TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann 2014: Tue 29th April to Sun 11th May 2014 by Scottish Storytelling Centre

Traditional Scottish Culture. Live.

29th April to 11th May 2014

Box OfďŹ ce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org

29th April to 11th May 2014

Revival and Renaissance Welcome to TradFest 2014, a feast of culture in the Festival City. Enjoy music, song, dance, storytelling, exhibitions, parades, folk drama, family events, guided walks, talks, arts and crafts in the capital city. And all as Scotland celebrates the traditional season of MayDay/Beltane- the start of summer! TradFest 2014 looks at the ways that people have been inspired by the traditional arts, often turning at key moments in their lives for a sense of revival and rebirth. In 2014 Scotland is also at a turning point, with a Year of Homecoming, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and the Independence Referendum. What is happening in our culture and what might be its signiﬁcance? You can follow the ‘Revival and Renaissance’ theme through TradFest,

02 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

or just enjoy your own choice of events from the main calendar. There is lots to pick from! TradFest is organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) which is based at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The Festival is grateful to its funders – Creative Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council and Event Scotland’s Year of Homecoming. But equally we thank all the participating venues and the many artists and organisations who have helped devise the programme. Watch out also for the may craft and music shops, pub sessions and restaurants who are promoting TradFest and making their own contribution to traditional culture in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

TradFest - Auld Reikie

TradFest - Dùn Èideann

ùidh agaibh a’ thaghadh bhon phrògram. Tha gu leòr ann!

29th April to 11th May 2014

29mh Giblean gu 11mh Cèitean 2014

Tha TradFest air a’ chuir air dòigh le TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), a tha stèidhichte aig Ionad nan Sgeulachdan ann an Dùn Èideann. Tha an fhèis airson taing a thoirt do Creative Scotland, Comhairle Dhùn Èideann agus ‘Year of Homecoming’ le Event Scotland airson maoineachadh a thoirt seachad. Tha iad cuideachd airson taing a thoirt dhan na h-àitichean a tha gabhail pàirt, agus nan luchd-ealain agus buidheannan a chuir ri chèile a’ phrògram.

A richt herty weilcum tae ane an aa. TradFest 2014 is ane gallimaufry o sangs, dauncin, maisic, tales, airts an crafts, mirthsome frolics an stushies fur MayDay. Forbye this year, the hail clanjamfrie taks cognisaunce o ‘Revival and Reanaissance’hoo fowk hae socht inspeeration frae airts o tradeetion whan times are wanchauncy, fou o promise, or baith thegither. Humankind is aye seekin new sterts and birthings. Wi the Year o Hamecomin, the Commonweill Games, and the Independece Refererendum, there’s nae lack o history tae come tae grip wi richt noo! Hoosoever, jist enjoy yer ain hantle o events, an follae ‘Revival an Renaissance’ whaur it taks yer fancy. TradFest is the wark o TRACS (Airts an Tradeetions Scotland), bidin at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. An we’re richt gratefu fur the helpin haund an some siller frae City of Edinburgh Council, Creative Scotland and Event Scotland. Herty thanks an aa tae the venues an airtists wha hae devisit skeely events an brocht the TradFest brew tae the bile. TradFest- it’s rare an foremaist so dinnae miss oot. Whit’s fur ye shoulna gang by ye!

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Dùsgadh agus Ath-Bheòthachadh Tha fàilte romhaibh gu TradFest 2014, fèill mhòir de chultair ann an Dùn Èideann. Tha gu lèor a’ dol aig an fhèis, na measg: ceòl, òrain, dannsa, sgeulachdan, taisbeanaidhean, dealbh-chluichean, tachartasan do theaghlaichean, òraidean, cuairtean-stiùirichte agus ealainean eile anns a’ phrìomh bhaile. Cuideachd, bidh na tachartasan seo a’ dol fhad ‘s a tha Alba a’ moladh latha na Bealltainn – tòiseachadh an t-samhradh! Tha TradFest 2014 ag amas air mar a mhisnicheas na h-ealainean tradiseanta spiorad dhaoine, gu h-àraidh mar a bhuaileas iad air àm nan beathannan nuair a thigeas dùsgadh neo ath-bheòthachadh orra. Tha Alba cuideachd a’ faighinn ath-bheòthachadh ann an 2014, leis na geamannan co-fhlaitheas, bliadhna Homecoming Scotland agus an bhòt neoeisimealachd san t-Sultain. A bheil rudan ag atharrachadh nar cultar agus de an ciall a th’ aca? ‘S urrainnear an teama ‘Dùsgadh is Athbheòthachadh’ a’ leanntainn tron fhèis, air neo dìreach na tachartasan anns a bheil

Chì sibh cuideachd ioma bhùth-ealain, taigh-òsda agus taigh-bìdh a’ gabhail pàirt le bhith togail inbhe an fhèis agus a’ cuir ri cultar an t-seana bhaile.

TradFest Box Ofﬁce: Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SR T: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Please see individual event listings for alternative ticket details where available. For the TradFest Trail please see www.tracscotland.org/tradfest-trail

FESTIVAL CLUB Friday 2 May to Sunday 11 May 9.00pm to 1.00am nightly Relax in the convivial buzz and comfort of the TradFest Club in Teviot Row House Lounge Bar. Open Mike hosted by EUSA for a wealth of new TradFest talent.

Event Type Guide

SCOTLAND’S LIVING TRADITIONS

Conference

You’ve heard about the landscape, the vibrant cities and the history… don’t miss out on the warmth and energy of a modern culture inspired by rich traditions. Festivals and Feiseans span Scotland - current events include:

EDINBURGH AND LOTHIANS TMSA- NORTHERN STREAMS 25-27 April

Arts and Crafts

Exhibition

Dance

Drama

The Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland celebrates Nordic and Scottish music, song and dance featuring performers from Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Shetland. Grassmarket Centre, Edinburgh www.tmsa.org.uk

Film

SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL 1-4 May

Family Friendly

Enjoy the environment, music and culture of this unique northern archipelago. Once visited, never forgotten for food, music and good company. www.shetlandfolkfestival.com

F FF L

Literature

Music

Storytelling

The fortieth anniversary of one of Scotland’s most enduring and much loved folk festivals – on the beautiful Ayrshire coast and close to Burns country. www.girvanfolkfestival.co.uk

Talk

MONIAIVE FOLK FESTIVAL 9-11 May

Workshop

A hidden gem of location and culture at the crossroads of some of Dumfries and Galloway’s ﬁnest scenery trails. www.moniaive.org.uk/folk-festival. And many more: www.creativescotland.com/festivals www.feisean.org www.tracs.org www.tmsa.org.uk

Walking Tour

04 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

GIRVAN TRADITIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL 2-4 MAY

Tradfest Venue Map

Please see back page for more venue information.

