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

MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2014

The Key Material is Time: Art and Music in Glasgow since the 1970s. Writer, curator and lecturer Dr Sarah Lowndes traces the development of Glasgow’s unique and largely self-initiated arts scene in a talk that links political protest, dance halls, ‘do-it-yourself’ initiatives and the emergence of a distinctive art made using everyday and ephemeral materials. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Messy Materials: a Love Science workshop for ages 5-12. 2-3pm, Kirkliston Library, 16 Station Road. Free, booking essential: call 0131 529 5510.

Artisans at Work: an exhibition of abstract paintings and colourful embroidery by Scottish artist Anna Redpath, also featuring work by Seonaidh Jaques and Scottish landscape artist Malcolm Knox. 10am-5pm today and every day until Friday 17th October, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.

World War One Readings: join NLS staff for short readings of prose and poetry about the First World War. Readings will last about 20 minutes and will include works by John Buchan, Lewis Grassic Gibbon and Violet Jacob. 12.30pm today and every day until 17th October, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free drop-in sessions.

Glamour and the Baybes: Keep the weekend party going – come down and boogie with this high-octane electric 6-piece with punchy sax/trumpet horn section, fronted by the larger-than-life manic sax/vocals persona of Angus Munro, and delivering high-end funk fusion versions of Nirvana, Tower of Power, Massive Attack, Snarky Puppy and more. 11.30pm (doors open 10.30pm) – 3am, Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. £3/£2, cash on door only.

Simon Puttock at Corstorphine Library: come along and have some fun with children’s author Simon Puttock (Goat and Donkey in Strawberry Sunglasses, The Baby that Roared, Love from Louisa) , who will read from one of his thirty books. For ages 5-9. 2pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. Booking essential: call 0131 529 5506. Free.

Flying the Flag: popular drop-in family workshop, taking inspiration from the Where Do I End and You Begin exhibition. Be inspired by Rushton and Tyman’s Flaghall and invent your own flag for an imaginary country. Suitable for the whole family working together. 1.30-3.30pm, City Art Centre, Market Street. Free, no booking required, meet in reception.

Japanese Box Gardens: be inspired by the award-winning Japanese Friendship Garden, spend a morning creating your own miniature garden design, then paint it on fine silk to make a stunning wall hanging. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road. Suitable for all ages – £5 per person: bookings must be made via the Usher Hall box office, in person, by phone or online.

No One Knows About Persian Cats (2010: dir. Bahman Ghobadi): ‘a brilliant fictionalised depiction of some of the very real issues of cultural repression that Iranian musicians encounter in their struggle simply to play music. Touching on the indie-rock, pop, folk, heavy metal and rap scenes, this film shows the range of music present in Iran – all of it completely illegal.’ 7pm, Forest Cafe, 141 Lauriston Place. Free and unticketed.

Free Costume and Props Course with Sarah Flett: WEA and Citadel Arts‘ Chronicles of War: Edinburgh’s Experience of World War I on the Home Front project and When the War Came Home play are offering a course to give you experience and insight into how research can inform the costume and props design process, helping to make a performance authentic. You will see your research and designs come alive both on stage and in a publication of the script. The play focuses on the lives of ordinary Edinburgh residents, caught up in Zeppelin raids and working in munitions, and of some famous names such as Elsie Inglis, George McCrae and Wilfred Owen. 2.30-4.30pm today and every Monday to 1st December 2014, Leith Dockers Club, 17 Academy Street, Leith. To book a place contact Janette Bond at j.bond@weascotland.org.uk or on 0131 225 2580. Free, no experience necessary.

Rape and Your Mobile Phone: a Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom event examining the trade in ‘conflict materials’, showing how our own consumption of mobile phones, computers and cars fuels conflict and sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and looking at what we can do to exert pressure for more effective regulation of these materials. 7.30-9pm, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace. Part of Edinburgh World Justice Festival.

Art, Activism and Spirituality: interactive workshop exploring the power of creative play and its use as a tool to move others. Opportunities to dance, eat, chat and create some works of art. 11am-4pm, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge. Free but booking required, email emily@health-in-mind.org.uk. Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2014.

