Completing the Trilogy begun with Genius 2.0 and The Work of the Devil, Have We Met? finds Simon standing, like Ulysses in Tennyson’s famous verse, gazing out over the moaning deep and the twinkling rocks and wondering whether to seek a newer world? To smite the sounding furrows? To strive, to seek, and to find? Or whether in fact, to put the kettle on, crack open the Hobnobs and simply yield? Drawing on Joyce, Proust and the career of Philip Schofield to make sense of his own tangled past and possible future, Evans skilfully weaves comedy, pathos and narrowly averted cancellation into an unforgettable two hours of unique entertainment.

Brian Bilston and Henry Normal appear together for the first time in a show which one critic has described as “two people reading some poems”. Along the way, they will be drawing on their vast catalogue of crowd favourites – and throwing in new poems, to prevent becoming their own tribute bands. Not ones to overpromise, Brian and Henry are prepared to commit to delivering the greatest poetry show in the history of the world or their names aren’t Brian Bilston and Henry Normal. An evening of poems to be enjoyed not endured.

From one of the most exciting emerging new stars in the UK’s live stand-up scene,1994 is Edinburgh native’s Connor Burns third solo hour. A prolific joke writer, his Scottish-level cynicism and self-deprecation punctuates a disarmingly relaxed persona and an intelligent, razor-sharp wit. Connor’s burgeoning reputation as “one to watch” was cemented at the 2023 Fringe when he sold out his entire run two months before the festival started.

Following on from the success of 2024’s “Any Port in a Storm” tour, King Creosote’s 2025’s follow-up “Any Storm in a Teacup” promises a night of modular synth, I DES tracks and KC classics.

Kris Drever originally comes from Hrossey in the Orkney Islands. Over the years, he has taught himself to be a songwriter, guitarist and singer of note (and sometimes many notes). As well as creating award-winning original songs and instrumental pieces with the trio Lau, he has had a fruitful solo career exploring the cracks between classic and modern songwriting and the traditional music that he comes from. Drever’s sound is rooted in the earthy and hypnotic rhythms of much older music, but there’s a sophistication to both the lyricism and the instrumentalism which places him skilfully in the present. He has an extensive collection of BBC R2 Folk awards, plus a fistful of Scottish NaTrads awards for everything from best album, best singer and best live act to best original song. He has worked with many excellent musicians, including Jack Bruce, Eddi Reader, Mark Knopfler, Jerry Douglas and Roddy Woomble, and is a member of the beautiful multi-media project Spell Songs: The Lost Words. Currently, Kris is preparing for a series of Lau events around the UK, writing music for a new solo album and learning some old tunes for reasons he can’t quite explain. We are offering a free carer/companion ticket for any disabled or wheelchair-user audience members throughout our shows this season. Please note that it is helpful if this is booked in advance via the WeGotTickets website, so that we can ensure that there is adequate accessible seating reserved on the day/night of the event. Wheelchair access, or entry for people with a disability is available from the side entrance, by the Phoenix Café. Tickets for our Spring/Summer 2025 events can also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Shop, Findhorn. These will be available for purchase from February 2025. Please note that this is a seated event.

John Harold Arnold Bramwell, to give him his full name, is perhaps best-known for his time as the songwriter and frontman of Manchester three-piece, I Am Kloot. However, he also possesses an enviable back catalogue as a solo artist and continues to work on new material under the guise of his latest band, John Bramwell & The Full Harmonic Convergence. Bramwell’s first studio output appeared in 1989, when he was performing and recording as Johnny Dangerously and entitled You Me & The Alarm Clock, an album The Guardian referred to as one of the ‘greatest albums you’ve never heard.’ Following a stint as a television presenter and as a member of the band, The Mouth, Bramwell formed I Am Kloot, with two members of The Mouth. They went on to record six studio albums, including the Mercury-Prize nominated album, Sky At Night. Since 2016, Bramwell has reverted to being a solo artist and tours continuously, around the UK and Europe. A home-recorded solo album, Leave Alone the Empty Spaces appeared in 2018 and the follow-up, a more expansive affair, with a working title of The Light Fantastic, is now scheduled for release in 2022.

BC Camplight is an England-based American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His 2005 album Hide, Run Away was released by One Little Indian and featured Cynthia G. Mason on vocals. Camplight's follow-up, Blink of a Nihilist, was released in 2007, and his third album came out in January 2015 on Bella Union.

Pronoter EP Musician, singer, songwriter, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the inaugural RTÉ Folk Awards, Andy has had an amazing musical career over the past 50 years. At the helm of legendary bands like Sweeney’s Men in the mid 60s, to the enormous success of Planxty in the 70s, and then Patrick Street, Mozaik, LAPD and recently Usher’s Island, Andy is both a world music pioneer and an icon for traditional music and musicians. Andy is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as “a tradition in himself”. Musician, singer, songwriter, Andy has maintained his highly individual performing skills throughout his over 50-year career. As a soloist, Andy fills the role of the archetypal troubadour with a show and a travelling lifestyle that reflect his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. To quote the Irish Times, “Often copied, never equalled”, his repertoire consists of Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes and a compelling cannon of his own self-penned songs.

One evening at the Jaz z Cafe, Camden in 2018, six artists came together in celebration of John Martyn's music. It was an evening of deep connection, not just to John's music, but also with a unique community of John Martyn fans. That night saw the sparks of what was to become ' The John Martyn Project' - an ongoing homage to a truly pioneering and unique musical soul. E ach bring ing their own story and relationship to John's music, they continue to keep the spirit of his music alive whilst collecting stories and insights from the crowds they play to. With thanks to John and those that find connection in his music.

After a successful visit to the Burgh Hall last year, the hilarious Gary Faulds returns to Dunoon with New Material. “Come and join me at my favourite smaller venues, getting material together for the main tour. This is a unique gig trying untested and raw material. You won’t know any different unless a bit dies on its hole, you will know when that happens because I will bin it and go full terror mode on the front row. I am grateful for your support and can’t wait to see you all!”

Jonny and Paddy and back on the road again! Bringing their brand new show 'Dance Like it Never Happened' on tour. And they've missed you all! So what is this new hilarious show about? Grief. Its about Grief. In 2019, we lost another election, our place in Europe and, worst of all, a dearly beloved friend. We are no strangers to grief, but it hurt. Then in 2020, we all lost the world as we knew it. Our decades-long system of "dealing with emotions" (ignore them, drink heavily and make jokes) finally broke. We finally broke. In their most honest and personal show yet, Jonny & The Baptists learn to accept and engage with their grief, telling the story of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance through their trademark blend of silly, joyful songs, deadpan stand-up and riotous storytelling. Finding meaning, humour and beauty in the hardest part of life. So come and see us, have a laugh and maybe a cry - but definitely a laugh.