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THE MEADOWS

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Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Arthur’s Seat Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 Assembly Roxy 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh EH8 9SU Blackwell’s Bookshop 53-62 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1YS Calton Hill Edinburgh EH1 The Canons’ Gait 232 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DQ The Caves 8-12 Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NS Counting House 36 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DD The Ensign Ewert 521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PE Meadows Lecture Theatre Old Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG Museum of Edinburgh 142 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD National Library of Scotland George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW Pleasance Cabaret Bar 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ The Queens Hall 85-89 Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JG The Royal Oak 1 Inﬁrmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT Scottish National Gallery The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh EH4 3DR Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR St James Parish Church Roseﬁeld Place, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 1AZ Summerhall 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL Talbot Rice Gallery The University of Edinburgh Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL Teviot Row House 13 Bristo Square, Edinburgh EH8 9AJ Usher Hall Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA Voodoo Rooms 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA The Washhouse 3 Adelphi Grove, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 1AP

Events

Rooted in the past. Resonating in the present.

The Dardanelles Tue 29 Apr, 8pm (2hrs 30) Pleasance Cabaret Bar £12 (£10)/£8 EFC Members Newfoundland’s leading folk band are here to give TradFest’s Homecoming year a joyful opening. With their love for jigs, reels and ballads, The Dardanelles will take the old music to new heights and new audiences. www.thedardanelles.co.uk Tickets: Edinburgh Folk Club 0131 650 2458 and Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Crossing Points: Kathleen MacInnes and Fiona Hunter Tue 29 Apr, 7.30pm (2hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £10 (£8) Two of Scotland’s finest traditional singers find musical crossing points; echoing across landscapes and centuries. An enchanting night of exchange and celebration between Scots and Gaelic, accompanied by multi- instrumentalist Mike Vass. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

06 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

It’s a Strange Auld Toon: Stories of Old Edinburgh Tue 29 Apr - Sun 11 May, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm (1hr 30) Starts from Scottish Storytelling Centre £6 (£4) This old city is just ﬁlled with strange history and gruesome tales. Join Calum Lykan for a walk around the Historical streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Hear the tales of this wonderful old city and the characters that inhabited its streets. Suitable for age 6+ Tickets: Not bookable in advance, pay tour guide on the day. Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Whisky & Tales Tour

Edinburgh Ceilidh Club

Tue 29 Apr - Sun 11 May, 7.30pm (3hrs) Starts from Scottish Storytelling Centre £20 (£18) (Drinks are not included in the cost of the tour however some establishments offer a discounted rate to members of the group)

Tue 29 Apr & Tue 6 May, 8pm (3hrs) Summerhall £6

Enjoy a selection of Edinburgh’s ﬁnest taverns, hear a wonderful array of traditional Scottish stories about whisky, history and the magic of Scotland’s lands and people, all accompanied by excellent Scottish folk music on this traditional ceilidh-style tour with Calum Lykan. 18+ only. Tickets: www.storytellingscotland.co.uk 07794020583 Event Type:

The Edinburgh Ceilidh Club brings you the best of Scottish ceilidh dancing, with a range of different ceilidh bands. The Edinburgh Ceilidh Club has been a ﬁrm favourite since 2005 with both regular dancers and newcomers to Scottish traditional dance, always guaranteeing a great night of entertainment. Suitable for ages 14+ Tickets: Summerhall 0845 874 3001 www.summerhall.co.uk Event Type:

Arts of Independence by Alan Riach & Alexander Moffatt Wed 30 Apr, 6.30pm (1hr) Blackwell’s Bookshop Free, ticketed Alexander Moffat and Alan Riach take a hard look at a crucial aspect of the argument for Scotland’s distinctive national identity: the arts – the fuel and ﬁre that makes imagination possible. They take the argument out of the hands of politicians and economists and way beyond party politics. Prepare for the contentious. Wine and light refreshments will be served. Tickets: Blackwell’s Bookshop 0131 622 8218 Event Type:

08 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

2014 - Old Story: New Sang Wed 30 Apr, 7pm (1hr 15) Scottish Storytelling Centre £6 (£4) What are the roots of Scotland’s contemporary renaissance? Stuart McHardy and Donald Smith delve into some of our oldest stories to find some notes and melodies for a new Scotland. On Beltane Eve we may hope some kind of flourishing - but what are the signs and the songs? Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Nuala Kennedy Band Wed 30 Apr, 8pm (2hrs 30) Pleasance Cabaret Bar £10 (£8)/£6 EFC Members With hauntingly beautiful vocals and sparkling instrumentation, Nuala Kennedy fronts a multi-talented line up. This show features material from her latest release Nobel Stranger. Fresh from wowing the American scene Nuala brings her music back to the Celtic heartland on Beltane Eve. Tickets: Edinburgh Folk Club: 0131 650 2458 and Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Beltane Fire Festival

Dawn Rising

Wed 30 Apr, 9pm (4hrs) Calton Hill £10 on the day, £7 in advance (Plus booking fee)

Thu 1 May, 5am (2hrs 30) Arthur’s Seat Free, non-ticketed

For 25 years the Beltane Fire Society have gathered volunteers, performers and the wider community to engage in a re-imagining of the Celtic festival of Beltane. The May Queen and her Green Man process with their Court, gathering the energies to light the sacred Bel Fire. Suitable for ages 18+. Tickets: The Hub - 0131 473 2000 Event Type:

DR WT

Gather at the Meadowbank car park, by Queen Margaret Loch, in Holyrood Park. The route is a gentle ascent to the summit of Arthur’s Seat by the north side pavement and the slope from Dunsapie Loch. Reﬂective observations led by park rangers and Arthur’s Seat storyteller Donald Smith. Celebrate the ecology and traditions of this special place on May morning. Please bring warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear with a good grip for rock and grassy slopes. Event Type:

The Celtic Revival in Scotland Thu 1 - Sat 3 May University of Edinburgh Please use email below for booking options What was Scotland’s role in the cultural and nationalist revivals of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? This inter-disciplinary conference offers an unrivalled opportunity to explore these themes before offering an opportunity to gather and enjoy TradFest’s Revival and Renaissance Year of Homecoming programme. Tickets: Edinburgh University Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies, CelticRevivalinScotland@ed.ac.uk Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

