MONDAY 19TH JANUARY 2015
Toddler Time: The Hive (U). Screenings designed to introduce young children to the cinema., with 30-minutes shows for pre-school children and their parents/carers. This week join Buzzbee and his friends in their fun-packed adventures – whether they’re on a treasure hunt or camping under the stars, there’s always something new to learn and share. 11am, Cameo, Home Street. £3 per child, accompanying adults free if they join Toddler Time (free – ask at Box Office). Babies under 12 months free. Book online or call the Box Office on 0871 902 5723.
Building Echoes: Artist’s Talk & Screening. Building Echoes analyses the relationship between architecture and art. Alberto Condotta, one of the two exhibitors, will give a talk in the gallery, followed by a screening of Robert Cahen’s short film Juste Le Temps (1983); the film is centered on an encounter between a man and a woman on a train journey. Through the manipulation of imagery and the lack of spoken words, the film plays with the formulation of narrative and temporality. 4pm, Interview Room 11, 38 Castle Terrace. Interview Room 11 is a not-for-profit artist run gallery and project space, and part of the Forest+ arts complex.
For Crying Out Loud: Testament of Youth (12A). These are screenings for parents/carers and their babies under 12 months; baby changing, bottle warming and buggy parking facilities available. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4.50/£3.50 per adult, maximum of two adults per child. (Note: no screening next week – next is A Night At The Opera on 2nd February).
Minecraft Building Club: come and try this new club – it just started last week! 3.30-4.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Also at same time on Wednesdays.
Peartree Quiz: know your physics from your psychics? Still in mourning for the loss of 15-to-1? Then you’ll love the Peartree quiz. All welcome! 9-11pm, Peartree, West Nicolson Street. £1 per team – get there early as tables fill up quickly.
Sofi’s Cult Movie Night: popular classics on the silver screen in the back room, with free popcorn! 8-10pm, Sofi’s, 65 Henderson Street.
Radical Independence Campaign with Cat Boyd: RIC were very prominent during the referendum campaign, so if you want to find out what they are about, this is your chance. Cat Boyd is the co-founder of RIC. 7-9.30pm, Area C Coffee House, 239 Leith Walk. Organised by Common Weal Edinburgh North and Leith.
Leith Central Community Council: Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings and engage with what is happening in the local area. 7pm, Nelson Room, McDonald Road Library, 2-4 McDonald Road. Contact secretary.lccc@leithcentralcc.co.uk for more information.
The 10th Annual Adventure Film Festival: Programme 1. The festival features eleven of the world’s most exciting action and adventure documentary films. From free climbing in Yosemite to mountain biking in Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, and from canyoneering in Australia to surfing under the northern lights in Norway’s Arctic Circle, each of the three film programmes gives filmgoers a diverse and inspiring look at how modern day pioneers of exploration and adventure are pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible. Programme 1 consists of six short films: programme 2 will be shown on 26th January and Programme 3 on 2nd February 2015. 6pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Prices vary: bookings can be made online or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688.
Stockbridge Church Toddler Group: for babies and toddlers. 10-11.30am, Stockbridge Parish Church, Saxe Coburg Street.
Linlithgow Film Society: The Railway Man (15) starring Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth. ‘A powerful and inspiring tale of heroism, humanity and the redeeming power of love’ . 7.30pm, Linlithgow Academy Theatre, Braehead Road. Non-members £4/£3, under 16s £2, payable on the door. For membership information, see website.
LGBT Spiritual Space: Maxwell Reay, NHS Community Mental Health Chaplain, offers a supportive space for people to discuss and develop ideas of spirituality and identity. For people of all faiths and no faith at all. This month there will be opportunities for individual conversations, and information regarding spiritual needs. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly Drop-In, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact the centre on 0131 523 1100 or email admin@lgbthealth.org.uk
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Adult Book Group: join the group for lively, friendly book chatter – no previous experience required! The group meets monthly to discuss a wide range of books – fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary, prizewinners and cult heroes; whatever you fancy! Currently reading Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. (Next month Eleanor Updale’s The Last Minute). 6-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. If you would like to join, just email your details to events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Children’s Book Group: if you are 8-11 years old with a love of books and biscuits, join the group to enjoy a friendly hour of fiction. Come and discover more books to treasure! Currently reading Piers Torady’s The Last Wild. 6-7pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. If you would like to join, just email your details to childrens.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
The Hidden Generation: Contemporary Art in Awkward Places. Dr Andrew Patrizio looks at some of the more obscure and far-flung places that artists worked with as part of the 2014 GENERATION exhibition – from hidden collections and archives to Scotland’s country houses, and on to Fingal’s Cave and even the moon. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
TUESDAY 20TH JANUARY 2015
Tiny Tales: Cosy Stories. Cosy in with storyteller Claire Hewitt and hear tales from the land of ice and snow, and how the sun was rescued by a brave little hare. With songs and lullabies to make a sleepy bear even sleepier! For children aged 1-3 years. 10am or 11.30am (40 minute sessions), Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5 per child (please remember also to book a free adult ticket) and are available online here or by calling SSC on 0131 556 9579.