With over 100M views online see the longest running panellist from BBC Scotland’s “Breaking The News” live in his first national tour! Stuart Mitchell is now regarded as one of the UK’s top comedians and social media stars with over a 100M views online. You’ve seen him online and now you can see him on his first ever national UK tour, Tips Not Included. Join the longest running panellist of BBC Scotland’ Breaking The News as he shares his amazing life story.

A show about the body. Marjolein embarks on the second instalment of her standup trilogy by looking at a health condition that, left unspoken about in the past, was almost fatal. Now, shaking off the shame and armed with knowledge, Marjolein talks through menstrual health with humour and another Shetland folktale. This time the oldest story of Shetland about the deity Sea Midder. This show is not for the faint-hearted, with 9 audience members fainting and another 18 walkouts during its run at the Fringe. However, this is not gore for gore's sake. This show has the potential to save lives. Also: JOKES.

An idiosyncratic, challenging and richly lyrical singer/ songwriter, Junior Brother is the pseudonym of Co. Kerry, Ireland singer Ronan Kealy. Chosen as The Irish Times’ Best Irish Act of 2019 and nominated for the 2019 Choice Music Prize for Album of the Year, Junior Brother has built a rabid following thanks to unmissable live shows, and music both excitingly forward-looking and anciently evocative. His strange stories unfold with reckless abandon upon a distinctive guitar and foot tambourine accompaniment, influenced as much by the avant-garde as music from the Middle Ages and his home place in rural Ireland.

The Supernaturals formed in Glasgow in 1991 and toured extensively around Scotland, initially releasing 4 mini albums on their own label. The band signed to EMI/Food in 1995 releasing the UK top 10 album “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” in 1997 and the fan favourite follow up a “Tune a Day” in 1998. The band had 7 Top 50 singles between 1996 and 1999. The band’s third album, the Beach boys influenced electronica of “What We Did Last Summer” was released in 2002 on Universal records, after which the band went on a long overdue break. The band reconvened in 2012 and have released the albums “360” , “Bird of luck” and “It Only Gets Worse” in the time since. The band have also resumed their legendary live shows, most recently supporting Dodgy on their UK tour in 2023. Several of the band’s songs, the Ivor Novello nominated “Smile” and “I Wasn’t Built to Get Up” have taken on a life of their own in subsequent years, having been used in adverts and films around the world. Rod Stewart covered the band’s song “Dylan’s Day Off” in 1997. Ticket Information

Douglas Montgomery (fiddle/viola) and Brian Cromarty (songs/guitar/mandola) combine the rich traditional music of Orkney with original compositions, as showcased to wide acclaim on their five albums: Bere (2017), LIVE (2013), Netherbow (2010), Orkney Twister (2005) and Goose Music (2003). The powerhouse partnership have won a devoted following throughout the UK and beyond, brilliantly transcending the duo format’s conventional confines. Linchpin figures in the currently flourishing revival of Orkney’s traditional music, they unite these deep-rooted sources with an exhilarating breadth of influence and expertise, catalysed by a creative empathy born from decades of friendship. The result is a sound of equally thrilling raw attack and multi-dimensional richness. General admission – £16.50 advance / £18.50 on the door Concession – £15 advance / £16.50 on the door

Driven by awe and wonder of the natural world lona Lane delivers poetic songs, with subtle musical touches and contemplative melodies that link unheard stories with the world we find ourselves in today.

The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90’s. Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North-East of Scotland on an international stage. Like many of the early flag bearing Scottish folk bands the Old Blind Dogs line up has faced inevitable changes over the years but the core values at the band’s musical heart continue to beat strong. The current line up consists of original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals), Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/ vocals) and Donald Hay (percussion/vocals). The band line up is completed by the brilliant piper/whistle player Mike Katz,(formerly with The Battlefield Band). They comprise one of the hottest live tickets on the traditional Scottish music scene today touring all over the USA, Europe and at home. Inducted into the BBC ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards ‘Trad Music Hall of Fame’in2020,the’Dugs’ have celebrated over thirty years on the road. Their fourteenth studio album ‘Knucklehead Circus’ is a joyous, uplifting and fun record full of compelling energy and intoxicating rhythm on which ‘OBD’ continue to innovate within their tradition while faithfully revealing its essence. The band are currently working on a new record to be released in 2025. Here’s to many more years of Old Blind Dog.

Join us for a magical evening with Karen Dunbar. Spend an unforgettable evening in her company as she share stories, jokes and insights from her incredible career. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to see Karen live – book your tickets now!

Award-winning singer, Hannah Rarity, has made a lasting impression since being warmly embraced by the folk world, winning BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year (2018)and recording and touring with top acts Blazin’ Fiddles, Rura, Niteworks and Cherish the Ladies. Both of her albums ‘Neath the Gloaming Star’ (2018) & ‘To Have You Near’(2022) have been shortlisted for Album of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards and in 2022, she was invited to work as co-musical director for the Opening Concert of Celtic Connections. Performing a carefully chosen mix of traditional, contemporary and self-penned material, she earns comparisons to the likes of Eva Cassidy and Cara Dillon, whilst standing confidently in her own right. Equally at home in a number of genres, she is a sought-after collaborator, session vocalist and tutor. Hannah honed her craft at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, graduating in 2016 with a First Class BA (Hons) in Scottish Music. She has undertaken featured singer work as part of Brian O’Donovan &WGBH’s ‘A Celtic Christmas Sojourn’ in Boston (2018) and alongside the BBC SSO at Proms in the Park, as well as numerous UK television appearances (BBC Hogmanay 2015, 2017, 2020) and tours in her own right throughout Europe and the UK.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome comedy stars Connor Burns, Craig Hill and Kai Humphries plus other guests this year, and we can guarantee you an uproarious and fun night of laugh-out-loud standup. Please note these shows are still a work in progress, there will be some strong language and although they might not be slick, they sure will be funny! Book now! Age limit is 16+ and tickets are strictly limited (these are in-studio performances) CRAIG HILL – Renowned for his high-octane, irreverent live comedy, Craig’s razor-sharp wit and outrageous audience rapport have seen Scotland’s favourite kilted comedian also become a superstar in Australia. He tours non stop across Europe, Australia (including the Sydney Opera House) and recently blew the roof off New York in his own solo season off-Broadway! KAI HUMPHRIES – Blyths’ very own comedy star who has toured across 55 countries opening for his best friend Daniel Sloss, is the co-host of hit podcast “Sloss and Humphries on the Road” , and has toured 8 of his own solo shows around Australia as well as a run off-Broadway and a massive 25 date tour around Europe! CONNOR BURNS – Brilliant stand-up from one of the fastest rising new stars of Scottish comedy, who has performed at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, opened for Daniel Sloss in New York and has just finished his first-ever solo UK tour, adding loads of extra shows and selling over 10,000 tickets in Edinburgh alone… Glasgow born and bred DANIEL PETRIE may be a junior NHS doctor but he is also a finalist at the 2022 So You Think You’re Funny Competition, finalist in the 2023 Chortle Student Comedy Awards and the winner of the prestigious Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Award in 2023. Two to three artists will appear every night – listed lineups may change subject to artist availability