Open Eye Gallery: Three New Exhibitions. Madeline Mackay : ‘eerie prints and drawings based on ornithological subjects’, Ruth Nicol: Three Rivers Meet – new paintings that redefine landscapes as enquiries into social history and the ever-changing present (inspired by Alexander Moffat’s investigation of the seven great Scottish poets), and On A Grand Scale – a mixed show featuring some of the most prestigious gallery artists, including Barbara Rae, Sir Robin Philipson, John Bellany and Albert Morrocco OBE. All shows open today, then 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, Open Eye Gallery, Abercromby Place.

Edible Gardening Seasonal Advice: drop in to find out how to grow your own food, and take a look around the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project Team. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: also available on Tuesday 14th October 2014.

For Crying Out Loud: special screenings for carers and their babies. Babies must be under 12 months and accompanied by a maximum of 2 adults. Babychanging, bottle-warming and pushchair parking facilities available. This week: A Dangerous Game. Next week: What We Did On Our Holiday. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. £4.50/£3.50 per adult.

Autumn Mandala: the word ‘Mandala’ comes from Sanskrit and means ‘circle’; Mandalas are used as spiritual tools in Hinduism and Buddhism as aids to meditation, and consist of colourful patterns and symbols organised around a unifying centre. The Botanics’ Mandala will be made from fallen and dying plant materials, and in a troubled and over-exploited world it is hoped that the Mandala will be a symbolic reminder of our dependence on the earth’s trees and plants and the need to protect them. Please note that the Mandala will be constructed today – visitors are welcome to come along to view the process and help if they wish. It will then be on view in the South Border until approximately 17th October 2014. 10am-4,45pm, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free.

Stop Smoking Support Group: very informal, supportive group for people who wish to stop smoking and to help them to remain stopped. Trained NHS advisors. No pressure, no lectures, just support. 1.30-2.30pm, Leith Community Education Centre, 12a New Kirkgate. Call 0131 536 6247 for more information, or just go along to the group.

Regeneration: the stories of a number of Officers of the British Army during World War One, brought together in Edinburgh’s Craiglockhart War Hospital, where they are treated for various trauma. Featuring the story of war poet Siegfried Sassoon. Certificate 15. 6.30-8.30pm, St Brides Community Centre, Orwell Terrace. Shown as part of Gorgie War Memorial Hall’s World War One Commemoration Events. Free.

TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2014

Colourful Autumn Crafts: join Jaimie MacDonald to create paper pumpkins, twiggy spider webs and paper leaves. For children aged 5+ and younger ones with adult help. First ten children to arrive will get a free hazelnut squirrel! 2-4pm, Leith Library, 28 Ferry Road. Free.

Doing Business with Russia: David Cant, MD Albion Overseas Ltd, Yuri Botiuk, Partner, Litigation and International Arbitration Team, Pinsent Masons, and Anya Greaves, Food and Drink Team, Scottish Development International, discuss the issues currently affecting Scottish-Russian business relations and whether there are still ways of making them work. Each will give a brief presentation followed by a Q & A session. 6.30 (registration and coffee from 6)-8pm, Conference Room, University of Edinburgh Business School, 29 Buccleuch Place. Booking essential: click here. For more information contact Shona Black on 0131 651 5981. Held in partnership with The Scotland-Russia Forum.

Bunkered Terrain – Scottish Golf Landscapes: Commission for the Art of Golf. Dr Patricia MacDonald talks about the commission from the National Galleries of Scotland to make this six-part work, which consists of aerial imagery of an ecological spectrum of Scottish golf courses, and considers briefly some future options. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Autumn Bird House: use found natural objects from the Lauriston grounds to make a home for your feathered friends, then apply paints and varnish to transform it into something unique for them to snooze in over the winter. Suitable for all aged 7+. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road. £5 per person: bookings must be made via the Usher Hall box office, in person, by phone or online.

Lunchtime Concert: The Edinburgh Quartet. Tristan Gurney (violin), Gordon Bragg (violin), Jessica Beeston (viola) and Mark Bailey (cello) will perform Schumann String Quartet in A Major Op 41 No 3 and JS Bach, excerpts from The Art of Fugue. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.

Bookbug: rhyme sessions for 0-4 year olds and their carers. 10.30-11.15am today and every Tuesday, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free.

