What’s on in Edinburgh this week - The Edinburgh Reporter

MONDAY 7 JULY 2014

South West Neighbourhood Summer of Sport: get competitive! take part in this summer’s themed activities and events. 2.30pm every Monday in the school holidays, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road – contact library in advance for details. Free.

Edible Gardening: drop in to find out how to grow your own food and take a look round the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project team. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden. Free, no booking required and suitable for all ages. Also at same time on Tuesday 8th July.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh presents its Monthly Book Quiz: do you know your Waugh from your Peace or your Meyer from your Heyer? Teams of up to 5 people can take part in the quiz: it’s free to enter and no tickets are required, but seats are limited so arrive early! 6pm, Caffe Nero, Blackwell’s South Bridge. More information from Ann Landmann on 0131 622 8216 or email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Carnival Costume Workshop: spend four evenings (tonight and 8th, 14th & 15th July) with Junkanoo Commandos and make carnival costumes for Edinburgh Festival Carnival on 20th July 2014. Make a costume to wear and join the parade, or watch a performer wear it with pride. Open to everyone from novice to expert, all materials supplied. 6-8pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Free, but places are limited so advance booking is required on 0131 467 5200 or email: anna@adjazz.co.uk

GENERATION – Curator’s Tour. Keith Hartley, Chief Curator at the Gallery of Modern Art, leads an introductory tour of the exhibition, introducing key artists and themes from NGS’s contribution to a nationwide programme of exhibitions and events. 12.45-1.30pm, Academy, National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

National Library of Scotland Guided Tour: tour of the building and introduction to the library’s collections and history. 2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking essential, either via website or by calling 0131 623 3734.

Tricolour: monthly event showcasing three different poetry and spoken word talents. This month: JA Sutherland, Jennifer Williams and Carly Brown. 6.30pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Book via website or call 0131 623 3734.

Waverley and Walter Scott: 200th Anniversary Event. Celebrate the 2ooth anniversary of the publication of Waverley with Stuart Kelly, author of Scott-land, the Man who invented a Nation. Walter Scott’s novel did not change literary history, despite being one of the fastest selling books ever, but it did change the world’s perception of Scotland and Scotland’s perception of itself. 7-8pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free, but tickets must be booked via eventbrite.

Music Week: come and experience a two-day workshop with Jazz Festival favourites Junkanoo from the Bahamas. Learn how to make the dazzling carnival costumes, have a go at playing the music and take part in the Edinburgh Jazz Festival‘s parade on 20th July! 10am-3pm, today and tomorrow, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Family event. Booking essential, see website.

Lunchtime concert: St Michael’s Grammar School, Melbourne. 12.15, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free, no booking required.

TUESDAY 8 JULY 2014

Mythical Maze activities and events: 2.30pm every Tuesday in the school holidays at Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Free. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Medusa and her Scary Hair: crafts in the library. 2.30-3.30pm, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free, suitable for ages 4-11 years. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Impact Arts Craft Cafe Exhibition: the Craft Cafe provides a social and therapeutic space for residents and tenants of various Viewpoint homes to connect with family and friends in a supportive environment. This exhibition of residents’ work will include drawings, prints, paintings and hand-crafted pieces created by Craft Cafe members. All work for sale, with proceeds going back into the project. 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday until Tuesday 15th July. Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

Spreading Titian’s Fame Through Print: Michael Bury, art historian, will look at woodcuts and engravings made during Titian’s lifetime, arguing that both can throw light on the controversial question of Titian’s attitude to drawing. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery. Free and unticketed.

Brian Johnstone and Chrys Salt present The Fields of War: two award-winning poets combine to mark the centenary of the First World War, commemorating the conflicts of the past century and the human price paid. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Booking essential via website or by calling 0131 623 3734.

eBook surgery: get help with downloading free eBooks, audiobooks and emagazines. 2-3.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free, no appointment necessary.

Unicorn Universe: 2-3pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge. For ages 5-11.

Medusa Cressheads: 2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge. For under-5s.

Mythical Maze poetry with Ryan Van Winkle: poems and lots of Mythical Maze-related poetry games. 2.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge. For under-12s.

WEDNESDAY 9 JULY 2014

Mythical Monster Face Painting: 2.30 – 3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. Free, suitable for ages 5+. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Swords and Shields: for ages 4-12. 11am, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. Free, but tickets should be obtained from the library. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Kate Atkinson: Life After Life. Kate will be in the shop to sign copies of her new book. 5pm. Edinburgh Bookshop, 219 Bruntsfield Place.