The Celtic Revival in Scotland: Lectures Thu 1 - Sat 3 May (see times below) Scottish National Gallery, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre Free, ticketed What was Scotland’s role in the cultural and nationalist revivals of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? This superb lecture series explores these questions: Thursday May 1, 5.30-6.30pm: Professor Murdo Macdonald, Professor of History of Scottish Art at the University of Dundee: ‘The art of the Scottish Celtic Revival’ Friday May 2, 10-11am: Professor Donald Meek, ‘The Celtic Revival and the beginnings of Celtic scholarship in Scotland’ Friday May 2, 6-7pm: Professor Roy Foster, Carroll Professor of Irish History, Hertford College, Oxford: ‘Yeats and Scotland’ Saturday May 3, 10-11am: Dr. Domhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart, Carmichael Watson Project, Centre for Research Collections, Edinburgh University Library, and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI: ‘The making of Alexander Carmichael’s Carmina Gadelica’

The Nation//Live Roots with Wounded Knee & Friends Thu 1 May, 7pm (1hr 30) Scottish Storytelling Centre £6 (£4) The Nation//Live - Roots presents the distinctive sound of a diverse and hybrid Scotland. This live acoustic performance, hosted by Wounded Knee, features the performers from around the world who appear on the National Galleries of Scotland’s The Nation//Live - Roots LP.

Tickets: www.national galleries.org

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org

Event Type:

10 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Breabach

Burns for Beginners

Fri 2 May, 7.30pm (3hrs) Teviot Row House (Debating Hall) £15 (£12)

Fri 2 May, 8pm (2hrs) Voodoo Rooms £8 (£4)

Exhilarating, fiery and disciplined, Breabach blend old and new with fiddle, bagpipes, flute, bouzouki, bass and step dance. Gaelic and Scots intermingle in a powerfully Scottish brew that resounds internationally. MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards Folk Band of the Year, 2012.

Want to know more about Robert Burns? Come and hear Burns’ key poems and songs performed to a cracking live musical accompaniment, along with discussion, context and English Subtitles. “Brilliant, inspiring”, “Funny and informative”, “The show about Burns, that Burns would want to see!” 18+ only.

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Mediterraneo: Europe’s North, South & East Fri 2 May, 8pm (3hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £10 (£8) Mediterraneo return for a truly special evening of traditional music. Led by The Badwills with their hypnotic pizzica, tarantella and tammurriata rhythms from Southern Italy, they will be joined by the extraordinary female choir Davno, performing music from Poland and across Eastern Europe, and the award winning Scottish traditional musician Rona Wilkie. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Mummers Ball Fri 2 May, 8pm (4hrs 30) Counting House £10 (£8) A ceilidh dance with The Robert Fish Band and performances by The Armagh Rhymers, Prestonpans Mummers (The Galoshins play), Mons Meg Rapper Dancers, and more weirdness! In the back room, a traditional music session will be led by some of the Ball participants. Featuring the music of Scotland and Ireland. Wild and Strange! 18+ only. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org and from venue on the door. Event Type:

DR WT

Street Band Workshops Sat 3 May, 1pm (4hrs) & Sun 4 May, 12pm (2hrs 30) The Washhouse, Portobello £10 (for both workshops) Join us in creating a brand new street band in Portobello! A workshop in sambastyle percussion (instruments provided, no experience necessary) and brass and woodwind (bring your own instruments, some experience required). Led by Oi Musica and Jenny Gardner, the workshops will culminate in a giant musical train along Portobello Prom with Fun Fiddlers and friends! (see page 15) Ages 16+. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

12 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Craft Fair Sat 3 May, 11am (5hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre Free, non-ticketed Browse, buy and sample a wide range of local crafts in the Storytelling Court. A great opportunity to meet local artists and producers and maybe pick up a bargain! Presented by Bohemia Craft Fairs. Event Type:

May Day Parade Sat 3 May, 12pm (1hr) Johnston Terrace to Pleasance Theatre Free, non-ticketed TradFest performers join the Edinburgh and Lothians May Day Parade, assembling in Johnston Terrace from 11.30am. The parade goes down the Royal Mile turning at The Netherbow up to the Pleasance Theatre where the parade rally will be addressed by Owen Jones, columnist for the Independent and author of Chavs. Event Type:

Edinburgh Beltane Stories Sat 3 May, 2.30pm (1hr 30) Scottish Storytelling Centre £8 (£6)/Beltane Fire Society Members - free Beltane on Calton Hill, what is the story behind the vibrant event, who are its fantastical characters and what do they represent? Explore stories of the Triple Goddess, Green Man and the old Beltane traditions mixed with colourful personal reminiscences about its place as a community performance/ritual. This event includes a shadow puppet play presented by Family Beltane. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Flowers of Edinburgh Sat 3 May, 7.30pm (4hrs) Teviot Row House (Debating Hall) £10 (£7) Hands up for Trad celebrates a galaxy of Edinburgh folk talent in this premiere TradFest concert. From the People’s Festival to Edinburgh International Folk Festival and TradFest - the talent keeps on coming. Edinburgh artists with international acclaim return to their home this iconic city of music and passion. The irrepressible Simon Thoumire hosts the gig. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

A Braw Nicht Oot

Local Craft Showcase

Sat 3 May, 7pm (2hrs 30) Scottish Storytelling Centre £8 (£6)

Sun 4 May, 1pm (4hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre Free, non-ticketed

Whit’s fur ye’ll no go by ye! The 4th Braw Nicht Oot features a host of Scots speaking storytellers telling tales (when o blethers) in different dialects, plus a wonderful mix of music and song. Don’t miss out on this muckle fest of Scots language – a sell out every year! Hosted by Tim Porteus, the modern Gaberlunzie.

Local craft groups showcase their traditional skills in an innovative and contemporary way. Featuring demonstrations and hands on activities including basket-weaving, lacemaking, spinning and knitting. Event Type:

Young Storytellers Competition Sun 4 May, 1.30pm (3hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £5 (£3) A fun afternoon of tales from the nextwave of young storytellers (under 16s) as they compete for the third annual Young Storyteller award. Come and show your support! Young storytellers are now leading Scotland’s storytelling renaissance.

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org

Event Type:

14 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Mummers Gathering

Porty Music Train

The Armagh Rhymers

Sun 4 May, 2pm (1hr 30) Bristo Square Free, non-ticketed

Sun 4 May, 3pm (1hr 30) Portobello Promenade Free, non-ticketed

Sun 4 May, 4pm (1hr) Teviot Row House (Debating Hall) £8 (£5)

May Mummers celebrate the fresh outdoor life of Spring and Summer in a variety of costumes and garlands from Robin Hood to Galoshins, woodland creatures to zany contemporary masques. Gather in the Meadows by the trees at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk to go and enjoy performances in Bristo Square by the Prestonpans Mummers, Family Beltane, the Armagh Rhymers, Mons Meg Rappers and many more. Families welcome in your own costumes.

