MNS GIGguide (Oct23-20)

MUSIC NEWS Scotland 

listings from 20 October 2023 

guide 

..... includes music listings for Scottish TV and Radio 

HORSE (pictured) starts new 

album tour on 3 November 

at Edinburgh's Queen's Hall 

- see all dates @ 

www.horsemcdonald.com/diary-1 

www.facebook.com/HorseMcDonald 

:: photo by Kris Kesiak 

Our GIGspotlight features 

award-winning Scottish 

keyboardist Peter Johnstone 

who has launched a new 

“dream team” group of world 

class jazz talents who are on 

tour - see page 15 

http://bit.ly/issuu-googleplay 

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

MNS GIGguide - a MUSIC NEWS Scotland supplement 

page 2: music on scotland's tv + radio this week 

GIGguide 

pages ... 

Scottish music 

on TV & RADIO 

page 2-5 

Streaming 

page 7 

Scots 

in America 

page 7 

Scots 

in London 

page 7 

Edinburgh 

+ Lothians 

pages 7-13 

Glasgow area 

mid west coast 

pages 13-19 

Dundee 

Perth, Fife 

Stirling 

Falkirk 

page 19-22 

Aberdeen 

+ North East 

page 22 

Highlands 

+ Islands 

page 22-23 

Ayrshire 

Dumfriesshire 

South West 

page 23 

Scottish 

Borders + over 

page 23 

Click on the logo to follow MUSIC NEWS Scotland on ...... 

www.facebook.com/MusicNewsScot 



Music on 

Scottish 

TV & RADIO 

over the next week ... 

--------------------------------------- 

Celtic Music Radio 

Music all day every day from Glasgow 

promoting Celtic and roots music of all 

genres - at 95FM or online @ 

www.celticmusicradio.net 

--------------------------------------- 

LP Radio 

Independent Alternative digital radio, 

broadcasting live from the upstairs of LP 

Records in Glasgow, listen online @ 

www.lpradio.co.uk/listen 

--------------------------------------- 

FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER 

https://twitter.com/MusicNewsScot 

https://twitter.com/MusicNewsScot 

Mòd 2023 - Là Mòr nan Còisirean Sgìreil :: 1.30- 

5pm on BBC ALBA. Cathy MacDonald presents live 

coverage of two of the most prestigious choral 

competitions from the last day of the Royal National 

Mòd in Paisley. The competition from the Town Hall 

features choirs battling to win the Lovat and 

Tullibardine Shield which was won last year in by 

Oban Gaelic Choir. Live coverage of the competition 

unveils whether they will manage to hold on to the 

historic Shield for another year. Là Mòr nan Còisirean 

Sgìreil also features the competition for The Margaret 

Duncan Memorial Trophy won last year by the Black 

Isle Gaelic Choir at the Royal National Mòd in Perth. 

Along with Cathy to offer their own assessments on 

both competitions are two analysts with a keen 

interest in, and knowledge of, choral music. Winners 

of the Greenock Gaelic Choir Cup for Puirt-a-Beul, the 

Esme Smyth Trophy for Ladies Voices and the Mull 

and Iona Shield for Men’s Voices also feature. 

www.bbcalba.co.uk 

The Afternoon Show :: 2pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

Nicola Meighan tunes into the best of Scottish arts, 

entertainment and music. 

www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland 

Grant Stott's Vinyl Collective :: 6pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Celebrating the vinyl revival with classic 

records and new releases. 


Celtic Connections Shorts :: 7.25pm on BBC ALBA. 

DALLAHAN with a bonding of traditional music and 

Americana. 


BBC Introducing in Scotland :: 8pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Shereen and Phoebe shine a light on the 

Intro artists in the running for 2023s SAY Award. 


Introducing in Scotland - The Mix :: 9.30pm on 

BBC Radio Scotland. DJ and Producer LOWT is in The 

Mix with an atmospheric blend of electronic sounds. 


Ashley Storrie :: 10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. New 

and classic Scottish music, soul rockabilly, pop and 

indie from around the world. 


Mòd 2023 - Mòd nan Còisirean :: 10-11.30pm on 

BBC ALBA. The coverage from the Royal National Mod 

in Paisley comes to a close as Cathy MacDonald 

presents highlights of the performances from the 

choral competitions held over the last few days. 

Amongst the winning performances featured are songs 

from the choirs who lifted the main prizes for the area 

choirs, primarily the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield, the 

Margaret Duncan Memorial Trophy and the Esme 

Smyth Trophy. Also featured are a selection of the 

winners from the rural choirs including those who 

lifted the Lorn Shield, the Sheriff MacMaster Campbell 

Memorial Quaich as well as the Puirt-a-Beul winners. 


Cuirm @ Celtic :: 11.30pm on BBC ALBA. Gaelic 

singers with the SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE. 


SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 

http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/ 

http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/ 

Celtic Connections Shorts :: 6.55pm on BBC ALBA. 

DALLAHAN with a bonding of traditional music and 

Americana. 


Take The Floor :: 7pm on BBC Radio Scotland. For 

the very best in traditional music and song join Gary 

Innes. 


Piping Sounds :: 9pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

Carrie MacNeil presents the best in pipe music from 

Scotland and around the world. 


Na Worlds 2023 :: 9-11.20pm on BBC ALBA. Carrie 

MacNeil introduces the bands competing at Grade 1 in 

the World Pipe Band Championships 2023. Sixteen 

bands competed this year, including bands from 

Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada and the 

USA. In this first programme of Na Worlds 2023, 

audiences can look back on the performances of eight 

of the Grade 1 bands who competed on the world pipe 

band stage in Glasgow this August. 


Billy Sloan :: 10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Hot 

releases plus rock and pop music from Scotland and 

around the world. 


Rewind :: 11.40pm on BBC Scotland. A look back at 

the music, news and TV in 2000. 

www.bbc.co.uk/scotland 

Binneas - Na Trads :: 11.45pm on BBC ALBA. 

Musical highlights from the 2022 Trad Awards from 

ELEPHANT SESSIONS. 


Cuirm @ Celtic :: 00.05am on BBC ALBA. DUNCAN 

CHISHOLM and the SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE perform 

at Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery. 




page 3: music on scotland's tv + radio this week 

The Piping Season :: 1am on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Gary has music from the Northern 

Meeting and looks at the theme of repertoire. 


SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 

Mike Ritchie On Sunday: 4-6pm on Celtic 

Music Radio 95FM + DAB. Handpicked tunes 

from established acts, new voices and anything 

that takes my fancy from the wonderful worlds 

of americana, roots, folk, singer/songwriters 

without worrying about labels. Voted Best Radio 

Show in americana-uk 2017 Readers' Poll. 

www.celticmusicradio.net 

Your Requests with Gary Innes :: 5pm on 

BBC Radio Scotland. Join Gary as he shares your 

special messages and dedications and plays your 

favourite Scottish music requests. 


Classical Now :: 7pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

Jamie MacDougall shares musical storytelling 

in songs, ballets and symphonies. 


Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 

2024 :: 8-10pm on BBC ALBA. Broadcaster and 

musician, Joy Dunlop, introduces some of 

Scotland’s most talented young musicians as 

they compete in the semi-finals of this 

prestigious traditional music award. Twelve 

musicians perform for a distinguished jury at 

BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters, but 

only six will be selected to go through to the 

final which takes place on 4 February 2024 in 

Glasgow’s City Halls as part of the Celtic 

Connections Festival. 


Iain Anderson :: 9pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

End the day in the company of the songwriting 

masters of country, folk, blues and soul. 


Ken Burns' Country Music :: 10pm on BBC 

ALBA. Biographies of the fascinating trailblazers 

who created and shaped country music. 


Celtic Connections Shorts :: 11.50pm on BBC 

ALBA. Featuring a fiddle and guitar duo 

performance rooted in Scottish and Irish 

traditions. 


MONDAY 23 OCTOBER 

The Afternoon Show :: 1.30pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Janice Forsyth tunes into the best of 

Scottish arts, entertainment and music. 


Get It On... With Bryan Burnett :: 6pm on 

BBC Radio Scotland. Bryan with the essential 

music chosen by listeners. 


Vic Galloway :: 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

Vic's Triple A is a vibrant 1980s dancehall classic 

from SISTER NANCY. 


Trusadh - NYC Mòd :: 9-10pm on BBC ALBA. 