Waverley is ‘Waverley or ‘Tis Sixty Years Since’ ‘ – ‘The unexpected newness of the thing…struck us with an electric shock of delight.’ So Henry Cockburn recalled the impression created by the anonymous ‘Waverley‘ on its first appearance in Edinburgh in July 1814. Peter Garside considers the somewhat uneven genesis of Scott’s first novel, the significance of its opening ‘English’ chapters and the sudden turn provided by the eponymous hero’s move to Scotland. Also under consideration will be the novel’s treatment of Jacobitism and its possible relevance to today’s issues. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required: click here or call 0131 623 3734.

Dancing with Data: the fourth lecture in the Our Changing World series. Professor Chris Speed speculates on a future time in which objects will interact with us in different ways. Internet of Things refers to the technical and cultural shift that is anticipated as society moves towards a ubiquitous form of computing in which every device is on, and every object is connected in some way to the internet. 6.30-8pm (doors open 6.15pm), Appleton Tower (Lecture Theatre 4), University of Edinburgh, 11 Crichton Street. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite, which also has more information about this lecture.

Circle Scotland Choir: a new Sing in the City choir just for kinship carers. If you are one of Edinburgh’s kinship carers – grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings, friends – who care for children in your family, come along and try this new group. No auditions, no previous singing experience needed! 10am-12 noon today and every Tuesday, The Sanctuary, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street. For more information email kinchoir@outlook.com or call Maggie on 0131 557 1116.

We Need To Talk About Nukes: is it possible to create a world free from nuclear weapons? What role can Scotland play in making it happen? BASIC (the British American Security Information Council), WMD Awareness and the Edinburgh University People and Planet Society present an evening of discovery and dialogue, with a keynote speech from Bill Kidd MSP. Have your say on this international issue: this event is part of #TalkingTrident, a national conversation ahead of the 2016 decision on Trident renewal. 7-9pm, Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace. Free but places should be booked via eventbrite. Part of Edinburgh World Justice Festival.

The Sonics: LGBT Basketball Group. A friendly and informal group for beginners and regular players alike. 7-8pm, Leith Community Education Centre, 12a New Kirkgate (Sports Hall) For more information contact jules@lgbthealth.org.uk or thesonics@hotmail.co.uk

Cafe Ceilidh: a friendly session concentrating on Scottish traditional or more modern songs and tunes, but also appreciative of other music and poetry. Hosted by members of Linten Adie. Singers and musicians from the Scots Music Group, and non-members who would like to perform or just enjoy listening are all welcome. A confidence builder for those who are new to performing and fun for the more experienced. 1.30-3.30pm, St Brides Community Centre, Orwell Terrace. Free. Contact Mary on 01573 223515 or at mary.m.watt@gmail.com for more information.

Edinburgh Fortean Society – Interesting Times: the Top Five Modern Day Curses. James Kerr will talk about icemen, jewellery, phone numbers, films and this talk. 7.30pm, Attic Room, The Counting House, 36 West Nicolson Street. A meeting of the Edinburgh Fortean Society, which investigates and explores the strange, the inexplicable and the macabre ‘a look at the weirder side of life.’ £1 per person. Event page here.

WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2014

Marvellous Machines: a Love Science workshop. For ages 5-12. 3-4pm, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. Booking essential: call 0131 529 5506. Free.

Play Poland Film Festival: Munk Studio Special Screenings. Play Poland is the largest mobile film event in the UK, aiming to present and promote contemporary Polish cinema. Munk Studio is part of the Polish Filmmakers Association and was set up to focus exclusively on producing directorial debut films and to discover and support talented young directors in making creative arthouse cinema. It produces live-action, documentary and animation debuts; tonight’s programme features four 30 minute films. For ages 15+, 6.30-8.30pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. £4.50/£3.50.

Visually impaired tour and workshop – American Impressionism: A New Vision. A free visually-descriptive tour and practical workshop for the visually impaired. 10am-3.30pm, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art TWO (meet at the back door of the gallery), Belford Road. Free but booking required: contact the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.

Guided Tour of the National Library: tour of the building and introduction to the Library’s collections and history. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Numbers are limited so booking is essential. Please inform the Library if you have any special access requirements. 10.30am, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking required: click here or call 0131 623 3734.

