The Edinburgh Reporter Guide to what’s on in September 2011

Throughout September Archaeology Scotland will be hosting free events for all at archaeological attractions across Edinburgh and Lothians. Scottish Archaeology Month presents a host of fun days, re-enactments, exhibitions and open days as well as a designated school’ programme. Highlights include the opportunity to discover Leith’s Murky Medieval Past on 17th September, enjoy the Heritage Festival at Haddington Town House, East Lothian, on 3 September 2011 and explore ancient farms and their settlers during a guided walk  at Holyrood Park on 1st October.

You can find the full SAM programme online at www.scottisharchaeologymonth.org.uk

For more information email M.McCartney@archaeologyscotland.org.uk or call 0845 872 3333

Arcade Fire and The Walkmen play tonight at Edinburgh Castle

The Edinburgh MELA Festival starts today and runs until Sunday 4 September 2011

LovePets Scotland is the ideal show to visit for a great day out, where you can combine some shopping for your pets with a top class range of presentations, demonstrations and entertainment for all ages. It will feature Kate & Gin from Britain’s Got Talent, Hedwig & Errol, the owls that starred in the Harry Potter films, Pony Rides, Petting Area, Reptile Area, Dog Grooming and Training Demonstrations and more. Tickets: FAMILY TICKET £17 * ADULTS £8 * CONCESSIONS £5 * KIDS £1 * UNDER 5’s FREE

The Virgin Money Festival Fireworks concert starts at 9pm. Get out and enjoy it!

The University of Edinburgh will be holding an open day from 9.30am – 3.30pm. More information at:- http://www.opendays.com

Amici Winds playing at the Usher Hall at 11.00am, the first in a series of daytime concerts followed by coffee in the cafe bar and a chance to meet the artists

The Scottish Gallery have new exhibitions starting today, including “Fergusson’s Women”, a selection of paintings and drawings by one of the Scottish Colourists.

Mark Burwell’s rockeoke at the Blind Poet, West Nicolson Street 9.00pm, Tel 0131 667 4268

The Hedgehog is showing at The Filmhouse at 13:30 and 18:30

This weekend Doors Open Days take placein Midlothian on Saturday. Doors Open Days takes place every September and allows access to over 900 buildings throughout Scotland.

The freshnlo Pedal for Scotland Sportive is a brand new ride of 100 miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

The route takes riders through the Southern Uplands and down into Edinburgh passing through 7 local authorities and incorporating the best sections of numerous Scottish cycle racing circuits, including the A77 10 Mile Time Trial, sections of the Moscow APR and the Strathaven Anderside Classic, incorporating steeps climbs around Muirkirk and undulating stretches across wild moorland. The Sportive is a much more challenging ride for regular cyclists. Check out the route map in the side panel opposite. The Sportive will use the same start and finish points as the Challenge ride but will take a completely seperate route to give riders a clear run to get the best time they can. The transport service will serve Sportive riders too, meaning there is an easy and hassle free way to get you and your bike to the start in Glasgow, or back home from Edinburgh at the finish.

Start Time: September 11, 11 07:00:00AM

End Time: September 11, 11 06:00:00PM

Where: G40 1AT

Category: Mass Participation/Sportive

Contact:0141 348 7998

The Jazz Bar Big Band 7.30pm, 1 Chambers Street, 0131 473 2000

Duende! Concert at 11.00 am at The Usher Hall. Dynamic guitar duo with a flamenco twist.

Legally Blonde the musical version is showing at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 6-17 September at 7.30pm

Friday 16 September 2011

“Mary Queen of Scots Got her Head Chopped Off” starts a month long run at the Traverse Theatre. A Liz Lochhead work of some stature. Miss it if you dare!

The Lammermuir Festival runs from 16-25 September and will see ten days of classical music performed at venues across East Lothian.

Blues legend Otis Grand plays live at  Cabaret Voltaire.

Red Raw at the Stand Comedy Club. Doors open at 7.30pm “Our long-running weekly beginner’s showcase is regarded as the best open mic night in the UK. Catch up to ten new acts – some treading the boards for the very first time.”

Rhinestone Mondays at Edinburgh Festival Theatre, at 7.30pm until 24 September. Country and Western Music with dancing but billed as a comedy…..

Pete Doherty, Indie-rock sensation and ex-frontman for The Libertines and Babyshambles, plays a one-off gig at the HMV Picturehouse. Doors open 7pm. Tickets £18

Celebrated Orkney-born singer/songwriter Kris Drever plays his much-loved contemporary folk music in this one-off gig at Edinburgh’s Bongo Club. 7pm-10pm, tickets £12.

Kapital at the Caves in Niddry Street.kapital is a quarterly night of electronic music at edinburgh’s new underground venue, the caves. born out of a group of friends desire to hear the music we were hearing out of berlin, london and barcelona but unable to find at home, kapital is a night about twisted and experimental electronic club sounds. call it what you wish: ..minimal, micro, techy, trippy, deep, dense.. whatever – the club is determined to push a new kind of future electronica that just isn’t readily available elsewhere in the city.http://www.kapitalmusic.co.uk/

23 year old singing sensation, Adele, plays the usher Hall, for more info – www.usherhall.co.uk
Also “A Foreigners Journey”, Staged at the HMV Picture house this classic rock cover group celebrates the music from both Foreigner and Journey. Doors from 19:00  You might find tickets here-  http://www.skiddle.com/events/11445634/

Henrik Freischlader and Gerry Jablonski’s electric band play at the Voodoo Rooms. Billed as the most exciting Rock Blues Double Header to hit the stage. Find tickets here- http://www.skiddle.com/events/11468446/

Also the 10km Urbanathalon race takes place in Holyrood Park.

Annual fundraising ceilidh to  be held at Thomas Morton Hall on 24th September 2011, 7.30pm-12pm. “We have the fantastic Auld Reekie Ceilidh Band providing live music, Tickets are £15 including cheese and oatcakes. There will be a raffle with some fantastic prizes and a great bar!”

To get tickets phone
0131 243 2637 or go to
www.childrenofsongea.org.uk   Hope to see you there!!

When: 24th September 2011, 7.30pm – Midnight
Where: Thomas Morton Hall, 28-30 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH6 4AE.

Royal Society of Edinburgh is hosting a debate of Facing up to Climate Change this evening at 6pm. Further details and possibly some tickets here. 

Traditional dance and music troup, “The Essence of Ireland” perform at Edinburgh’s Playhouse, celebrating the country’s cultural heritage, featuring a seven-piece Irish band with dancers. Starts 7.30pm

 New List Tasting at Scotch Malt Whisky Society at 28 Queen Street from 6pm. Eat meat along with a dram.

Jason Manford, Star of TV’s live at The Apollo and 8 out of 10 cats, performs his “off on tour we go” comedy show at Edinburgh’s Playhouse at  7.30pm.