SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER 2016

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

SHARON SHANNON BAND Glenn Tilbrook

Hugh McIlvanney

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (PLAY) Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook BRICK CITY Man of Moon Strange Behaviours Fest Russell Kane

culturestirling.org

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Nordic Fiddlers Bloc p131

As we head into autumn months there are a huge range of events, exhibitions, workshops and classes ahead! Taking over the Tolbooth for a month we have the ‘Brick City’ exhibition – a must for any LEGO enthusiasts as impressive replicas of London 2012 Olympic Park, Rome’s Colosseum and the Las Vegas strip go on display, alongside the chance to get creative and build your own structures and inventions. In amongst this there’s loads of great live entertainment to get your teeth into. Memorable nights of music are in store from NY blues legend Guy Davis and Brooks Williams, Sharon Shannon Band, Squeeze’s Glenn Tilbrook and Man of Moon amongst others. The indie/alternative/progressive music festival Strange Behaviours is back with 2 nights of live music spread over 3 stages in the Tolbooth. We bring thought-provoking theatre in Mungo Park and The Collector. And don’t forget – family arts fun-day TOP Fest returns 8th October all around Top of the Town! Albert Halls’ highlights include comedy from Russell Kane, legendary sports writer Hugh McIlvanney, and Swinging at the Cotton Club, recreating the music and dance of this unique Harlem club with the fabulous Lindy Hop Dance Company and The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra. Towards the end of the year festive nights include Roddy Woomble, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play on Stage’, the massively successful Phil Cunningham's Christmas songbook, Skerryvore, a Christmas Fair and our annual Hogmanay Ceilidh. We hope to see you before the year is out! Culture Stirling team

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Tolbooth, Jail Wynd, Stirling FK8 1DE Box Office 01786 274000 Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-6pm Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2QL Box Office 01786 473544 Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm Libraries 01786 237535 TICKETS & ACCESS Conditions: tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded unless the event is cancelled. We reserve tickets for a maximum of three days. No reservations will be taken within three days of an event. Concessions apply to some events; check individual event. Online booking fee applies. Our venues are fully accessible and can accommodate a number of wheelchair users at each performance. Please mention at the time of booking if you require a wheelchair space. Tolbooth and Albert Halls have an induction loop system, please ask at Box Office for more details. If you need information on tape, large print or Braille, contact 0845 277 7000 TOLBOOTH PARKING The Old Town Jail Car Park, in St John Street, will be opened for the use of Tolbooth customers one hour before performances and re-opened for half an hour afterwards only. There will be no access out with these times. The Tolbooth is located in a residential area so your cooperation on use of the car parking facility is very much appreciated.

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CONTENTS TOLBOOTH Mungo Park 

4

Glenn Tilbrook 

18

Sharon Shannon 

4

Medbøe /Eriksen /Halle

5

Dean Owens and The Whisky Hearts

19

Gary Little 

19

Fred Morrison Christmas Ceilidhs

My Darling Clementine  5 Seann Walsh

6

Forbidden Nights 

33

American Wrestling

33

20

Stirling Council’s Annual School’s Concert 

34

20

Stars of Irish Country Show

34

21

Michelle McManus’ Reality – The Musical

35

Stirling Orchestra

35

NYCoS Stirling Choir Winter Concert

36

The Roy Orbison Story

36

Christmas Fair

37

Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook

37

FUNBOX presents Christmas Wonderland

38

Nine Below Zero + support 

6

Cahalen Morrison and Eli West

Rock for Strathcarron The Quireboys

7

Carolyn and Jonathan Sparey

Roddy Woomble’s Christmas Hootenanny21

7

Lucy Spraggan

8

It’s a Wonderful Life – A Radio Play by Tony Palermo 22

Tina May and Enrico Pieranunzi

8

Rura9 Blue Rose Code

9

The Collector by Henry Naylor 

10

Vonda Shepard

10

The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra

The Simon & Garfunkel Story 32

23

Skerryvore23 ALBERT HALLS Bloody Scotland

25

Scotfairs Antique

26

Albert Halls Hogmanay Ceilidh

38

TOPFEST11

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham

26

ARTS NEWS & EXHIBITIONS 

39

The Stray Birds

12

Heart of Scotland Choir 

27

Man of Moon!

12

41

Kris Drever

13

Doug Scott CBE Everest: The Hard Way

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

27

LIBRARIES

24

Nordic Fiddlers Bloc

13

Hugh McIlvanney

28

Mark Steel 

14

New Focus Quartet

14

Heidi Talbot

43

Thank ABBA For The Music 29 Rolling Back The Years

29

15

Dominic Kirwan 

30

Martin Stephenson and The Daintees 

Russell Kane 

30

15

The Blues Brothers

31

Guy Davis and Brooks Williams

16

Duncan Chisholm

16

Rock for Strathcarron A Foreigner’s Journey and Who’s Next

31

Strange Behaviours

17

culturestirling.org

Coming Soon

Swinging At The Cotton Club 32 3

TOLBOOTH

Dogstar Theatre present:

Sharon Shannon

Travels in the Interior of Africa

DATE Saturday 3 September TIME 8pm TICKETS £17 / £15

Mungo Park

DATE Friday 2 September TIME 8pm Running time 80mins with no interval TICKETS £13 / £11 Directed by Martin Lyngbo / Written by Martin Lyngbo and Thor Bjorn Krebs Dogstar is delighted to be working with one of Scandinavia’s most innovative and popular independent theatre companies, Mungo Park Arts Centre of Copenhagen, to bring a highly entertaining and epic adventure story to audiences the story of the Scottish explorer Mungo Park. In 1795 and 1805, Park led two expeditions to West Africa to chart the River Niger and investigate tales of vast gold wealth. Park died on the 2nd expedition, along with nearly all of his party. His journal survived. The play is a tragi-comic retelling of the story, with the 18th century figure of Park interacting with two young men from today. As the story moves towards its latter stages, the folly of Park’s project, its development into an ever more crazy and violent colonial adventure is exposed. A rip-roaring entertainment and a salutary story.

Sharon Shannon, the mighty accordionist from County Clare, is one of the most gifted musicians of her generation and is renowned throughout the world for her collaborations, not just in Irish traditional music, but through all musical genres, a testament to her versatility as well as talent. Her eponymous release Sharon Shannon is the bestselling album of traditional Irish music ever released and in 2009 the Meteor Music Awards honoured Sharon as the youngest ever winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Tonight Sharon will play new material alongside old favourites such as ‘The Galway Girl’ and ‘The Blackbird’ with her band Alan Connor on keys, guitars, percussion and vocals, Sean Regan on fiddle and Jim Murray on guitar. ‘her instrumental technique is remarkable, yet looks effortless; and her smile could light up a small fishing village by itself’ The Guardian

**** ‘Hilarious and radical’

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH

Medbøe/ Eriksen/ Halle DATE Friday 9 September TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12 Scottish based guitarist Haftor Medbøe with his Norwegian compatriots Espen Eriksen (piano) and Gunnar Halle (trumpet and voice) perform music from their recent acclaimed album release, The Space Between. Their particular Nordic Noir conjured by three musicians at the top of their game produces majestic melodies with jazz at its heart, combined with textural acoustic soundscapes and electronic interludes. Born in Lœrdal, (Norway), Haftor Medbøe is resident in Scotland where he is Associate Professor of Music and Jazz Musician in Residence at Edinburgh Napier University. Eriksen and Halle are internationally renowned in their own right, touring extensively and recording on, amongst others, the Rune Gramofon and Ozella labels.