In this week’s installment of award-winning 

documentary series, Trusadh, Joy Dunlop heads 

to New York City to host the first-ever New York 

Mòd. As part of the 25th New York Tartan Week 

celebration, Trusadh joins the Scottish diaspora 

of this iconic city to celebrate links to Scotland 

with thousands of pipers and highland dancers 

taking the Manhattan streets by tartan storm. 

There will be Gaelic singers in the mix too, from 

all over the USA and also Scotland. Trusadh 

follows Joy, An Comunn Gàidhealach and the 

Tartan Week team in the build-up to the Mòd 

event - which includes workshops, fèis-style 

events and cèilidh sessions. Audiences are, of 

course, introduced to some of the colourful 

characters who enter this Gaelic Song Contest 

such as Pamela Jean Agaloos from Queens, who 

sings Òran Chaluim Sgàire with passion having 

been taught by renowned Gaelic singer Christine 

Primrose MBE, and John Grimaldi who is 

legendary in Scottish circles in the USA and 

sings in an all-male ensemble called Na h- 

Eileanaich (the Islands which in this case refer 

to Manhattan Island and Staton Island!). Other 

entrants travel from Utah, Virginia and 

Washington DC. There is even a Glaswegian 

entrant flying the flag for Scotland. Trusadh 

documents this momentous story in Gaelic 

music's legacy where the winner of the first-ever 

New York Tartan Week Mod is going to be 

Gaelic's newest superstar. 


Iain Anderson :: 11pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

End the day in the company of the songwriting 

masters of country, folk, blues and soul. 


Cuirm @ Celtic :: 11.30pm on BBC ALBA. 

Gaelic singers with the SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE. 


TUESDAY 24 OCTOBER 

www.scottishmusiccentre.com 

www.scottishmusiccentre.com www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre www.twitter.com/scottishmusic 

Email your gig dates to robert.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

page 4 

music music news news scotland scotland 

www.butejazz.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/butemanouche 

tweet @ www.facebook.com/ButeJazz 



page 5: tv + radio :: america 


Scotland. Janice Forsyth tunes into the best of 

Scottish arts, entertainment and music. 






Another Country with Ricky Ross :: 8pm on 

BBC Radio Scotland. Showcasing new and classic 

Country and Americana music. 


Roddy Hart :: 10.30pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

An inviting mix of new music and back-catalogue 

selections. 


WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER 


Scotland. Michelle McManus tunes into the 

best of Scottish arts, entertainment and music. 






The Quay Sessions :: 8pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Enjoy live performances from the 

foyer at Radio Scotland's Pacific Quay. 


Vic Galloway :: 10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

Vic's Triple A is a vibrant 1980s dancehall classic 

from SISTER NANCY. 


Transatlantic Sessions :: 10-10.30pm on BBC 

ALBA. Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic 

Amhlaoibh present highlights from two decades 

of the legendary music show, Transatlantic 

Sessions. This episode of Transatlantic Sessions: 

Dlùth an Dàimh features performances by 

musical stars from Scotland, Ireland, and the 

US, including Joan Osborne, Declan O’Rourke 

and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Fans of 

Transatlantic Sessions can also see the 

astonishing playing of Jerry Douglas, Stuart 

Duncan and Ronan Browne in a frenzied 

instrumental ‘Unionhouse Branch’ and Muireann 

features alongside Ireland’s button accordion 

extraordinaire Sharon Shannon as well as Jim 

Murray on the beautiful Irish song ‘The Leaving 

of Limerick’. Closing the programme, Julie joins 

Scots singer, Emily Smith, for an uplifting 

performance of ‘Caledonia’. 


THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 


Scotland. Michelle McManus tunes into the 

best of Scottish arts, entertainment and music. 






Travelling Folk :: 8pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

Anna Massie with the best folk and roots music 

from around the world. 


Natasha Raskin Sharp :: 10pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. From 50s rockabilly to country to jazz 

to the latest indie sounds, Natasha has it all. 


Celtic Connections Shorts :: 11.20pm on BBC 

ALBA. THE SEUMAS EGAN PROJECT from the 

States perform one of their own tunes. 


Transatlantic Sessions :: 11.30pm on BBC 

ALBA. Julie Fowlis agus Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh 

le taghadh ciùil bho Transatlantic Sessions. Julie 

joins Scots singer, Emily Smith, for an uplifting 

performance of 'Caledonia'. 


FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER 

The Afternoon Show :: 2pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Nicola Meighan tunes into the best 

of Scottish arts, entertainment and music. 


Grant Stott's Vinyl Collective :: 6pm on BBC 

Radio Scotland. Celebrating the vinyl revival 

with classic records and new releases. 






BBC Introducing in Scotland :: 8pm on BBC 

Radio Scotland. The best unsigned, 

undiscovered and under-the-radar music 

Scotland has to offer. 


Ashley Storrie :: 10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

New and classic Scottish music, soul rockabilly, 

pop and indie from around the world. 


Ken Burns' Country Music :: 10pm on BBC 

ALBA. Biographies of the fascinating trailblazers 

who created and shaped country music. 






SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 

Na Worlds :: 9-11pm on BBC ALBA. Carrie 

MacNeil introduces the brands competing at 

Grade 1 in the World Pipe Band Championships 

2023, aka Na Worlds. In this episode, sounds 

and sights from the climactic second day of the 

event are showcased with internationally 

distinguished pipers and drummers from 

Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada and 

New Zealand taking part. Peoples Ford Boghall 

and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band won the title 

this year, led by Pipe Major, Ross Harvey and 

Lead Drummer, Kerr McQuillan making this the 

band’s first ever victory at The Worlds. St. 

Laurence O’Toole, Scottish Power and Simon 

Fraser University are amongst just some of the 

bands featured. 


WEDNESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 

Transatlantic Sessions: Dlùth an Dàimh :: 

10-10.30pm on BBC ALBA. This episode of 

Transatlantic Sessions: Dlùth an Dàimh features 

performances by musical stars from Scotland, 

Ireland, and the US, including Karan Casey, 

James Taylor and Eddi Reader. Fans of 

‘Transatlantic Sessions’ can also see Sarah 

Jarosz joining Kathleen MacInnes as America 

meets Scotland for a Gaelic song on “Gur Milis 

Mòrag”. America also meets Ireland as John 

Doyle and Andy Irvine perform “Liberty’s Sweet 

Shore” and closing the programme, Darrell Scott 

is joined by Paul Brady for a memorable 

rendition of, “Shattered Cross” - a tribute to the 

late Scottish musician and singer, Stuart 

www.soundhouse.org.uk 

twitter @ www.twitter.com/SoundhouseOrg 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/soundhouseorg 


page 6 

music news scotland 

www.summerhall.co.uk 

www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/ 

fb @ www.facebook.com/queenshall 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/queens_hall 

fb @ www.facebook.com/summerhalledinburgh 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/Summerhallery 

tickets @ https://philcunningham.com/live-shows/ 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/philschristmassongbook 



page 7: london :: edinburgh + west + mid + east lothian 

Adamson. Presented by acclaimed musician and 

singers Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh. 


------------------------------------------------ 

GIGguide 

Listings ..... 

!!!!!!! 

PLEASE CHECK ALL GIG DATES/ 

DETAILS VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE 

TRAVELLING OR BOOKING 

TICKETS - THINGS CAN CHANGE! 

!!!!!!! 

Online 

Streaming 

Send us details of your online 

streaming gigs or chats 

Email them to Robert - 

robert.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

Scots in 

AMERICA 

Reaching our Scottish expat 

readership in America 

Send us all your USA 

gig and tour details 



OCTOBER 

ATLANTIC ROAD TRIP :: Touring their new 

album 'One' on Calligram Records - they’re also 

premiering their first large scale work entitled 

“Over Mountain Under Sky” for full jazz 

orchestra and strings. This October throughout 

the Northwest and Midwest USA. 

www.facebook.com/AtlanticRoadTripBand 

Scots in 

LONDON 

HELPING SCOTTISH BASED 

MUSICIANS PROMOTE 

LONDON GIGS 

Send us all your gig 

dates for London! 



24 OCTOBER 

PETER JOHNSTONE INTERNATIONAL 

ORGAN QUARTET featuring TOMMY SMITH 

& JOE LOCKE :: At Ronnie Scott’s, London. 

Award-winning keyboardist Peter Johnstone 

leads an international group of jazz virtuosi 

playing music that is rhythmically dynamic and 

full of colour and expression. A former Young 

Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year, Johnstone 

was awarded a prestigious Yamaha Scholarship 

and went on to win the much-coveted Peter 

Whittingham Jazz Award with the band Square 

One before establishing himself as the Scottish 

National Jazz Orchestra’s resident pianist. As an 

organist his work with the trio Prime and with 

saxophonist Paul Towndrow’s trio has earned 

glowing reviews and his composing talents have 

been admired internationally. 

www.facebook.com/PeterJohnstonekeys 

SCOTLAND 

EDINBURGH 

West + Mid + East 

Lothian 

Send us all your gig dates for 

Edinburgh and Lothians area. 