Scottish Society of Architect Artists: Art4X. An exhibition and sale of art works organised jointly by the SSAA and the University of Edinburgh, in support of the University’s Patrick Wild Centre. The Centre’s mission is to understand the neuronal basis of, and test new therapies for, autism, fragile X syndrome and intellectual disabilities by fostering collaborations between world class basic science and clinical research at the University of Edinburgh. A selection of guest artists and Ligne et Couleur (Ligne et Couleur is the name of the SSAA’s counterpoint associations in other European countries) colleagues from France, Germany, Italy and Poland who have exhibited with SSAA over the last three decades have been invited to contribute works for the exhibition and auction as part of Art4X. Auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull will take bids for these very special items during tonight’s private view. Private view (by invitation only) tonight 6-9pm, then 10am-4pm Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd January, 10am-12 noon Saturday 24th January, Sculpture Hall, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place.
Mac’s Munchkins: an hour of farm-themed storytelling, crafts, playgroup and songs. For children aged 2+. 10am or 3pm, Gorgie City Farm (meet at the red tractor), 51 Gorgie Road. £2 per child, payable on the day – no registration required.
I Love Hip Hop: for those who want to celebrate the hip hop classics – and just as importantly, the brand new! Live performances, guest DJs and more. 11pm-3am, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. £4 . The Bongo Club is owned by local arts charity Out of the Blue. ‘Putting the sounds of the underground and imaginative aspirations before the mighty dollar’.
Emerging Artists Series: Emma Versteeg and Maryam Sherhan. Discover new talent from a range of great young professional musicians at the start of their careers. Singer Emma Versteeg and pianist Maryam Sherhan present an atmospheric journey of song through Scotland, including Clare Liddell’s song cycle Five Orkney Scenes, William Sweeney’s Luminate: From the Islands (commissioned by Live Music Now Scotland! in 2013 and originally supported by Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival), and Robert Burns’ settings by Amy Beach. There will be an opportunity to meet the artists in the cafe bar at 11.45am, after the performance. 11am, Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Tickets £3, free for students and schools: book online, in person or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 1155. Presented by the Usher Hall in partnership with Live Music Now Scotland! Next week: Cherrygrove (traditional band).
Odeon Silver Cinema: if you are over 55, you can enjoy films for only £3, with tea or coffee beforehand, at the Odeon’s special screenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Today: 11am – The Rewrite (12A), 2pm – What We Did On Our Holiday (12A). You can buy your tickets at the cinema (no extra charges), or online (50p booking fee + 21p transaction charge then apply). Odeon, 118 Lothian Road.
Digital Sentinel: Community News Cafe. digitalsentinel.net is the online community news site for Wester Hailes, now running a weekly community news cafe. Drop in for a cup of tea, chat about local stories and share local news, views, issues and events. 12 noon-1.30pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free.
Luath Press Presents Lesley Riddoch: Wee White Blossom, a post-indyref, poppadum-sized version of Blossom, updating it with a new chapter on Scotland’s Year of Living Dangerously. Lesley Riddoch shares her thoughts on the Smith Commission, the departure of Gordon Brown, the return of Alex Salmond and the latest developments in land reform and local control, and considers the future of the SNP, the Radical Independence Campaign, Common Weal, Women for Independence and Scottish Labour in the aftermath of the referendum. ‘A plain-speaking, incisive call to restore equality and control to local communities and let Scotland flourish’. 6.30pm, New Empire Bingo Club, 50 Nicolson Street. Free tickets can be collected from Blackwell’s (South Bridge) front desk or reserved by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
Pauline Detective: Pauline, a talented and gorgeous woman working for a criminal investigation’s newspaper, is going through a midlife crisis. Her younger sister Jeanne takes her to a famous hotel in the Italian Riviera – where Pauline believes a crime has been committed and starts to play detective. Dir: Marc Fitoussi. The film is in French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free: no booking required. Also showing at 1pm on Wednesday 21st January 2015.
