In 2012 he won the Saltire Book of the Year award for Mo Said She was Quirky. His new novel, Dirt Road, is set in USA.

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OFF THE PAGE EVENTS AT TOLBOOTH TOLBOOTH

How to Get Published: Taking the plunge?

The pros and cons of self-publishing your work DATE Wednesday 10 May TIME 7.30-9pm TICKETS £5/£3 VENUE Albert Hall (Lesser Hall) It can take years to get published in the traditional way and many never get there at all. Self-publishing has therefore recently become something of a phenomenon. Increased access to technology and uptake of social media has enabled some aspiring writers to build communities of fans with enough critical mass to make publishers sit up and take notice. Authors such as Amanda Hocking, Keith Houghton, Adam Croft and, most famously, E.L. James, created their initial success through self-publishing before being signed up by major publishers. According to Publishers’ Weekly, in 2014 self-published books represented 31% of e-book sales on Amazon’s Kindle Store. So what are the pros and cons of this new approach to finding an audience? New York Times best-selling author Samantha Young leads our panel on making the most of self-publishing.

An Evening of Poetry DATE Thursday 11 May TIME 7pm–9pm TICKETS £5/£3 Stirling Makar, Clive Wright, and Stirling local poet, Chris Powici, will present an evening of poetry with the finalists from our poetry competition Off the Stanza. Come along and hear some of the winning poems and find out who has won the competition in 2017. Clive and Chris will also perform at this event.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Off The Page Riverside Ceilidh Band DATE Saturday 13 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £12/£8/£6 Our Off the Page Ceilidh is back with music from the Riverside Ceilidh Band and words and music in Gaelic and English from, Stirling born Owen Sutcliffe. The night will be a celebration of Scottish music and dance interspersed with literary anecdotes in Gaelic and English.

After an acclaimed performance at previous year's Off The Page, Owen will return this year to perform a selection of his Gaelic and English poetry, and perhaps even a song or two; you'd be wise to see what all the fuss is about.

(Sponsored by the Stirling Council Adult Learning Centre) There are many more events – some are highlighted on page 29 For the full Off The Page 2017 programme visit culturestirling.org/ offthepage

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TOLBOOTH

Strange Behaviours: Lush Purr + Shredd + Stock Manager

The Rising

DATE TIME TICKETS

Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band – arguably the greatest live rock ‘n’ roll band ever. The challenge – reproduce the excitement of the E-Street Band live. Talented musicians, seasoned performers and Springsteen fans – The Rising meet that challenge night after night after night!

Wednesday 3 May Doors 7.30pm £5 advance /£7 on the door

A big super-sized serving of garage/psych/indie/ punk. Lush Purr are a sorta-fuzzy, sorta-jangley ensemble comprised of the various vital organs of many esteemed Glasgow DIY bands of that loose genre - The Yawns, Mirror Parties, Battery Face, Copy Haho amongst them. Shredd bring some more hook-laden garage rock and heroic local oddities Stock Manager provide the noise/punk/ anti-pop vibes. Glorious stuff.

culturestirling.org

DATE Wednesday 10 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £10 + 6% booking fee

Based in Central Scotland, The Rising continue to rock the UK with ever growing popularity and a constantly changing set-list that goes from Badlands to Jungleland, the full back catalogue, the anthems, the hits, and a few rarities for the connoisseur are all there. A tribute no Springsteen fan would want to miss. With seven core musicians plus occasional guests, the energy and attention to detail is all you would expect from the Boss himself, whatever the venue, from the smallest intimate club gig to the largest concert hall.

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Hunter & The Bear DATE Friday 12 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £10 Standing Hunter & The Bear are one of the UK’s most exciting new bands and pioneers of a long anticipated resurgence of rock & roll. Their combination of melodic sensibility with riff-laden tunes represents the very best of guitar-driven music today.

From quality airtime on BBC and national commercial radio, to an unbeatable slot supporting Eric Clapton on his recent arena tour, the band’s deft employment of hard rock riffs and melodic song-craft has seen them championed by some of the biggest names of the rock and roll canon.

Consistently on the road, this magnetic four piece generate a momentous buzz wherever they are touring, performing at increasingly bigger venues and festivals throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. This extensive tour of Scotland will follow their hotly anticipated debut album, due for release on the day of the Tolbooth performance! Come and see why this band have been tipped as the ultimate ‘ones to watch’.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Sally Barker & Brooks Williams DATE Friday 19 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £13/£11 This collaboration between two classy and versatile singer songwriters is something special. They met when Brooks was making his latest album ‘My Turn Now’ on which Sally did some guest vocals, and there was an instant spark.

Known for her years touring with The Poozies, and most recently for her appearance on ‘The Voice’, on which she managed to reduce Tom Jones to tears, Sally’s songwriting influences of folk, jazz, blues and soul are evidenced on her new album ‘Ghost Girl’.

From Statesboro, Georgia, Brooks’ music is a fusion of blues, old country and a touch of Americana. He really rocks, stirring up soulful Americana, full-on blues and tasty rootsy grooves.

‘She coaxes her voice from that of a mild modern English rose to raw throated blues’ Edinburgh Fringe Festival review ‘He’s a lovely player, a lovely singer, and a great writer. The real thing.’ Martin Simpson

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TOLBOOTH

Hess

The East Pointers

DATE Saturday 20 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £14/£12

DATE Wednesday 24 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £14/£12

In 1941, Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, bails out over Scotland on a self- appointed mission of peace.

Immediately imprisoned, then sentenced to life at Nuremberg. In this haunting one man play, Hess supposes what he might say to an audience about himself, the Third Reich and the world we have created since then. How much has really changed?

The East Pointers hail from Canada’s Prince Edward Island and feature banjoist/vocalist/step-dancer Koady Chaisson, fiddle player/vocalist Tim Chaisson, and guitarist/vocalist Jake Charron.