Update from Brunton Theatre 

Trust – shows are not cancelled: 

Brunton Theatre Trust is bouncing back thanks 

to the support of performers, audiences, East 

Lothian Council and local partners. The Trust 

was hit by devastating news that its 

performance spaces had to shut with immediate 

effect for structural surveys. However, the 

programme of events has NOT been cancelled. 

The Trust are working hard to source and set up 

alternative venues for events, within 

Musselburgh and close by. 

www.facebook.com/thebruntonmusselburgh 

20 OCTOBER 

The Queen's Hall presents ... PETER 

JOHNSTONE INTERNATIONAL ORGAN 

QUARTET featuring TOMMY SMITH & JOE 

LOCKE :: At The Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk St, 

www.davearcari.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/davearcari 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic 



page 8: edinburgh + west + mid + east lothian 

Edinburgh, EH8 9JG. 8pm. Award-winning 

keyboardist Peter Johnstone leads an 

international group of jazz virtuosi playing music 

that is rhythmically dynamic and full of colour 

and expression. A former Young Scottish Jazz 

Musician of the Year, Johnstone was awarded a 

prestigious Yamaha Scholarship and went on to 

win the much-coveted Peter Whittingham Jazz 

Award with the band Square One before 

establishing himself as the Scottish National Jazz 

Orchestra’s resident pianist. As an organist his 

work with the trio Prime and with saxophonist 

Paul Towndrow’s trio has earned glowing reviews 

and his composing talents have been admired 

internationally. 

www.facebook.com/queenshall 

22 OCTOBER 

PHILIP SETH CAMPBELL :: At Voodoo Rooms, 

Edinburgh. The Scottish singer-songwriter has 

unveiled “Magical West”, the first single to be 

taken from his forthcoming solo album ‘City 

Lights’ (out 1 September 2023 via Assai 

Records). The artist has also announced an 

extensive UK and Ireland tour for Autumn 2023, 

as well as three in-store shows in his native 

Scotland to mark the album’s release. An 

amalgamation of Campbell’s life and career up 

until this point, the new record unfolds like a 

series of cinematic snapshots captured in 

timeless technicolour. From new single and 

album opener “Magic West” to plucky ballads like 

“Break The Curse” and “Sober Boy”, and from 

the bluesy soulful title-track “City Lights” to 

riled-up and rocky “Gut City Blues”, the LP sees 

the artist traverse time and genre with a deft 

sense of musicality that glints and glimmers like 

an unearthed trove of deep-buried treasure. 

www.facebook.com/philipsethcampbell 

23 OCTOBER 

Soundhouse presents ... CORRIE DICK :: At 

Traverse Theatre Bar, 10 Cambridge Street, 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm for 8pm. £15. “Corrie is the 

perfect drummer/percussionist… colouring each 

piece with precision, complex rhythms/ 

techniques and visible enjoyment” – London Jazz 

News. At the rhythmic epicentre of a new era of 

innovative British jazz is Corrie Dick, a musician 

and composer specialising in euphoric, sonicallyinventive 

drumming. He is lauded for his 

dynamism, his melodic slant and for his playfully 

subversive take on style and genre. 

www.facebook.com/soundhouseorg 

New Town Concerts present ... CAROLYN 

SAMPSON & JOSEPH MIDDLETON :: At The 

Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk St, Edinburgh, EH8 

9JG. Carolyn Sampson is one of today’s leading 

sopranos. Her wide-ranging and eclectic 

programme celebrates the launch of her 100th 

recording. Equally at home on the concert and 

opera stages, she has enjoyed notable success in 

the UK as well as throughout Europe and the US 

and performs with the most illustrious orchestras 

and opera companies. Joseph Middleton is her 

wonderfully sensitive accompanist and a leading 

light in contemporary lieder programming. 


24 OCTOBER 

Soundhouse presents ... KAZUTOKI UMEZO 

KIKI BAND :: At Traverse Theatre Bar, 10 

Cambridge Street, Edinburgh. 7.30pm for 8pm. 

£15. Formed in Japan in 1999 KAZUTOKI UMEZU 

“KIKI BAND” has always been a difficult group 

to categorise . It may be the newest type of 

Jazz-Rock. Its sound may be like progressive 

rock. The band like unusual beats, so basically it 

must be jazz. However, if you listen the rhythm, 

you’ll feel rock music, and if you follow the 

melody you feel like you are listening to roots 

music. 


26 OCTOBER 

Ali Whitwell's Thursday Afternoons in 

Captains :: At Captain's Bar, South College 

Street, Edinburgh. Thursday 2.30pm. Acoustic 

Americana and Other Stuff every Thursday 

afternoon from 2:30pm in the Captain's Bar. 

www.facebook.com/CaptainsBarEdinburgh 

432 presents..... HIDDEN ORCHESTRA :: At 

Dissection Room, Summerhall, Edinburgh. EH9 

1PL. 7-10pm. Hidden Orchestra is an imagined 

orchestra compiled in multi-instrumentalist/ 

composer/producer Joe Acheson’s studio using 

many separate recordings of guest musicians 

from a wide variety of backgrounds, combined 

with field recordings, bass and intricate layers of 

drums. Alongside the solo studio albums, the live 

band has been an integral part of the project 

from the start. 


27 OCTOBER 

NEHH and Maranta present… 

MICROSTERIA :: At Summerhall, Edinburgh. 

EH9 1PL. For their 4th installment of Microsteria 

at the Summerhall Dissection Room, producers 

Maranta combine electronic music with visual 

art, costume and performances. Curated in a 

way where all collaborations happen live, in the 

moment, in unexpected and harmonious ways. 

Are you ready to immerse yourself into the 

underworlds of Microsteria? 


28 OCTOBER 

Braw Gigs & NEHH presents..... EX-EASTER 

ISLAND HEAD :: At Old Lab, Summerhall, 

Edinburgh. EH9 1PL. 8-10pm. Ex-Easter Island 

Head are a UK-based musical collective 

composing and performing music for solid body 

electric guitar, percussion and other 

instruments. Primarily performing as a quartet, 

the group incorporates multiple electric guitars 

augmented through mechanical preparations and 

extended techniques to create works that 

explore group interplay, repetition and melodic 

invention through purposefully limited means. 


30 OCTOBER 

Soundhouse presents ... MIKE VASS :: At 

Traverse Theatre Bar, 10 Cambridge Street, 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm for 8pm. £15. “One of 

Scotland’s most thoughtful and exciting 

musicians” – The National. Mike Vass is one of 

the most creative forces on the Scottish music 

scene. As a musician, composer, producer and 

arranger Vass has amassed a body of work that 

encompasses collaborations with many of the 

leading voices among today’s Scots and Gaelic 

tradition bearers, multi-media performances, 

production work on critically acclaimed 

recordings, scoring for prestigious ensembles 

and composing for and appearing in theatre 

works. 


2 NOVEMBER 

432 presents..... The Bug Club :: At 

Dissection Room, Summerhall, Edinburgh. EH9 

1PL. 7-10pm. The Bug Club’s name does a good 

job of introducing the band and their music: a 

tight-knit, collaborative effort focussed on telling 

tales of the everyday that we often take for 

granted, shot through with humour and riffs-aplenty. 


DF Concerts presents..... ELLA JANE :: At Old 

Lab, Summerhall, Edinburgh. EH9 1PL. 7-10pm. 

For as long as she can remember, Ella Jane has 

been writing in the margins. Growing up, 

annotation was a way of understanding and 

processing the culture that surrounded her, a 

means of collecting words and stories that would 

become foundational to the songs she would 

write. 

www.fallenangelsclub.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/The-Fallen-Angels-Club-149553931728736 

twitter @ www.twitter.com/KevoMorris 


music news scotland page 9 




fb @ www.facebook.com/witheredhand 

twitter @ www.twitter.com/witheredhand 

ADVERTISE IN OUR MNS PUBLICATIONS 

and reach Scotland's music world! 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland - MNS GIGguide - MNS FESTIVALS! 