Lunchtime Concert: students from Edinburgh Napier University. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Drumbrae Library Film Club Presents Brigadoon: the classic 1954 musical. 6.45-10.30pm, Drumbrae Library, 81 Drumbrae Drive. The Film Club offers monthly free screenings: if you would like to join the club please contact the library on 0131 529 5244 or call in.

The Brutal Logic of Climate Change: Dr Aaron Thierry (Global Change Research Insititute, University of Edinburgh) gives an overview of the latest science of climate change, making explicit the connections between physical and ecological changes already taking place and their impacts on human welfare. Followed by Q & A session and discussion. 7-9pm, Room G.05, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh. Organised by Friends of the Earth as part of Edinburgh World Justice Festival.

Contact Point Open Day: A Day In The Life? An exciting day of art, music, poetry and film. Visit the unique visual exhibition before joining political singer/songwriter Penny Stone in a ‘protest song’ music workshop. Finish the day by listening to original poetry and watching the short film, A Day in the Life of Contact Point. 12-4pm, (workshop 1pm, performance 2.30pm, film 3.30pm) Contact Point, 101 High Riggs, Tollcross. Free: donations welcome. More information from Angie on 0845 140 7777 or contactpointlothianteam@baronyha.org.uk Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2014

U3A Open Meeting: Edinburgh’s University of the Third Age’s monthly meeting will be open to the public as part of Luminate. Visiting speaker James McVeigh will take you Behind the Scenes at the Edinburgh Festivals and there will be exhibitions of work by the Art and Craft Groups and a display of photography by U3A members. 2-4pm, St Cuthbert’s Church, Lothian Road.

Gaelic Workshop: a free, very informal language class/workshop for total beginners. 2.30-3.30pm, Forest Cafe, Lauriston Place.

Morningside Justice and Peace Group: Lynn Jolly, Community Justice and Services Manager for Cornerstone, talks about Problem Solving Courts – what are they? 10.30-11.30am, Open Door, 420 Morningside Road. All welcome. A £1 contribution is requested towards costs. More information on 0131 228 1807 or email b.darcy20@gmail.com

Leith Art Club: friendly group working with different art styles – portrait and landscape, experimental works with mixed media, ink and wash, collage, decoupage, making cards and painting local scenes. 6.30-9.15pm, Leith Community Education Centre, 12a New Kirkgate. For more information call the Centre on 0131 554 4750 or just go along on the night.

Prewired: Play with Computers. Computers let you create anything you can think of: Prewired is here to help enthusiastic young coders (under 19 years) of any ability to do just that. Play around with whatever technologies and programming languages you want; learn something brand new, practice something you already know, start a project, get help with something you’re stuck on, or even teach others. Last year people worked on basic Python, Python games, websites, Java, Scratch and Arduinos. Every first and third Wednesday evening, sign up for as many sessions as you can. Bring your own laptop if possible. 5.30-7.30pm, Level 4, Appleton Tower, University of Edinburgh, 11 Crichton Street. Free. For more information and to register, see eventbrite.

THURSDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2014

Gaelic Rhymetime! Gaelic songs and rhymes for children and babies. 10.30am, Leith Library, 28-30 Ferry Road. (Next meeting 30th October at Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Rd.)

Live Music Now: Morag Brown and Lewis Powell-Reid. This traditional music duo have developed a rich and expanding repertoire of music from a number of folk traditions. On fiddle and bouzouki or accordion, they are at home performing both traditional Celtic music and music from Europe, the Balkans and Greece. 6pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free and unticketed.

Joanna Nicholson and Matthew Whiteside: Nicholson and Whiteside perform new music for clarinet and electronics by living Scottish composers. The programme includes Tommy Fowler’s A White Fan Spreading Out Lasting Forever, Edward McGuire’s Prelude 9, William Sweeny’s Piobaireachd and Matthew Whiteside’s Three pieces for bass clarinet and electronics. 6pm, Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Part of GENERATION By Night

Artist Talk: Colin Gray. Coinciding with the exhibition Colin Gray: a Journey with his Parents through Love, Life and Death at North Edinburgh Arts Centre, Coin will give an illustrated talk about the development of his ‘intimate’ photography and the relationship between the staged and the documentary image. He will also discuss how he used photography as therapy for himself and his parents over a 34 year time span. 6.30-7.30pm, Stills, 23 Cockburn Street. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite. (Photo by Stills)

Stigma Free Arts Cafe: bring your lunch to an inspiring and safe cafe space and enjoy poets, musicians, dancers, speakers and visual artists. 12-2pm, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge. Free: all welcome. Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2014.