Lakin McCarthy presents

Mark Billingham and My Darling Clementine – The Other Half DATE

Saturday 10 September

TIME

8.15pm TICKETS £12 A unique collaboration between the leading lights of crime fiction and country music, an original story read by bestselling crime writer Mark Billingham is sound tracked by the powerful and poignant songs of acclaimed Americana duo My Darling Clementine. In a rundown Memphis bar, Marcia – a washed – up Vegas showgirl – works double shifts and reflects on her single doomed shot at happiness, while her customers tell the stories of their own troubled lives. Tales of lust, loss...and murder. ‘Although the songs and the stories deal with marital discord and life’s little ups and downs, the end result, like all good country music, raises the spirits and is, ultimately, life affirming.’ Lonesome Highway theotherhalfshow.com

culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

Beyond & Off the Kerb present

Seann Walsh – One for the Road + Mark Simmons

DATE Tuesday 13 September TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 Age recommendation 14+ The Lie-in King, star of BBC2’s Live At The Apollo, E4’s Virtually Famous and the Walsh On Film podcast, returns with this all-new show. Within two years of his first comedy performance, Seann was the winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. Shortly after other accolades included; Chortle Best Breakthrough Act Nominee 2010, Chortle Best Compere Nominee 2011 and Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee in 2013. Seann Walsh is also a regular on TV shows, including ‘Big Bad World’ (Comedy Central), ‘Monks’ (BBC1) and Three Kinds of Stupid (Sky Arts). Support is from Mark Simmons; Puns, one-liners, prop gags, and with charm and idiocy in abundance the master of delightfully daft but carefully crafted jokes.

Nine Below Zero + support

DATE Thursday 15 September TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 / £11 Nine Below Zero’s founding members Mark Feltham and Dennis Greaves released their album, Duo, in 2015. With Mark on harmonica, Dennis on guitar and the duo sharing vocal duties, they have used the bare essentials to pay homage to the blues musicians, in particular Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, who inspired them to form a band and start writing music 38 years ago. Join Mark and Dennis for a top night of acoustic blues, along with some unplugged versions of well-known Nine Below Zero material ‘Mark and I are looking forward to getting up close with the audience who like us, are fans of the blues. Along with the songs, we will talk about the artists who inspired so many of the great British blues bands of the 1960s, who in turn went on to inspire us’.

‘Unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation’ The Guardian ‘like a cross between Noel Fielding and Tim Vine’ **** Broadway Baby, Fringe Review 2015

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH

Cahalen Morrison and Eli West

Carolyn and Jonathan Sparey

DATE Friday 16 September TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 / £11

DATE Saturday 24 September TIME 2.30pm TICKETS £9

Cahalen Morrison and Eli West are firmly established as one of the most important roots music duos to have emerged on the Americana circuit in recent years. Their last album (their third) was produced by Tim O’Brien who said that the pair ‘make music the world needs!’

Stirling-based musician Carolyn Sparey will be joined by her brother, Jonathan, for a varied programme of music for two violins, including a delightful dip into some unexpectedly quirky music by Telemann!

On the back of the release of their debut album in Europe, Bob Harris invited them to record a studio session for his BBC Radio 2 show. They created a huge impact during their first ever UK tour and debut Celtic Connections Festival, and were subsequently invited back to Glasgow for their own headline show. They’re back from their base in Seattle with a selection of familiar material as well as new songs due to be featured on the next album due out later this year. ‘Beautiful rootsy Americana’ Time Out

Jonathan Sparey was a member of the prestigious award-winning Fitzwilliam String Quartet for thirtyseven years, and Carolyn has been principal viola with both the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Carolyn and Jonathan have been performing together since they first began playing as young children, their repertoire including Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante, which they have performed from Dundee to Guernsey over the decades. There will be an interval during which tea and cakes can be purchased at the café/bar.

‘Thrilling’ The List ‘Outstanding’ fRoots magazine

culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

Tina May and Enrico Pieranunzi Lucy Spraggan DATE TIME TICKETS

Tuesday 27 September 8pm (doors 7.30pm) SOLD OUT

Lucy Spraggan appeared on the X Factor in 2012, since then her audition video has been viewed 35 million times on YouTube. She was also the most Googled musician of 2012, after she came off the show and immediately signed to Columbia Records. Her debut album Join the Club was a top-ten success and Lucy has enjoyed sell-out tours since then. Her latest record We Are was released on her own label, CTRL Records. In 2016 Lucy brings her distinctive sound on a solo acoustic tour and releases her latest EP Home. Fans can expect some exciting new music alongside all the favourites that have filled her previous two albums.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

DATE Friday 30 September TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12 One of Europe’s finest jazz singers, Tina May, and Italy’s outstanding, internationally acclaimed pianist Enrico Pieranunzi bring their 2015 album, Home is Where the Heart Is, to the stage in this evening of warm, intimate entertainment. Recognised for her abilities as a musician as much as she is for being a classy interpreter of lyrics and melody, Tina May is the consummate jazz performer and her partnership with Enrico Pieranunzi places her with a supremely sensitive accompanist and a brilliantly creative improviser. Tonight they present familiar songs from the jazz and chanson canons – May is a fluent French speaker – and original compositions in those same traditions, and with May’s natural and engaging onstage personality and witty between-song chat, they transport, delight and above all completely involve their audience. ‘Inventive and elegant, the whole collection is quite captivating’ **** The Guardian

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TOLBOOTH

Blue Rose Code DATE Thursday 6 October TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 / £11

Rura DATE Saturday 1 October TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12 They are undeniably one of Scotland’s most soughtafter, universally appealing acts. One listen – live or recorded – and it’s easy to see why. Their debut Tolbooth performance got one of the best reactions ever from the audience lucky enough to be there. With their second album Despite the Dark, accompanied by extensive UK and international touring, the combination of Steven Blake, Adam Brown, David Foley, Adam Holmes and Jack Smedley’s powerful instrumentals and haunting songcraft has cemented their reputation as one of Scotland’s most powerful folk-based bands. Their exquisitely rugged, yet refined blend of fiddle, highland pipes, voice, flute, bodhran and guitar has proven a resounding hit with audiences and critics alike.

In the space of only a short few years and two stellar albums, Blue Rose Code, Edinburgh-born Ross Wilson, has gone from song-writing in the obscurity of an East London flat to being celebrated by the industry and fans alike as a legacy artist whose work stands out a cut above... with the man behind the music, Ross Wilson rightly winning huge praise for his elegant and heartfelt songs. His latest album, And Lo! The Bird is On The Wing has thrilled fans and critics alike with its beguiling mix of flawless folk, jazz, soul and country sounds with Celtic hints. ‘Ross Wilson’s ability to write songs that tug the full spectrum of emotions remains quite remarkable, with beautifully bruised balladry amongst bolder brushstrokes of soul and jazz.’

‘one of the most exciting bands on the Scottish folk scene’ Songlines

culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

Kathryn Barker Productions

The Collector by Henry Naylor

DATE Friday 7 October TIME 8pm Running time 75 mins with no interval TICKETS £13 / £11 / £8 14-18yrs Age recommendation 14+ 2003. Mazrat Prison, Iraq. Previously one of Saddam’s most notorious torture houses, where more than 10,000 people died, it is now under Allied command. Nassir works here, translating for the American interrogators. He’s local, proWestern, determined to bring liberal values to his country and is about to get married to Zoya, his sweetheart. But when he is recognised by Faisal, new prisoner and psychotic supporter of the old regime, his life becomes a living hell.

Vonda Shepard DATE Monday 10 October TIME 8pm TICKETS SOLD OUT Only Scottish date She is back following the success of her sell out UK 2015 tour. ‘I had so much fun performing for my fans in the UK, it was the highlight of my year and I cannot wait to come back and see everyone again’. Vonda first shot to fame through her long running appearances, performances and musical accompaniment on the smash hit US TV show Ally McBeal. The theme song ‘Searching My Soul’ reached the top 10 in the UK and Vonda released a series of Ally inspired albums which went on to sell a staggering 12 million copies worldwide. With the release of her 14th album, Rookie, Vonda with her trio will be performing new and old songs alike.

Born out of Henry Naylor’s own experiences of a visit to Bagram Airbase in 2003, The Collector is a compelling tale of murder, evil and betrayal set in occupied Iraq. One of the most highly-acclaimed shows at the 2014 Edinburgh Festival, it won a prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Award, which was followed by a sold-out run at London’s Arcola Theatre.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH & VARIOUS VENUES

TOPFEST 2016

DATE Saturday 8 October TIME 10am TICKETS Free Now in its third year, the family arts festival returns in October, spread out across an array of venues in and around the historic heart of Stirling’s Top of the Town. Bringing together many of Stirling’s art and heritage organisations, TOPFEST is a full day of workshops and events spanning music, art, crafts, storytelling, theatre and much, much more.