To advertise email Carol :: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

www.deanowens.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/deanowens1 


page 10 


www.birnamcd.com 

www.facebook.com/BirnamCD 

https://twitter.com/BirnamCD 

www.birnamcd.com 

www.birnamcdshop.com 

web @ www.birnamcd.com 

shop @ www.birnamcdshop.com 



page 11: edinburgh + west + mid + east lothian 


3 NOVEMBER 

The Queen's Hall presents ..... HORSE :: At 

The Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk St, Edinburgh, 

EH8 9JG. The Queen's Hall is one of her 

favourite places to play and appearing here has 

become a delightful annual Edinburgh soiree for 

her and the audience. It’s like a grand reunion. 

A Horse show is always a special one, but given 

that there’s a new album coming out and this 

year is also the 30th anniversary of 'God’s Home 

Movie' (her 2nd album), there’s much to 

celebrate. This show will feature songs from 

'God's Home Movie' as well as songs from the 

new album, her 11th, alongside the classics. 


432 presents ..… BECKY SIKASA :: At 

Summerhall, Edinburgh. EH9 1PL. “Future 

Superstar in loading buffer mode” is what BBC 

called her after naming her Song “Twelve 

Wooden Boxes“ the Track of the Week. From the 

very start soul artist Becky Sikasa captivated 

tastemakers and music lovers in UK and 

Germany. The release shows for Becky Sikasa’s 

debut EP in Glasgow and Cologne were sold out 

weeks in advance. 


4 NOVEMBER 

The Queen's Hall presents ..... KING 

CREOSOTE :: At The Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk 

St, Edinburgh, EH8 9JG. Kenny Anderson has 

become one of Scotland's most acclaimed and 

prolific, singer-songwriters: a squeezebox 

Casanova with a cosmic wordplay fetish, whose 

voice leaves gentle devastation in its wake. He 

was short-listed for 2011's Mercury Prize thanks 

to Diamond Mine, his sublime collaboration with 

Jon Hopkins. 


5 NOVEMBER 

The Queen's Hall presents ..... DUNCAN 

CHISHOLM - Black Cuillin in Concert :: At 

The Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk St, Edinburgh, 

EH8 9JG. Duncan Chisholm performs his 

incredible new album ‘Black Cuillin’ at The 

Queen’s Hall. Drawing inspiration from the 

mountain wilderness on the Isle of Skye, 

Duncan’s new album 'Black Cuillin' brings 

statuesque landscapes of sound together with 

pieces of exquisite and delicate beauty. The 

music of 'Black Cuillin' is richly evocative and is 

truly the music of the high mountains, the music 

of the skies and the stars. Duncan Chisholm is 

one of Scotland’s most recognised and 

accomplished fiddle players and composers; his 

music contains the rarest of chemistries, a 

glorious combination of invention, tenderness 

and passion. This is 21st century traditional 

music which is sophisticated, exhilarating and 

meltingly beautiful. For this evening’s 

performance Duncan will be joined on stage by 

his 8-piece band, which includes some of 

Scotland’s finest traditional and classical 

musicians. 


7 NOVEMBER 

LEITH ROSS :: At Summerhall, Edinburgh. 

7pm. Leith Ross is a songwriter, singer, and 

artist born and raised in a small town outside of 

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They’ve been a 

sensitive and overly artistic person since birth, 

and when they started writing songs around the 

age of 12, it quickly became Leith’s favourite 

way to be sensitive and overly artistic. Still is. 

Since then, they’ve recorded and released two 

projects, and have a new one underway. 


11 NOVEMBER 

The Queen's Hall presents ..... TIDE 

LINES :: At The Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk St, 

Edinburgh, EH8 9JG. 2.30pm + 8pm. Tide Lines 

embark on an 8 night tour of Scotland this 

November, presenting 'Elements - An Intimate 

Acoustic and Electronic Reworking of their 

Music'. With dates in Dundee, Perth, Banchory, 

Findhorn, Inverness, Aberdeen, Troon and 

Edinburgh. 


NEHH presents ..… CARLA J. EASTON :: At 

Summerhall, Edinburgh. EH9 1PL. Carla J. 

Easton is an award-nominated singersongwriter, 

releasing three critically-acclaimed 

albums and writing for TeenCanteen, Belle & 

Sebastian, BMX Bandit, Hen Hoose and National 

Theatre Scotland. Championed by BBC6 Music, 

she has performed at festivals across the UK and 

internationally (SXSW, Pop Montreal, The Great 

Escape, Celtic Connections, Indiefjord and Pop 

Cologne) touring the UK with Camera Obscura, 

The Vaselines and Aidan Moffat. 


12 NOVEMBER 

The Queen's Hall presents ..... KARINE 

POLWART :: At The Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk 

St, Edinburgh, EH8 9JG. 1:15pm + 7.30pm. 

Karine Polwart is a multi-award-winning Scottish 

songwriter, folk singer, and storyteller. Her 

songs evoke a richness of place, hidden 

histories, scientific curiosity and folklore. Trees 

and rocks speak. Birds flit in and out of vision. 

And the stars know everything. She conjures the 

beauty and magic, the sorrow and complexity of 

the world out of the corner of her eye, with 

lyricism and tenderness. 


23 NOVEMBER 

DAVE ARCARI :: At Leith Depot, Edinburgh. 

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 seven 

internationally-acclaimed solo album releases. A 

finalist in the UK Blues Federation’s UK Blues 

Awards 2023, Arcari has had his music featured 

in numerous BBC TV programmes as well as 

popular USA series The Deadliest Catch. The 

ultimate validation for Arcari’s music and 

performance came in 2019 when National Reso- 

Phonic Guitars launched the ‘Dave Arcari 

signature model’ guitar. Arcari joins an elite and 

exclusive group of players who have signature 

models and is the first – and only – musician 

outside the USA to be honoured by the iconic 

instrument maker whose name is synonymous 

with the development of the blues genre. Tickets 

@ www.davearcari.com/tour-dates/ 

www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic 

27 NOVEMBER 

HEIDI TALBOT & BOO HEWERDINE :: At 

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. Boo and Heidi 

have recorded and toured together extensively 

going all the way back to Heidi’s first solo tour of 

the UK in 2005. Born in Ireland, Heidi became a 

folk star in the USA as a member of the Irish 

American band Cherish the Ladies, and now lives 

in Edinburgh. Boo, one of England's most 

celebrated singer-songwriters, now celebrates 

their long-standing musical relationship 

spanning over 18 years. 

www.facebook.com/BooHewerdinemusic 

www.facebook.com/Heiditalbotofficial 

10 DECEMBER 

THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ 

ORCHESTRA (SNJO) - In An Ellington 

Mood :: At The Queen’s Hall, 85-89 Clerk St. 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Featuring special guest 

vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels, 'In an Ellington 




page 12 


www.skerryvore.com/tour/ 

tour info @ www.skerryvore.com/tour/ 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/SKERRYVORE 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/skerryvore 



page 13: edinburgh + lothians :: glasgow + area 

the mns collection …. 

Mood' presents exhilarating orchestral jazz. 

The SNJO is considered by many to be one of 

Europe’s foremost contemporary big bands. 

Founder/Director Tommy Smith established 

the SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit 

organisation with a crystal clear artistic vision 

and core values of versatility, discipline and 

expression. The SNJO is dedicated to 

promoting jazz as a pre-eminent art form 

through performances, original compositions, 

recordings, and educational outreach 

programmes. This commitment extends to 

the task of developing promising young jazz 

musicians through the ranks of The Tommy 

Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. 

www.facebook.com/theSNJO 

21 DECEMBER 

PHIL CUNNINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS 

SONGBOOK :: At The Queen's Hall, 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel 

tank with Phil Cunningham and friends as 

they return to Stirling with their much loved 

Christmas Songbook for 2023. Join some of 

the finest musicians on the Scottish folk 

scene; Phil Cunningham, Eddi Reader, Karen 

Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian 

Carr, Kevin McGuire and the Songbook Brass 

Ensemble. A simply unmissable night full of 

outstanding music, charm, humour and 

festive spirit. It's the most magical night of 

the year. 

www.facebook.com/philschristmassongbook 

22 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At The Queen's Hall, 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel 

tank with Phil Cunningham and friends as 

they return to Stirling with their much loved 

Christmas Songbook for 2023. Join some of 

the finest musicians on the Scottish folk 

scene; Phil Cunningham, Eddi Reader, Karen 

Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian 

Carr, Kevin McGuire and the Songbook Brass 

Ensemble. A simply unmissable night full of 

outstanding music, charm, humour and 

festive spirit. It's the most magical night of 

the year. 