Titian in Ten: ten minute pop-up talks delivered by NGS staff. Gain an exclusive insight as staff from across the galleries offer different perspectives on Titian’s masterpieces. 2pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Just Independent Asian Film Festival: a celebration of the continent’s emerging filmmakers, exploring how film is being adapted to capture the experiences of everyday life. Drama, documentaries and short films. Starts today and continues till 12th July: all films showing at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets for each film £5. Book in person at the Centre, on the door (subject to availability), or via festival website. Full programme and details here. Part of Just Festival 2014.

Lunchtime concert: Piano Speak. Will Pickvance presents an off-the-cuff weekly concert of piano improvisations and repartee. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free, no booking required.

THURSDAY 10 JULY 2014

Life on the Margins: the launch of Nina de la Mer’s Layla and Liam Murray Bell’s The Busker, two tales of lives lived on the margins. 6pm, Waterstones West End, Princes Street. Free tickets are available from the shop.

Story Time: for ages 4-6. 10.30-11am, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. Free, no booking required.

Masterful Mythical Storytelling: 2.30pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Free, for ages 5-8 years. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Pass On A Poem: a chance to explore poetry in a ‘beautifully bookish though wonderfully informal setting.’ Read a favourite published poem aloud or just come to listen to a diverse collection at this live poetry event. No previous experience required! 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow. See website for more details.

Live Music Now: Astrid String Quartet: the Astrid String Quartet return to perform highlights from the classical repertoire, reflecting on paintings in the permanent collection. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Portrait Gallery Insights: Playing for Scotland. Imogen Gibbon, Deputy Director and Chief Curator at the Portrait Gallery, explores the history of sport in Scotland in advance of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. 5.30-6pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free but limited places: to book call 0131 624 6560.

The Drawing Room: informal, artist-led, drawing session. Each session is developed by a contemporary artist and is inspired by the GENERATION exhibition, reflecting concerns within each artist’s own work. No experience required, all materials supplied. 5.30-6.45pm, Academy, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free, no booking required.

Build-a-Band: join international musician Joss Abrams and her brilliant band for a day of writing songs, making music and letting your inner star shine. 10am-4pm (bring your own lunch), WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. For ages 10+. Booking required: see website.

Craigmillar Community Arts Creative Recycling Day: jewellery making, origami, sock puppet making and bottle top art. 12-4pm, Craigmillar Community Arts Centre, 58 Newcraighall Road. Part of the 50th Craigmillar Festival.

Ragged Talks: ‘Participation, Motivation and Adult Learning’, plus ‘A Different Kind of Humanity’ 7-10pm, The Counting House, 36 West Nicolson Street. Free. A Ragged University event, see website for more information on speakers, etc.

FRIDAY 11 JULY 2014

Life in the Trees: everything you wanted to know about orchids but were afraid to ask. Join Kerry Walter on his fabulous tour of the largest family of plants on earth, the orchids. What do they get up to when nobody’s watching? 2pm, Patrick Geddes Room, Royal Botanic Garden. Free, suitable for ages 14+, no booking required. Part of the Orchid Fair exhibition.

Mythical Maze Stories and Crafts: 3.30pm every Friday in the school holidays at Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. Free. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Girls, Curls and Traditional Tales: tired of all those princesses needing rescue? Rewrite a popular tale to create your own adventure, starring the girls! 2.30-3.30pm, Stockbridge Library, 11 Hamilton Place. Free, for ages 7-11. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Legend of King Arthur – make your own swords and shields. 2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. Free, suitable for ages 5+. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Underwater Monsters – Real or Myth? For ages 4+. 2pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Town of Runners: Africa in Motion Festival. A feature documentary about young people from the Ethiopian rural town of Bekoji, whose runners have won 8 Olympic Gold medals, 32 World Championships and broken 10 world records in the last 20 years. The film follows two girls as they strive to emulate their local heroes, making the journey from school track to national competition and from childhood to adulthood. Their mentor is a former PE teacher who has discovered and trained many of the world’s leading long distance runners, including Tirunesh and Genzebe Dibaba, Kenenisa Bekele and Deratu Tulu. 7-8.30pm, Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Free, suitable for over 15s only.

Greyfriars Bobby: Looking After Bobby. Interactive story and craft event for ages 7-11. 2-3pm, Children’s Library, George IV Bridge.

Beware of the Dragon!: 2.30-3.30pm, Gilmerton Library. 13 Newtoft Street. For under-12s. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Houndog Fraser & Rock Hunter: blues harp and guitar duo who play ‘a mix of originals and good old standards, all good time, foot stomping, whisky drinking blues.’ First CD, Broke Down Load, just released. 5-6pm, Pear Tree Garden, West Nicolson Street. (Also at same time on Saturday.) Free. Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

Mythical Maze children’s craft event: 3pm every Friday during the Reading Challenge. Fountainbridge Library, Dundee Street.