Entirely free to attend, it’s not only an action-packed day of entertainment, but also a chance for young people to take their first steps towards new creative hobbies and interests. This year, Stirling Council’s Culture and Education teams are delighted to once again be working in partnership with Macrobert, Artlink Central, Historic Environment Scotland (Stirling Castle and The Engine Shed), The Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Pathfoot Gallery and others… This year will also involve us taking arts activities into local schools in the lead up to the event. www.topfestival.org Keep an eye on the website for information and booking information!

culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

The Stray Birds DATE Thursday 13 October TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12 The Stray Birds are one of the hottest bands on the US roots music circuit. Since first taking America by storm in 2013 they have gone on to win a huge fanbase, following triumphant appearances at big festivals around the world such as Celtic Connections, Cambridge Folk Festival, MerleFest and Tonder. Their last album, Best Medicine, won them even more praise from the critics, and radio exposure from presenters such as Bob Harris at BBC Radio 2 who declared ‘When the next album comes out, we’ll see them elevated into a kind of folk/bluegrass superstardom.’ Last year they were flown in to the UK for a main stage appearance at Cambridge Folk Festival where they became one of the outstanding successes of the event. Presenter Mark Radcliffe told viewers they were ‘one of the hits of the event,’ and added: ‘Everyone was talking about them – I know you’re gonna love them.’

Man of Moon + Support DATE TIME TICKETS

Thursday 20 October Doors 7.30pm £8 / £6 Standing

Merging elements of psychedelic, kraut and post rock within their 2-piece set up, the Edinburgh teens have exploded onto the Scottish new music scene, landing a critically acclaimed first single (produced by Frightened Rabbit's Andy Monaghan) tours with the Twilight Sad, a host of glowing endorsements from established acts (The Phantom Band) as well as glowing press on both sides of the Atlantic. Having played 2015’s Strange Behaviours Festival, we're thrilled to have the guys back. ‘Out of this world’ NME ‘The New Kings of Art Rock.... the best debut single by a British band since 'Ceremony' by New Order’ Observer New York

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH

Kris Drever

Nordic Fiddlers Bloc

DATE Saturday 22 October TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12

DATE Saturday 29 October TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12

Kris Drever celebrates his first decade as an acclaimed solo artist and songwriter in 2016 with a new studio album ‘If Wishes were Horses’ released by Reveal Records. Drever’s voice and guitar forms part of the backbone of today’s contemporary roots scene. Hugely admired as a solo artist, collaborator, and member of folk superstars Lau, he is a phenomenal and prolific artist.

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc is a fiddle trio from Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands who have swiftly gained a reputation for their gripping and unique blend of fiddle music.

Tonight he is joined by his friend, master guitarist Ian Carr. ‘Completely infectious’ BBC Music ‘Utterly stunning’ fROOTS Photo: Genevieve Stevenson

Comprising Olav Luksengård Mjelva (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden) and Kevin Henderson (Shetland Islands), they are each regarded as leading exponents of their respective traditions. With a firm focus on the rich traditional fiddle music from where they each belong, their clever use of harmony, rhythm, riffs & bass lines creates a sound that leaves the listener enthralled but at the same time dumbfounded that the sound only comes from three fiddles. ‘Seldom before have three fiddles sounded so well matched or indeed so much like four and at times five instruments without using electronic trickery.’ The Herald ‘pure fiddle doesn’t get much better’ Folkworld

culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

Beyond Presents

Mark Steel – Who Do I Think I Am DATE Wednesday 2 November TIME 8pm TICKETS £15 Age recommendation 14+ Mark has written, toured and presented Mark Steel’s In Town on BBC Radio 4. He has presented the BAFTA nominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC2, is a regular on BBC One’s Have I Got News For You, Radio 4’s Newsquiz. His several, acclaimed books, include Reasons To Be Cheerful and What’s Going On and he won Columnist of the Year at the Press Awards in 2015 for his column in The Independent. See Mark Steel in his newest stand up show, a surprising and enthralling story told with aplomb. ‘It never really bothered me that I’d never met my mum… It never occurred to me I needed to meet her to find out who I was. But after the birth of my own son, I realised it’s quite an event to have a child, and she may well remember giving birth to me, and maybe even the adoption.’ ‘he has got an amazing tale to tell’ **** The Guardian

New Focus Quartet DATE Friday 4 November TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12 Konrad Wiszniewski and Euan Stevenson’s New Focus is one of the most appealing, most beautifully realised projects to emerge on the UK jazz scene in recent years. Originally conceived as a fiftieth anniversary tribute to saxophone giant Stan Getz’s 1961 classic album, Focus, the group has developed a style all of its own, showcasing Scottish National Jazz Orchestra saxophone star Wiszniewski’s ravishing tone and inventive, soulfully communicative playing on tenor and soprano and Stevenson’s elegant, coolly considered pianism in compositions that ooze melodic richness and possess a flowing, cinematic quality. The quartet is completed by a rhythm section of conspicuous assurance in former Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year Andrew Robb on double bass and the SNJO’s drums and percussion dynamo, Alyn Cosker, New Focus is creating superbly accessible, hauntingly memorable jazz for the 21st century.

‘The most well-crafted and poignant comedy turns at this year’s Fringe’ ***** The Herald ‘Interesting, engaging and funny’ ***** The Mirror culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

Heidi Talbot DATE Friday 11 November TIME 8pm TICKETS £15 / £13

Martin Stephenson and The Daintees Boat to Bolivia

Heidi Talbot returns with a range of material including songs from her latest release – Here We Go 1,2,3

DATE Saturday 12 November TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 / £11

Heidi Talbot was born in Ireland, became a folk star in the USA as a member of the Irish American band Cherish the Ladies, and now lives in Scotland, all reflected in a style that switches easily between Celtic and Americana. But subtlety is Talbot’s magic ingredient, from her gossamer voice to the delicate re-working of traditional and contemporary material that earned her rave reviews for her 2012 album Angels Without Wings.

To mark the 30th Anniversary of the release of Martin Stephenson & The Daintees seminal debut album ‘Boat To Bolivia’, the band are on tour to play it in its entirety. What made this album so special was a production ahead of its time and the songs, with the sublime melodies and stark, often challenging lyrics of the tracks.

Tonight she is joined by her husband John McCusker, Sorren Maclean and Toby Shaer. **** The Guardian **** The Independant **** The Telegraph **** Q Magazine **** OK! Magazine ***** Maverick ‘Simply vocal heaven’ The Sunday Times ‘A voice that’s both awestruck and tender’ The New York Times Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

For fans old and new come and see Martin, John Steel - guitar, Chris Mordey - bass and Kate Stephenson -drums. ‘Here The Daintees dream in an often brilliant world of their own, laced with country, drenched in tuneful accessibility; crafting idiosyncratic pop from human beings mining hope and honesty in the day to day. A wonderful record’ John McCready, NME ‘The album stretches out like a cat to bring you a travelogue of American ethnic idioms as witnessed on the banks of the River Tyne’ Martin Aston, Melody Maker 15

TOLBOOTH

Guy Davis and Brooks Williams – Inside the Delta

Duncan Chisholm

DATE Friday 18 November TIME 8pm TICKETS £13 / £11

Duncan Chisholm is arguably the most accomplished and authentic interpreter of traditional Highland fiddle music. Duncan's music is elegant, trancelike and laced with strokes of genius.