29 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At O2 Academy, 

Edinburgh. From their traditional Tiree roots 

Skerryvore have developed both in size and 

sound to create a unique fusion of their 

traditional music and songs with the urban 

sounds of rock, pop and funk. The band’s 

ability to fuse traditional Scottish music and 

rhythms with a range of other genres is a 

trademark of their distinctive, high energy 

sound. 


3 MARCH 


ORCHESTRA (SNJO) - Nu-Age Sounds :: 

At The Queen’s Hall, 85-89 Clerk St. 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Welcome to the current 

sound of Scotland brought to you by eight of 

Scottish jazz’s top creative young minds via 

the SNJO. The SNJO is considered by many 

to be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary 

big bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith 

established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-forprofit 

organisation with a crystal clear artistic 

vision and core values of versatility, discipline 

and expression. The SNJO is dedicated to 









3 MAY 

SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA 

& RSNO - Rhapsody In Blue :: At Usher 

Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Big 

cities, big tunes – and you’d better believe 

it’s going to swing! The Scottish National Jazz 

Orchestra (SNJO) is considered by many to 

be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary 

big bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith 

established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-forprofit 

organisation with a crystal clear artistic 

vision and core values of versatility, discipline 

and expression. The SNJO is dedicated to 









GLASGOW + AREA 


Glasgow and West Coast area 



13-21 OCTOBER 

Royal National Mòd :: At various venues in 

Paisley. Scotland’s premier festival 

celebrating Gaelic linguistic and cultural 

heritage, and providing opportunities for 

people of all ages to perform across a range 

of competitive disciplines including Gaelic 

music and song, highland dancing, 

instrumental, drama, sport, and literature. 

www.facebook.com/TMSAScotland 

15 OCTOBER 

The Fallen Angels Club presents ..... 

PIERRE SCHRYER & SEAN GRAY :: At The 

Glad Cafe, Glasgow. 8pm. Pierre Schryer is 

one of his country’s leading traditional 

fiddlers. His fretboard and bowing acrobatics 

have captivated audiences around the world, 

all thrilled too by his depth of character and 

warmth. . . Expect to be treated to a whizbang 

set that’s influenced as much by 

Bluegrass, Celtic, Jazz, Gypsy, Country, Folk 

and Old Time. 




ORGAN QUARTET featuring TOMMY 

SMITH & JOE LOCKE :: At The Royal 

Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow. 1pm. 



playing music that is rhythmically dynamic 

and full of colour and expression. A former 

Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year, 

Johnstone was awarded a prestigious 

Yamaha Scholarship and went on to win the 

much-coveted Peter Whittingham Jazz Award 

with the band Square One before establishing 

himself as the Scottish National Jazz 

Orchestra’s resident pianist. As an organist 

his work with the trio Prime and with 


glowing reviews and his composing talents 

have been admired internationally. 


www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com 

Read all the MNS digital 

publications from links at 


page 14 


www.krisdrever.com 

www.facebook.com/TMSAScotland www.twitter.com/TMSAScotland 

www.tmsa.scot 

fb @ www.facebook.com/krisdreversings 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/KrisDrever 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/TMSAScotland 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/TMSAScotland 

www.perthshireamber.com 

www.dougiemacleanlive.com 

web @ www.dougiemaclean.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/DougieMaclean 


GIGspotlight ..... 

Leading Scottish jazz keyboardist 

takes new “dream team" on road 

Peter Johnstone : Joe Locke : Tommy Smith : Alyn Cosker 

GIGnotes :: The Peter Johnstone International Organ Quartet plays the Blue Lamp, Aberdeen on Thursday 19 

October; the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow (1pm) and the Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh (8pm) on Friday 20; Perth 

Theatre, Saturday 21; Zeffirellis, Ambleside, Monday 23; and Ronnie Scott’s, London, Tuesday 24. 

Award-winning Scottish keyboardist Peter 

Johnstone launches a new “dream team” 

group of world class jazz talents with a 

tour that includes gigs in Aberdeen, 

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth before 

heading south to play at the iconic Ronnie 

Scott’s jazz club in London. 

Milngavie-born Johnstone, who plays piano with the Scottish National 

Jazz Orchestra, will be focusing on Hammond organ in a quartet that 

features New York-based vibes virtuoso Joe Locke, saxophonist Tommy 

Smith and drummer Alyn Cosker. 

A graduate of the jazz course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 

Johnstone won the Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year title in 

2012 and went on to win the prestigious Peter Whittingham Jazz Prize 

with the band Square One in 2015. He is also the recipient of a Yamaha 

Scholarship. 

The musicians in his International Organ Quartet are all players 

Johnstone has enjoyed working with previously. He invited Locke, 

widely recognised as one of the world’s leading vibes players, to join the 

group after they shared stages during concerts with the Scottish 

National Jazz Orchestra. 

“Joe’s always so positive,” says Johnstone. “When I started writing for 

a new quartet, I could hear organ and vibes working well together in my 

imagination. So I got in touch with Joe and he immediately agreed to 

come on board.” 

Johnstone already works regularly with Tommy Smith, both in the 

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, which Smith directs, and in a 

saxophone-piano duo, and he and Alyn Cosker also work together in the 

SNJO and other groups. 

“Joe, Tommy and Alyn bring a fantastic range of experience to the 

group,” says Johnstone. “Joe has played with everyone from the master 

jazz pianist Kenny Barron to the Beastie Boys. Tommy has an incredible 

CV and his international reputation attracts world leading jazz musicians 

to work with the SNJO, and Alyn is so versatile, he can play in any style 

of music, not just any style of jazz. I’m really looking forward to hearing 

what we sound like together.” 




page 16: glasgow + surrounding area 

26 OCTOBER 

The Fallen Angels Club presents ..... SARAH 

BORGES BAND plus CAROL HODGE BAND :: 

At The Glad Cafe, Glasgow. 8pm. One way or 

another, Sarah Borges connects with casual 

mastery. Whether it’s with the comrades she’s 

collaborated with over nearly 20 sparkling years 

of music-making, or the vivid portraits of 

people’s lives – and occasionally her own – she’s 

sketched in scores of emotionally resonant 

songs. 


28 OCTOBER 

PHILIP SETH CAMPBELL :: At Mono, Glasgow. 

The Scottish singer-songwriter has unveiled 

“Magical West”, the first single to be taken from 

his forthcoming solo album ‘City Lights’ (out 1 

September 2023 via Assai Records). The artist 

has also announced an extensive UK and Ireland 

tour for Autumn 2023, as well as three in-store 

shows in his native Scotland to mark the album’s 

release. An amalgamation of Campbell’s life and 

career up until this point, the new record unfolds 

like a series of cinematic snapshots captured in 

timeless technicolour. From new single and 

album opener “Magic West” to plucky ballads like 

“Break The Curse” and “Sober Boy”, and from 

the bluesy soulful title-track “City Lights” to 

riled-up and rocky “Gut City Blues”, the LP sees 

the artist traverse time and genre with a deft 

sense of musicality that glints and glimmers like 

an unearthed trove of deep-buried treasure. 

www.facebook.com/philipsethcampbell 

2 NOVEMBER 

The Fallen Angels Club presents ..... SAM 

LEWIS :: At The Glad Cafe, Glasgow. 8pm. Sam 

Lewis has collaborated with everyone from Leon 

Russell to The Wood Brothers. Chris Stapleton 

dubbed him “a modern Townes Van Zandt”. He’s 

often labeled with some form of the word 

‘soulful’ (some have even compared his voice to 

molasses. 


12 NOVEMBER 

BDRMM :: At The Classic Grand, Glasgow. 

Following the release of 2020's widely-acclaimed 

debut LP "Bedroom", and a clutch of hotlyreceived 

singles that have landed in the interim, 

February saw the Hull based shoegaze quartet 

bdrmm return with the news that they had 

signed to Mogwai's Rock Action and that the 

revered independent label would release an 

anticipated second album "I Don't Know" on 30 

June. 

www.facebook.com/smellybdrmm 

16 NOVEMBER 

The Fallen Angels Club presents ..... 

FINDLAY NAPIER :: At The CCA, Glasgow. 

Findlay Napier is widely regarded as one of the 

finest performers on the UK music scene. This 

fact was further highlighted when Napier was the 

first solo act ever to be nominated for Live Act of 

the Year at the Scot’s Trad Music awards in 

2018. Tirelessly creative he has been touring 

and releasing music since the early naughties. 

First with ground-breaking trad folk band Back of 

the Moon, then with Nu-Folk pioneers Findlay 

Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers and 

most recently as a solo act working under the 

guidance of legendary songwriter Boo 

Hewerdine. 