Gilded Balloon revives Michael Burrell’s award-winning play, Hess, directed by Kim Kinnie and starring Derek Crawford Munn.

‘Crawford Munn’s meticulous performance is utterly absorbing’ The Stage ‘An absolutely stunning one man play’ Theatre Extra ‘Derek Crawford Munn’s tour-de-force performance [and] powerhouse delivery is impressive’ The List

culturestirling.org

The cousins Chaisson are part of the sixth generation of a heralded legacy of fiddlers and folk musicians from the island. When Jake would visit PEI a late-night kitchen party was sure to follow – fiddles and friends, guitars and Guinness, banjos and bad jokes. As their trunk of traditional and original tunes – some with an Irish influence, some Scottish, others rooted in the Canadian Maritimes – started to fill up, the trio realized it was time to put some to tape and take them on the road. The result is The East Pointers, who released their debut album ‘Sweet Victory’ in October 2015 and are already attracting worldwide attention.

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TOLBOOTH

New Focus Quartet

City Music Live

DATE Friday 26 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £14/£12

DATE Saturday 27 May & Friday 16 June TIME Doors 7.30pm TICKETS £4

Konrad Wiszniewski and Euan Stevenson’s New Focus is one of the most appealing, most beautifully realised projects to emerge on the UK jazz scene in recent years. Originally conceived as a fiftieth anniversary tribute to saxophone giant Stan Getz’s 1961 classic album, Focus, the group has developed a style all of its own, showcasing Scottish National Jazz Orchestra saxophone star Wiszniewski’s ravishing tone and inventive, soulfully communicative playing on tenor and soprano and Stevenson’s elegant, coolly considered pianism in compositions that ooze melodic richness and possess a flowing, cinematic quality.

Two more nights of the cream of Stirling’s exciting under 18s music scene, curated by a few of the musicians and gig-goers who are a part of it. The team book, organise, promote and host the nights, giving young local musicians a chance to showcase their music beyond the odd school gig and busking session. All genres and styles catered for, open to bands/artists playing their first show and to those who have acquired a bit more of a following.

The quartet is completed by a rhythm section of conspicuous assurance in former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year Andrew Robb on double bass and the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s drums and percussion dynamo, Alyn Cosker, and with a recently released second album, On Song, carrying the spirit of its Scottish Album of the Year-shortlisted predecessor, New Focus is creating superbly accessible, hauntingly memorable jazz for the 21st century.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Get in touch via citymusiclive@gmail.com or Facebook to find out more and get a gig.

More information on line-ups will be available at facebook.com/citymusiclive on the weeks running up to the events!

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James Grant & The The Elephant Sessions Hallelujah String Quartet DATE Saturday 3 June DATE Friday 2 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £18.50 James Grant is one of the most renowned and respected performers Scotland has ever produced.

James’ performances at the Tolbooth are always special, but expect an extra dimension tonight as The Love & Money frontman is joined by The Hallelujah String Quartet.

Following emphatic sell out shows last year and a live album, expect unique versions of classics old and new; Strange Kind Of Love, Whisky Dream, Walk The Last Mile, I Can’t Stop Bleeding, Winter, Does It All Add Up To Nothing, Jocelyn Square, My Thrawn Glory and a spellbinding cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

‘James Grant never fails to entertain but tonight he excelled my highest expectations. The reworking of some of his fabulous back catalogue with Hallelujah Strings added another layer to his live performance.’

TIME 8pm TICKETS £13/£11

Creating a progressive blend of intricate tunes, engulfing guitars, with bass and drums, Elephant Sessions combine the very best of trad, funk and electronica resulting in a new and exciting sound, confirmed in their debut album The Elusive Highland Beauty. This album and subsequent tours and festival appearances saw the quintet win Up and Coming Artist of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music awards in 2014.

Already renowned for their breathtaking live shows, the band saw 2015 and 2016 full of invitations to perform at many prestigious European festivals and they were nominated as Live Act of the Year at the 2016 BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. Their eagerly anticipated second album is to be released in early summer.

‘Quite possibly the best instrumental debut since Venus in Tweeds by Shooglenifty’ Bruce Macgregor BBC Radio Scotland, Travelling Folk ‘Traditional folk and Celtic sounds with modern twists and styles to bring us fast paced folk rock, focusing on powerful stringed performances’ Bright Young Folk

Box culturestirling.org office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH

Grupo Magnético DATE Friday 9 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £15/£13 Standing

Strange Behaviours: Pronto Mama + Mt. Doubt

Grupo Magnético brings together players from Salsa Celtica and Rumba Caliente to create a new big band!

DATE TIME TICKETS

Salsa Celtica’s Toby Shippey brings together two of his latest Latin/Salsa combos to form an Afro-Latin, salsa, soul, jazz, funk and Afro-beat super group for a night of intense polyrhythmic roots dance floor and listening delight. With musicians from Colombia, Cuba, New York and the UK this hard hitting 11 piece Latin soul orchestra features on lead vocals Colombian star Angelica Lopez and Cuban sonero Ricardo Fernandez Pompa… their debut album is set for release in 2017.

With their new album ‘Any Joy’ successfully crowdfunded and due for release on 5th May via distinguished indie label Electric Honey (Belle and Sebastian, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, Miniature Dinosaurs, Be Charlotte, Finn Le Marinel) Glaswegian six-piece band Pronto Mama are making their return to the Tolbooth, having played the inaugural Strange Behaviours Festival in 2014.

Both Salsa Celtica and Rumba Caliente are known for their explosive, fun, live performances which have been rocking European jazz and world festivals for over 10 years.

The collective that is Grupo Magnético play a unique mix of Afro-Latin salsa, funk, soul, rap and Afro-Beat… there will be dancing!