Laura-Beth Salter (Kinnaris Quintet, The Shee) and Ali Hutton (Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton, Treacherous Orchestra) have come together to create a Scottish soundscaping masterpiece with a powerful message at its core. Cinematic, contemporary and captivating, whilst still drawing from traditional roots, From the Ground is an ode to nature and its infinite power to heal. It carries an urgent message for its listeners – we must cherish our planet – and celebrates how connecting with our natural environment can benefit our mental health. After launching their debut gig with 7 piece band at a headline show at Celtic Connections 2025, Ali and Laura-Beth are now taking their new music to audiences all over the UK with the option of a smaller line-up to enable them to visit intimate venues. The four piece line-up will play music from the album, as well as new newly composed pieces and will feature Patsy Reid on fiddle and Owen Sincalir on guitar. Some shows will also feature spoken word by renowned poet Jim C. Mackintosh.

A new show about extinct gigantic, charismatic, megafauna from 3-time Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominated Comedian, and very good comedian Josie Long. In these troubled times, in this wicked world, it can feel like apocalypse is everywhere but did you know 11,000 years ago there were some really big armadillos? I’m talking about as big as a car. Really big. And they were vegetarian so don’t even worry about them. Also my daughter has a hamster and I’m not saying distract yourself from everything, but I’m saying he’s also part of everything. Josie is back with a new show about discovery, wonder, extinction and how to walk through a landscape of monstrous disaster. There is also a good tip about silt, guaranteed.

Nerina Natasha Georgina Pallot is a British singer, songwriter and producer, who has released seven albums and over a dozen EPs. She was nominated for British Female Solo Artist at the 2007 BRIT Awards and nominated for an Ivor Novello Award for "Sophia" in the category of 'Best Song' in the same year.

Former BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year Michael McGoldrick is a gifted multi-instrumentalist and composer. Born in Manchester to Irish parents, he is a master of the wooden flute, low whistles and uilleann pipes, making him a go-to contributor for many artists. Mike has collaborated with Mark Knopfler since 2009 and been a core member of the Transatlantic Sessions since 2007. Steeped in Irish traditional music, he has, from his ground-breaking 2000 solo album Fused onwards, assimilated a wide range of musical styles into his work including jazz, funk, African and Indian rhythms. Mike has made an immense contribution to the Irish and UK folk scenes through his many solo and collaborative projects including being a founder member of the supergroup Lúnasa and later through his work with Capercaillie. Recently nominated as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the 2024 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, Mike’s reputation as one of the leading musicians of his generation is undeniable. Tim Edey Tim Edey is a guitarist & melodeon player, a BBC musician of the year & BBC Scotland best traditional musician winner. Having spent years touring with acts like The Chieftains, Seamus Begley, Brendan Power, Natalie MacMaster to name a few, Tim is now an accomplished solo artist and joins Mike, a huge musical influence, having first met him at Rochester Sweeps Festival in 1996. The duo is a special meeting of old friends bringing together virtuosity and sheer musical magic.

Matt Carmichael and Fergus McCreadie first crossed paths as teenagers while playing in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland. It didn’t take long for them to recognise a deep musical connection—one that has only grown stronger over the years. Now, they reunite to bring music from Matt’s latest album, Dancing with Embers, to life. This stunning collection of instrumental pieces weaves together the raw energy of jazz with the rich storytelling of folk, creating something truly special. Featuring collaborations with Rachel Sermanni, Brìghde Chaimbeul, and Charlie Stewart, the album is a journey through emotive soundscapes that feel both intimate and expansive. Join Matt and Fergus for an unforgettable performance, where their lifelong musical bond takes centre stage. Tickets are Pay What You Decide

2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Madison Violet. A rare and impressive feat that they are both proud of and grateful for. The pair, who both have roots in rural Cape Breton, came together musically in the late 1990s. Influenced by their maritime heritage, Brenley and Lisa began creating music together that had roots firmly planted in their past, but with contemporary and modern elements generously overlaid. Categorizing Madison Violet’s music is an impossible task, in that one can hear elements of folk, singer-songwriter, pop, indie, bluegrass, and country flawlessly interwoven throughout. MacIsaac and MacEachern are exceptional story tellers, skilled multi-instrumentalists, and together, perfect harmonists. Their voices soar, perfectly complimenting each other, as they sing lyrics that will both mend and break your heart. MacIsaac and MacEachern have released more than 10 albums together. Their latest record “eleven” was self-recorded and produced, ranking MacIssac and MacEachern among the less than 2.1% of female-identifying music producers in the industry. “Eleven” is considered their most candid album to date, filled with deeply personal stories of love and loss. The musicians have received dozens of notable accolades for their work, including a JUNO nomination for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year. They have brought home a Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Vocal Group Album of the Year, have reached the top 5 on the Canadian iTunes download charts, amassed over one million streams on Spotify, and have placed on CBC’s Top 20 multiple times throughout their career. Their music is consistently played across Canada and throughout the world, and the internationally acclaimed artists are no strangers to receiving glowing reviews for both their studio work, and live performances. In advance – £20/ £18 concession On the door – £23/£20 concession

A guy, a guitar, a voice and an awful lot of nervous energy. Spend an evening with Tam Cassidy, the square peg, some songs, laughter and chat. This one man shows which is based upon his book the ‘Memoirs of the square peg’ and the musical soundtrack ‘The Songs of a Square Peg. Synopsis From the council scheme to infinite consciousness in the blink of a lifetime!! One man’s search for a 50p coin he dropped down the back of the couch in the 1980s, or something like that…OK, I’m not sure? but he is definitely searching for something. Join Tam to see if he finds it, maybe you’re looking for the same thing? Maybe we’ll find it together. Maybe it’s all just an illusion and nobody will be there when you arrive at the venue? All money raised from tickets is donated to the work of the charity Positive Scotland. Age restriction 18+

While emerging via the folk scene,John has long been renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries. As a live and studio guest he has shared stages with Bonnie Raitt, Steve Earle, Paolo Nutini and Jools Holland, and featured on recordings by Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene and Teenage Fanclub. Film and TV work includes soundtracks for the movie Heartlands & 16 Years of Alcohol, Billy Connolly’s World Tour of New Zealand, Jennifer Saunders BBC sitcom Jam and Jerusalem & Starlings sitcom for Sky TV. John won Radio 2 Musician of the Year in 2003 and also The Sprit of Scotland Award for music in 1999 and again in 2009. John has been a member of Mark Knopfler’s band since 2008, playing arenas around the world including a double bill with Bob Dylan at The Hollywood Bowl & 21 nights at The Royal Albert Hall. His expanding portfolio as a producer includes debut albums by Kris Drever and Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble. He’s also manned the controls for top folk chanteuses Eddi Reader, Heidi Talbot, Eliza Carthy & Linda Thompson. In 2013 John performed as a soloist with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at Proms in the Park, playing his own compositions live on BBC TV. 2016 will see John Celebrate 25 years as a professional musician, publishing a book of his compositions, releasing a new solo record & embarking on an extensive UK & European tour. The John McCusker band features some of the finest traditional musicians and singers in the UK : Andy Cutting, Adam Holmes, Innes White & Toby Shaer.

BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners, Irish/Manx/Scottish quintet mar are amongst Glasgows hottest folk property. Their most recent release, Awakening (2023) delivers a critically acclaimed third round of the high octane fuel that has energised audiences worldwide, making mar one of the most sought-after folk festival bands (Folk Radio). With a line-up boasting a heavyweight collective haul of top solo prizes including nine All-Ireland and eight All-Britain titles audiences are unfailingly transfixed by mars formidable technical prowess, underpinned by an electric live energy and out-and-out joy of playing together. With a wide-reaching fanbase throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Canada, the quintet fast became one of the trad scenes most talked about groups thanks in no small part to their debut video, LAir Mignonne catapulting the group to the attention of audiences and media worldwide. Adam Brown (bodhrn), Adam Rhodes (bouzouki), Mohsen Amini (concertina), Ryan Murphy (uilleann pipes) and Toms Callister (fiddle) share a strong background in Irish music; a grounding that underpins many of mars distinctive qualities, in both instrumentation and material. Indeed, the groups very being embodies a personal reconnection with its members formative years, dating back long before their recent camaraderie around Glasgows celebrated session scene. The shared cultural heritages between Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man are well documented: all three once shared the same Gaelic language, and a similar, clearly potent, kinship endures between their musical traditions. striking musicianship, artful arrangements and sheer absolute delight | Songlines

Discover the unparalleled charm and comedy of Bruce Fummey, where humour meets Scottish history and insightful storytelling. Bruce, the comedian behind the 230k subscriber YouTube channel Scotland History Tours, returns home to Perth with a new show packed with laughs as he explains how Scotland Made the World in his own inimitable style. His unique approach showcases and celebrates Scottish culture and history in a way that will not only keep you fully engaged, but have you roaring with laughter. Every Saturday morning UK-time, Bruce posts a story from Scotland’s history on his hugely successful YouTube channel. This live show will deliver more jokes than you get from the videos, and some might even make you blush, but you’ll leave having learned about Scotland’s role in the world while laughing along the way. Nominated for comedy awards in Australia, at home in Scotland and even named Scottish Comedian Of The Year, Bruce has appeared on ABC series Stuff The British Stole and many UK TV and radio shows.

Incredible synth indie pop songs about footballers and other powerful subjects, improvised on a loopstation. Sometimes comedy, sometimes so serious the emotion floods from the eyes of men and women. They're called tears. But of joy? Or of beauty? yes. Presented by Bad Vibrations 18+ only (photo ID required)

CODA are Europe's most authentic-sounding and looking tribute to the mighty Led Zeppelin, featuring four musicians who faithfully recreate the excitement, energy, passion and magic of the world's most famous rock band! The attention to detail is unrivalled: they've got the sound, the look, the hair, the instruments and the on-stage mannerisms, you could almost believe you were watching the real thing! Expect all the classics in this two hour show such as Stairway to Heaven, Rock and Roll, Black Dog, Whole Lotta Love and a whole lot more! Dust off your flares and travel back in time with us!

Join us in the Tolbooth Attic on Saturday 28th June for the Substate Comedy Club! The Substate Comedy Club brings you some of the hottest talents in comedy. Age – 18+

Get ready for an evening of sharp wit and laugh-out-loud storytelling as two of Scotland’s brightest comedy talents, Jack Traynor and Ayo Adenekan, bring their unique styles to Stirling for a special double bill. Each comedian will deliver a 60-minute set packed with fresh material, offering a sneak peek at their Edinburgh Fringe shows. Age – 18+ With his laid-back charm and razor-sharp storytelling, Ayo Adenekan takes audiences on a hilarious and heartfelt journey through growing up in Scotland. Exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the awkward moments in between, Ayo’s debut show is already generating buzz on the Scottish comedy scene. Having supported big names like Sarah Keyworth, Olga Koch, and Amy Matthews, this rising star promises an hour of relatable humour and clever insights that will leave you laughing long after the show ends. Ranked fourth in the world in the Roast Battle League and known for his surreal yet relatable comedic style, Jack Traynor delivers an hour of vibrant storytelling and razor-sharp wit. Whether he’s spinning tales of absurdity or diving into everyday hilarities, Jack’s debut show is a masterclass in modern Scottish comedy. With accolades like runner-up at Hot Water Comedy Club’s New Comedian of the Year and MVP at Roast Battle 2024, Jack’s distinctive voice is one you won’t want to miss. This exclusive preview night at the Tolbooth is your chance to see two future stars before they take Edinburgh by storm. Don’t miss this double dose of comedy brilliance on July 18th!

Join us at the historic Tolbooth in Stirling for a night of comedy with the brilliant Tamsyn Kelly, as she presents her Work In Progress show! Age – 18+ Continuing her life’s theme of total chaos, Tamsyn shares the hilarious story of moving to Glasgow to live with a man she’s only known for four months. Struggling to make friends and fit in, she seeks reassurance from a psychic—only to receive the opposite. With her sharp wit and relatable humour, Tamsyn takes you on a laugh-out-loud journey through life’s unpredictability. Set in Stirling’s stunning Tolbooth venue, this is your chance to catch one of comedy’s rising stars as she gears up for the Edinburgh Fringe. Don’t miss an evening packed with charm, sharp observations, and plenty of laughs!

At the forefront of the UK’s world and roots music scene matching fiery intensity with exquisite finesse.

Singer/songwriter Kirsten Adamson summons the same heart-stopping purity as Sandy Denny, by way of Emmylou Harris and Kate Bush. Transcendence runs in the family. Her father was Stuart Adamson (Skids, Big Country) and her mother Alexandra, a champion Highland dancer. With summers spent soaking up the atmosphere in Nashville with her dad and a string of leading roles in musical theatre back in the UK, the teenage Adamson’s course was set. She sang backing vocals on Big Country’s last album Driving to Damascus at age 13. By 2010, she was forging her own career as a vocalist and keyboard player for indie-folkers Aberfeldy. She fronted country rockers The Gillyflowers and more recently shone as half of alt-country duo The Marriage, and then on a self-titled solo debut. The austere beauty of her voice has been a constant motif.