Join Fun Fiddle and a new community street band in the live music train along Portobello Promenade. Bring an instrument or just bring yourself. All welcome, young and auld! Meet at junction of Beach Lane and Portobello Promenade at 3pm and process to ‘The Cake’ bandstand, Marlborough St. You can access our easyto-play march from www.funﬁddle.co.uk or ﬁnd Fun Fiddle on Facebook. To take part in the Street Band workshop see info on page 12.

Edinburgh welcomes the world’s most celebrated folk theatre ensemble: their unique blend of mask, music, drama and dance has renewed a tradition spanning nearly three thousand years. The Armagh Rhymers are an international treasure to be cherished and enjoyed. With support from Scottish Mummer troupes from Edinburgh and Prestonpans.

Event Type:

WT FF

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org D

Art by John Gahagan

The Scottish Bagpipes: Past, Present, Future

Scottish Piping Concert

Sun 4 May, 2.30pm (3hrs) Teviot Row House (Dining Room) £6 (£4)

Sun 4 May, 7.30pm (2hrs 30) Teviot Row House (Debating Hall) £12 (£10)

Introduced by Iain MacInnes and Gary West the development, art and future of the Scottish Bagpipes are explored by a panel including Hamish Moore, Jack Taylor and Roddie MacLeod. Lowland and Highland; band, quartet and solo instrument; social; concert and marching instrument - there is much more to Bagpipe music than we know or imagine.

A unique and unrivalled feast of Scottish music. This stellar line up of talent celebrates bagpipe music, lowland and highland; social, solo and quartet; traditional and contemporary. The artists include Roddie MacLeod, Hamish Moore, Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson, Boghall and Bathgate Pipe Band Quartet, Iain MacInnes and master of pibroch, Murray Henderson. Hosted by Gary West.

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

16 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Haunting Sun 4 May, 7.30pm (2hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £8 (£6) Enter the eerie otherworld of supernatural beings and beliefs lurking in the Scottish tradition as Haunting brings together captivating songs and the tales and traditions that go with them. Featuring Christina Stewart with the additional voices of Alpin Stewart and Christine McClenaghan, and evocative guitar accompaniment from Martin MacDonald. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

The Wee Folk Club: Graham Carter

Allan Ramsay Reviving Scots Song

Nether Mind the Balkans

Sun 4 May, 8.30pm (2hrs 30) The Royal Oak £5

Mon 5 May, 5pm (1hr) National Library of Scotland Free, ticketed

Mon 5 May, 8pm (2hrs 30) Scottish Storytelling Centre £8 (£6)

From melodic spirituals and child ballads to raucous old-time blues and gospel numbers, Graham Carter will shake the Royal Oak timbers with his vocals, acoustic guitar and blues harp. Closing the ﬁrst week of TradFest in classic style.

Before Burns and Robert Fergusson, Allan Ramsay was the genial agitator of Scots culture, reviving poetry, song and theatre in Auld Reikie. Here distinguished musicologist Fred Freeman demonstrates Ramsay’s contribution to Scotland’s national music.

In the 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, musical life and folklore from behind the ‘iron curtain’ has enriched European culture across many lands. This celebration showcases some of Scotland’s vibrant Eastern European cultural scene, featuring polyphonic singers – Kuchke, Skotebi, Balkan bagpipes, Celter Schmelter Klezmer, Yiddish song and Hungarian ﬁddling. Za zdorovja!

Tickets: Royal Oak 0131 557 2976 or on the door Event Type:

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Folk Cinema: An evening NAICF Conference of Scottish folkConcert inspired filmmaking Mon 5 May, 7pm (2hrs 30) Mon 5 May, 7pm (2hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £8 (£6) Join Transgressive North for prize-winning ﬁlms inspired by Scottish folklore. Includes screenings of When the Song Dies (2012, 15 mins) and Blackbird (2013, 90 mins) which feature celebrated Scots folk personalities Sheila Stewart, Norman Maclean and Margaret Bennett. The evening will conclude with a discussion on folk cinema. Suitable for Ages 15+. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

18 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

The Queen’s Hall £12 This concert is a showcase event as part of the North American Irish and Celtic Festival Organisations Conference which is taking place in Edinburgh during the May Bank Holiday weekend. It will feature rising stars Adam Holmes and the Embers plus two other artists to be confirmed at time of writing; please contact The Queen’s Hall directly for full information. Tickets: The Queen’s Hall Box Office: 0131 668 2019 www.thequeenshall.net/ about/the-box-office Event Type:

Crows in the Capital Mon 5 May, 3pm (1hr 30) Scottish Storytelling Centre £8 (£6) Three Wee Crows is one of Scotland’s most innovative theatre companies. Shape-shifting through the characters, this performance uses nine short plays taking the audience on a journey through milestones in the history of Argyll and Scotland. From the quest of the Brides of Bonawe, to the bloody rock at Dunaverty. Outdoors in the garden. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tiny Tradfest Tales Tue 6 May, 10 & 11.30am (40mins) Scottish Storytelling Centre £5 per child Join storyteller Anne Pitcher for a specially created mixture of traditional stories, songs and dance for the tiniest TradFest goers; packed full of puppets, sound makers and interesting props along with lots of things to feel, see, hear and smell. Fun-ﬁlled action for our bonnie bairns! Suitable for ages 1-3 years. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Walter Scott and the Storytellers Tue 6 May, 2pm (1hr 30) National Library of Scotland £6 (£4) Is ‘storyteller’ a polite word for ‘liar’? Or are storytellers the speakers of terrible truths? Walter Scott puts storytelling at the centre of his art. In this study afternoon storyteller Anna Fancett and researcher Lisa McKenna explore Scott as ‘Wizard of the North’ and master storyteller. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Clash of the Titans: Revival and Renaissance Tue 6 May, 6pm (1hr) National Library of Scotland Free, ticketed Hamish Henderson and Hugh MacDiarmid had a famous flyting about the role of folksong in literature. But how was the twentieth century folk revival related to the literary renaissance? Playwright and critic, Raymond Raszkowski Ross explores the titanic clash and its wider significance for Scottish culture. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Roderick McNeill by John Francis Campbell @ National Library of Scotland

Scotland in a Federal UK? David Torrance Tue 6 May, 6.30pm (1hr) Blackwell’s Bookshop Free, ticketed What can be done – with or without independence – to make Scotland a more equal, successful and prosperous country? David Torrance sets an agenda that draws upon the ﬁnest elements of Unionism, Nationalism, Conservatism, Liberalism and the Scottish Left. His conclusions may surprise you. Wine and light refreshments will be served. Tickets: Blackwell’s Bookshop 0131 622 8218 Event Type:

Storytellers of Gaelic Scotland: Art and Tradition Tue 6 May, 7.30pm (1hr 15) Scottish Storytelling Centre £6 (£4) John Francis Campbell and Alexander Carmichael have left a world ranking treasury of Gaelic tales. But what of the storytellers themselves. What do we know about people like Roderick McNeill of Mingulay who gave the stories? Be enchanted and informed as Domhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart explores their art and tradition. This event uses both Gaelic and English and is accessible to speakers of both languages. Dh’ fhàg na cruinnichidhean John Francis Campbell agus Alexander Carmichael sinn le ionmhas de sgeulachdan Ghàidhlig air leth. Ach dè mu dheidhinn na sgeulaichean fhèin? Luchd-cluiche mar Rodaidh MacNèill (Ruairidh an Rùma), an neach-streap as fhèarr an Mhiughalaigh, a fhuair ainm as dèidh dha ceann-muc de rum òl a’ lorg e air an tràigh! Tha Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart a’ sgrùdadh air an loinneas iongantach seo, ann an Alba is thall-thairis, ann an dòigh tarraingeach, èibhinn. Tha an tachartas seo iomchaidh dhan a h-uile duine, o chionns ‘s gu bheil e da-chànanach. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

20 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Café Ceilidh Tue 6 May, 2pm (2hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre Free, non-ticketed Join Linten Adie and friends from the Scots Music Group for a free afternoon of traditional songs and music in the Storytelling Court. A warm, welcoming event - with a chance to join in! Event Type:

The Underground of Song Tue 6 May, 7pm (1hr 15) Scottish Storytelling Centre £6 (£4) Alison McMorland and Geordie MacIntyre explore significant songs from the first stirrings of the Scottish Folk revival, with the influence of Hamish Henderson illuminating how songs inspired and gave voice to new generations of singers. The American influence and the People’s Festival in 1951, precursor of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, are part of the story. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Euan Drysdale Tue 6 May, 8.30pm (1hr 30) Scottish Storytelling Centre £10 (£8) Folk/blues singer-songwriter, Euan Drysdale has an exciting and lyrical style, captured on his 2012 Robert Burns inspired release ‘A Parcel of Rogues’. Euan’s performances have the rawness of the blues, the lyricism of folk and the emotion of some heartfelt ballads. Performing at TradFest with Alastair Savage on ﬁddle, this promises to be a great night for fans of intimate acoustic sounds and followers of the Bard alike. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Revolution by the Pen: Scotland’s Literary Renaissance Wed 7 May, 12.45pm (45mins) Scottish National Gallery Free, non-ticketed The twentieth-century Literary Renaissance was a very Scottish kind of uprising. Author and storyteller Donald Smith explores the radical cultural perspectives of, among others, R.B. Cunningham Graham, Naomi Mitchison, Compton Mackenzie, Neil Gunn, Willa Muir, Hugh McDiarmid, Fionn MacColla and Helen Cruikshank. Event Type:

22 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Ruskin and Geddes: A Natural Revival? Wed 7 May, 2pm (1hr 30) National Library of Scotland £6 (£4) Between John Ruskin and Patrick Geddes a current of inspiration was sparked. The arts and crafts movement and the Celtic Revival grow together in Scotland, rooted in our natural environment. In this study afternoon , writer Tom Hubbard and artist Kenny Munro, take us on a journey from natural source to artistic stream. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Reiving and Bereaving: Walter Scott and the Ballads Wed 7 May, 6pm (1hr) National Library of Scotland Free, ticketed Kaye McAlpine and Lucy Macrae explain Scott’s love of the Border ballads, and demonstrate their lasting power and emotional appeal. This event is part of a year-long celebration surrounding publication this summer of Scott’s ‘Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border’. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Caledonian Dreaming: The Quest for a Different Scotland by Gerry Hassan Wed 7 May, 6.30pm (1hr) Blackwell’s Bookshop Free, ticketed Gerry Hassan examines the state of contemporary Scotland, the context of the independence referendum, and its wider consequences. Caledonian Dreaming challenges some of the central assumptions of public life and politics and identiﬁes 6 myths that deﬁne modern Scotland. Wine and light refreshments will be served. Tickets: Blackwell’s Bookshop 0131 622 8218 Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Bonnie Collier Lads and Lassies

Rachel Newton: Changeling

Wed 7 May, 7.30pm (2hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £8 (£6)

Wed 7 May, 7.30pm (2 hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £9 (£6)

Ewan McVicar and Siobhan Miller perform songs and stories of Scottish coalmines and their communities. This rare project takes us into a world of grit, humanity, lament, joy and social solidarity over centuries of howking for shale oil and coal.

Changelings are travellers between the fairy realm and the everyday, carrying tokens of magic and of loss. Sometimes kidnapped and sometimes transformed, their tales and ballads are like the transformations of music and of the imagination. In this stunning evocation, Rachel Newton, of The Shee and the Emily Portman Trio, takes us across the borders, and back again. Based on a Celtic Connections New Voices Commission.

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Eileen McGann & David K

Simon Kempston & Barnett Rutherford

Ballad of the Five Marys

Wed 7 May, 8pm (2hrs 30) Pleasance Cabaret Bar £10 (£8)/£6 EFC Members

Wed 7 May, 8.30pm (2hrs) The Royal Oak £9 (£7)

Thu 8 May, 6pm (1hr) Scottish Storytelling Centre £6 (£4)

One of Canada’s leading singersongwriters, Eileen McGann, forms a delightful Celtic and contemporary duo with the versatile David K. A great opportunity to catch this ﬁne artist in Scotland.

A rare chance to see award-winning Scottish songwriter and leading ﬁngerstyle guitarist Simon Kempston perform his beautifully crafted folk-tinged songs in one of Scotland’s most intimate music venues. Dynamic duo Steve Rutherford and Mark Barnett have a rich musical chemistry and perform an eclectic, eccentric mix of original pieces incorporating driving grooves and delicate arrangements.

Songs and stories of Mary Queen of Scots, beginning in the unique atmosphere of John Knox House. Donald Smith’s new novel celebrates the lives of ﬁve resilient and remarkable young women, accompanied by songs from Wendy Carle Taylor.