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Saturday 10 June Doors 7.30pm £7 advance / £9 on the door

Taking inspiration from their cultural surroundings, the band have created a collection of songs about hope and hopelessness, vice and virtue and how love and friendship go hand in hand with hate and jealously. Blending jazzy tempos, uncommon time signatures and an alternative rock attitude with progressive pop hooks and emotive vocals, Pronto Mama exist in a world entirely their own vision and making.

Support comes from driving post-rock/alternative local band Dead Electric, who too will be familiar to 2016 SB Fest-goers and Annie Booth’s new collective Mt. Doubt.

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TOLBOOTH

Kent Duchaine

Lau

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

DATE Wednesday 21 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £18

American delta blues guitarist Kent DuChaine has been playing authentic solo blues since 1968, with earthy, guttural vocals and superb crunchy guitar playing on his battered old 1934 National Steel guitar he calls Leadbessie which he has lovingly restored. A langorous raconteur, with tales of playing and travelling with some of the great blues masters, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker and Bukka White.

Pioneering contemporary folk trio comprising three of the UK’s finest traditional musicians: Kris Drever (vocals, guitar), Martin Green (accordion, wurlitzer, keys, electronics) and Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle).

Lau have picked up four awards for ‘Best Group’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and appeared on TV on Later… with Jools Holland (BBC 2 TV).

Now living in Georgia his time is split between touring in the US, UK and Europe and his other love, fishing near his lake-side home. There are few musicians who can captivate an audience with nothing but a guitar and the Blues to the level that DuChaine does.

‘A “REAL” Bluesman’ Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 ‘DuChaine is about as close as it’s possible to be to an authentic Delta style Bluesman in the 21st century’ Blues in Britain

Playing two unique live sets, featuring all their greatest material from across the last decade, Lau continue to effortlessly bridge the seemingly diametrically opposed worlds of acoustic folk tradition, classical composition, pop song and electronica.

‘Lau are a remarkable band — the most musically adventurous trio in British folk exquisite and hypnotic, musicianship at its best’ The Guardian Album of The Year 2015 Sunday Herald Shortlisted for Scottish Album of The Year 2013 & 2016

‘One of the 5 best concerts in the UK in any music genre’ The Sunday Times

culturestirling.org

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Jay Phelps Quartet DATE Thursday 22 June TIME 8pm TICKETS £13/£11 Trumpeter Phelps, (co-founder of Empirical) has spent the last two years on a spiritual journey travelling the world, writing, and has incorporated these influences along with the new addition of his vocals, into his latest album 'Free as the Birds'.

Joining Phelps on trumpet and vocals are fellow JPQ members, Rick Simpson on piano, Mark Lewandowski on bass and Moses Boyd on drums.

Jay has performed and recorded with a veritable who’s who of international Jazz and famed artists.

As well as being a late night host and performer at London's top music venues, Phelps regularly tours nationally and internationally with his own bands (JPQ, Projections: Of Miles, Jay's Jitter Jive). ‘ Phelps exhibits much of Wynton Marsalis' fluency and vocalised tone’ John Fordham, The Guardian

Lost In Echoes + Serenity Came Calling DATE Friday 23 June TIME Doors 7.30pm TICKETS £5 With signs that Stirling’s once rich and busy hardcore punk scene is starting to regenerate, current local stalwarts Serenity Came Calling have coaxed heroes of yesteryears Lost In Echoes out of retirement for a nostalgic mosh down memory lane.

Disbanding in late 2015, the band were a driven, popular force to be reckoned with, touring extensively and gathering a strong local following, going on to inspire numerous acts further down the line. Serenity Came Calling are one such band who took influence from members Owen, Finlay, Paul, Easty and Ben, and over the past couple of years have rebuilt connections between Stirling and other towns and cities across the country, slowly kicking the local community back into gear.

‘Assured, clever, fluent with a lovely soft-edged tone, he is already a player you could easily recognise after hearing him just once.’

Dave Gelly, The Observer

culturestirling.org Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH

Yola Carter Rock for DATE Wednesday 28 June Strathcarron TIME 8pm TICKETS £13/£11 The Sensational David Bowie Tribute Band A force of nature and an incredibly talented

singer-songwriter, Bristol-based Yola Carter was raised on gospel, was successful as a singer and writer on the dance scene, but is now focused on her true passion - country and soul. Yola’s powerhouse voice and stage presence, superb soul-baring original songs and her fantastic band have blown audiences away. She was chosen to Rock For Strathcarron presents represent the UK at the prestigious Americana The Sensational David Bowie Tribute Band!

Music Association showcase in Nashville in September 2016, where she made a huge impact, Formerly known as Tigers On Vaseline, the UK’s being selected by NPR as one of their top 10 artists premier tribute to David Bowie recreate the music of the great man from Space Oddity in 1969, through and generating a huge music industry and media buzz.

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and on into Yola released her debut EP Orphan Offering in the 1980’s with Ashes to Ashes and many other November to great critical acclaim. As a fitting classic tracks. finale to a breakout debut year, her sensational live performances earned Yola the UK Artist Of The Witness first hand all the glamour, passion, Year title at the AMA UK Awards 2016. excitement and sheer electric atmosphere of the archetypal 1970’s Bowie Experience.

‘A phenomenal talent, drawing on gospel, soul and country inflections’ The Independent All the early material is covered in its wonderful, melodic, quirky, eclectic, yet easily accessible ‘A voice to die for… it could be likened to Aretha majesty. If you’re a Bowie fan, you do not want to Franklin. She is that good’ Maverick miss this!