Nadia Reid’s Enter Now Brightness is an album of departure and questioning, a reminder that songwriting can transform pain, joy, thoughts, and anger into something new. “I’m so much better off now that it exists,” she says. “Now feels like a new time.” Moving further from her folk roots, Reid establishes a sound distinctly her own—poised and expansive. The title, drawn from a book passage, evokes light breaking through, the feeling of stepping onto a stage, of life beginning. A record of great beauty and change, Enter Now Brightness captures Reid’s evolution, blending textural pop, country-leaning folk-rock, and striking emotional depth.

Get ready for a night of top-tier comedy as Substate Comedy Club presents a special Work-in-Progress double bill with two of Scotland’s most exciting stand-up stars: Some Laugh Podcast hosts Stephen Buchanan and Stuart McPherson, live on 9th July. Stephen Buchanan, Award-winning, razor-sharp, and endlessly inventive, is a true force in UK comedy. The first Scot to win the prestigious BBC New Comedy Award, Stephen was also crowned Scottish Comedian of the Year. His viral sketches have racked up over 19 million views on Instagram and TikTok, and he’s a familiar face and voice from TV and radio hits including BBC Three’s Cable tied, Channel 4’s The Dead Don’t Care, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club, Comedy Central Live and BBC Scotland’s Scot Squad. Stephen is also the co-host of the hugely popular Some Laugh and What’s The Script? podcasts, bringing his quick wit and relatable stories to thousands of fans every week. Stuart McPherson – Fresh from sell-out solo runs at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 and 2024, Fife’s own Stuart McPherson brings his gag-driven, honest, and wordy stand-up to Stirling. An award-winning comedian and writer, Stuart is a regular headliner at Monkey Barrel Comedy and co-hosts the Some Laugh podcast alongside Stephen. You’ll know him from BBC Scotland’s Scot Squad and his acclaimed stand-up specials, with critics praising his “remarkable hit rate” (Rolling Stone) and “hilarious” delivery (British Comedy Guide). Age – 18+

Katie Gregson-MacLeods unique blend of deeply personal lyricism and folk-influenced sound have earned her a dedicated global audience.

Get ready to experience the jaw-aching, laugh out loud comedy that only Smith can deliver. This is Paul Smith’s biggest and funniest tour show yet, and it promises to have you rolling around in laughter with every joke. The show features a mix of his trademark audience interaction and hilarious true stories from his everyday life.

It has been 45 years since the world was first introduced to all-female 2Tone trailblazers The Bodysnatchers. Despite only releasing two official 7″ singles, their influence on UK culture and music continues to inspire to this day. Highly regarded as a pioneering act of the 2Tone movement, the band frequently toured with the likes of Madness, The Selecter and Toots & The Maytals. Their iconic single ‘Let’s Do Rocksteady’ charted in the top 20 and was even performed on Top of The Pops. Since the band disbanded, Rhoda forged an impressive career forming The Special AKA with Jeremy Dammers. The band are mostly noted for their top 10 hit ‘Free Nelson Mandela’, as well as the harrowing ‘The Boiler’, which Pitchfork has since stated as “2Tone’s most courageous, audacious moment”. After countless tours and a string of very well received albums, Rhoda most recently released Version Girl which was a top 10 record in 2023!

Fay Fife writes from the heart… Of humanity, love, birth, life, death, and all things in between - with earthy lyrics grounded in a mature woman’s perspective. The Countess delivers… Melody! Harmony! A Whole Load of Soul, and some Downright Rambunctiousness! All in a unique, eclectic, country-orientated style. These songs are songs that resonate with our times.

From Milestones to Moments: The New Scots Experience, a photography exhibition showing the experience of New Scots as they settled into Scotland. The exhibition will showcase photography by New Scots themselves, who received support from the Stirling Photography Festival to capture their milestones, as well as work by local photographers who are part of the Stirling Photography Festival, who captured New Scots in their homes. The work will invite the viewer to share the New Scots journey, with imagery capturing moments such as voting for the first time, attending their first Eid party in Scotland, etc, along with interviews from New Scots describing what that moment was like for them. Accompanying the photography will be cultural artefacts such as traditional dresses, to highlight the juxtaposition in cultures and add a sense of what a challenge adapting to a new culture must be for New Scots.

Booking Opens Friday 2nd May at 10am Sometimes, space is the perfect catalyst for intense creativity. Following the release of their fourth LP, 2019’s Your Church On My Bonfire, PAWS – the Scottish DIY indie rock songwriting partnership of Phillip Jon Taylor and Joshua Swinney, toured briefly, and as the world began to shut down, they slipped out of sight. Phillip retreated north to the Highlands where he focused on his painting, solo work and the rewarding demands of fatherhood. Josh headed south to London, pursuing his other passion as a chef at the highly acclaimed Plimsoll. It would have been easy for both to settle into their new lives, but PAWS never died…and neither did the tie connecting the two friends. Having missed playing together for too long, a plan was set and in October 2022 Josh travelled to Phillip’s home studio in his Crofters cottage where work began on the band’s fifth self-titled LP. Relying on a set of phone demos and chemistry honed after years on the road the songs came together surprisingly fast. “Remembering just how much we enjoyed writing and recording together was the driving force” explains Josh. After recording previously with both Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus and Frightened Rabbit’s Andy Monaghan, the band once again seized control of production duties as they had on their second album, Youth Culture Forever. “The thing we were hoping to achieve with making this album was to be able to be creatively free and to have fun writing and recording” Josh continues. “We wanted it to happen quickly and not be a stagnant process.” Utilising all they had learned and adding their own DIY ethos into the mix, the music was done in a week. Josh headed home and Phillip set to work on the lyrics.

AGMP presents Nick Heyward

Mark Simmons combines hilarious one-liners with an irresistible love of performing, to resonate with audiences at virtual and in-person events. His award-winning stand-up is a cut above the rest, setting Mark apart on the booking circuit and leading him to perform on some of the most prestigious comedy stages in the UK.

Tolbooth is very proud to present a special show by C Duncan, celebrating the 10 year anniversary of his Mercury nominated debut album Architect. Raised by two classical musicians, Chris studied piano and viola before taking up guitar, bass, and drums in his teens, eventually studying music composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. After graduating he began work on his first album, writing and recording everything from home. His Mercury nominated debut ‘Architect’ was released in 2015 and after a spell of touring the UK and Europe he returned to his home studio and began work on his Twilight Zone inspired second album ‘The Midnight Sun’ which was released in 2016 and shortlisted for Scottish Album of the Year. He supported Elbow on their UK and North American tour which led him to record his third album ‘Health’ at their studio in Salford with Craig Potter, which was released in 2019 and also shortlisted for Scottish Album of the Year. Chris signed to Bella Union and released his 4th album ‘Alluvium’ in 2022. Following this he produced records for Scottish harpist Gillian Fleetwood, and Downton Abbey actor Michael C. Fox, as well as writing music for documentaries and orchestral commissions. Chris’s new album ‘It’s Only A Love Song’ was recorded in his “new and improved” home studio and will be released in January 2025. He is also a keen artist and paints all his album artwork.