Tickets: Edinburgh Folk Club: 0131 650 2458 and Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

24 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Pelmanism by Dilys Rose Thu 8 May, 6.30pm (1hr) Blackwell’s Bookshop Free, ticketed In this sensitive new novel from Dilys Rose, fragments of memory reveal fragmenting lives and the bitterness and love between one young girl and her father, building to the emotional challenge of a reunion. Join in the launch event. ‘Like a swallow in ﬂight, she dips in and out of her characters’ heads…’ - The Herald Wine and light refreshments will be served. Tickets: Blackwell’s Bookshop 0131 622 8218 Event Type:

RANT

Catherine Lomax

Thu 8 May, 8pm (1hr 30) The Queen’s Hall £15 (£12)

Thu 8 May, 7pm (3hrs 15) The Ensign Ewart Bar Free, non-ticketed

RANT is the meeting of four of Scotland’s ﬁnest ﬁddle players, two from the Shetland Islands and two from the Highlands. Bethany Reid, Jenna Reid, Sarah-Jane Summers and Lauren MacColl join forces to create a sound that is rich and vibrant. ‘Hypnotic’ (The Herald), ‘An impressive showcase’ (The Scotsman).

Local singer/songwriter Catherine Lomax has been involved in folk music from a young age, winning the Tallyman Trophy at Fylde Folk Festival in 2006 and performing at Brampton Live, the Carlisle Folk Club and the Ireby Folk Festival, as well as performing a session on BBC Radio Cumbria. Here she plays folk and acoustic covers as well her own original material.

Tickets: The Queen’s Hall Box Ofﬁce: 0131 668 2019 www.thequeenshall.net/ about/the-box-ofﬁce Event Type:

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Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Skerryvore Live Thu 8 May, 7pm (3hrs 15) The Caves Advance £12.50; £15 on door Skerryvore (STMA Live Act of the year 2011) bring their unique sound to a unique venue in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Their typical, high octane performance of contemporary Scottish folk-rock is an exciting mix of traditional roots and varied world inﬂuences, and will feature previews from their forthcoming new album. Age 14+ – under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Ballad and the Sang – The Spiers Family in Concert Thu 8 May, 7.30pm (2hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £9 (£6) A folk feast of traditional ballads and sangs, many linked to the renowned GreigDuncan Folksong Collection. A founder member of The Gaugers, Tom Spiers is heard here in the melodic company of his wife Maggie Spiers and daughter Emma Spiers. A superb ensemble sound from the heart of folk tradition. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

26 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Kilter Ceilidh & the Doppelgang Horns Thu 8 May, 8pm (3hrs) Assembly Roxy £10 (£6) Kilter Ceilidh Band and the Horndog Brass Band have collaborated to provide the ultimate ceilidh experience. Kilter’s trademark danceable grooves with a topping of driving tunes, seasoned with some of the ﬁnest horn players around. The result is HUGE. Don’t miss this. 18+ only. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Cuairt Litreachas Gàidhlig Dùn ÈIdeann Gaelic Literary Tour of Edinburgh Fri 9 May 2pm (2hrs) Start at The Hub, Castlehill £6 (£4) A bilingual walking tour of Old Town locations associated with Scotland’s Gaelic literature. The afternoon stroll will introduce you to the riches of Gaelic poetry while also being accessible to those with little Gaelic. Le taic bho City of Literature bidh a’ chuairt coise dà-chànanach seo a’ tadhal air làraich san t-Seann Bhaile aig a bheil ceangal ri litreachas Gaidhlig. Gheibh an luchd-èisteachd cothrom blas bàrdachd a chluintinn ach bidh e cuideachd freagarrach do dhaoine gun mòran Gàidhlig. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Supported by Edinburgh Unesco City of Literature Trust.

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Scotland’s Storytelling Renaissance Fri 9 May, 6.30pm (1hr 30) Meadows Lecture Theatre Free, ticketed Why has live storytelling come back into the cultural mainstream in Scotland? Is it a folk tradition or a contemporary art - and why has a tech savvy generation tapped into story? Storyteller and founding Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Donald Smith offers some insights and opens up the issues for discussion and debate. Part of the storytelling-based initiative At Home in Scotland: Stories of Place. Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ scotlands-storytelling-renaissance-tickets10529466919 Event Type:

Hert o Oor Lairnin: Scots Music Group Tutors in Concert Fri 9 May, 7.30pm (3hrs) Teviot Row House (Debating Hall) SMG Members £9 (£7); Non- members £10 (£8) A handsel of eclectic musical talent - Stan Reeves & Matt Smith playing with Sarah Northcott; singers Wendy Carle Taylor, Steve Byrne, Mary McCann & Jennifer Sterling; ﬁddlers galore and stepdancing with Alison Carlyle. Tutors past and present mix it for a diverse evening of ceilidh culture. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

28 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

The Medicine Show Revue

The Alastair Savage Trio

Fri 9 May, 7.30pm (3hrs) Summerhall £8

Fri 9 May, 7.30pm (2hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £12 (£10)

A cavalcade of ﬁne Highland performers comprising of award-winning guitarist Hamish Roberts, cult songwriter and funny-man Fash Stewart, and the renowned Cigarbox Don - whose 2013 album has been received with aplomb, featuring the much-loved I’m feeling like Oor Wullie. The Highlanders are joined by former Dougie MacLean Band regular Fraser Anderson and The David Latto Band.

A Scottish ﬁddle journey by one of the country’s leading ensembles, exploring the traditional music of Scotland alongside tunes from the present day. A unique blend of sound contrasting up-tempo numbers with soulful airs, the concert celebrates the trio’s 10 years together with music from their 3 albums alongside newer material.

Tickets: Summerhall 0845 874 3001 www.summerhall.co.uk/ Event Type:

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

The Old Dance School

Trail West @ Bothan

Fri 9 May, 8pm (2hrs 30) Pleasance Cabaret Bar £12 (£10)/£8 EFC Members

Fri 9 May, 8.30pm (2hrs 30) The Canons’ Gait £5 (£3)

A musical feast drawing on folk, classical, jazz and blues. Growing out of jam sessions at the Fox Dance School in Birmingham, this multi-instrumental group has become one of the hottest tickets on the English folk scene. Music to get you dancing!

Trail West (Scottish Dance Band of the Year 2013) plays Bothan along with special guests. West coast music with a twist, Gaelic songs and great ‘craic’ guaranteed from this Hebridean band. 18+ only.