22 NOVEMBER 

DAVE ARCARI :: At Glad Cafe, Glasgow. 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 seven internationallyacclaimed 

solo album releases. A finalist in the 

UK Blues Federation’s UK Blues Awards 2023, 

Arcari has had his music featured in numerous 

BBC TV programmes as well as popular USA 

series The Deadliest Catch. The ultimate 

validation for Arcari’s music and performance 

came in 2019 when National Reso-Phonic Guitars 

launched the ‘Dave Arcari signature model’ 

guitar. Arcari joins an elite and exclusive group 

of players who have signature models and is the 

first – and only – musician outside the USA to be 

honoured by the iconic instrument maker whose 

name is synonymous with the development of 

the blues genre. Tickets @ www.davearcari.com/ 

tour-dates/ 


24 NOVEMBER 

The Fallen Angels Club presents ..... MY 

DARLING CLEMENTINE :: At The Glad Cafe, 

Glasgow. 8pm. A labour of love on multiple 

levels, My Darling Clementine – the sobriquet of 

spouses Michael Weston King and Lou 

Dalgleish – began as a homage to classic country 

duets of the 60’s and 70’s á la George & Tammy 

and Johnny & June. 


28 NOVEMBER 

HEIDI TALBOT & BOO HEWERDINE :: At Hug 

& Pint, Glasgow. Boo and Heidi have recorded 

and toured together extensively going all the 

way back to Heidi’s first solo tour of the UK in 

2005. Born in Ireland, Heidi became a folk star 

in the USA as a member of the Irish American 

band Cherish the Ladies, and now lives in 

Edinburgh. Boo, one of England's most 


their long-standing musical relationship spanning 

over 18 years. 



8 DECEMBER 

THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA 

(SNJO) - In An Ellington Mood :: At Royal 

Concert Hall (New Auditorium), Killermont 

Street, Glasgow. 7.30pm. Featuring special 

guest vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels, 'In an Ellington 

Mood' presents exhilarating orchestral jazz. The 

SNJO is considered by many to be one of 


Founder/Director Tommy Smith established the 

SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit organisation 

with a crystal clear artistic vision and core values 

of versatility, discipline and expression. The 

SNJO is dedicated to promoting jazz as a preeminent 

art form through performances, original 

compositions, recordings, and educational 

outreach programmes. This commitment extends 

to the task of developing promising young jazz 




9 DECEMBER 

www.fallenangelsclub.com www.findlaynapier.com 





www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/ 

www.dougiemaclean.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/queenshall 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/queens_hall 

web @ www.dougiemaclean.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/DougieMaclean 

www.glasgowmusiccitytours.com 

info@glasgowmusiccitytours.com 

Glasgow fb @ www.facebook.com/glasgowmusiccitytours/ 

Edin fb @ www.facebook.com/EdinburghMusicTours/ 





page 18 


www.boohewerdine.net 

www.heiditalbot.com 

www.kirstenadamson.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/BooHewerdinemusic 

fb @ www.facebook.com/Heiditalbotofficial 

fb @ www.facebook.com/kirstenadamsonmusic 

links @ www.linktr.ee/kirstenadamson 

Email your gig dates to... 


tweet @ www.twitter.com/HelpMusiciansUK 

fb @ www.facebook.com/HelpMusiciansScotland 



page 19: glasgow + surrounding area :: fife + central + perthshire + tayside 

Hoolie in the Hydro 2023 :: At The Ovo 

Hydro, Glasgow. Scotland’s biggest night of 

traditional music, Hoolie in the Hydro, will return 

to Glasgow this December following the success 

of last year’s inaugural event. With a special 

celebration of Runrig’s 50 years of musical 

legend, this world-renowned event will once 

again attempt to make history as the single 

biggest night of traditional music to have ever 

taken place in Scotland. Due to fan demand and 

overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 

world-first event last year, Hoolie in the Hydro 

will return to The Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, with an 

all-star line-up featuring some of the top names 

on the Scottish music scene. Organised by Gary 

Innes, the line-up for the musical celebration 

includes Scottish supergroup Mànran, Celtic 

rockers Wolfstone, festival favourites Trail West, 

and social media singing sensation Nati Dreddd, 

plus a special collaboration that will celebrate 50 

Years of Runrig, featuring an array of special 

guests. Tickets @ 

www.sec.co.uk/events/detail/hoolie-in-thehydro-2023 

17 DECEMBER 

DEAN OWENS and THE SINNERS :: At Glad 

Cafe, Glasgow. Award winning Scottish singer 

songwriter Dean Owens is one of UK’s finest 

troubadours, with fans including authors Irvine 

Welsh and Ian Rankin, and BBC legend Bob 

Harris. Hard to pin down to a particular genre, 

his music is a unique blend of Scottish roots and 

Americana – the unfettered enthusiasm of a rock 

n roller coupled with the sympathetic delivery of 

folk’s best storytellers. His new band Dean 

Owens & The Sinners includes bass, guitars and 

trumpet, with Dean’s voice up front, warm, 

subtle and powerful. 

www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic 

19 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow. 

7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel tank with Phil 

Cunningham and friends as they return to 

Stirling with their much loved Christmas 

Songbook for 2023. Join some of the finest 

musicians on the Scottish folk scene; Phil 

Cunningham, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, 

John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin 

McGuire and the Songbook Brass Ensemble. A 

simply unmissable night full of outstanding 

music, charm, humour and festive spirit. It's the 

most magical night of the year. 


2 MARCH 


ORCHESTRA (SNJO) - Nu-Age Sounds :: At 

Old Fruitmarket, Candleriggs, Glasgow. 7.30pm. 

Welcome to the current sound of Scotland 

brought to you by eight of Scottish jazz’s top 

creative young minds via the SNJO. The SNJO is 

considered by many to be one of Europe’s 

foremost contemporary big bands. Founder/ 

Director Tommy Smith established the SNJO in 

1995 as a not-for-profit organisation with a 

crystal clear artistic vision and core values of 

versatility, discipline and expression. The SNJO 

is dedicated to promoting jazz as a pre-eminent 



outreach programmes. This commitment 

extends to the task of developing promising 

young jazz musicians through the ranks of The 

Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. 


4 MAY 

SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA & 

RSNO - Rhapsody In Blue :: At Glasgow Royal 

Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3NY. 

7.30pm. Big cities, big tunes – and you’d better 

believe it’s going to swing! The Scottish National 

Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is considered by many to 

be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary big 

bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith 

established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit 



expression. The SNJO is dedicated to promoting 

jazz as a pre-eminent art form through 

performances, original compositions, recordings, 

and educational outreach programmes. This 

commitment extends to the task of developing 

promising young jazz musicians through the 

ranks of The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz 

Orchestra. 


FIFE / CENTRAL / 

PERTHSHIRE / TAYSIDE 


Tayside, Perthshire, 

Fife and Central areas 



21 OCTOBER 



& JOE LOCKE :: At Perth Theatre, Perth. 
















26 OCTOBER 

Crail Folk Club presents ..... ROB McHALE :: 

At Crail Community Hall, St Andrews Road, Crail. 

KY10 3UH. Please do come along and support 

our folk club and enjoy a good evening out, the 

programme can be seen in the Calendar section 

of the weblink below. 

www.crailfolkclub.org.uk 

28 OCTOBER 

Wee Fife Folk Festival :: At various venues. 

Kids concert, open session and evening concert 

featuring John Davidson, Twa Threeds and 

Glastur. 

www.dunfermlinefolkclub.co.uk 


Perth Accordion & Fiddle Festival :: At 

https://witheredhand.bandcamp.com/ 

fb @ www.facebook.com/witheredhand 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/witheredhand 



page 20: :: fife + central + perthshire + tayside 

various venues. Concerts and sessions 

throughout the weekend, featuring established 

and up-and-coming traditional bands and solo 

artists. The Perth Accordion & Fiddle Festival is 

an institution which has run every year since 

1950. The festival was first created to encourage 

players to strive for their own goals and thereby 

raising overall standards, which remains the core 

principle of the festival today. It is primarily 

based around a range of solo and ensemble 

competitions for all age groups. The festival 

weekend is also firmly renowned as an annual 

highlight of the calendar where friends & fellow 

enthusiasts come together to play, listen and 

enjoy the competitions, concerts and ceilidhs. 

www.perthaccordionfestival.co.uk 


3-5 NOVEMBER 

Shades of Amber :: At Cardney Estate, 

Dunkeld. PH8 0EY. A very special autumn event! 