Hans Vermeersch: violin recital featuring vocalist Payal Debroy. Fourteen songs by Rabindranath Tagore, translated by Arthur Geddes. 6pm, Glass Room, Merchiston Campus, Edinburgh Napier University, 10 Colinton Road. Free.

Silhouetting: popular drop-in family workshop, taking inspiration from the Where Do I End and You Begin exhibition. Using Mary Evans’ intricate cut-outs as your starting point, experiment with shapes to make your own piece of silhouette art. Suitable for the whole family working together. 1.30-3.30pm, City Art Centre, Market Street. Free, no booking required, meet in reception.

Debt, Tax and Justice: hear about the links between tax and debt justice, and how we can work to make these systems fairer. By changing economic systems we can challenge some of the vast inequalities that exist in the world. 7-9pm, Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge. Organised by Jubilee Scotland and Christian Aid as part of Edinburgh World Justice Festival.

SMHAFF International Film Awards: The Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival’s annual open film submission gives filmmakers from all over the world a platform to challenge perceptions on mental health, share their ideas with new audiences and explore the realities of mental health through film, This year submissions came from Australia, Canada, Iran, Thailand, USA and Europe. The ceremony will honour the very best of these films: expect to be moved and inspired by excerpts from, and the stories behind, these films. 6-8pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Free but booking required: see Filmhouse website.

Craft Cafe Open Day: the Edinburgh Craft Cafe opens its doors to celebrate Luminate 2014. If you are 65+ and want to get involved in creative activity, come along to the studios to meet artists in residence and Craft Cafe members, and to try out an activity for yourself. 10am-4pm, St Raphael’s Care Home, 6 South Oswald Road, EH9 2HG.

LGBT Learning Disability Project: a social group for LGBT people with learning difficulties or disabilities; meet other people, have fun and discuss sexuality and gender identity. Monthly meetings on a Thursday afternoon: today Information about People First and Speak Out discussion about bullying. Contact George at george@lgbthealth.org.uk or on 0131 652 3281 to find out how to join the group, which meets at the Lifecare Centre, Cheyne Street. Please bring a carer or supporter if you need help to participate.

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 along to listen to a diverse collection at this live poetry event. No previous experience of poetry or of reading live necessary! If you know what you want to read, send an email to the shop giving title and author and they’ll add you to the programme. 6.30pm, Golden Hare Books, 68 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge (note new address.)

Samba Drumming Workshop: 5.50-7.30pm, Forest Centre Plus, Argyle House, 38 Castle Terrace.

What Adult Education Means to Me workshop: speak to the artists exhibiting in the current What Adult Education Means to Me exhibition, and try out some of the techniques and approaches used in the creation of their work. Think about ways of expressing your own experiences and ideas about What Adult Education Means to Me. Everyone, including groups and organisations, welcome to join the workshops, which will be led by Outlook Project students and tutors. 3-4pm, St Brides Community Centre, Orwell Terrace. To book a place call 0131 337 6215. Free.

The Flint: original live music showcase. Martyn McKenzie, Shaz Jamieson, Lucas & Frida, and Patti Bloom, 7-10pm, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk.

Ecumenical Friends at St Cuthbert’s: Justin Taylor speaks on South Africa Past and Present. Everyone warmly welcome: tea and coffee provided, bring your own sandwiches. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Church, 5 Lothian Road. £1.50. Organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches Together.

An American in Paris: screening of the 1951 musical, starring Gene Kelly as a struggling American painter in Paris in George Gershwin’s 1928 symphonic poem to the city. 6-8pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2014

Family Arts Festival Activity Day: a fun-filled BFG themed activity day for all the family. Make and create things at a range of drop-in activities and bookable-on-the-day drama and movement workshops. You can also make a wish and help to create a giant-sized dream blanket as part of the national Big Draw event. Quiet storytimes, arts and crafts, costumes display with the chance to try some on. 10am-4pm, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street. For more information contact the theatre box office.