Tickets: Edinburgh Folk Club: 0131 650 2458 and Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Cluichidh an còmhlan Trail West (‘Còmhlandannsaidh as fhèarr’ aig na Scots Trad Awards 2013) aig Bothan, club-oidhche Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann, cuide ri aoighean airson cèilidh thradiseanta. Bidh ceòl bhon Iar a tha beagan diofraichte, òrain Ghàidhlig agus craic gu leòr ann bhon còmhlan òg. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

The Secret Life of Suitcases

by Lewis Hetherington and Ailie Cohen Sat 10 May, 1pm & 3.30pm (50mins) Scottish Storytelling Centre £8 (£6) Larry works in an ofﬁce and he likes it very much. Everything in its place, a place for everything. But one day, a suitcase appears at his door. And this suitcase has a mission... Join Larry’s puppet-led antics as he discovers the thrill of adventure in this magical new show. Suitable for ages 5+. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Meet the Harp Sat 10 May, 2pm (2hrs 30) Teviot Row House (Dining Room) £6 (£4) This gentle introduction to the music and background of the Clarsach or Celtic harp is perfect for potential learners as well as those with a general interest in the instrument. Following a break, there will be a short concert included in the programme. Led by Heather Yule and Patsy Seddon in association with Edinburgh International Harp Festival. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

FluteFling: Edinburgh Scottish Flute Day

Mrs Mash: Kail Yard Tales

Sat 10 May, 9.30am (7hrs) St James Church Hall, Portobello £25 (£20)

Sat 10 May, 11am (1hr) Scottish Storytelling Centre £5 per child

Explore and develop ways of playing Scottish traditional music on the ﬂute in this all-day workshop. Covering different styles and tunes, technique, decoration, breathing, tone, phrasing and history.

Mrs. Mash the Storytelling Cook is back with more stories and songs about Scotland’s amazing food. Find out about Incredible Crowdie, A Pail full of Kale and Fergus the Fisherman’s happy herring. Oh and look out for some cheeky wee woolly mice...! For ages 4+

Led by three experienced traditional musicians: Kenny Hadden (wooden flute, Aberdeen), Sharon Creasey (Boehm system flute, Glasgow), Gordon Turnbull (wooden flute, Edinburgh). Age 16+. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

30 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Aa The Airts: Project Wish Tree by National Collective Sat 10 May, 7pm (3hrs) Teviot Row House (Debating Hall) £8 (£5) A curated evening of new music, song, stories, poetry, ﬁlm and visual art installations inspired by the nation’s colourful collective imagination. The Wish Tree is a project from National Collective, the open and non-party creative campaign for Scottish independence. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Taffy Thomas’ Ancestral Voices

Blyde Lasses: Shetland Songs and Tunes

Sat 10 May, 7.30pm (2hrs) Scottish Storytelling Centre £9 (£6)

Sun 11 May, 3pm (1hr 30) Scottish Storytelling Centre £6 (£4)

An inspired tribute to the great storytelling voices of Britain and Ireland - Ruth Tongue, Seamus Ennis, Duncan Williamson, John Campbell and Betsy Whyte – as they are reconvened by the ﬁrst Storytelling Laureate Taffy Thomas. Musicians Will Hampson, Briony Grifﬁths and Alan Fitzimmons and the Newcastle Kingsmen (sword dancers) add some vigorous magic of their own.

Journey with Blyde Lasses (Glad Girls) into Shetland’s rich musical tradition via their unique combination of ﬁddle, concertina and voice. Claire White and Frances Wilkins deliver a sparkling afternoon of storytelling, songs and ﬁne tunes, stemming from their ethnomusicology and broadcasting expertise. Hear tales of Shetland’s past come alive afresh in their youthful hands and voices.

Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org

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Dolina McLennan a Continuing Renaissance Sun 11 May, 2pm (2hrs 30) Teviot Row House (Underground) £7(£5) Directed by Mike Alexander of Pelicula Films Ltd for BBC Alba, Dolina (2012) is an archive-rich, hour-length celebration of the career of Dolina MacLennan, singer, actor, writer and Gaelic activist. Followed by An Ceasnachadh (1999) which recreates, in searingly dramatic form, the ordeal of a police questioning in the course of which Stone of Destiny activist Kay Matheson refused to recognise the English language. Directed by Mike Alexander from a script by Douglas Eadie and starring Kathleen MacInnes (who also sings in Dolina) and Dolina MacLennan, who play respectively the young and old Kay. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Scott’s Songs: Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border Sun 11 May, 2pm (2hrs) Teviot Row House (Dining Room) £8 (£6) To accompany the new historical critical edition of Scott’s 1802 Minstrelsy, Malinky singer and folklorist Steve Byrne assembles a cast of singers from today’s trad scene to perform ballads from the collection. Includes border and classic ballads ﬁrst published by Scott which have been sustained in the oral tradition to the present day. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

32 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Photo by Josh Pulman

TradFest Debate: Revival or Renaissance?

Reflect it in Sang: Sangstream Finale Concert

Sun 11 May, 5pm (1hr 15) Teviot Row House (Dining Room) Free, non-ticketed

Sun 11 May, 7pm (2hrs 30) Teviot Row House (Dining Room) £7 (£5); £2 for children accompanied by adult

Are we in a cultural revival or renaissance now in Scotland? If so why, and where is it taking us? TradFest performers and activists look across the artistic spectrums to consider the present and debate the future, and what if anything should be done about it. Event Type:

Inspired by choir members’ personal and family histories, Sangstream and friends present a fascinating collection of folk songs, stories and music that bring a personal narrative to key events and movements from the last 100 years in Scotland. Tickets: Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Ofﬁce: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita Sun 11 May 7.30pm (TBC) Usher Hall £16.50 / £14, Children £10, Student £10 (limited availability) Merging the boundaries between classical, world, folk and traditional music, Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita blend two completely different musical cultures and create something coherent, relevant and entirely new. Winners of Roots Album of the Year, 2013 for Clychau Dibon. 12+ – under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: 0131 228 1155 www.usherhall.co.uk Event Type:

Exhibitions Photo by Drummond Young & Watson

The Wee Folk Club: Alastair McDonald Sun 11 May, 8.30pm (2hrs 30 mins) The Royal Oak £5 Scotland’s leading musical minstrel –folksong jazz banjo player and recording artiste extarordinaire - takes to the wee room to provide his own reviving magic at the close of TradFest. Everybody’s happy, everybody’s there. Tickets: Royal Oak 0131 557 2976 or on the door Event Type:

A Wide New Kingdom: The Celtic Revival in Scotland Thu 1 - Mon 5 May Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh Free, non-ticketed Explore this neglected yet fertile chapter of Scotland’s story through paintings, illustration, manuscripts, books, photographs and historic ﬁlm footage. This exhibit is associated with the Celtic Revival Conference (see Pg. 9) and can also be seen in advance of TradFest, 15th March to 19th April 2014. Event Type:

34 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Photo by Drummond Young & Watson