There will again be a series of concerts over the 

weekend in the Old Mill where Dougie MacLean 

will be joined by musical friends from over the 

years, as well as informal music sessions in the 

Rustic Cattle Shed and around the Firepit!… 

There’s no script or tight schedule and things will 

be as informal and spontaneous as possible … 

and once again we’ll see where the music takes 

us! 

www.perthshireamber.com 


23 NOVEMBER 

Crail Folk Club presents ..... HEIDI TALBOT 

& BOO HEWERDINE :: At Crail Community 

Hall, St Andrews Road, Crail. KY10 3UH. Boo and 

Heidi have recorded and toured together 

extensively going all the way back to Heidi’s first 

solo tour of the UK in 2005. Born in Ireland, 

Heidi became a folk star in the USA as a member 

of the Irish American band Cherish the Ladies, 

and now lives in Edinburgh. Boo, one of 

England's most celebrated singer-songwriters, 

now celebrates their long-standing musical 

relationship spanning over 18 years. Please do 

come along and support our folk club and enjoy 

a good evening out, the programme can be seen 

in the Calendar section of the weblink below. 

www.crailfolkclub.org.uk 

30 NOVEMBER 


Acoustic Music Club, Kirkcaldy. Boo and Heidi 












24 NOVEMBER 


Masonic Hall, Broughty Ferry. Boo and Heidi 












25 NOVEMBER 


Birnam Arts Centre, Dunkeld. Boo and Heidi 












9 DECEMBER 


(SNJO) - In An Ellington Mood :: At Laidlaw 

Music Centre, Queen’s Terrace, St Andrews. 

KY16 9QF. 7.30pm. Featuring special guest 

vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels, 'In an Ellington 

Mood' presents exhilarating orchestral jazz. The 

SNJO is considered by many to be one of 


Founder/Director Tommy Smith established the 

SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit organisation 

with a crystal clear artistic vision and core values 

of versatility, discipline and expression. The 

SNJO is dedicated to promoting jazz as a preeminent 



outreach programmes. This commitment extends 

to the task of developing promising young jazz 




15 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At The Albert Halls, Stirling. 













16 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Forfar Reid Hall, Forfar. 

From their traditional Tiree roots Skerryvore 

have developed both in size and sound to create 

a unique fusion of their traditional music and 

songs with the urban sounds of rock, pop and 

funk. The band’s ability to fuse traditional 

Scottish music and rhythms with a range of 

other genres is a trademark of their distinctive, 

high energy sound. 


20 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Perth Concert Hall, Perth. 





www.skerryvore.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/SKERRYVORE 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/skerryvore 



:: a MNS business profile feature 

The Radio Rooms :: Tweedmouth, Berwick-Upon-Tweed. TD15 2AW :: www.facebook.com/theradiorooms :: www.radiorooms.co.uk :: info@radiorooms.co.uk 

:: The Radio Rooms is an independent grassroots venue and event space that 

was created in March 2019 in Berwick-Upon-Tweed - serving north Northumberland 

and the Scottish Borders we are the main platform for new and up and coming 

artists in the area, and strive to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone. 

Our recently renovated space is designed around a collection of vintage radios ranging from the 1920s onwards, and 

we place an emphasis on quality and local products throughout our bar and kitchen. 

The Radio Rooms host a variety of quality performances, gigs and events throughout the year and our space is also 

available for private events such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate events. We can help you plan, organise 

and host your perfect event - from weddings to lectures; birthdays to plays. Our knowledgeable team can help with 

decor, music, audio and lighting equipment, food and drink, entertainment; and any other detail to ensure a brilliant 

time is had by all. 

Here are some of our quality small business suppliers: Bari Tea (Alnwick), Fentimans (Hexham), Giacopazzi's (Eyemouth), Hepple Gin 

(Morpeth), Holy Island Gin (Holy Island), The Kelso Gin Company (Kelso), Left Field Kombucha (Eyemouth), Tempest (Galashiels). 

Our openings hours are 4pm to late, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - extended hours in the summer, please check the Event Listings 

on our website and Facebook page to see what is happening every week. For booked events we can open at any time you wish, just 

drop us an email if you have any questions! Email: info@radiorooms.co.uk 

www.radiorooms.co.uk // www.facebook.com/theradiorooms 

Upcoming Gigs @ Radio Rooms ..... 

7 OCTOBER 

RICHARD JOBSON & MARTIN METCALFE (The Skids/ Goodbye Mr McKenzie) :: 8pm. £20.00+£1fee. Richard Jobson & Martin 

Metcalfe are back in action in 2023 with an amazing evening of "Songs & Stories" by two artists with over 110 years in the arts between them. Apart 

from the worldwide number one chart song "The Saints Are Coming" written with his band The Skids, Richard is renowned as a great storyteller and 

raconteur, has directed 6 movies and hosted the Film Show for MTV. Martin has been around the block too with his bands Goodbye Mr Mackenzie (most 

famous for "The Rattler" ) & The Filthy Tongues and he's also worked with the Talking Heads, written songs for Angelfish(Shirley Manson), The Skids, 

The Rezillos and others. 

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063836465090 + www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066577594835 


JOHN REED :: £10 on door. After a lifetime of international business travel, John has retired to Berwick upon Tweed to focus on making music in 

his Berevic home studio. A lifetime lover of music, John is both surprised and flattered to have been compared to some of his music heroes: Roy 

Harper and Ian Anderson being two of those. It seems there must be something in the Blackpool sea air. Unlike the other two, John was actually born 

and raised in the town. While comparisons are nice, John prefers his music to be taken on its own merits. Its powerful political content is occasionally 

hurled out with venom, but more often as an infusion for the more discerning listener to absorb, comprehend, and interpret as they wish. Although 

often unable to hear what others seem to hear in his songs John says: “That’s just the beauty of music. Artists create works for others to take 

ownership in their own way”. 

www.johnreedmusic.com/gigs/ 

3 NOVEMBER 

DAVE ARCARI :: 8pm. £12.00+fee. Scotland's alt.blues troubadour Dave Arcari stops off on a series of UK dates promoting the vinyl release of his 

latest album Devil May Care. 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 seven internationally-acclaimed solo album releases. A finalist in the UK Blues Federation’s UK Blues Awards 2023, Arcari has 

had his music featured in numerous BBC TV programmes as well as popular USA series The Deadliest Catch. The ultimate validation for Arcari’s music 

and performance came in 2019 when National Reso-Phonic Guitars launched the ‘Dave Arcari signature model’ guitar. Arcari joins an elite and 

exclusive group of players who have signature models and is the first – and only – musician outside the USA to be honoured by the iconic instrument 

maker whose name is synonymous with the development of the blues genre. 


The Radio Rooms is an 

independent grassroots venue, 

serving north Northumberland and 

the Scottish Borders


page 22: aberdeen / north east / morayhighlands + west coast + islands 









28 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Albert Halls, Stirling. From 

their traditional Tiree roots Skerryvore have 

developed both in size and sound to create a 

unique fusion of their traditional music and 







1 MARCH 


(SNJO) - Nu-Age Sounds :: At Dundee Rep, 

Tay Square, Dundee. 7.30pm. Welcome to the 

current sound of Scotland brought to you by 

eight of Scottish jazz’s top creative young minds 

via the SNJO. The SNJO is considered by many 

to be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary big 

bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith 

established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit 



expression. The SNJO is dedicated to promoting 

jazz as a pre-eminent art form through 

performances, original compositions, recordings, 

and educational outreach programmes. This 

commitment extends to the task of developing 

promising young jazz musicians through the 

ranks of The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz 

Orchestra. 


ABERDEENSHIRE / 

NORTH EAST / MORAY 


Aberdeenshire and the 

north east area 



19 OCTOBER 



& JOE LOCKE :: At Blue Lamp, Aberdeen. 
















3 NOVEMBER 

The World’s Room in Aberdeen :: At Airyhall 

Community Centre, Countesswells Rd, Aberdeen, 

Aberdeenshire. AB15 8AD. 8.30-11.30pm. Based 

on the traditional singing programme originally 

established in Edinburgh, TMSA Aberdeen Branch 

bring the World’s Room to Aberdeen—featuring 

guest singers Dougie Mackenzie and Brian Miller. 

www.tmsa.scot/aberdeen-branch. 


21 NOVEMBER 


Playhouse, Montrose. 