Born in Dungiven in 1975, surrounded and infused with the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry, Cara has risen to become one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world. Together with her husband and musical partner, Sam Lakeman, she has succesfully steered an eclectic musical path defying the typical pigeonholes that hinder most artists in her genre. Celebrated for entwining traditional and contemporary elements she has earned both commercial success and astonishing critical acclaim. Whether she's singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Cara Dillon is at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she'll remain there for a very long time.

Martin Stephenson began his career as a busker aged 15. He then spent three years plying his trade as the guitar player in various bands in the North East of England . But Martin wanted more, he wanted to tell stories of his own and he was quickly developing ways of doing just that. He developed his song-writing technique by firstly learning a few licks from a Spanish guitar book and repeated the process with Jazz, Blues, Country, SkifFle, Reggae etc. Eventually, this glorious collision of styles would become the trademark which Martin has carried through his career of almost 40 years. Martin formed his band The Daintees, who became busking sensations and were signed by Kitchenware at around the same time as Prefab Sprout and Hurrah! The band, and indeed Martin, have always been known for their incredible range of styles, each album covering a multitude of genres, tempos and moods. The Daintees went on to release four critically acclaimed albums between 1986 & 1992; Boat To Bolivia, Gladsome Humour and Blue, Salutation Road, and The Boys Heart. Martin has since supported himself through a combination of extensive live work and a multitude of self financed solo albums. 2000 saw the reformation of the Daintees, and to this day Martin splits his time between solo and small collaborative projects with band albums and annual celebratory Daintees UK tours.

She Drew The Gun, winners of Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent competition in 2016, have become one of the UK’s finest and most exciting acts, delivering impassioned, hypnotic and darkly ornate psych-pop. The show will be the closing event of Stirling Pride, returning bigger and better after a fantastic first year. 2025 will feature the first ever Pride March for Stirling, led by the Community Pride Flag from Kings Park to King Street. About She Drew The Gun: Over three studio albums and nearly a decade, Louisa Roach has built She Drew The Gun into a project that fully lives up to its incendiary name. A place for Roach to explore a visceral musical world informed by influences ranging 80’s electronica, hip-hop, political poetry, and cosmic scouse psychedelia epitomised by hometown heroes The Coral (whose lead singer James Skelly took her under his wing during She Drew The Gun’s early days). Lyrically it’s found her taking aim at the wild injustices she was persistently seeing in the world at large, decrying corrupt conservative governments and rallying for a more empathetic way of living. 2016 debut ‘Memories of Another Future’ was swiftly followed by a crowning as Glastonbury Festival’s Emerging Talent Competition winner; follow-up ‘Revolution of Mind’ was named one of BBC 6 Music’s Albums of the Year, while 2021’s ‘Behave Myself’ saw Clash praising the record as “some of her most finessed and contoured songwriting to date”. But sometimes, life sends you to a place where you have to finally turn your eye on yourself, and it’s with this in mind that She Drew The Gun presents fourth album ‘Howl’. “There’s the side of the album which is the gun, the conscious spoken word, the thoughts and words on living in late capitalism, on war, on historical perspectives,” she explains. “But then there’s the other side of the album which is the heartbreak that I’ve been through, the love songs. I think it’s the thing of trauma being a coin with two sides; it opens up portals for you. The whole album’s got a bit of a magical side to it: witches, spells, the moon, the lovers, the cards being dealt, rituals, mirrors. I feel more connected to the universe and there’s so much that it’s shown me.” Advance – £17.50 /On the door – £20 14+, under 18s must accompanied by an adult please

With a unique blend of instruments that includes voices, guitar, bouzouki, flutes, whistles, harp/electric harp, and bodhrán/drums, they create a sound that is both mesmerising and unforgettable. The band has recorded five studio albums to date, with their latest release, ‘Tradition II,’ receiving critical acclaim upon its release in July 2022. Folk Radio UK placed the album in their top 10 albums of 2022, cementing the band’s status as one of the most exciting and innovative folk bands in the UK today. Previous critically acclaimed albums, ‘Playing For Luck,’ ‘Fort of the Hare,’ and ‘The Great Irish Songbook’ (with pop legend Tony Christie), were recorded at the Grammy Award- winning Stockfisch Records label. The band’s third album, ‘VOICES,’ was recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios and along with the album ‘Tradition’ were both released on GoatsKin Records. Ranagri has established themselves as a standout act, drawing in crowds from around the world with their captivating live performances and exceptional musicianship. They have performed at some of the most prestigious venues & festivals across the UK and Europe, including Cambridge Folk Festival, Bloom festival (Dublin), Montelago festival (Italy),Towersey Festival, a headline slot at Costa Festival Ibiza 2023, Birmingham Symphony Hall, The Union Chapel, Kings Place London along with regular tours of Scotland and Europe. Ranagri are Dónal Rogers, a prolific songwriter and producer, who has joined forces with the exceptional skills of renowned flautist Eliza Marshall, harpist Eleanor Dunsdon and percussionist Jordan Murray. Together, they establish a fresh and modern sonic landscape within the folk genre, captivating audiences both domestically and internationally, an energetic festival band yet equally at home with their more intimate writing and thought provoking lyrics. They are as happy to make you dance as they are to make you smile or shed a tear, passionately delving into current world topics, playing with politics, and creating uplifting music to lyrics with great depth.

Dallahan is one of the most distinct forces in the international folk music scene. Forged in Scotland's traditional music community, but drawing on the traditional music styles of the Balkans and North America, they create an original and seamless musical montage, blending their contemporary influences from jazz, funk, and pop music.