New York blues legend Guy Davis and Americana / blues singer-songwriter Brooks Williams, now based in the UK but originally from Statesboro, Georgia, come together on a rare tour together. Guy’s parallel careers– as a musician, an author, a music teacher and a film, television and Broadway actor mark him out as a Renaissance man, yet the blues remain his first and greatest love, having fallen under the spell of Blind Willie McTell and Fats Waller at an early age. Kokomo Kidd, his latest album features his distinctive, deft acoustic playing and his well-crafted lyrics. Brooks brings together electric, acoustic, slide guitar, singing and songs in a way that is blues to its core but also dips a little deeper into the well. He’s been nominated ‘best male vocalist’ by Spiral Earth and his slide guitar playing is legendary, with echoes of Mississippi Fred McDowell, Bonnie Raitt and J.J. Cale. ‘Guy Davis. He’s straight out of New York, and he’s America’s greatest link to the blues right now’ Windsor Star, Ontario

DATE Saturday 19 November TIME 8pm TICKETS £15 / £13

Subsequent to highly memorable performances including the opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, recording with violin virtuoso Nicola Benedetti and Grammy nominated Beth Neilsen Chapman, Duncan has enjoyed much deserved international acclaim over recent years. Having recently toured his superbly evocative Strathglass Trilogy throughout the UK and Europe, Duncan will perform at a handpicked selection of Scottish venues during winter 2016, joined by two of Scotland’s finest musical talents, Jarlath Henderson on uilleann pipes and whistles and Innes Watson on acoustic guitar. ‘The great peaks and troughs of a musically recreated Highland landscape rising and falling with the scales Chisholm climbs as he plays his fiddle through a series of beautiful, fragile and enduring music.’ The Herald 5*****

‘Brooks is a lovely player, a lovely singer and a great writer. The real thing.’ Martin Simpson Brooks has a beautiful voice that you just melt into’ Americana UK ‘he is a fret monster who has to be seen to be believed’ San Antonio Light culturestirling.org

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TOLBOOTH

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH

Glenn Tilbrook + Support

DATE Tuesday 29 November TIME 8pm TICKETS £18 Glenn Tilbrook is the voice and face of Squeeze. It is over 40 years since he first answered Chris Difford’s ad inviting like-minded people to form what become that evergreen band. Contrary to the title of his last album ‘Happy Ending’ there is no end in sight for Glenn whether it be solo, a duo with Chris or with the reinvigorated success of Squeeze – his songwriting ability remains undimmed.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

A Glenn Tilbrook solo concert is a gig not to be missed. Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes and a shed load of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with their audience on such an immediate and warm level, whether he be leafing through his own plentiful back pages or dashing off impromptu audience requests ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Tony Orlando & Dawn, and all points in-between (there’s a challenge!) ‘Glenn Tilbrook earned his place in the gold circle of British pop tunesmiths with fully realized aural portraits like ‘Up the Junction’ and ‘Pulling Mussels (From the Shell).’ Heard in a solo acoustic context, he exudes intimate charm’ The Roost, Austin, Texas

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TOLBOOTH

Dean Owens and The Whisky Hearts DATE Friday 2 December TIME 8pm TICKETS £12 Celtic Americana from Leith via Nashville… Dean Owens is one of Scotland’s finest singer songwriters, with fans including Bob Harris, Ricky Ross, Irvine Welsh and Russell Brand. Armed with a searingly soulful voice and a neat line in memorable heart-twisting melodies, Dean filters his love of Americana through a gritty yet lyrical Scottish sensibility. His latest album – Into the Sea – was recorded in Nashville (with producer Neilson Hubbard) and garnered rave 4 and 5 star reviews. His Whisky Hearts band is former Silencers/Simple Minds drummer Jim McDermott, Brian McAlpine – keys and accordion, Amy Geddes - fiddle, Craig Ross - guitar and Mike McCann -bass, who can rock up a storm, with flashes of folk and a touch of twang. One of Scotland’s best… fantastic stuff… Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2 Scotland’s most engaging and haunting singer-songwriter… Irvine Welsh Photo: Louis de Carlo

Gary Little – A Little Bit Of Personal DATE Thursday 8 December TIME 8pm TICKETS £10 Age recommendation 16+ After a successful 2016 Fringe, Gary is back with a brand new show. This time he tells stories of paranoia, hillwalking, prison pen pals and being known as the guy with the dogs! Gary has an incredibly warm, personable style. Combine this with his unflinching honesty and openness, and just a hint of vulnerability, and audiences everywhere fall in love with his easy charm. ‘A master storyteller. Runs rings round his comedy peers’ Herald ‘Born Raconteur’ **** Scotsman ‘'A f*cking riot’ Bill Burr ‘All you'll remember is how much you laughed’ Chortle.co.uk biggarylittle.co.uk

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH

Fred Morrison DATE Friday 9 December TIME 8pm TICKETS £14 / £12 A solo performance from one of Celtic music’s most profoundly skilled and audaciously inventive exponents. Scottish piper Fred Morrison is justly famed for his passionately expressive style, rooted in the Gaelic traditions of his father’s native South Uist, and enriched by influences from far and wide, which has seen him dubbed ‘the Jimi Hendrix of the pipes’. Equally accomplished on the great Highland bagpipes, Scottish smallpipes, whistles and the Irish uilleann pipes, he has featured in the seminal Scottish bands Clan Alba and Capercaillie, and is also a record-breaking champion on the competitive piping circuit. ‘a truly great piper… one of the most influential around … and the music he produces is cracking to listen to’ The Living Tradition

culturestirling.org

Christmas Ceilidhs DATE TICKETS

Saturday 10 December Family 3pm–5pm, £10 / £8 Evening 8pm–11pm, £12 / £10

What better way to spend the lead up to Christmas than celebrating the festive season with friends and family in traditional Scottish style? Expect the usual pre-Christmas fun with the ever popular Brian McAlpine and The Scottish Ceilidh allStars – bring a friend(s) or come alone and make some when you get here! And don’t worry if you’ve never been to a Ceilidh before, our ace band will talk you through the dances and ensure a fun time for all. Both ceilidhs are open to all, though the afternoon ceilidh is particularly popular with families of all ages. Be sure to book early if you want to take part in this year’s seasonal knees up.

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Rock for Strathcarron

The Quireboys DATE Wednesday 14 December TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £20 Standing + £1.20 booking fee per ticket For over 30 years The Quireboys have been mainstays of the UK Rock scene and have headlined shows both home and abroad, as well as sharing stages with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Guns 'N' Roses, Aerosmith and Whitesnake. From their brilliant debut album, 1990's ‘A Bit Of What You Fancy’ full of hit singles to their latest recordings, the band have consistently delivered memorable hook-laden songs, but onstage is where they're truly in their element. They bring their critically-acclaimed unplugged show to Stirling and give local fans a chance to experience an audience with Spike, Paul, Keith & Guy in very intimate and laid back surroundings. The night will involve classics, rarities and surprises played in acoustic arrangements, along with the all too famous Quireboys banter and stories -not to miss if you like your rock classic with a bluesy twist !

Roddy Woomble’s Christmas Hootenanny DATE Thursday 15 December TIME 8pm TICKETS £16 A big Tolbooth favourite, Roddy Woomble lines up another Christmas Hootenanny with an evening of solo material, Idlewild classics and festive favourites. With a long-running career in indie and folk music and numerous critically acclaimed albums Roddy needs no introduction. His place is firmly set as one of Scotland’s finest songwriters. This night will have all the atmosphere, humour, sing-alongs and warmth needed for a proper festive knees-up; come join us!

All profits from this special night go to benefit Strathcarron Hospice.

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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TOLBOOTH

No Nonsense Productions

It’s a Wonderful Life – A Radio Play by Tony Palermo DATE TICKETS

Friday 16 December 7.30pm Saturday 17 December 2.30pm Saturday 17 December 7.30pm £18 / £16 / £14 for 18 and under

The story of the heart-warming American family classic ‘It's a Wonderful Life’ is brought to the stage as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Six actors perform the characters of 1940s radio actors, who in turn portray the dozens of characters from Frank Capra’s beloved film. Featuring live sound effects, period radio commercials and live music from Johnny and The Jingle Belles this performance is a rare opportunity to see how a 1940s radio broadcast was produced. culturestirling.org

We are delighted to bring this play to the Tolbooth… This production has built up an impressive following, it is now the fifth anniversary of the production, and it has grown each year, with performances quickly selling out – a show to fill you with the joy of the festive season. Look up the trailer on the web-site. Some audience feedback … ‘Beautifully acted… fantastic singing, very funny and also incredibly moving… You absolutely MUST see this show.’ ‘Fantastic! You were all absolutely incredible and did the film justice!’ ‘A piece of stage magic… Engrossing, intimate, dramatic…’ ‘Excellent production! Second year seeing the show and it just gets better and better.’ ‘Brilliant start to Christmas week celebrations!’