25 NOVEMBER 

DAVE ARCARI :: At Blue Lamp, Aberdeen. 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 seven internationallyacclaimed 

solo album releases. A finalist in the 

UK Blues Federation’s UK Blues Awards 2023, 

Arcari has had his music featured in numerous 

BBC TV programmes as well as popular USA 

series The Deadliest Catch. The ultimate 

validation for Arcari’s music and performance 

came in 2019 when National Reso-Phonic Guitars 

launched the ‘Dave Arcari signature model’ 

guitar. Arcari joins an elite and exclusive group 

of players who have signature models and is the 

first – and only – musician outside the USA to be 

honoured by the iconic instrument maker whose 

name is synonymous with the development of 

the blues genre. Tickets @ www.davearcari.com/ 

tour-dates/ 


17 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Music Hall Aberdeen, 

Aberdeen. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel tank 

with Phil Cunningham and friends as they return 

to Stirling with their much loved Christmas 










30 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Aberdeen Music Hall, 

Aberdeen. From their traditional Tiree roots 




sounds of rock, pop and funk. The band’s ability 

to fuse traditional Scottish music and rhythms 

with a range of other genres is a trademark of 

their distinctive, high energy sound. 


HIGHLANDS + 

WEST COAST / ARGYLL 

Send us all your gig dates 

for the Highlands 



16-20 OCTOBER 

Blazin’ in Beauly Residential Classes :: The 

members of Blazin’ Fiddles offer classes to suit 

every ability and as well as a packed timetable of 

fiddle, guitar, and piano classes there are 

masterclasses, ceilidhs, sessions, concerts, and 

one-to-one lessons to keep you busy throughout 

the week. 

www.blazininbeauly.com 


24 NOVEMBER 

DAVE ARCARI :: At Three Villages Hall, 

Arrochar. 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 seven 

















29 NOVEMBER 


Universal Hall, Findhorn. Boo and Heidi have 

recorded and toured together extensively going 

all the way back to Heidi’s first solo tour of the 

UK in 2005. Born in Ireland, Heidi became a folk 

star in the USA as a member of the Irish 








8 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Inverness Leisure, 

Inverness. From their traditional Tiree roots 




sounds of rock, pop and funk. The band’s ability 

to fuse traditional Scottish music and rhythms 

with a range of other genres is a trademark of 

their distinctive, high energy sound. 


18 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Eden Court Theatre, 

Inverness. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel tank 

with Phil Cunningham and friends as they return 

to Stirling with their much loved Christmas 










WEST COAST ISLANDS 

+ ORKNEY + SHETLAND 


for all of the Scottish islands 



Isle of Bute …. 

Transclyde Music is a group of like minded 

people on the Isle of Bute whose aims are to 



page 23: ayrshire + dumfriesshire :: scottish borders :: + 1 hour over the border 

promote live music on the island. For their latest 

gig news go to …. 

www.facebook.com/Transclydemusic 

27-29 OCTOBER 

Bute Manouche Festival :: At The 292 Club, 

Bridge Street, Rothesay, Isle of Bute. Bute 

Manouche is Scotland's first Gypsy Jazz Festival 

with great bands, great music and great 

audiences - if you fancy a weekend in October 

(27-29) on the beautiful Isle of Bute with some 

excellent Gypsy Jazz, then check out the details 

@ 

www.butejazz.com 

www.facebook.com/butemanouche 

1 DECEMBER 


Mareel, Shetland. Boo and Heidi have recorded 

and toured together extensively going all the 

way back to Heidi’s first solo tour of the UK in 

2005. Born in Ireland, Heidi became a folk star 

in the USA as a member of the Irish American 

band Cherish the Ladies, and now lives in 

Edinburgh. Boo, one of England's most 


their long-standing musical relationship 

spanning over 18 years. 



AYRSHIRE + 

DUMFRIESSHIRE 

+ Carlisle 


for Dumfriesshire, 

South West and Cumbria areas 



20-22 OCTOBER 

Autumn Trad :: At The Vault Arts Centre, 40 

Victoria Street, Newton Stewart, Dumfries & 

Galloway DG8 6BT. Concerts and sessions 

throughout the weekend, featuring established 

and up-and-coming traditional bands and solo 

artists. 

www.tradmusic.com 


23 OCTOBER 



& JOE LOCKE :: At Zeffirellis, Ambleside. 
















2 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Darvel Town Hall, Darvel. 










14 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries. 













SCOTTISH BORDERS 

+ Berwick -Upon-Tweed 


Scottish Borders and 

Northumberland areas 




The Radio Rooms presents ..... JOHN 

REED :: At Radio Rooms, 95 Main Street, 

Berwick-Upon-Tweed. TD15 2AW. 7pm. £10 on 

door. After a lifetime of international business 

travel, John has retired to Berwick upon Tweed 

to focus on making music in his Berevic home 

studio. A lifetime lover of music, John is both 

surprised and flattered to have been compared 

to some of his music heroes: Roy Harper and 

Ian Anderson being two of those. It seems there 

must be something in the Blackpool sea air. 

Unlike the other two, John was actually born and 

raised in the town. While comparisons are nice, 

John prefers his music to be taken on its own 

merits. Its powerful political content is 

occasionally hurled out with venom, but more 

often as an infusion for the more discerning 

listener to absorb, comprehend, and interpret as 

they wish. Although often unable to hear what 

others seem to hear in his songs John says: 

“That’s just the beauty of music. Artists create 

works for others to take ownership in their own 

way”. 

www.johnreedmusic.com/gigs/ 

www.facebook.com/theradiorooms 

MARTIN STEPHENSON AND THE 

DAINTEES :: At MacArts, Galashiels. The boys 

will be playing a bunch of songs old and new 

from their vast 40+ year repertoire and new 

album You Belong To Blue.Expect to hear 

classics such as Coleen, Little Red Bottle, 

Crocodile Cryer, Slow Loving, Salutation Road, 

Big Sky New Light alongside new classics such 

asBeautiful Day, Better Get Sam, You Belong to 

Blue and Sweet September Rain. 

www.facebook.com/MacArtsCentre/events 

22 OCTOBER 

An Evening with RICHARD JOBSON & 

MARTIN METCALFE :: At MacArts, Galashiels. 

Richard Jobson & Martin Metcalfe back in action 

in 2023. An amazing evening of "Songs & 

Stories" by two artists with over 110 years in 

the arts between them. 


26 OCTOBER 

WITHERED HAND :: At MacArts, Galashiels. 

Withered Hand full band shows feature Drums, 

Brass, Keyboards and Electric Guitar as the 

backdrop for Dan’s insightful songs. A rare 

chance for concert goers to get lost in and 

celebrate some of the most immediate, intimate, 

heart tugging - yet- hook-laden indie-folk this 

side of Willson’s musical influences (Daniel 

Johnston, Lemonheads and Sparklehorse). 


29 OCTOBER 

RANDOLPH’S LEAP :: At MacArts, Galashiels. 

Randolph’s Leap are a Scottish indie-pop band 

known for their catchy melodies, memorable 

lyrics and uplifting live gigs. The live experience 

includes brass, strings, fuzzy keyboards, bad 

jokes and good dancing. 


2-5 NOVEMBER 

Denholm Folk Festival :: At various venues. 

With opening concert, great gigs and lively 

sessions in local pubs from start to finish. 

www.denholmfolkfest.co.uk 


3 NOVEMBER 

DAVE ARCARI :: At The Radio Rooms, Berwickupon-Tweed. 

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 seven 

















15 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Hawick Town Hall, Hawick. 










Email 

your 

gig dates 

to ..... 




Read the latest MNS @ https://bit.ly/mns-sep23-26 

plus read MNS FESTIVALS! and MNS GIGguide @ http://wp.me/P12d6v-21 

ADVERTISE IN OUR 

3 WEEKLY DIGITAL 

PUBLICATIONS 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! 

For details email Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

page 26 


Read MNS FESTIVALS! @ https://bit.ly/mns-festivals-oct23-19 

plus read MNS FESTIVALS! and MNS GIGguide @ http://wp.me/P12d6v-21 

ADVERTISE IN OUR 

3 WEEKLY DIGITAL 

PUBLICATIONS 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! 

For details email Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

ADVERTISE IN OUR WEEKLY 

DIGITAL EDITIONS ..... 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland 

Scotland’s digital music newspaper with all the latest news from the Scottish music scene 

MNS GIGguide 

Our weekly gig guide giving a comprehensive snapshot of live music in every corner of the country 

MNS FESTIVALS! 

Our look at Scotland’s music festivals with the latest news and a full listings for the year 

To advertise with MUSIC NEWS Scotland 

email: Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

Read all our digital publica- 

tions from links @

MNS GIGguide (Oct23-20)

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?