F.O. Machete F.O. Machete—Paul Mellon and Natasha Noramly—roar back with Mother of a Thousand, their long-awaited third album, released February 14, 2025, on Last Night From Glasgow. After a lengthy hiatus, the duo returns sharper than ever with ten fierce, hook-heavy tracks that cut through the noise. Preceded by three well-received singles—Confetti Crown, Kicking Up Dust, and Skeletor—Mother of a Thousand has already made a dent in the charts, landing at No. 4 in Scotland and No. 16 on the UK Indie Chart. Recorded with Paul Savage (Chemikal Underground, Mogwai, The Delgados) and Brian MacNeill (Belle and Sebastian), the album captures the raw immediacy of the band’s live sound—dreamy vocals, angular guitars, driving rhythms—and distills it into something urgent, gritty, and alive. Kyn Kyn are a four-piece hard rock and metal outfit from central Scotland, igniting stages with searing riffs, brooding vocals, and a rhythm section that hits like a hammer. Blending the raw energy of Therapy?, the heaviness of Mastodon, and the alt-edge of Smashing Pumpkins, Kyn carve out a sound that’s both melodic and menacing. With a growing arsenal of explosive tracks, they’re bringing their dark, commanding presence to stages across Scotland — loud, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. Keiran Crosbie Kieran Crosbie was born October 23, 2004, in Stirling, Scotland, and started playing guitar at 12 after being inspired by a recording of John Mayer that he found online. In 2021 he started writing his own music where he refined his skills and gained an understanding of songwriting, that he would share with the world soon after. In 2022, he performed his debut at Prestonfield Stables, Edinburgh. Taking over from Callum Beattie, who played the previous year. In March 2024, Kieran worked with, Artist and Producer, Mark Morrow for his debut album ‘Time to Fly’ which he composed during 2022-2023, and was set for release later that year. He worked with musicians; Rhys Gilchrist (Guitarist), Danny Gilbert (Drummer), Leo Bacica (Bass), Amanda Currie (Violin), and Erin Mcgonigle (Violin). Kieran has stated, “I’m really grateful that I’ve got to work with so many amazing artists for this release. I can’t think of a better way to cut my teeth in the music industry than this”. To date, Kieran has performed for thousands of people at many venues, including NECF Festival, Central Hall, Edinburgh, Prestonfield Stables, Dynamic Earth Dome, Sneaky Petes NxNW, Leith Depot, ESFW and more. In May 2024, he performed at the NECF Festival, which just so happened to be his first time playing at a festival. It was around this time that he began hinting at a change in his musical interests, announcing that “I’ve been thinking about mixing the traditional blues and rock music with the pop music that I’m used to writing for a while now, I’m starting to really see it come through in my music more often now, and I don’t want to stop it just yet because I’m interested to see where it goes”. ​On to 2025 Kieran has a huge range of tour dates which include some of the most notable venues for upcoming musicians in Scotland. Although Kieran has maintained his pop-style song-writing, he has also started to introduce his guitar influences such as John Mayer, Phillip Sayce, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Gregory Allan Isakov and Jimi Hendrix. Kieran self admittedly has kept an opening in his music for a bluesy-rock style and uses traditional blues tones in his songs.

Jo Mango Jo Mango is one of Scotland’s most unique talents. The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has performed all over the world – including the Carnegie Hall in New York. playing kalimba, harmonium, omnichord, bowed glock and piano singing whispery, twilight songs about nature and philosophy and people. Benjamin Finney What started with the idea of mixing Post-Rock with Folk music, is where Benjamin Finney’s sound lives—taking inspiration from artists: Nick Drake, Sufjan Stevens, and Sigur Rós, Benjamin writes Folk instrumentals that “Achieve technical, Virtuosity while retaining melodic integrity”. Benjamin’s interest in music began at fifteen when he was immersed in folk nights and surrounded by a broad variety of instruments. Over time, this influence has woven its way into Benjamin’s style—emotively crafted folk soundscapes surrounded by textured acoustic instruments. After fifteen years in Manchester, Benjamin relocated to rural Scotland, releasing Home to mark the occasion. His latest Album. The Storm was written over the first months surrounded by Scottish landscapes. The twelve tracks featured explore the themes of change, nature, and belonging, with the addition of Benjamin’s take on a couple of traditional folk pieces. Ages 14+

Faex Optim Warp-esque IDM meets modern organic techno, resulting in a fusion of lush chords and driving beats. April Four April Four are Stirling producer/musician Docherty (scientific support dept., Docken Leaf) and Lu Urcola, vocalist and lyricist based in Santiago. They’ve been making music across hemispheres the past couple of years and are making their debut live performances this summer whilst promoting their debut album ‘Amendment’ due out in July 2025. Their sound merges electronic & acoustic instruments, melodic storytelling, atmospheric soundscapes and insistent beats. They’ve released a series of exclusive tracks on the web3 site drip.haus and have built up an impressive following of over 40k the past year. Yoker Moon Yoker Moon experiments playfully, finding beauty in audio degradation and the intersection between glitch and serenity, tranquil and rhythmic. This can be heard and felt in 2025’s ‘Mood Studies: PS-20’ (Waxing Crescent Records), an exploration of a malfunctioning lo-fi home keyboard as a sound source that’s spun out into glacial textures, monolithic drone and horror soundtrack tension from track-to-track. A 2nd 2025 album release, ‘In The Labyrinth Of Your Love’ comes 25th April 2025 via Astral Discs. Live performances provide a platform for exploring the outer reaches of Yoker Moon’s sonic palette. Expect studio productions to be re-contextualised, delivering altogether new levels of bristling tension and release. Age 14+

SLIDE guitarist & songwriter Dave Arcari’s alt.blues sounds owe as much to trash country, punk and rockabilly as they do pre-war Delta blues and have been showcased via six internationally-acclaimed solo album releases.

Northern Irish experimental folk songwriter and producer Joshua Burnside is something of a regional anomaly. With a brooding, powerful sound echoing artists of places afar and time long gone, his enthralling craft defies local comparison in striving towards an aesthetic as much as visual as it is sonic. Balanced with a diverse palette of sounds, Burnside deftly blends alt-folk and elements of the Irish folk song tradition with South American rhythms and Eastern European influences, whilst introducing synthetic and found-sounds, synths loops and crunching beats to create a stormy world that shifts and swirls perspective like a lingering lucid dream.

Songs for Nina and Johanna is the beautiful new album from James Yorkston, his sixteenth on Domino and his third to be recorded in Stockholm in conjunction with members of The Second Hand Orchestra. Nina Persson (The Cardigans), who teamed up with James on his previous critically-acclaimed album, The Great White Sea Eagle, this time divides singing duties with Johanna Söderberg (First Aid Kit), the two of them singing separately with James on five and four tracks respectively. How does an artist approach a new album after over two decades of releasing music? In James Yorkston’s case, he focuses on the things that matter to him; these are songs about family, love and parenthood. He writes gentle, tender melodies that soar and swoop in equal measure and, of course, he ends up being accompanied by two of Sweden’s most recognisable female vocalists. “Who wouldn’t embrace the chance to sing with two great Swedish voices? When the idea for Johanna to join the fold was suggested, I leapt at the chance. Nina and Johanna, they complement, yet never compete. And me? I tried not to get in their way, tried to give them space to interpret the songs as they felt.” Recording sessions began in January 2024 at Studio Rymden under the watchful eye of studio owner and co-producer Daniel Bengtson, who steadied the ship after a sudden illness meant that Karl Jonas Winqvist, leader of The Second Hand Orchestra, was not present during the bulk of the recording. His absence led to an agreement to not use the band’s name for this release. However, members and associates of the collective appear across the record, including guitarist Peter Morén (Peter Bjorn and John), violinist Ullis Gyllenberg and whirlwind saxophone player, Lina Langendorf. Once again, they were joined by drummer Lars Skoglund, who also worked on The Great White Sea Eagle. “I tried to steer us towards as much as structure as possible, and to create a less chaotic vibe in the studio compared to the previous album,” Bengtson explains. “James has a very clear vision which enables whoever is in the session to capture whatever emotion needs to be captured. It made for a very vibey and productive recording session.” Yorkston, appreciative of the feeling that Bengtson creates in the studio, explains, “a studio, for me, should be a place where every idea can be explored and given its own time. A place where musicians can suggest ideas knowing they’ll be listened to and considered. Daniel understands and provides that open atmosphere.” Whereas the band’s previous work with Yorkston was characterised by its improvisation, the sessions for Songs for Nina and Johanna were more structured. “This time James did send a couple of demos, and I felt there was a clearer intent around the album,” explains Morén. As with The Great White Sea Eagle, Yorkston chose to write a number of songs on the piano despite being a more conventionally-talented guitarist. “His limitations as a pianist create a cool style that set the tone for the album,” suggests Bengtson. With the framework and songs in place, the recording process was all-consuming. “We recorded most of the material live in the room, all together, at the same time. It was intense. The energy in the room really comes through on the album, and it’s something that can’t be recreated afterwards. When you get the right take, it’s an amazing feeling,” describes Söderberg. The first fruits of Songs for Nina and Johanna began with Yorkston and Persson, whose extensive touring as a duo had led to the early composition of one song, ‘With Me, With You’. “We could play and hone it on tour. It was nice to work a song before it had been produced,” she recounts. With her trademark voice that fits so seamlessly with Yorkston’s, Persson has never been preoccupied with trying to make Yorkston’s songs her own. “I think of myself more like a storyteller or actor. I enjoy not being a subject and more of a craftsperson in this format.”