Last Dark Music of the Painted Night: to mark the end of the Counterpoint exhibition, Talbot Rice presents an evening of artist videos, including works by Alexa Hare, Craig Mulholland and Michelle Hannah, whose video ‘STATUE‘ will be shown for the first time in the site of its creation – plus works from Karen Donnellan and Serena Korda. 6.30-8pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, South Bridge, University of Edinburgh. Free tickets should be booked via eventbrite. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s review of Counterpoint here.

Lunchtime Concert: Ian Watt (guitar) will perform Sor Variations on a theme of Mozart (from Die Zauberflote) Op 9, John McLeod Three Mythical Pieces and Fantasy on themes from Britten’s Gloriana, and Albeniz Granada Op 47/1 and Torre Bermeja Op 92/12 Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free and unticketed.

1950s Sock Hop! Back to 1954! For ages 8-12. 2-4pm, Drumbrae Library, 81 Drumbrae Drive.

A Spooky Hallowe’en Windowscape: design and create a stunning 2D Hallowe’en windowscape with haunted houses, pumpkins, witches, bats, skeletons and all manner of other spooky images. Learn basic layering techniques with tissue paper to build up your scary scene. 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-3.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road. Suitable for families. £5 per person: bookings must be made via the Usher Hall box office, in person, by phone or online.

Performing Russian Music in Scotland: Glasgow Concerts in the 1930s. A free concert sponsored by the University of Edinburgh and open to all. Songs by Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakof, Sviridov and Mussorgsky, Medtner Fairy Tales Op 26, Eric Chisholm Celtic Folk Song Arrangements, Mussorgsky Songs and Dances of Death, Shostakovich from Preludes and Fugues Op 34, Prokofiev Three Children’s Songs Op 38. 5-6.30pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free tickets can be booked via eventbrite.

Monster Costumes: join in the run up to Hallowe’en (there will be a further costume making session next Friday and a party on 31st October.) 2.30-3.30pm, Newington Library, Fountainhall Road. Free.

Writing Letters, Writing Lives: in a society filled with emails, texts and tweets are we losing the powerful art of letter writing? Is there something you want to say? Something you want to tell someone? Write your letter in this fun, innovative creative writing workshop. 2-4pm, Ocean Terminal Community Space, 98 Ocean Drive. Free but booking required: contact Kim Schroeder on 07443 488 395 or at katschroeder@gmx.net. Also available at same time on Saturday 18th October 2014. Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2014.

Anya Lipska: the TV producer and scriptwriter for Panorama and Dispatches talks about her books and discusses contemporary Polish crime writing. Lipska’s Where the Devil Can’t Go and Death Can’t Take a Joke draw on her first hand experience of the lives of Polish immigrants in the East End of London. Chaired by Alex Sokoloff, this event is jointly organised by Word Power Books and Interactive Writing Salon in Scotland. 6pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free, all welcome: donations also welcome!

Coburg House Art Studios Showcase: Coburg artists and makers show paintings, prints, textiles, ceramics and jewellery in the run up to Christmas. Talks, demonstrations and classes will be held during the run of the exhibition, details available soon. From today until 24th December 2014, 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-5pm Sundays, Kalopsia Gallery, First Floor, Ocean Terminal.

The Home Front – Rationing: come and try recipes taken from The Win the War Cookery Book, published in 1918 (the same year that rationing was introduced). Fish ‘sausages’, stewed nettles and rice and raisin dumplings are some of the dishes that will be on offer. Copies of the booklet will also be available. 11am-1pm, Gorgie War Memorial Hall, 338 Gorgie Road. One of Gorgie War Memorial Hall’s World War One Commemoration Events. Free.

Nitekirk: creative, drop-in experience of church in central Edinburgh. A welcoming, sacred space for all, ‘a space of welcome, a space for stillness, a pause on your journey, an open door.’ 8-11pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Next month: Augustine United Church, on 21st November at same times. More information here.