SATURDAY 12 JULY 2014

Giving Nature a Home: hop along to the Botanics and take part in a range of family focused weekend wildlife activities. RSPB staff will help you discover more about the range of wildlife that makes the garden its home, from minibeasts and birds through to mammals. 11am-4pm, Royal Botanic Garden – ask at reception for venue. Free, all ages, no booking required. Also available on Sunday.

Little Artists: meet Debi Gliori, author and illustrator of the Mr Bear and Witch Baby series, The Tobermory Cat and many more, as she introduces the magical Dragon Loves Penguin! Story time, plus a chance for children to pick up pencils, crayons or paints (all supplied) to create their own magical characters. Parents can have a cuppa whilst their children enjoy the fun. For ages 4-7. 11am, Golden Hare Books, 102 West Bow. Story time is unticketed, but tickets must be obtained in advance for the art session. Sign up in store or email: mail@goldenharebooks.com.

Bruncheon! featuring the songs of Neil Young. On the same day that Neil headlines in Hyde Park, some of Scotland’s finest will be performing their own renditions of his classic songs. The musical line-up will be complemented by a delicious bruncheon menu. 11.30am-3pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

The Gruffalo! Meet him at the Edinburgh Bookshop, 219 Bruntsfield Place. 10am- 12noon.

GENERATION tours: free discussion-led tours of the exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am and 1-1.45pm, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed.

Creative Family Fun Day: Indian dance, clay modelling, singing, painting and jewellery making. 12-4pm, Craigmillar Community Arts Centre, 58 Newcraighall Road. Part of the 50th Craigmillar Festival.

Ruari McMillan: singer and guitarist. 1-2pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free. Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

NASOV: NASOV is Italian folk singer Francesco Bordo. 2-3pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free. Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

Daniel Scott: singer, songwriter and guitarist. 3-4pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free. Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

Under the Dogwood Tree: acoustic Americana, folk and old-time country played on fiddle, dobro, flute and harmonica, with harmony vocals. 4-5pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free. Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

Electrobuddha: guitar, vocals, drums and bass guitar. 6-7pm, Pear Tree, West Nicolson Street. Free. Part of Edinburgh Fringe Live.

SUNDAY 13 JULY 2014

Tea Ceremony and Tea Tasting: if you don’t know your oolong you don’t know tea. Come and join Denise Leishman as she explains how the climate and geography of Taiwan produce some of the finest teas in the world, and taste them as prepared by her expert hands. Learn how the tea ceremony still has a place in today’s culture, and discover the stories behind the tea-related gems in the Botanic Garden’s herbarium and archives. 1-4pm, Patrick Geddes Room, Royal Botanic Garden. Free, no booking required, suitable for ages 8+. Part of the Orchid Fair exhibition.

Family Garden Party: come along and join in a celebration of all things vegetable! Take part in fun activities like vegetable printing and seed sowing and find out more about the Edible Garden and School Garden areas. 1-4pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden. Free, suitable for all ages, no booking required.

Mythical Maze Art, Crafts and Activities: 2.30-3.30pm, Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North. Free, suitable for ages 5+. Part of the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge.

Lego Swap Shop: come along with any of your unwanted Lego minifigures and trade them for some awesome new ones at the fifth Lego Swap Shop! Guess the Number and speedbuilding competitions. 3-5pm, Waterstones Cameron Toll.

Blackwell’s Edinburgh Teenage Book Group: the group reads anything from classics to contemporary, dystopian to historical. Currently reading the phenomenal worldwide bestseller, Jostein Gaarder’s Sophie’s World, a book that draws the reader into the worlds of Socrates, Descartes, Spinoza, Hegel and all the great philosophers, raising profound questions about the meaning of life and the origin of the universe. 2pm, Blackwell’s South Bridge. To join (free) email schools.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk

Portrait Detectives! Collect your kit, follow clues, and solve a mystery from history! 2-4pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Suitable for ages 4-12. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of NGS.

Open Garden: 4 Harelaw Road, Edinburgh EH13 0DR is open today under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. An attractive, well-designed garden featuring a delightful pond and statuary with a collection of unusual ferns and herbaceous plants. 2-5pm, entry £4. Plant stall, teas, disabled access. 40% of profits to Motor Neurone Disease Society, remainder to SGS nominated charities.

St Giles’ at Six: Irish flautist Aisling Agnew and Scottish guitarist Matthew McAllister perform JS Bach’s Sonata BWV 1034, Carmen Fantasie by Francois Borne and works from the Scots & Irish baroque. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free – retiring collection taken. No booking required.