Shortly after the end of World War One, the British and Canadian governments came to an agreement. The British armed forces were going to come home to a land fit for heroes. It is well recorded now that this didn’t happen as the Great Depression of the late 1920s destroyed this high-sounding hyperbole. In the Outer Hebrides two events happened within a few years after the end of the war which affected and are remembered by subsequent generations. First, on January 1 1919 there was the HMY Iolair disaster as the fully laden troopship sank with all hands after hitting rocks approaching Stornoway harbour. That removed at a stroke about 200 men of the islands. Few families on the Isle of Lewis did not experience the loss of relatives or friends among the 184 Lewis men who died that day. The bereaved also included some of the 3,100 Lewis men who had served in the wartime RNR. Most of them survived to enjoy the peace, but some lost fathers, uncles, brothers or cousins on the Iolaire. To help crofters migrate in the 1880s the British government committted £10,000. After World War One, it then set up the Overseas Settlement Committee to help ex-soldiers emigrate. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Empire Settlement Act of 1922 provided funds for those who wanted to emigrate. No doubt encouraged by this as well as by stories filtering through from those had already emigrated to the USA and Canada people from the islands keenly signed up. Canada wanted immigrants to help expand the country to the west across the great plains and the Rockies to the Pacific west coast. Enter the Canadian Pacific Steamship company and the SS Metagama, along with their two other ships, Marloch and Canada. The Metagama played a significant role in the 20th century migration of people from the Outer Hebrides to Canada. On Saturday 21 April 1923, she sailed from Stornoway with 300 young Lewis emigrants on board, all but 20 of them young men, with an average age of 22. This was one of the first waves of mass emigration from the islands, and had a profound effect on the island culture and history. The image above shows the crowd at Stornoway harbour to Metgama departing. The show Metagama: An Atlantic Odyssey tells this story in music, song, words and pictures of the islanders’ emigration, its effect on the islands and how some of those who emigrated thrived but others sometimes did not thrive while trying to farm on poor soil!

Sian comprises three of today’s most exquisitely gifted young Gaelic singers – Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald – accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Innes White. With direct connections among the singers to Lewis, Skye and North Uist, their arrangements match deep feeling for tradition with stunning, boldly imaginative harmony work, which has seen them likened to The Staves and even Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Their self-titled debut album, produced by Donald Shaw, was released in 2020.

Trip trademark sound is dynamic, driven and distinctive and celebrates the band’s roots in tradition, whilst showcasing a contemporary, cross-genre flare. Their tight-knit arrangements blend traditional melodies and self-penned tunes and songs to produce an exciting take on folk music. The impressive line-up features 6 young musicians at the forefront of Glasgow’s traditional music scene, including BBC Young Traditional Musician of the year 2021 and members of FARA, GNOSS, The Canny Band and HEISK. TRIP are Isla Callister (Fiddle), Tiernan Courell (Flute/Whistle), Michael Biggins (Accordion), Alasdair MacKenzie (Guitar/Voice), Rory Matheson (Piano) and Craig Baxter (Bodhrán). At the heart of TRIP’s live performances is an infectious energy and camaraderie that has captivated audiences across Scotland and beyond at festivals such as Celtic Connections, Skye Live, Shetland Folk Festival and Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Recent projects have also seen the band collaborate with the likes of Donald Shaw and The Scottish Dance Theatre and feature in the Celtic Connections 30th Anniversary Concert. Their debut album ‘A Drop for Neptune’, which was released in 2022, was nominated for ‘Best Album of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards. Their continued success in 2023 has garnered a nomination for ‘Folk Band of the Year’.

Tolbooth is excited to announce the return of Interesting Things – A Music Festival for the Curious. Following 2024’s brilliant debut festival, the all-day celebration of boundary-breaking music acts returns to Stirling’s iconic Tolbooth venue this October. With a genre-defying lineup including some of the most exciting live acts from around the UK and beyond, Interesting Things promises to add to Tolbooth’s burgeoning contemporary music scene. Headlining the second edition will be acclaimed electronic producer, visual artist and performer Mun Sing, rising dub-pop trio jabu, and experimental Scottish artist Proc Fiskal, of legendary label Hyperdub. Cementing its reputation as a key showcase of local and Scottish talent, the lineup also features some of the most ground-breaking acts from across the musical spectrum, including the drone-folk of Sealionwoman, featuring London-based but Alloa-born multidisciplinary artist Kitty Whitelaw, experimental composer and performer Alliyah Enyo, Lugas Europ, the solo project of Free Love’s Lewis Cook, and unhinged dadaist doom-poets L. Also appearing throughout the venue’s three specially curated stages will be Stirling’s contemporary classical composer and performer Harry Górski-Brown, the afrodiasporic sound clash of chizu nnamdi, the dark alt-dance of Jock Fox, rising industrial noise duo Mrs Frighthouse, experimental solo project of former Take A Worm For A Walk Week frontman Joseph Quimby Rhins, Stirling post-black metal duo Magagaio, the dream-like ethereal indie of Simone Antigone, the wild and experimental Stirling improv group Ubu Warp Cheer, and an exclusive debut performance from Mental Email, who feature members of The Phantom Band, Pictish Trail, Knome and Headcleaner among their ranks. With further announcements to be made, including details of visual art exhibitions, fringe events, and food and drink offerings by Tolbooth’s own Supper Club, Interesting Things is set for a welcome return to Stirling’s creative scene.