DATE TIME TICKETS

Saturday 24 June Doors 7.30pm Band 8pm £15 + 6% booking fee Standing

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

‘Country gospel with the driving energy of oldfashioned soul music... Her songs brandished big hooks and she filled them with stirring vocals, shouts, and yes, yodeling’ The Guardian ‘Authentic Americana with a British soul’ The Times

culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

Golden Hum presents…

75 Dollar Bill + Constant Follower DATE TIME TICKETS

Friday 30 June Doors 7.30pm £10 advance tickets / £12 on the door

Golden Hum returns with more folk and indie from the experimental fringes. 75 Dollar Bill formed in 2012 by percussionist Rick Brown and guitarist Che Chen. Played on a deeply resonant plywood crate, Brown’s earthy, elemental rhythms are both the foundation and foil for Chen’s ecstatic, modal guitar style. The duo’s electric, richly patterned music can shape shift from joyful dance tunes to slowly changing trance minimalism, an uncategorisable hybrid which draws on early electric blues, the modal traditions of West Africa, India and the Middle East, Sun Ra’s space chords and the minimalist and No Wave histories of their home town.

Support comes from hushed folk trio Constant Follower, spinning quiet tales and heavy-hearted reflection to a sonically delicate, electronically ambient background.

Observer 9/10 ‘Best experimental albums of 2016’ Uncut 8/10 ‘Best albums of the year list 2016’ Pitchfork 8.4 “The best experimental band of 2015

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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NYOS Jazz Orchestra –

‘Road Trip Across The Americas’

Summer Ceilidhs DATE Wednesday 12 July

Thursday 3 August

Wednesday 23 August TIME 8pm TICKETS £10/£8 for groups of 4+ Our ever popular summer ceilidhs are back!

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’s 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.

Box culturestirling.org office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

DATE Monday 17 July TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10/£6.50 Under 25s £2.50

Early Bird until 17 June £7 The Americas is the theme for all National Youth Orchestras of Scotland ensembles throughout 2017.

Each orchestra will perform a blend of well-known standards together with rarely heard gems directly linked to, or inspired by the Americas.

NYOS Jazz Orchestra presents a programme that takes them on a Road Trip Across the Americas.

The orchestra is led, as always by Music director Malcolm Edmonstone and Principal Conductor Andrew Bain and the feautured guest artist this summer is the amazing Scottish guitarist, Malcolm MacFarlane. They will be playing some seriously funky music, revisiting Donald Fagan’s seminal solo debut Nightfly, and these concerts will involve a vocal jazz ensemble, one of the Jazz programme’s most exciting recent developments. And with Malcolm MacFarlane involved it won’t surprise you to know the second half will feature some of the legendary American guitar gods you’d expect, including some classic charts from Pat Metheny.

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Spatz & Co Showband ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ DATE Saturday 22 July TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £17/£15 Spatz & Co is uniquely a ‘band of bandleaders’ all multi-instrumentalists, accomplished musicians and strong solo performers. The band are: Gus Andrews, trumpet; Dick Lee, sax and clarinet; Gordon McNeil, tenor sax and flute; Malcolm MacFarlane, lead guitar; Tom Gordon, drums; Erik Lars Hansen, bass; Ray Elrick, keys and synths and leader Roy Mac on vocals, guitar and piano. Their collaboration brings together specialist knowledge over many music genres, from Big Band, Great American Songbook, Blues, Pop, R & B, Latin, Rock & Roll, Jazz and Classical.

This show Midnight at The Oasis - where the tropical nightclub for the evening will feature some of the greatest songs and instrumentals ever written, from Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Acker Bilk, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Gerry Rafferty, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Lennon & McCartney, ELO and more – all feature in a non-stop, foot tapping sequence that builds to a stunning climax

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Hannah Aldridge DATE Thursday 27 July TIME 8pm TICKETS £11/£9 Sassy, sexy and soulful, Hannah is the daughter of Muscle Shoals legend, Alabama Hall of Famer, Walt Aldridge.

Hannah is very much a chip off the old block in talent, but carving her own identity and style.

Her second album, Gold Rush, is released in June 2017. Mixing her personal life and the sounds of her hometown, Hannah’s songs draw in influences from across the rock genre.

The American South is where writers go to face their fears. Hannah Aldridge doesn’t just dip her pen into the well of the South, the Muscle Shoals native embodies it. With every song, she’s facing down demons of a life once lived from substance abuse to failed relationships and scars from the lashes of the bible belt. As she says herself – “I was born in a crossfire”.

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TOLBOOTH

Phill Jupitus DATE Sunday 30 July TIME 8pm TICKETS £16 Age recommendation 14 years+ Join stand-up comedian, poet, improviser, and TV stalwart Phill Jupitus for over an hour of tales, laughs and diversions. Watch in delight and/or horror as this experienced funnyman smashes laughs out of the chaos of his own life and the uncertain world that surrounds it. Adult themes and situations, but delivered childishly.

Phill became a familiar face as team captain on BBC2’s pop quiz Never Mind The Buzzcocks for 19 years. He is a regular guest on QI (BBC2) and Alan Davies As yet Untitled (Dave), and in 2012 returned to television stand-up with an appearance on Live at the Apollo (BBC1).

Féis Rois & Féis Fhoirt Ceilidh Trail DATE Wednesday 9 August TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £7/£4 A double bill of traditional music performed by some of the most talented young players from Scotland. The Ceilidh trail is an initiative offering young trad musicians the opportunity to play and tour, including a learning week together and a tour around the areas where they are based.

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

On BBC Radio 4 Phill is a regular panellist of the award winning I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue and The Unbelievable Truth. In addition, he has presented numerous radio documentaries including, Phill Jupitus’ Comic Strips, Calvin and Hobbes and The Man Who Bought Hendrix’s Stage. His recent drama roles include a tour of the UK and Ireland of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang starring as Baron Bomburst / Lord Scrumptious.

culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

Auld Hat New Heids DATE Saturday 19 August TIME 8pm TICKETS £14/£12 Four of Scotland’s most experienced musicians have teamed up to present a show of Scottish songs seldom heard, but once the basis of the folk revival in the 1960’s and 70’s. At that time Scottish folk music was at its peak.