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The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra DATE Sunday 18 December TIME 2.30pm TICKETS £12 / £5 for 16-25 with youth card under 16 free The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra is delighted to return to the Tolbooth with a new line up of endless talent, improvisational skills, exuberance and verve. The future for jazz in Scotland is assured as these gifted players, under the direction of Scotland's most distinguished jazz musician, Tommy Smith play a repertoire ranging from Ellington, Basie, Mingus and Gillespie classics to present day big band charts by Fred Sturm and Florian Ross. They bring alive this music and play with a collective maturity well beyond their years plus feature soloists of startling ambition and creativity. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of jazz standards as well as new pieces – and enjoy a festive mince pie at the interval! snjo.co.uk

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Skerryvore DATE Thursday 29 December TIME 8pm TICKETS £18 / £16 / £14 for 16 and under For this year’s festive party, we welcome back Skerryvore – be prepared for a high octane, unforgettable evening! The multi award-winning band bring their fusion of multiple music styles, firmly rooted in traditional influences – we can guarantee you will not be able to stand still. A fast and furious mix of tunes, combined with clever songs and more gentle airs, produces Scottish musical entertainment at its best. The 7 piece band - Tiree brothers Daniel Gillespie (accordion) and Martin Gillespie (bagpipes, whistles & accordion), Fraser West (drums & vocals), Alec Dalglish (lead vocals & guitar), Craig Espie (fiddles), Alan Scobie (keyboards) and Jodie Bremaneson (bass) – celebrated their 10th anniversary year in 2015 with extensive touring, the highlight being their own major celebration – a sell-out 6,000 capacity performance in Oban, which they are developing into an annual event!

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LIBRARIES

Stirling Council Libraries News And Events September Book Swap Stirling Council’s Libraries service and the Festival of Architecture 2016 teamed up to launch a unique competition, where local residents designed miniature library kiosks to be placed around the city centre throughout the month of September as part of ‘Thistles to the Castle’, Stirling’s key event. These miniature libraries will host a month-long community book swap pilot, where locals and visitors can pick up a free book, read it and bring it back to get another, just like a library but without the joining forms and tickets. They will be located along the route leading from the Thistles shopping centre to Stirling Castle, with books provided by Stirling Library, although donations of additional pre-loved books would be welcome – just drop them into your local library. Coming Soon Workshops for Children & Young People Minecraft Workshops - After the success of summer sessions, we are planning more! Get together with other like-minded gamers: swap tips and tricks, talk strategy and explore new worlds. Design, create and re-create using Minecraft. Take the chance to test some of Stirling Libraries Mobile Maker Space equipment – use the 3D printers to bring your structures to life. Code Clubs - After school clubs for children aged 9–11 using specially created Code Club resources; teaching children how to program by showing them how to make computer games, animations and websites.

Ancestry web-site We have subscribed to a popular genealogical website called Ancestry Library Edition. Ancestry is a research tool offering the most comprehensive genealogical information available online. With more than 13 billion records including census data, vital immigration information, photos, maps and much more in 8,000 unique databases. Available FREE in Stirling Council Libraries – come in to your local library to find out more. National Initiatives On National Poetry Day, 6 October, and during Book Week Scotland, 21st – 27th November, there will be events and activities in some of our libraries for both adults and children. For details and dates for all the above and all our regular events including book bug and book clubs, keep an eye on the web-site. culturestirling.org/library-events Stirling Council Headquarters: 01786 237535

Appiness Project - Appiness is an innovative, UK award winning learning programme. It brings together library resources and quality-approved educational apps for pre-school children. Appiness develops digital participation by exploring and using a range of reading and ICT programmes, apps and devices in family learning situations in libraries, Early Years centres and community venues. Staff will use a range of apple and android tablets to demonstrate to parents and carers how educational apps can be used to support their child’s development

Lego Workshops – Allowing children to play together using Lego resources; to build creatively in free play and to gain confidence in Science, Technology and Engineering skills.

culturestirling.org

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ALBERT HALLS

SCOTLAN D’SAL INTERNATIOTNIN G CRIME WRI L FESTIVA

SPONSORED BY:

STIRLING / 9—11 SEPTEMBER / BLOODYSCOTLAND.COM STUART MACBRIDE / CARO RAMSAY / MARK BILLINGHAM / CHRIS BROOKMYRE / PETER ROBINSON / VAL MCDERMID / MC BEATON / STUART NEVILLE / NICCI FRENCH / JAMES OSWALD / LIN ANDERSON / CRAIG ROBERTSON / IAN RANKIN / YRSA SIGURDARDOTTIR / LOUISE WELSH / DOUG JOHNSTONE / QUINTIN JARDINE / AGNES RAVATN / ERK AXL SUND / MALCOLM MACKAY / culturestirling.org

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Scotfairs Antique Fair DATE Saturday 3 September, 1 October, 5 November & 3 December, TIME 10 – 4pm TICKETS £1.50 Accompanied children free Scotland’s largest antique, vintage and collectors’ fair and great shopping experience. Antiques for the connoisseur, hidden treasures for the experts, specialist items for the experienced collector, and thousands of interesting, beautiful and affordable items for the general public. Come along and enjoy the informal atmosphere of the market! Our specialist registered dealers can offer free valuations without obligation on all antique, vintage and collectors’ items:- jewellery, silver ceramics, glass, coins, medals, postcards etc.

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham DATE Friday 16 September TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £18 / £17 /£15 Together Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham have established themselves as the epitome of excellence in the world of traditional music. Mike Russell has described them as probably the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear. With their musical magic and quick-witted humour they will pull your emotional strings one moment and have you falling off the seat with laughter the next. 2016 sees Aly and Phil mark many milestones. This will be their 30th year of working together, Aly turned 70 (hard to believe!) in May and Phil also celebrates 40 years as a professional musician. To celebrate the performance will include a nostalgic backdrop of images of the boys through the years.

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Doug Scott CBE Everest: The Hard Way Heart of Scotland Choir Walking on Sunshine DATE Saturday 17 September TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10 Come and join Forth Valley's funkiest choir and their awesome band in their favourite venue for a fun-filled family evening, jam-packed with more fantastic hits than ever before. From traditional to modern song (Adele, Paolo Nutini, Coldplay...) there's something for everyone and a great night out is guaranteed.

DATE Thurday 22 September TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £15 / £13 under 18 yrs The first ascent of ‘Everest: The Hard Way’, when the late Dougal Haston and Doug Scott made the first ascent of the mountain’s massive South West Face, remains one of the most significant climbs in mountaineering history. In this special lecture Doug will tell of the epic expedition and climb, how his life led up to this defining moment and where it took him upon his return from the summit. This is a brand new lecture, linked to the publication of his long awaited autobiography and lavishly illustrated with Doug’s celebrated mountain photography. It will provide a very personal account of this legendary first ascent and an insight into a life spent amongst the world’s highest peaks. Photo taken by Dougal Haston of Doug Scott on the summit of Everest

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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Hugh McIlvanney

in conversation with Graham Spiers

DATE Friday 30 September TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £15 / £13 / £10 under 18 yrs Once described as ‘the greatest sportswriter in the English-speaking world,’ Hugh McIlvanney is garlanded with awards and held in as high regard by those he has written about as by his readers. He remains perceptive and passionate after six decades of travelling the globe to chronicle landmark sporting events, including 11 World Cups and 10 Olympic Games, in a career that has spanned generations of celebrated sporting figures. In what is sure to be lively conversation with Graham Spiers, McIlvanney shares, with his characteristic sharp insight, wry wit and pithy observations, the experiences of his remarkable career, prominent among them his friendships with the immortal managers Busby, Shankly, Stein and Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

Ferguson, the troubled genius of players such as George Best and Jimmy Johnstone and the many magical days spent in the company of the incomparable Muhammad Ali. He talks, too, of the times great sporting occasions were darkened by horror and tragedy, when his background as a news reporter helped him to cope. Andy Murray: ‘I was interviewed by Hugh in November 2009 and, as a boxing fan, it was a pleasure to meet a man who has written with such passion and eloquence about the sport we both love’. Graeme Souness: ‘All the legendary managers were his pals. They trusted and respected him, even when he was being critical of them.’

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Thank ABBA For The Music DATE Saturday 8 October TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £21 / £19.50 Grab your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when ABBA dominated the charts and ruled the airwaves! Thank ABBA For The Music is a two-hour theatre spectacular that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history's most successful and entertaining live bands. Featuring all of ABBA's greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, Take A Chance On Me, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Knowing Me Knowing You, Fernando, Super Trouper and many more! With stunning costumes, live band, interactive video projection, some tongue-in-cheek Swedish humour, and of course ABBA’s spectacular trademark harmonies - this is the ultimate feel-good party show! ABBA and 70’s fancy dress optional … but encouraged!