Teatime Acoustic – Tartan Underground: acoustic session with guests each week, showcasing the hidden talents of Scottish songwriting. Hosted by troubadour singer/songwriter Sher Watson, 6.30-8.30pm, Jazz Bar, Chambers Street. Free before 8pm.

Freeze Frame Screening: His Girl Friday. Cary Grant stars in this fast paced, fast talking Howard Hawks’ comedy about journalism and jealousy. Free popcorn and good company guaranteed, or come early and enjoy a movie meal. Doors open 6.30pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. £2.50/£2 for the film, payable on the door or in advance at the cafe: £12 for a two course meal, which must be booked in advance – email stephanie.haigh@outoftheblue.org.uk or call 0131 555 7100.

SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2014

Love Culture, Hate Racism: celebrate diversity and enjoy family fun, with music from Rise and the Jit Jive Band, henna hand painting, storytelling from Mara Menzies, world cuisine, stalls, arts and crafts. 12 noon-4pm, St Peter’s Church Hall, Lutton Place. Entry free, donations welcome! Organised by South Central Neighbourhood Partnership, Unite Against Fascism and Muslim Women’s Association of Edinburgh.

Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and their carers. 10.30am, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Free.

LifeCare Craft Fair: jewellery, ceramics, accessories, candles, glass, cards, sweets, cushions and lots more. Refreshments and raffle. LifeCare is a charity working with the elderly, dementia sufferers and their carers. 10.30am-4.30pm, LifeCare Centre, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge. Call 0131 343 0940 for information.

Family Cinema: see your favourite film for free! Adventure, excitement, fun and laughs: juice and choc ices available in the interval for 50p each. Best for children under 10: all children must be accompanied by an adult. This week: Turbo (2013). Next week: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (1937), subtitles available, please ask. 10.30am-12.30pm, St Brides Community Centre, Orwell Terrace. Free.

Craftivism: Creative Activism. Find or restore your inspiration, consider new ways to campaign, share your ideas, make things! The second day of a two day gathering to share skills and ideas for using crafts in activism, as part of Edinburgh World Justice Festival. All welcome, all materials provided – but please bring your own needles if you can – no experience needed, free. If you missed the first session you are still welcome to attend this one. 10am-2pm, Forest Centre Plus, Argyle House, 38 Castle Terrace. Enter from Castle Terrace, by the roundabout at the bottom of Johnston Terrace. Note: this is not the Forest Cafe, although you are welcome to continue crafting there afterwards. Completed crafts will be displayed in the cafe.

The Big Draw – American Impressionism (Ages 4+) Explore the world of the Impressionists, wonder at the beautiful paintings in the exhibition, and try your hand at a series of fun, creative activities, including painting outdoors (weather permitting!) 1.30-4.30pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. Free entry to the exhibition for participating families. No booking required. Part of the Family Arts Festival.

The Vintage Kilo Sale: over five tonnes of quality mixed vintage fashion and accessories – only £15 per kilo! Dresses, denim, menswear, jackets, jeans, jumpers, blouses, shirts, shorts, tees and more. Stock will be replenished throughout the day. 12 noon-4pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Entry £1. For more information see www.judysvintagefair.co.uk

GENERATION tours at Modern One: free, discussion-led tours of the exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am or 1-1 45pm, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed.

Zoo Arts Extra: Beach Day: bring your family and friends for fun, food, fire and art. Please dress ‘warm and waterproof.’ There will be a walk to a local beach (25 minutes). Zoo Arts Extra will provide food, drink, fire, creative materials and activities. This event is for all ages but children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. There are limited places for unaccompanied children: please book early and sign a permission form if you wish your child to attend alone. 12 noon-4pm (approx), North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. Free – a £1 deposit will secure your place and your food and drinks. Call 0131 351 2151, or call into NEA, for more information and booking.

Portrait Gallery Architecture Tours: monthly architecture tours of the magnificent Arts and Crafts building designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. 2-2.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free but places are limited so booking is essential: call 0131 624 6560.

Lunchtime concert: Autumn Leaves. A new ensemble of female voices present jazz, pop and gospel music. 12.15pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free.