In practically every town of any size there was a folk club packed with people enthusiastically joining in with the laughter and sing-a-long music of the time.

These days may be passed but the songs are still there, just fewer people singing them.

Ian Bruce, Pete Clark, Gregor Lowry and Fraser Bruce have formed a group with the intention of producing a show singing these songs from the early days of folk revival but incorporating the developed musical styles of the current era.

ALBERT HALLS

Stirling Orchestra – A Night At The Opera DATE Sunday 7 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10/£8/£5/£2 “A Night at the Opera” . . . that’s what we’re calling this, our last concert of the season and, as you might expect, it’ll feature a heady-mix of wellloved arias and overtures from the world of opera – works by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Mozart, Bizet and more.

A quartet of stars from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Svetlina Stoyanova, Charlotte Drummond, Richard Shaffrey and Chris Nairne, will lead on the arias accompanied throughout by the outstanding Stirling Orchestra – finalists in last year’s BBC Series “Altogether Now.” This will be quite an evening – don’t miss it!

The intention is to create a ‘feelgood’ factor along with audience participation and a healthy dose of humour all the way!

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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ALBERT HALLS

Memory Lane The Come & Play with Ultimate Feel Good Show Stirling Orchestra DATE Friday 12 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £16/£14 (1 in 10 free) This fast moving, roller coaster of a journey through some of the greatest songs of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, will be a show you are sure to remember. Over 160 amazing costumes, a touch of humour from one of the UK’s top comedians and performances rarely seen outside the ‘West End’ from this superb cast of singers and dancers. Including songs by Barry Manilow, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Abba and many more.

DATE

Sun 14 May

Dust off your instruments, Stirling Orchestra is hosting a day of musical fun, inviting musicians to come and play alongside members of the orchestra and resident conductor, Stephen Broad. Further details will be announced at the beginning of April.

To register your interest, and for times and prices, please contact the orchestra direct at stirlingorch@gmail.com

Now entering their 12th successful year of producing shows that bring astounding press reviews like this one from WH Times, London ‘Visually stunning, incredible performances… an all round fantastic show… absolutely brilliant’.

Come along and enjoy some of the greatest songs ever written. From the producers of ‘Memories are made of This’, ‘All our Yesterdays’, and ‘Rolling back the Years’.

culturestirling.org

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ALBERT HALLS

Reginald D Hunter –

Some People v Reginald D. Hunter Support from Glenn Wool

DATE Thursday 18 May TIME 8pm TICKETS £23 Age recommendation 18 years+ Reginald D Hunter returns to the UK in 2017 with his highly anticipated brand new show.

During the 15 years in which he has lived in the UK, Reginald’s searingly honest material has garnered him a popular fanbase that spans the generations. In the past twelve months he has appeared in a critically acclaimed tour of Ireland as well as performing across Europe. His appearances on television have included 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the hugely popular three-part BBC2 series Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South which documented Reginald’s epic road trip from North Carolina to New Orleans through 150 years of American popular song.

‘Reginald D Hunter joins the top rank of stand-up comedians workingtoday… a comedian going for broke, flying in the face of received opinion in a way that is simply exhilarating… this is comedy of a rare scope’ Times ‘stand-up comedy’s coolest customer’ Telegraph Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Strathcarron Singers DATE Friday 19 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10 For this their 12th annual concert in aid of Strathcarron Hospice The Strathcarron Singers present a programme of choral favourites under the baton of their talented conductor Matthew Brown.

The choir have raised over £100,000 for the hospice, an achievement of which they are very proud.

Guests Fiona Robertson, granddaughter of the choir’s founding conductor June McKinnon is a wonderfully talented young violinist. She graduated with First Class Honours from The Royal College of Music, London and is currently studying at The Conservatoire in Amsterdam.

Gordon Cree, originally from Ayrshire was classically trained in singing and piano at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He has worked with many legends of the entertainment world including Moira Anderson, Marilyn Hill Smith, Roy Hudd and Ken Dodd among many others. His performance is sure to captivate everyone as he did when he appeared as our guest a few years ago. He is very much back by popular demand 22

ALBERT HALLS

The King Is Back Karen McCagh DATE Thursday 25 May TIME 7.30pm TICKET £15 Karen is a psychic medium based in the UK, her work includes demonstrations, teaching and one to one readings all over the world! Karen has worked alongside the very best of Mediums, including Tony Stockwell who appeared on TV for many years and is a best-selling author. She has also won awards for her Mediumship.

Her demonstrations of mediumship offer the chance to see how the spirit world works, and they are a very uplifting experience for all that attend.

Bringing evidence from the spirit world can touch the hearts of those still searching for answers, and even help with the grieving process at the same

DATE Friday 26 May TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £26 Ben Portsmouth is Elvis – The King Is Back The World’s Number One Elvis Tribute Artist.

Ben, a multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis’s DNA in his blood from an early age. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs. Having honed his musical talent Ben started his journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2005.

Audiences quickly realized that this was someone with a special talent. He looked like Elvis, sang like Elvis and had an on stage charisma that had audiences believing at times they were watching the King himself. This talent saw Ben rapidly rise through the ranks of Elvis Tribute Artists.

In August 2012, Ben made history when he won the Elvis Presley Enterprises ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest’ which took place in Memphis, crowning Ben as the ‘Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist’, the only artist from outside the USA to ever win this prestigious title.

On this night, you will see the live performance that left David Letterman at a loss for words exclaiming, ‘Oh my God, Oh my God!’ when Ben headlined his show in February of 2013.

culturestirling.org

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ALBERT HALLS

The Brandon McPhee Show DATE Friday 2 June TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £19 / £17 for age 16 and under Back Balcony £21 / £19 for age 16 and under Featuring All-Scotland Accordion Champion 2014, Brandon McPhee One of Scotland’s leading entertainers, Brandon has won almost every ‘button-box’ competition in the Scottish National calendar, crowning his achievements by gaining the coveted Senior Traditional Scottish Accordion Championship the day before his 18th Birthday!