Rolling Back The Years DATE Wednesday 12 October TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £16 / £14 The ultimate feel good show! Another sensational show from the producers of 'Memory Lane', ‘All our Yesterdays’, and ‘Memories are made of This’. One of the biggest shows of its kind in the UK, taking the audience on a breathtaking musical journey through the 50's, 60's, and some of the brilliant sounds of the 1970's. Including songs by Buddy Holly, Cliff Richard, Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Abba and many more. Beautifully costumed and choreographed for each decade, performed by 'West End' and international vocalists, along with the stunning 'Memory Lane' dancers. Based on the original show from 2012, with a host of new songs and costumes for 2016

‘The biggest party with the UK’s best Abba Tribute’ The Sands Centre, Carlisle ‘You were amazing!’ The Sage Gateshead www.thankabbaforthemusic.co.uk

culturestirling.org

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ALBERT HALLS

Dominic Kirwan

Off the Kerb & Beyond Presents

DATE Friday 14 October TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £23 / £21

Russell Kane Right Man, Wrong Age

Firmly established as one of Ireland’s finest entertainers, we warmly welcome Dominic Kirwan back to The Albert Halls with his full band.

DATE Saturday 22 October TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £17 Age recommendation 14+

Kirwan’s stage presence lights up the room, ignites and engages the audience and holds them in the palm of his hand. His show is a vibrant mix of classic country, with a hint of rock and roll, along with classic ballads. The evening will have a hint of nostalgia as genial entertainer Mr Kirwan rolls back the years, belting out many of the songs that have made him a household name. It’s been a stunning career for the Omagh man, from tours with Charley Pride and Tammy Wynette to sell out UK and Irish tours in his own right. It will be a night to celebrate, savour and enjoy Dominic at his very best.

A blisteringly funny, award winning stand-up performance about growing up and growing down. ‘Are you 16, yet feel 21, 40 but tragically faking 25? Or maybe 80 with the heart of three oxen and the sex drive of a bonobo chimp. Don't worry this is normal - no-one is ever the ‘right’ age – it's the beauty and curse of being a real person.’ Multi award winning comedian, presenter, actor, author and scriptwriter, Russell Kane's most recent adventure has seen him travel the world filming the survival programme Stupid Man, Smart Phone. Famed for his critically acclaimed sell out tours he is back with this brand new show. ‘at the top of his game’ The Guardian ‘one of the quickest, most stimulating stand-ups in the land’ **** The Times

Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

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The Blues Brothers DATE Friday 28 October TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £25 Attention… ! Your attention please…The police, theatres and members of the public are here by warned to be vigilant and on the look out for two men dressed in black hats, black ties and sunglasses. Otherwise known as The Blues Brothers. Yes folks…They’re back and on a mission! Direct from a residency in Chicago and a national tour of the USA. Last time round they smashed box office records, crashed, crooned and rocked their way into the lives of anyone with a heartbeat! Armed with a new set, new twists, new moves, new songs and freshly laundered suits! The boys are joined on their mission to bring soul and blues back into your heart by the fabulous Bluettes; three sassy ladies with attitude and voices to knock you off your perch and an incredible Blues Brothers Band who are the best of the best. All your favourite songs are here… of course! Everybody, Gimme Some Lovin’, Think, Shake a Tailfeather, Sweet Home Chicago, plus loads, loads more.

Rock for Strathcarron present

A Foreigner’s Journey and Who’s Next DATE Saturday 29 October TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £13.50

A tribute to the music of two of rock’s most iconic and enduring bands, A Foreigner’s Journey take things much beyond a mere ‘tribute act’ and turn their show into a living, breathing and powerful show, cherry picking the very best songs from both Foreigner and Journey’s greatest hits such as (the massive) ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, ‘Separate Ways’, ‘Faithfully’ ‘Cold As Ice’, ‘Juke Box Hero’ ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ and many more. Who’s Next have been touring the UK and Europe since 2003 and are widely regarded as the #1 live tribute to The Who. They capture a magical point in time when many believe that The Who were the greatest rock and roll band on earth. Their live show aims to recreate this period in the 1970’s with the aid of authentic stage wear and instruments. The result is a time machine ride back to the days of Live at Leeds, The Isle of Wight Festival, Tanglewood and the Fillmore shows. It is a must see for any Who fan! All profits go to Strathcarron Hospice.

culturestirling.org

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Swinging At The Cotton Club DATE Friday 4 November TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £22 / £20

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

Take a step back into 1920s New York City and through the doors of Harlem’s hottest nightclub! An action-packed show celebrating the music, dance and songs of The Cotton Club – the most celebrated nightclub of the 1920s and ‘30s.

DATE Tuesday 8 November TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £22 / £20 / £18

Performances by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Fats Waller would have had the club swinging – whilst dancers such as Bojangles Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers lit-up the stage with their breathtaking routines.

BRAND NEW SHOW FOR 2016! Direct from it’s success in London’s West End, a SOLD OUT UK tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50th Anniversary Celebration also features a full live band performing all the hits including ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. Get your tickets fast as this is an evening not to be missed!

The music and dance of this unique club is recreated by the fabulous Lindy Hop Dance Company, and The Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra featuring American vocalist Marlene Hill and compere/vocalist Megs Etherington. ‘A positive pleasure to behold’ The Guardian The London based Jiving Lindy Hoppers worked themselves and their unbuttoned audience into a fine lather … their collective performances manage to retain the wholly spontaneous, improvisatory, uninhibited spirit of swing dance in its heyday’ The Washington Post

culturestirling.org

50th Anniversary Tour

‘Fantastic’ Elaine Paige, BBC Radio 2 ‘Authentic and Exciting’ The Stage www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com

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Forbidden Nights DATE Friday 11 November TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £22.50 / £19.50 FORBIDDEN NIGHTS – a classy new all-male variety show with full theatre production and explosive choreography, as seen on BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT and TOWIE. FORBIDDEN are skilled and professionally trained performers, hand-picked from around the UK with charisma, undeniable talent, sparkling personalities and honed physiques in equal measure. They can sing, they can dance and they are VERY easy on the eye! Featuring a vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act, all delivered with an element of naughtiness but not so naughty that you can’t bring your Granny! The evening is suitable for ages 18 to 80. Think Cirque de Soleil meets Magic Mike!

culturestirling.org

American Wrestling DATE Friday 18 November TIME 7.30pm TICKETS VIP ringside £15 / Adult £12 Child/OAP £10 / Family £36: 2 adults & 2 children +6% booking fee EPW presents a night of action filled live American wrestling featuring UK sensation Joe Rage, the 7 foot giant Goliath, the Mexican high flyer Mercurio, The Bull Blitzer, Japan's Tokyo Joe, plus many more superstars from the world of wrestling. Don't miss out on this action packed night of wrestling, 5 action packed bouts with an over the top rope royal rumble finale, suitable for the whole family. Book now to avoid disappointment!!!

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Stirling Council’s Annual School’s Concert DATE Sunday 20 November TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £6 / £4 concession Available from Albert Halls Box Office from Monday 10 October Stirling Council’s annual School’s Concert showcases over 200 young musicians from all seven High Schools in a musical extravaganza that includes a vocal ensemble, symphony orchestra, wind band, pipe band, string orchestra, pianists, pipe band and guitarists. This event shows what a wealth of talent there is in Stirling. As with last year, this is one of two performances to try to accommodate all who want to come. The first is in McLaren High School on Sat 12 Nov, and tickets for this concert will also be available from 10th Oct from The Albert Halls box office.

culturestirling.org

Stars of Irish Country Show DATE Thursday 24 November TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £21.50 Join five of Ireland's favourite country stars all on one super show featuring the popular Louise Morrisey, John Hogan, Gloria, Frank McCaffrey and new young rising star Lee Matthews who between them have scored countless accolades, notched up over thirty No. 1 songs and have toured all over the world to packed houses. Each of the five performers will showcase all their trademark hit songs in the company of a fantastic live country band! A popular line up so book early.

