Wednesday in Edinburgh – What’s On Today

Sounds of Jazz: Interplay – guitarist Lachlan MacColl and guest.  Lachlan is known in Edinburgh as ‘the jazz musician’s jazz guitarist’  and plays a wide range of styles from Swing and Latin to BeBop; he has also written for the BBC.  7-9.30pm, Henderson’s, Hanover Street. Free.

Cooking for Babies and Families: 10.30am-12.30pm, Pilton Community Health Project, 73 Boswall Parkway. Call Fiona Manson on 0787 554 5757 for more information. In partnership with Bumpstart.

Volunteer Recruitment Fair: over 50 organisations looking for volunteers, with volunteering advisers on hand to help. Employability workshops at 11.30am and 3pm, cafe serving delicious food and drink. 11am-7pm, St Paul’s & St George’s Church, York Place. For more information see Volunteer Centre Edinburgh’s website.  ‘The difference you’ll make is priceless.’

Ruskin and Venice: Ruskin called Venice ‘a paradise of cities.’ Ruskin scholar Robert Hewison looks at Venice through Ruskin’s eyes and discusses his role in shaping our own view of the city. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Mary Seacole – Forgotten Hero? Chris Short tells the story of this 19th century Jamaican woman who refused to be defeated by prejudice and adversity, provided free medical care to prospectors travelling to the Californian gold fields and later nursed in the Crimean War.  4pm, Level 5 LRC, Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court. Free but spaces are limited so please email events@napier.ac.uk to book. Presented in association with the Words and Deeds, Weapons and Wounding exhibition.

Lunchtime concert: Piano Speak with Will Pickvance. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile. Free.

Balerno Music Festival 2014 starts today: a community-run festival with classical music, cabaret, workshops, folk music, film, jazz – and (on 4th October) ‘Strictly Comes to Balerno‘! Today until 12th October, various venues, see website for programme and further details. Ticket prices vary.