Scotfairs Antique Fair DATE Saturday 3 June, 1 July, 5 August TIME 10-4pm TICKETS £1.50 Accompanied Children Free Antiques for the connoisseur, hidden treasures for the experts, specialist items for the experts, specialist items for the experienced collector, and 1000’s of interesting, beautiful and affordable items for the general public. Come along enjoys the informal atmosphere of the market.

Already acclaimed for his unsurpassed skill on the button box, Brandon, who hails from Caithness, is also rapidly gaining a following at home and abroad as a Country Music vocalist and guitarist.

This Show gives us the opportunity to enjoy every aspect of this young man’s talent with a full programme of Scottish and Country music.

Brandon is supported by his Scottish Dance Band and his Country Band featuring some of the finest professional musicians.

Adding mirth and mayhem to the show is Scotland’s ‘Son of Fun’ Eddie Rose. Pitlochry-based Eddie has entertained across Scotland and abroad for many years with his own show and has toured with many of Scotland’s leading artists. A great singing voice, a wealth of humour, and “a team” of wonderful characters – good family fun!

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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ALBERT HALLS

NYCoS Stirling Choir Summer Concert DATE Tuesday 6 June TIME 7pm TICKETS £8/£5 NYCoS Stirling Choir returns to the Albert Halls on Tuesday 6 June, 7pm for its annual summer concert, showcasing an exciting and varied repertoire. The singers, aged 8–18 years, will be led by Choir Director, Anne Murphy. Recent highlights for the Choir include ‘Carols at the Castle’ concerts in Stirling Castle and a unique massed choir performance in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to celebrate the XX Commonwealth Games.

For more details, contact Choir Coordinator, Margaret Glencross on 07964 130 944 or at margaret-glencross@nycos.co.uk

EU Musical DATE Tuesday 13 June TIME 7.30pm TICKETS Freee EUROPE: WHAT A PASSION! The musical tale of a stormy love affair by Daniela Martinelli and Francesco Pigozzo with Paolo Barillari, Davide Magnabosco, Michela Ciusani.

A lively recital show narrating the history of European integration since WWII that engages spectators in the tale of a little known, yet all-important part of their own story, whose further development weighs heavily on our future and depends on our choices.

A storyteller, figurative texts and graphics, the acting and singing paths connecting milestones in a long, turbulent and vital love story invite the audience to recall specific atmospheres of the last 70 years and understand our story as Europeans.

The play is key part of the European Awareness Day organised by the University of Stirling for the AwarEU Erasmus+ project co-funded by the EU.

culturestirling.org

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ALBERT HALLS

Speakers from the Edge Big Noise Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards DATE Friday 24 June TIME 7.30pm – Try Hard TICKETS FREE DATE Thursday 15 June TIME 7.30 pm TICKETS £15.50/ £13.50 Duration: 110mins, including 20min interval Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards is a unique British sporting hero with an incredible story to tell. The world’s ninth-fastest amateur downhill speed skier went on to become Great Britain’s first Olympic (self-taught!) Ski-Jumper, who missed out on medals by some distance, but won the hearts of the nation with his plucky, positive attitude and down-to-earth persona and emerged as a star of the Calgary ’88 Winter Olympics, returning to Britain as an overnight sporting celebrity.

In Try Hard, Eddie talks through his incredible life-journey; from self-learning ski-jumping and being shunned by the sporting establishment, to the extensive surgery to rebuild his face and body following years of spectacular crashes on the snow as he set out to break world-records in stunt jumping (10 cars & six buses) and speed-skiing (106.8mph); from bankruptcy through trustees’ mismanagement, to gaining a Law degree, and even how he became a most unlikely pop-star in Finland, above all, what will shine through is the steely resilience of a fearless man determined to overcome huge sporting and life hurdles.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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.

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ALBERT HALLS

The Dreamboys

Skipinnish

DATE Wednesday 12 July TIME 8pm TICKETS £27.50/£24.50 + 6% booking fee Suitable for ages 18 years +

DATE Friday 25 August TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £16.50/£14.50

The Dreamboys, the UK’s ultimate Magic Mike style show, are back and hotter than ever with a brand new show and UK tour for 2017.

The Dreamboys are without a shadow of a doubt the UK’s top male strip show, perfect for a girls night out with all your friends. With special guest appearances on some of the UK’s biggest TV shows such as The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, Celebrity Big Brother, Loose Women, This Morning, Geordie Shore and The Only Way Is Essex, plus massive sold out Worldwide tours, it’s no wonder The Dreamboys have earned themselves the title of the only male strip group in history to have celebrity status.

This is one action packed 2-hour show full of music, muscle, magic and mayhem which you simply won’t want to miss!!! Book your Tickets now before it’s too late!!!

culturestirling.org

Skipinnish have rocketed to the top of the Scottish music scene recently and their ascent is in no way slowing down. They were named ‘Live Act of the Year’ at the Scottish Trad Awards. Their recent highlights also include: releasing three chart topping self-penned singles, a sell-out concert in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall that finished with a standing ovation, also headline appearances at some of the UK’s biggest music festivals.

Kicking the year off with a new single "Alive" on Friday the 13th of January, followed by a new album in the spring, 2017 is forecasted to be the biggest year yet for Skipinnish. The audience are sure to be bouncing in their seats to the wild driving tune sets and raising the roof singing along to the band's now classic anthems, The Island, December, Western Ocean, and the massively popular Walking on the Waves. Skipinnish never disappoint and this will be a night to remember!