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Stirling Orchestra Michelle McManus’ Reality – The Musical DATE Saturday 26 November TIME 7.45pm TICKETS £16 / £14 After receiving five star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival, columnist, television presenter, actress and singer Michelle brings her one woman show to Stirling. An upfront and humorous take on her life since winning 'Pop Idol’ just over a decade ago, with famous show tunes from the West End and Broadway. From 'Chicago' to 'Cabaret', 'Les Miserables' to 'Chess' this fabulous evening of entertainment is set to have everyone singing along and laughing with Michelle as she recounts some of the ups and downs of her life as a TV reality show winner and exactly how she feels about Simon Cowell and Gillian McKeith.

DATE Sunday 4 December TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £10 / £8 /£5 students with ID £2 Children An orchestra of mostly amateur players from the Stirling area including Stirling university, led by conductor Stephen Broad and orchestra leader Joëlle Broad, and tonight featuring soloist Charlotte Rowan on violin. Tonight’s programme includes: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Dvorak Symphony No 9

‘A very, very good comedian…. the new queen of the one woman show’ Daily Record ‘This show is going to be one serious party’ Evening Edinburgh News ‘That voice continues to give us goosebumps’ ScotsGay

culturestirling.org

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NYCoS Stirling Choir Winter Concert DATE Tuesday 6 December TIME 7pm TICKETS £8 / £5 concession from NYCoS NYCoS Stirling Choir annual winter concert, showcasing an exciting and varied repertoire. The singers, aged 8–18 years, will be led by Choir Director, Anne Murphy. Recent highlights for the Choir include ‘Carols at the Castle’ concerts in Stirling Castle and a unique massed choir performance in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to celebrate the XX Commonwealth Games. For tickets and details, contact Choir Coordinator, Margaret Glencross on 07964 130 944 or at [email protected]

culturestirling.org

The Roy Orbison Story DATE Friday 9 December TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £20.50 / £19.50 Barry Steele is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading tributes to Roy Orbison, as he presents this contemporary production, celebrating the life and musical legacy of the Big O. Barry is backed in this all live multi- media show, with not only a fabulous band and musicians, but a big screen featuring both live streaming, and images from the life and times of Roy Orbison, interspersed with factoids and information about a performer considered to be one of the best singers the world has ever known. Orbison’s songs not only have wonderful melodies and tunes, the lyrics are some of the most sublime ever written. Not only does the music take you back in time, they can make you happy, sad and emotive all at the same time.

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Christmas Fair DATE Saturday 10 December TIME 10am – 4pm TICKETS FREE Come along and meet makers, designers, artisans, artists, growers and decorators. Discover unique gifts to delight your loved ones and bring inspired ideas and decorations to add that magical Christmas sparkle to your home. This exciting event at this special time of year will be fun and full of Christmas cheer for everyone involved. Find gifts and products from businesses in and around Scotland for your friends and loved ones. Get into the Christmas spirit while soaking up the festive atmosphere. Bring the family and enjoy delightful sweet treats at this special time of year.

Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook DATE Friday 16 December TIME 7.30pm TICKETS £23 / £25 Phil Cunningham brings his massively successful Christmas songbook to Stirling for the first time! Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker and Phil, will lead you through a great fun night of modern and traditional Christmas music. Also featuring Kris Drever, Ian Carr and Kevin McGuire along with a special Songbook Brass Band. What better way to get into the festive spirit – there is even the opportunity to join in some favourite carols- bring the family… ‘Looking for something cockle-warming this bleak midwinter? Then this show is definitely for you. Mix together some brass with some of Scotland’s top folk talent, sprinkle liberally with carols and festive favourites and the result is toastier than being baked in a mince pie.’ The Scotsman

culturestirling.org

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FUNBOX presents Christmas Wonderland

Albert Halls Hogmanay Ceilidh

DATE TICKETS

DATE Saturday 31 December TIME 7.30pm TICKETS On sale from 3 Oct, with early bird prices to 31 Oct £55 Thereafter £60

Thur 28 December 3.30pm Frid 29 December 11am & 2pm Early Bird £10 up to 31 Aug £13 all tickets/£15 parent & baby under 1yr £48 family (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children) Groups of 10+ £10 each

The brand new family show from Anya, Kevin and Gary (formerly of The Singing Kettle) presents CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND. The FUNBOX gang are on top of the world, literally, as their latest seasonal spectacular takes them to the North Pole. They’re wrapped up cosy and warm for an Arctic adventure packed with songs, silliness and snow. The Funbox is locked though and the keys are missing. Can you help us find them?

There is no finer night of the year and our Hogmanay Ceilidh is the perfect way to celebrate. With dinner, dancing, entertainment and a full bar, there really is no better place to see in the New Year with old friends and new. Your host Moira Kerr will provide the usual welcoming mix to make sure that your event will go with a swing. Carriages are at 1 am.

Fluffy and Flossie the Funsters and Bonzo the dog are on hand to help - and you might get to help on stage too! Packed with singalong favourites 'Jingle Bells' and 'Katie Bairdie', and brand new songs it's the perfect festive treat for the whole family - and you might even see Santa! Wear a Christmas jumper, and bring a torch to light up the hall!

culturestirling.org

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ARTS NEWS

Summer Workshops July and August at the Tolbooth are officially the months that Stirling’s young people descend on force, commandeer the venue and make it their own. It’s once again been great fun meeting some new faces and welcoming back a number of familiar ones with our programme of activities, which this year included everything from animation, art, tapestry and creative camerawork, through to digital music making, jazz, circus skills and 3D printing. Here are a few photos of what we got up to. See you all next year – we’ll hopefully have managed to get the paint, plasticine and squished fruit off our walls by then!

Gregor Flynn our Creative Modern Apprentice’s first 6 months in the role. The first 6 months have been great fun. While I entered the position coming as a sound engineer and budding Indie/DIY promoter; I have definitely broadened my horizons to include looking after and running kids workshops. I am now more than ever interested in working with people from a young age to really try and help those who aspire to work in the creative industries. I feel like my time here so far has been well spent and my work is adding value to the events that the Tolbooth put on.

Stirling DIY Press Collective pop-up events Taking place over the summer months, the arts blog/zine collective started hosting secret gigs around Stirling town centre. Commandeering unusual gig spaces like residential flats, communal gardens and shop fronts, the locations and the line-ups have been kept a secret right up until the last minute. Keep your eyes peeled on the blog and Facebook page for announcements on future events! www.stirlingdiypress.tumblr.com / www.facebook.com / stirlingdiypress

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EXHIBITIONS

Brick City Exhibition DATE TICKETS

Saturday 17 September Sunday 16 October £4 / £3 / £12 family

An exhibition of architectural landmarks, made in LEGO bricks. A must-see exhibition for fans of LEGO® young and old, Brick City is a display of the world’s most iconic buildings and landmarks by LEGO artist Warren Elsmore, one of the very few professional LEGO artists in the country. Brick City is a celebration of the world’s architecture, recreated using the toy of the century… LEGO bricks.