Lunchtime Concert: New Zealand Chamber Soloists. Amalia Hall (violin), James Tennant (cello) and Katherine Austin (piano) play Beethoven Piano Trio in D Major Op.70 No.1 ‘Ghost’ and John Psathas Island Songs. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free.
Muslim Literary Representations of Britain 1780-present. Dr Clare Chambers, University of York, is an expert in contemporary South Asian literature written in English and literary representations of British Muslims. She is currently completing her second book, Representations of Muslims in Britain, a monograph tracing the development of artistic depictions of UK-based Muslims from the 18th century to the present day. This event is part of a series of seminars Representing Muslims in Scotland and the North East, and will include a short talk by the speaker, a conversation with PhD students Sybil Adam or Peter Cherry, and a Q & A session. 7.15pm, Project Room, University of Edinburgh, George Square. These seminars are funded by the University of Edinburgh Alwaleed Centre, and this evening’s talk is held in conjunction with the Department of English Literature, who are providing wine after the talk. The next seminar will be at 5pm on 3rd February 2015, with award-winning Aberdeen-based writer Leila Aboulela. For more information about the series, click here.
Behold the Light of Nature: Ruskin on Turner 1853. Paul O’Keeffe, actor and art historian, recreates John Ruskin’s moving account of the life, achievements and death of JMW Turner, now re-edited and expanded to incorporate more of the lecture, and including visual aids. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY 2015
Minecraft Building Club: come and try this new club – it just started last week! 3.30-4.30pm, Moredun Library, 92 Moredun Park Road. Also at same time on Mondays.
Sofi’s Clothes Swap: bring your unwanted clothes and swap them for something else. Upcycling at its most fun! No money involved – the more you bring, the more you swap. 7-10pm, Sofi’s, 65 Henderson Street.
Economics with Jim and Margaret Cuthbert: Jim and Margaret are both economists and statisticians. Jim was formerly Scottish Office Chief Statisician, Margaret lectured in econometrics at Glasgow University; both are now retired and pursue research interests. Area C Coffee House, 239 Leith Walk. Organised by Common Weal Edinburgh North and Leith.
Whale Snappers: a monthly session for anyone with an interest in taking photos, learning about portraits, and printing in a dark room. Lead by a friendly professional photographer, all levels of experience welcome. Try it out! 6-9pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. £4 per session.
Pauline Detective: Pauline, a talented and gorgeous woman working for a criminal investigation’s newspaper, is going through a midlife crisis. Her younger sister Jeanne takes her to a famous hotel in the Italian Riviera – where Pauline believes a crime has been committed and starts to play detective. Dir: Marc Fitoussi. The film is in French with English subtitles. 1-2.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free: no booking required.
Zoo Arts: sessions for young people aged 9-14 years who are interested in the visual arts. Activities are usually project-based and last around 2-4 weeks; they include creating temporary public art installations, with group exhibitions at the end of each term – and a party!. The group also goes on inspiring trips to places like the National Galleries and Museums. 4-5.30pm today and every Wednesday (breaks for school holidays), North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. 50p per session, healthy snack provided. Pop in any Wednesday to see why everyone loves Zoo Arts so much!
Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council: all members of the community are welcome to attend and participate – see website for minutes of past meetings and future agendas. 7pm, Stockbridge Parish Church, Saxe Coburg Street.
January Open Spoken Word and Music Night: featuring Irish Flyte Champion, comedian and poet Sean O’Dee. Please bring along a poem or a song. 7.30-10pm, The Red Room, Constitution Bar, Constitution Street. Free: please indicate your attendance on the event’s Facebook page. For more details contact rose.fraser@yahoo.co.uk.
Lunchtime Concert: Piano Speak. Improvisations, requests and repartee with Will Pickvance. 12.15pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free.