The Celtic Revival in Scotland (1860-1930) Sat 15 Feb - Sun 8 Jun Scottish National Gallery (Weston Link Corridor) Free, non-ticketed This small display features key artworks from the permanent collection by the leading artists of the Celtic Revival movement in Scotland. Sir Patrick Geddes’ series of books The Evergreen: A Northern Seasonal is displayed alongside works by Phoebe Anna Traquair, John Duncan and Robert Burns. Event Type:

Celtic Lino-Cutting Workshop – A two-day course Tue 29 & Wed 30 Apr, 10.30am (5hrs 30) Scottish National Gallery £60 (£55) As part of Edinburgh TradFest 2014, led by artist and printmaker Sarah Gittins, explore Celtic imagery in the Scottish National Gallery collection as inspiration for creating beautiful lino cut designs for printmaking. Suitable for ages 16+. Tickets: Tickets must be bought in advance at the Information Desk of the Scottish National Gallery or by phoning 0131 624 6560 Event Type:

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Trad Hall of Fame Tue 29 Apr - Sun 11 May Scottish Storytelling Centre Free, non-ticketed The Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to giving acknowledgement and recognition to musicians and pioneers who, by their dedication and hard work, have supported and inﬂuenced the development of Scottish traditional music during their lives. Launched at the Scots Trad Music Awards in December 2005, the membership of the Hall of Fame will be added to annually. There are over 70 inductees in the Hall. To read about the inductees please visit www.tradmusichall.com. Event Type:

Street Life of Victorian Edinburgh The Colourful World of Ned Holt

The Scottish Colourist Series: J.D. Fergusson

Mon 2 May - Sun 29 Jun (10am - 5pm) The Museum of Edinburgh Free, non-ticketed

A landmark series of Scottish Colourist exhibitions culminates with the retrospective of the work of J.D. Fergusson (1874-1961). More than 100 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and items of archival material will be on display, showing the links between continental art and the colourists.

Ned Holt was a well-known showman in Victorian Edinburgh. To supplement his income he painted the colourful street characters among whom he worked. This is the ﬁrst time these social ‘masterpieces’ have been exhibited, where they will be accompanied by poems specially written by Edinburgh poet Donald Campbell.

Tickets: Book on www.nationalgalleries.org

Event Type:

36 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Until 15th June (see www.nationalgalleries.org for times) Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art £7 (£5)

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JD Fergusson Grace McColl 1930 Private collection courtesy The Richard Green Gallery, London © The Fergusson Gallery, Perth & Kinross Council. Photograph courtesy The Richard Green Gallery, London.

J. D. Fergusson: Picture of a Celt Until 15th June The Fergusson Gallery, Perth Free, non-ticketed John Duncan Fergusson was ﬁercely proud of his Perthshire ancestry. He placed great importance on it, increasingly seeing this ‘Celtic spirit’ as the main source that fuelled his creativity. Both his parents were Perthshire Fergussons, and in around 1900 Fergusson consciously adopted the double ‘s’ spelling of his mother’s name, which he felt reﬂected more closely the meaning, ‘Son of Fergus’. Event Type:

These exhibitions are a partnership between the National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh and The Fergusson Gallery, Perth & Kinross Council. The Fergusson Gallery exhibition will explore Fergusson’s Perthshire roots and what this Scottish artistic identity meant to him. It will also look at his interest in paganism, nature and rhythm together with his place in Modernism and Celtic Nationalism in Scottish Art.

Tuesday 29th April to Sunday 11th May 2014

Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2014

Once Upon a Place Once Upon a Place looks at the past, handed on to us in story, with special touring events radiating out from the capital city across Scotland in a ten day celebration of storytelling traditions. The Festival combines storytelling ceilidhs with talks, landscape tours and specially-commisioned performances. Guest storytellers from Europe, North America and the Paciﬁc regions, perform alongside the cream of Scotland’s renowned storytelling talent, with a ﬁnale weekend marking the ancient Celtic New Year – Samhainn/Hallowe’en.

Friday 24 October – Sunday 2 November 38 TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann

Traditional Scottish Culture. Live.

Rooted in the past. Resonating in the present.

Tradfest Venue Information

Arthur’s Seat Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 Assembly Roxy 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh EH8 9SU 0131 623 3000 www.assemblyfestival.com/roxy Blackwell’s Bookshop 53-62 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1YS 0131 622 8222 http://stores.blackwell.co.uk/ stores/edinburgh-southbridge Calton Hill Edinburgh EH1 Disabled access: Wheelchair/disabled access via Carriage Drive The Canons’ Gait 232 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DQ 0131 556 4481 www.canonsgait.com The Caves 8-12 Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NS 0131 557 8989 www.thecavesedinburgh.com Counting House 36 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh Eh8 9DD 0131 667 7533 www.pear-tree-house.co.uk The Ensign Ewert 521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PE 0131 225 7440 www.ensignewart.demon.co.uk The Fergusson Gallery Marshall Place, Perth PH2 8NS 01738 783425 www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6471/ The-Fergusson-Gallery Museum of Edinburgh 142 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD 0131 529 4143 www.edinburghmuseums.org. uk/Venues/Museum-of-Edinburgh Meadows Lecture Theatre William Robertson Wing, Old Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG National Library of Scotland George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW 0131 623 3700 www.nls.uk Pleasance Cabaret Bar 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ 0131 650 4673

The Queens Hall 85-89 Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JG 0131 668 2019 www.thequeenshall.net The Royal Oak 1 Inﬁrmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT 0131 557 2976 www.royal-oak-folk.com Scottish National Gallery The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL 0131 624 6200 www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/114/ Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh EH4 3DR 0131 624 6200 www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/introduction-118 Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org/scottish-storytelling-centre St James Parish Church Roseﬁeld Place, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 1AZ 0131 669 1767 www.stjamesparishchurch.org.uk Summerhall 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL 0845 874 3000 www.summerhall.co.uk Talbot Rice Gallery The University of Edinburgh Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL 0131 650 2210 Teviot Row House 13 Bristo Square, Edinburgh EH8 9AJ 0131 650 4673 www.eusa.ed.ac.uk Usher Hall Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EA 0131 228 8616 www.usherhall.co.uk Voodoo Rooms 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA 0131 556 7060 www.thevoodoorooms.com The Washhouse 3 Adelphi Grove, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 1AP 0131 669 8275 www.thewashhouse.org/wp

TradFest Box Ofﬁce: Scottish Storytelling Centre 43-45 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SR T: 0131 556 9579 www.tracscotland.org For the Tradfest Trail visit www.tracscotland.org/tradfest-trail

Please see individual event listings for alternative ticket details where available.

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