Brick City features many impressive replicas such as the London 2012 Olympic Park, Rome’s Colosseum and the Las Vegas strip. The exhibition also includes a model of London’s St Pancras station, which measures 5 ft tall and 12 ft long, and contains no less than 180,000 LEGO bricks; Brick City celebrates the best of global architecture and the simple magic of the famous Danish children’s toy. Brick City is not sponsored, endorsed or otherwise supported by The LEGO Group



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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

ADULTS KNITTING & CROCHET BEE Tue 2 Aug – Tue 20 Dec, 5.30–7.30pm Exc. 27 Sept, 4 & 11 Oct £1 per session, includes refreshments

BODHRÁN

Tue 25 Oct – Tue 13 Dec Beginners 7–8pm £42 / £34 for 8 sessions Intermediate 8–9.30pm £50 / £42 for 8 sessions

FIDDLE INTERMEDIATE

STIRLING & CLACKMANNANSHIRE YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Monday nights from 19 September Exc. 10 Oct. Age 10-18 FREE Jazz Big Band/access Complete beginners to intermediate level Youth Jazz Ensemble 6 – 7.15pm Intermediate to advanced level

PUMP UP THE JAM

Wed 19 Oct – Wed 7 Dec, 7-8:30pm £50 / £42 for 8 sessions

Wed 19 Oct – Wed 7 Dec Age 11+ 4.45–7.15pm / FREE

CERAMICS – IN THE COWANE CENTRE

GUITAR Fri 21 Oct – Fri 16 Dec Exc. 25 Nov Age 10–13 / 5.15 – 6 pm Age 14-17 / 6 – 6.45 pm Bring own guitar £40 for 8 sessions

Beginners: Tue 18 Oct – Tue 13 Dec Intermediate: Wed 19 Oct – Wed 14 Dec 7–9pm Exc. Tue 6, Wed 7 Dec £60 / £50 for 8 sessions Includes materials & firings

ART / PAINTING

Wed 28 Sept – Wed 14 Dec Exc. 12 Oct & 7 Dec Fri 30 Sept – Fri 16 Dec Exc. 14 Oct & 9 Dec 10am–3pm, with 1 hour for lunch £140 / £120 for 10 sessions

TOLBOOTH SINGERS

Thu 20 Oct – Thu 8 Dec, 7-9pm £52 / £42 for 8 sessions GUITAR Thu 20 Oct – Thu 8 Dec Beginners 7–8 pm £42 / £34 Intermediate 8–9.15 pm £48 / £40 CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

TRADITIONAL MUSIC WORKSHOPS

Monday nights from 19 September Exc. 10 Oct Age 10-18 FREE Traddies – for complete beginners 5.30–6.15pm Fiddle, guitar, whistle Folkus – min 1 yr experience: 5.30–6.15pm A session for fiddle, guitar, whistle, flute The Session – intermediate level 6.20–7.15pm A session for all traditional music intruments Trad Band – advanced level 7.15–8.15pm. A band for all traditional music instruments – by audition Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

CITY MUSIC PROJECT

Fri 21 Oct – Fri 16 Dec Exc. 25 Nov Age 12-19 7–9pm / FREE

FIDDLE, CLARSACH, GUITAR, ACCORDIAN & WHISTLE

Sat 27 Aug – Sat 10 Dec NB 24 Sept & 1 Oct in Cowane Centre Exc. 17 Sept, 8 & 15 Oct, 26 Nov Popular trad music classes run by Fèis Fhoirt for all levels. For times and fees, and to book please contact John MacNeil [email protected] tel:07770 930295 ART – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Sat 15 Oct – Sat 3 Dec Age 6-9yrs 9.45–11am Age 10-14yrs 11.30–12.45pm £36 for 8 sessions (inclusive of materials) CERAMICS – IN THE COWANE CENTRE Sat 15 Oct – Sat 3 Dec Age 10-14yrs 9.45–11am Age 7-9yrs 11.30–12.45pm £38 for 8 sessions (inclusive of materials) SEE CULTURESTIRLING.ORG FOR FULL DETAILS & BOOKING INFO 41

THE TOLBOOTH STUDIO a high-spec creative space for recording projects big and small. Contact Kenny 01786 274 002 [email protected]

TO HIRE THE SPACES IN THE TOLBOOTH – THE AUDITORIUM, ATTIC, GALLERY OR MEETING ROOMS – FOR PERFORMANCE, MEETING OR CONFERENCE, CONTACT NICKY FERRIE 01786 473544 [email protected]

01786 473544 / [email protected] for more information on hires

A beautiful venue in the heart of Stirling offering the perfect location for your event. Our experienced events team will be on hand to advise you every step of the way, whether conference, wedding, performance or lavish celebration!

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

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

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COMING SOON IN 2017! RSNO Viennese Gala Wednesday 11 January

Popa Chubby Friday 27 January

McGoldrick, McCusker, Doyle Thu 2 March

Menopause the Musical Wednesday 15 February Martin Taylor Thursday 16 March Ian Waite & Natalie Lowe Thursday 6 April

culturestirling.org

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AT A GLANCE SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Mungo Park Fri 2 Sept, 8pm

Rura Sat 1 Oct, 8pm

Sharon Shannon Sat 3 Sept, 8pm

Blue Rose Code Thu 6 Oct, 8pm

Bloody Scotland 9–11 Sept, 8pm

The Collector by Henry Naylor Fri 7 Oct, 8pm

Medbøe /Eriksen /Halle Frid 9 Sept, 8pm

TOPFEST Sat 8 Oct, 8pm

Mark Billingham My Darling Clementine Sat 10 Sept, 8.15pm

Thank ABBA For The Music Sat 8 Oct, 7.30pm

Seann Walsh Tue 13 Sept, 7.30pm

Vonda Shepard Mon 10 Oct, 8pm SOLD OUT

Nine Below Zero + support Thur 15 Sept, 8pm Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham Fri 16 Sept, 7.30pm Cahalen Morrison and Eli West Fri 16 Sept. 8pm Heart of Scotland Choir Sat 17 Sept, 7.30pm Doug Scott CBE Everest: The Hard Way Thu 22 Sept, 7.30pm Carolyn & Jonathan Sparey Sat 24 Sept, 2.30pm Lucy Spraggan Tue 27 Sept, 8pm SOLD OUT

Rolling Back The Years Wed 12 Oct, 7.30pm The Stray Birds Thu 13 Oct, 8pm Dominic Kirwan Frid 14 Oct, 7.30pm Man of Moon Thur 20 Oct, 7.30pm Russell Kane Sat 22 Oct, 7.30pm Kris Drever Sat 22 Oct, 8pm The Blues Brothers Fri 28 Oct, 7.30 pm Rock for Strathcarron A Foreigner’s Journey/ Who’s Next Sat 29 Oct 7.30 pm

Hugh McIlvanney Fri 30 Sept, 7.30pm

Nordic Fiddlers Bloc Sat 29 Oct, 8pm

Tina May & Enrico Pieranunzi Fri 30 Sept, 8pm

Mark Steel Wed 2 Nov, 8pm

NOVEMBER

Swinging At The Cotton Club Fri 4 Nov. 7.30pm Box office 01786 274000 / 01786 473544

New Focus Quartet Frid 4 Nov, 8pm The Simon and Garfunkel Story Tue 8 Nov, 7.30 pm

The Roy Orbison Show Fri 9 Dec, 7.30pm Fred Morrison Fri 9 Dec, 8pm

Forbidden Nights Frid 11 Nov, 7.30pm

Christmas Fair Sat 10 Dec, 10am

Heidi Talbot Fri 11 Nov, 8pm

Christmas Ceilidhs Sat 10 Dec, 3pm & 8pm

Martin Stephenson and The Daintees Sat 12 Nov, 8pm

Rock for Strathcarron The Quireboys Wed 14 Dec, 7.30pm

American Wrestling Frid 18 Nov, 7.30pm

Roddy Woomble’s Christmas Hootenanny Thur 15 Dec, 8pm

Guy Davis and Brooks Williams Fri 18 Nov, 8pm Duncan Chisholm Sat 19 Nov, 8pm Stirling Council’s Annual School’s Concert Sun 20 Nov, 7.30pm Stars of Irish Country Show Thu 24 Nov, 7.30pm Strange Behaviours Fest Fri 25 & Sat 26 Nov, 8pm Michelle McManus’ Reality – The Musical Sat 26 Nov, 7.45pm Glenn Tilbrook Tue 29 Nov, 8pm DECEMBER Dean Owens & The Whisky Hearts Fri 2 Dec, 8pm Stirling Orchestra Sun 4 Dec, 7.30pm NYCoS Stirling Choir Winter Concert Tue 6 Dec, 7pm

Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook Fri 16 Dec, 7.30pm It’s a Wonderful Life; A Radio Play by Tony Palermo Fri 16 Dec, 7.30pm Sat 17 Dec, 2.30pm Sat 17 Dec, 7.30pm The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra Sun 18 Dec, 2.30pm FUNBOX presents Christmas Wonderland Thur 28 Dec 3.30pm Frid 29 Dec 11am & 2pm Skerryvore Thur 29 Dec, 8pm Scotfairs Antique Fair, Sat 3 Sep, 1 Oct, 5 Nov & 3 Dec Albert Halls Hogmanay Ceilidh Sat 31 Dec, 7.30pm TOLBOOTH ALBERT HALLS

Gary Little Thur 8 Dec, 8pm 44