Zambian Independence: Celebrating 50 Years of a Nation. To mark the 50th anniversary of Zambian Independence a special day of events will take place in the James Watt Centre, to include guest speakers, workshops, exhibitions and a Zambian-inspired fashion project display by students from the School of Textiles and Design. Speakers will include representatives from the Zambian and Scottish governments and a video-conference link to Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding father and former president. This is an opportunity to learn more about Zambia, its history and culture and its links with Scotland. A celebratory dinner will follow in the evening. 10am-3.30pm, (dinner at 7pm), James Watt Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, EH14 4AS. The day is free but registration is required: tickets for the dinner may also be purchased via the registration site here: the site also gives more information about this event.

The Drop–In: a new city-wide fun packed activity for families with a child aged 0-18 with a disability, and their siblings, who live in Edinburgh. It offers the opportunity to meet with other parents and carers over a cup of tea whilst the children take part in activities (sports, arts, computer games, soft play, bouncy castle and much more) run by experienced youth workers (NB parents/carers do have to stay in the building.) 10am-2pm, Jack Kane Community Centre, 208 Niddrie Mains Rd (0131 657 1595); 2-4pm Northfield and Willowbrae Community Centre, 10 Northfield Road (0131 661 5273); 1.30-3.30pm, Carrickvale Community Centre, 2 Saughton Mains Street (0131 443 6971) and 10am-12 noon, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, 11 Pilton Drive North (0131 552 5700.) All drop-ins will take place at the same times every Saturday.

Writing Letters, Writing Lives: in a society filled with emails, texts and tweets are we losing the powerful art of letter writing? Is there something you want to say? Something you want to tell someone? Write your letter in this fun, innovative creative writing workshop. 2-4pm, Ocean Terminal Community Space, 98 Ocean Drive. Free but booking required: contact Kim Schroeder on 07443 488 395 or at katschroeder@gmx.net Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2014.

The Science of Wood: meet wood scientists from Napier University and learn how we can use wood in a variety of different ways through fun, hands-on activities. 1-4pm, Real Life Science Studio, Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free: also available on Sunday 19th October 2014 at same times.

Main Street Blues: foot-stomping acoustic blues. 9.30-11.30pm, Old Chain Pier, 32 Trinity Crescent. Free entry.

SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2014

Feed the Birds Weekend: the last weekend in October is the RSPB Feed the Birds Weekend. Gorgie City Farm is giving you a head start today – pop in and find out what you can do to give nature a home in your garden. Try your hand at making bird feeders and see which birds you can spot. 1-4pm, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road.

Ghoulish Glitter Globes: bring along a jam jar and have some fiendish fun learning how to make your own Hallowe’en scene. Transfer it into a ghoulish glitter globe with magical fallen leaves. Suitable for ages 8+. 10.30am-12.30pm, Lauriston Castle, 2a Cramond Road. Suitable for families. £5 per person: bookings must be made via the Usher Hall box office, in person, by phone or online.

Rushton and Tyman: Stop Thief! For this exhibition artists Rushton and Tyman have re-imagined their multi-use space Flaghall as a reading room, where texts, talks and performances are brought together. As part of Stop Thief! visitors to the exhibition at these times will experience interventions in the gallery, further exploring themes in the artists’ work. 12pm, City Art Centre, Market Street.

GENERATION tours at the Academy Building: free, discussion-led tours of the exhibition, focusing on key themes and artists. 11-11.45am or 1-1 45pm, Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound. Free and unticketed.

Bags of Art – October (Ages 4-12): cool and creative fun with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. 2-4pm, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free and unticketed. Supported by the Friends of NGS.

Hearing Impaired Tours – GENERATION: 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland. A free tour with portable loops for the hearing impaired. Led by Tessa Asquith-Lamb. 11am-12 noon, Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound. To book a place, call the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.

Wellbeing MELA: a fun family day to celebrate diversity and promote positive mental health and wellbeing amongst Edinburgh’s varied minority ethnic communities . Enjoy music, dance, complementary therapies, relaxation workshops and lots more in a relaxed, entertaining environment. 1-4pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Free, no booking required, more information from michelle@mecopp.org.uk Part of Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival 2014.

St Giles’ at Six: Baroque Plus. A concert to inaugurate the newly restored harpsichord in St Giles’. Michael Harris directs chamber music by Bach, Handel and others. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.