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TOLBOOTH GALLERY

FORTH VALLEY ART BEAT EXHIBITION OUTSIDE INSIDE 6TH – 24TH JUNE 2017 LESLEY ANNE DERKS & CATHERINE KING An exhibition of drawing, painting and printmaking Exhibition runs from 6th – 24th June and will be part of this years Forth Valley Art Beat.

Lesley Anne Derks graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1999. She paints predominantly cityscapes and has exhibited extensively throughout the UK and abroad. Her work has appeared in leading magazines and newspapers.

Meet the artist Saturday 17th June at 2pm and 3pm Lesley Anne Derks will demonstrate how she uses pastels in her work. Her demonstration will cover different pastels, papers as well as pastel application, overlaying colours and blending.

Catherine King is a Graduate of Drawing and Painting from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. Her work is diverse in theme especially within Landscape and the human form. She will be exhibiting some recent Tango works here the first time in public. She has exhibited extensively throughout the UK and abroad and is currently President of GSWA and Secretary of FDPW. Meet the artist Saturday 10th June at 2pm and 3pm Catherine King will demonstrate drawing in response to live tango dance performed by fabulous Stirling based Tango teachers Ariel and Alenka Jalen of Yirajie Tango.

Preview Friday 9th June, 7–9 pm All welcome

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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LIBRARIES

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS Monday 8th May Alex Scarrow Bridge of Allan Library, 7–8pm, £2 Suggested age: Teen/Young Adult/Adult Thursday 11th May Craig Russell with James Oswald Central Library, 7-8pm £5/£3 Femme Fatale Alex Gray, Alanna Knight and Lin Anderson, Drymen Village Hall 7 –9 pm £5/£3 Friday 12th May James Campbell Raploch Campus, Expressive Arts Hall 4.30–5.30pm £2 Suggested age: 8+ years

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

OFF THE PAGE 2017

Week Long Events Random Reads 18th April – 15th May Quick Read books will be available from the Cowane Centre from 18th April, for learners registered with Employability and Adult Learning. Read the random book and write a review for other learners.

Balfron Library Bicentenary Exhibition, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson 7th April – 12th May. The stunning photographs

by Phil Sayer with complimentary images from other sources Catch the reading bug!

Bookbug sessions are free, fun and friendly events for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their families to enjoy. The 30-minute sessions include songs, stories and rhymes, and are widely available throughout Stirling Libraries. They take place in a relaxed environment and benefit your child helping build confidence and social skills and give a boost to their speech and language development. We run numerous Bookbug sessions for Pre-schoolers with accompanying adult, check your local library for times.

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ARTS NEWS

TOLBOOTH 15TH BIRTHDAY Featured are some photos from the Tolbooth 15th birthday Youth Music Showcase.

We would like to say a huge thank you and well done to all the incredible young people who took part... here’s to the next 15 years!

David Scott who has led Pump up the Jam for over 14 years has calculated the young people taking part have written over 450 new songs in that time!

We think that is pretty special.

TOPFEST 2017 The multi-arts family event will return in Autumn this year – keep an eye on topfest. org for details from all the partners involved of activities in and around the Top of the Town.

THE RURAL MUSIC PROJECT In partnership with Stirling Council Youth Team and the Youth Music Initiative, we’ve been able to relaunch our songwriting and band workshops out in rural areas of Stirling. Our team of tutors have been working with a fantastic group of talented young musicians in Balfron High School on Mondays after class – definitely ones to watch for the future!

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS All welcome – to the next events which will take place April to June – to encourage and inspire... with speakers from the exciting new V&A in Dundee talking about Creative Spaces and Stan Godek exploring Mindfulness and Creativity. For final dates, venues and details keep an eye on the FVCL website forthvalleycreativelearning.wordpress.com

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

ADULTS

KNITTING & CROCHET BEE

Thu 18 Apr – Tue 27 Jun, 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 19 Apr – Wed 7 Jun, 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

GUITAR

Thu 20 Apr – Thu 8 Jun 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

Monday nights from 24 April (Except 1 May) Age 10-18 FREE

Traddies, for complete beginners 5-5.30pm Fiddle, guitar, whistle Beginners : Tue 18 Apr – Tue 13 Jun (not 9 May) Folkus, min 1 yr experience 5.30-6.15pm Intermediate: Wed 19 Apr – Wed 14 Jun (not 10 May) Session for fiddle, guitar, whistle, flute Both 7-9pm, £60/£50 for 8 sessions *The Session 6.20-7.20pm Intermediate level (Includes materials & firings) *The Session Extra 6.20-8pm Intermediate + level Demonstration and tuition for mixed levels in a wide *Tolbooth Trad Band 7-8.15pm advanced level, by range of hand-built ceramic techniques including audition, *All trad instruments welcome use of glazes, but not potters’ wheel.

An opportunity to play traditional music for the first Tutor: Lorraine Robson time or to develop and improve playing and performance skills. No music grades or previous experience ART / PAINTING of trad music needed. Tutors: Lori Watson, Wed 19 Apr – Wed 14 Jun (not 10 May) Innes Watson, Claire Mann Fri 21 Apr – Fri 16 Jun (not 12 May) 10am-3pm, with 1 hour for lunch STIRLING & £112/£96 for 10 sessions CLACKMANNANSHIRE A chance for artists with some experience or YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE beginners to challenge their definition of painting Monday nights from 24 April in a supportive social environment. Participants to (Except 1 May) Age 10-18 FREE bring their own materials.

Jazz Big Band/access 5-6pm Tutor: Peter Russell Complete beginners to intermediate level Youth Jazz Ensemble 6-7.15pm TOLBOOTH SINGERS Intermediate to advanced level Thu 20 Apr – Thu 8 Jun, 7-9pm All instruments and abilities welcome. No music £52/£42 for 8 sessions grades or previous experience of jazz needed.

A fun, friendly, informal singing group. Learn a varied Sessions look at improvisation, various jazz styles and repertoire including world music, chants, spirituals, performances in a fun and friendly environment. contemporary material, harmonies and traditional Tutors: Laura Macdonald and Kevin Mackenzie songs. You don’t need to have sung before – everyone welcome. Tutor: Susie Kelly The Trad and Jazz Monday workshops are free thanks to funding from the Youth Music Initiative.

CERAMICS IN THE COWANE CENTRE

culturestirling.org

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

PUMP UP THE JAM

Wed 19 Apr – Wed 7 Jun Age 11+ 4.45-7.15pm 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

YOUTH GUITAR

Fri 21 Apr – Fri 9 Jun 6-6.45pm Ages 10-13 / 6-6.45pm Ages 14-17 A chance to improve guitar skills and learn some favourite songs as part of a fun, small group.

Open to all levels of experience.

CITY MUSIC PROJECT

Fri 21 Apr – Fri 9 Jun, 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, learning cover versions and socialising.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

FIDDLE, CLARSACH, GUITAR, ACCORDIAN & WHISTLE

Sat 29 Apr – Sat 17 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 / 07770 930295

ART IN THE COWANE CENTRE

Sat 22 Apr – Sat 10 Jun 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 22 Apr – Sat 10 Jun 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

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SUMMER WORKSHOPS During the school summer holidays the Tolbooth will once again be running arts activities for children and young people

PUPPETS PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO RECORDING GARAGEBAND DRUMMING TOLBOOTH TRAD SUMMER DAY ANIMATION CERAMICS ART JAZZ BIG BAND IN A DAY and more…

For full dates and details contact box office on 01786 274000 or culturestirling.org/creativelearning Box office 01786 27 4000 culturestirling.org

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

TO HIRE THE SPACES IN THE TOLBOOTH – THE AUDITORIUM, ATTIC, GALLERY OR MEETING ROOMS – FOR PERFORMANCE, MEETING OR CONFERENCE, CONTACT NICKY FERRIE 01786 473544 FERRIEN@STIRLING.GOV.UK

01786 473544 / 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, culturestirling.org 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

3434

G IN M ON CO SO

Zoe Rahman Friday 22nd September

Drever, Yorkston & Withered Hand Thursday 5th October

The Electric Strawbs Friday 27th October

Ray Mears Saturday 14th October

The Nutcracker Thursday 2nd November

Jason Donovon Thursday 16th November

It’s A Wonderful Life Saturday 16th Dec Radio Play Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook Saturday 16th December culturestirling.org

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AT A GLANCE MAY

Strange Behaviours Lush Purr + Shredd + Stock Manager Wed 3rd May 7.30pm Alan Bissett The Moira Monologues Fri 5 May 7.30pm Comic-Kids with Gary Erskine Sat 6 May 12–4pm Stirling Orchestra – A Night At The Opera Sun 7 May 7.30pm James Kelman with The Dirt Roadsters and Neil Sutcliffe Tue 9 May 7.30-9.30pm How to Get Published: Taking the plunge? Wed 10 May 7.30–9pm The Rising Wed 10 May 8pm An Evening of Poetry Thu 11 May 7pm–9pm Hunter & The Bear Fri 12 May 8pm Memory Lane The Ultimate Feel Good Show Fri 12 May 7.30pm Off The Page Riverside Ceilidh Band Sat 13 May 7.30pm Come & Play with Stirling Orchestra Sun 14 May

Reginald D. Hunter + Support from Glenn Wool Thu 18 May 8pm Strathcarron Singers Fri 19 May 7.30pm Sally Barker & Brooks Williams Fri 19 May 8pm

Grupo Magnético Friday 9 June 8pm Strange Behaviours: Pronto Mama + Dead Electric Sat 10 June 7.30pm EU Musical Wed 14 Jun

JULY Strange Behaviours + Mt. Doubt Summer Party Sat 8 July 7.30pm The Dreamboys Wed 12 July 8pm Summer Ceilidh Wed 12 July 8pm

Hess Sat 20 May 8pm

Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards – Try Hard Thu 15 June 7.30pm

The East Pointers Wed 24 May 8pm

City Music Live Fri 16 June 7.30pm

Karen McCagh Thu 25 May 7.30pm

Kent Duchaine Sat 17 June 8pm

Spatz & Co Showband present Sat 22 July 7.30pm

The King Is Back Ben Portsmouth as Elvis Fri 26 May 7.30pm

Lau Wed 21 June 8pm

Hannah Aldridge Thur 27 July 8pm

Jay Phelps Quartet Thu 22 Jun 8pm

Phill Jupitus Sun 30 July 8pm

City Music Live Sat 27 May 7.30pm

JUNE The Brandon McPhee Show Fri 2 June 7.30pm James Grant & Hallelujah String Quartet Fri 2 June 8pm

Lost In Echoes + Serenity Came Calling Fri 23rd June 7.30pm Big Noise Fri 24 June 7.30pm

NYOS Jazz Orchestra Mon 17 July 7.30pm

The Ceilidh Trail Wed 9 August 8pm

AUGUST

Summer Ceilidhs Rock for Strathcarron Thu 3 August, The Sensational David Wed 23 Aug, 8pm Bowie Tribute Band Sat 24 June 7.30pm Auld Hat New Heids Scotfairs Antique Fair Sat 19 Aug 8pm Sat 3 Jun, 1 Jul, Yola Carter 5 Aug 10-4pm Wed 28 Jun 8pm Skipinnish Fri 25 August The Elephant Golden Hum 7.30pm Sessions Fri 30 Jun 8pm Sat 3 June 8pm TOLBOOTH ALBERT HALLS NYCoS Stirling Choir OFF THE PAGE Summer Concert Tue 6 Jun 7pm

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544 36