Chatterbooks: if you like books and reading, come along to meet new friends,, chat about books and join in games and competitions. For children aged 8-12 years. 3.45-4.45pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Free. For more information call in at the library or email Mohammed.boussabou@edinburgh.gov.uk
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Sue Lieberman: After Genocide – How Ordinary Jews Face The Holocaust. Edinburgh author and psychotherapist Sue Lieberman explores the neglected world of ‘ordinary Jews’, those who have no direct family lineage to the Holocaust but are nevertheless deeply affected by its memory. Drawing on interviews with Jews across the age spectrum, After Genocide focuses on the complex psychological legacy for a community of such a devastating history; in addressing the question of what constitutes collective trauma, it will speak to many communities with comparable collective histories. 6.30-7.30pm Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be collected from Blackwell’s front desk or reserved by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
Visually impaired tour and workshop – The Two Roberts: Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde. A free descriptive tour and practical workshop for the visually impaired, focusing on The Two Roberts: Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde. 10am-3.30pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. Free: to book a place please call 0131 624 6560.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Christopher Brookmyre: Dead Girl Walking. Celebrate the return of Jack Parblane in the much-awaited new book. Jack Parblane has lost everything; his journalism career, his marriage, his self-respect. A call for help from an old friend offers a chance for redemption – but only if he can find out what has happened to Heike Gunn, a famous, beautiful and talented woman who has simply vanished. From Berlin to Barcelona, form the streets of Milan to remote Scottish islands, Parblane must find out what happened before it’s too late. 7-9pm, The Caves, Niddry Street South. This event is ticketed but tickets are free, and can be collected from Blackwell’s (South Bridge) front desk or reserved by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
Bi & Beyond Edinburgh: a fortnightly social gathering for people who identify as bisexual and non-monosexual. ‘With organised social activities and refreshments provided, whatever your label or lack of label we welcome you’. 7-9pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact biandbeyondedinburgh@gmail.com
Crufts and Other Adventures: local author LJB Fraser will read from and talk about her book Cavalier Chronicles, which documents life through the eyes of Rufus, her King Charles spaniel. Possibly including an appearance by Rufus himself! 6.30-7.30pm, Colinton Library, 14 Thorburn Road. To book a place please call 0131 529 5603 or email colinton,library@edinburgh.gov.uk Free.
Scottish Society of Architect Artists: Art4X. An exhibition and sale of art works organised jointly by the SSAA and the University of Edinburgh, in support of the University’s Patrick Wild Centre. The Centre’s mission is to understand the neuronal basis of, and test new therapies for, autism, fragile X syndrome and intellectual disabilities by fostering collaborations between world class basic science and clinical research at the University of Edinburgh. A selection of guest artists and Ligne et Couleur (Ligne et Couleur is the name of the SSAA’s counterpoint associations in other European countries) colleagues from France, Germany, Italy and Poland who have exhibited with SSAA over the last three decades have been invited to contribute works for the exhibition and auction as part of Art4X. 10am-4pm today, Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd January, 10am-12 noon Saturday 24th January, Sculpture Hall, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place.
Morningside Justice and Peace Group: Professor David Bell, University of Stirling, talks on Growth, deficit, austerity and other macroeconomic considerations in the run-up to May 2015. The Morningside Justice and Peace Group exists to promote informed opinion on matters of concern to the community at large: meetings are open to all and consist of a short talk followed by questions and discussion. 10.30-11.30am, The Open Door, 420 Morningside Road. £1 per person. For more information please contact Barbara Darcy at b.darcy20@gmail.com
THURSDAY 22ND JANUARY 2015
Works On Paper 2015: a selection of prints, drawings and watercolours from the storerooms of The Fine Art Society Edinburgh and London. Artists include Gerald Brockhurst, Sir David Wilkie, Robert Austin, Walter Geikie, James McBey, Mabel Royds and Charles Tunnicliffe. 10am-7pm today, 10am-6pm Friday and 11am-4pm Saturday, Dundas Street Gallery, 6a Dundas Street.
GENERATION By Night: the GENERATION By Night season of curated after-hours events at Modern One concludes this month with a night of pop-up talks, artist talks by Claire Barclay, Ciara Philips and Kate Davis (6pm), and a live set from WOLF (Kim Moore) at 7pm. Enjoy GENERATION after dark! 5-8pm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free: no booking required.
ROC (Redeeming Our Communities) Conversation – Tollcross. A chance to talk about the community’s needs and how they can be met. ROC is a national charity with over 150 projects throughout the UK. It aims to bring about community transformation by creating strategic partnerships that open up opportunities for crime and disorder reduction and improved community cohesion. ROC brings together community groups, churches, the police, the fire service, local authorities and voluntary agencies, to encourage them to work together in positive partnerships for practical ‘on the ground’ change. 5.30-7.30pm, Central Halls, 9 West Tollcross. Free places can be booked via eventbrite. For more information, please contact dianemcwilliam@roc.uk.com
Drama @ WHALE: bring out your dramatic side and join the Whale’s Without A Cause group – they are looking for new people who would like to be involved in devising a show to be performed at the WHALE Arts End of Year Christmas party in December. No experience needed! 7-9pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free.
Let’s Dance! Social dancing: get fit and have fun. Relaxed sessions with dance tuition from an expert: this term the group continues to learn ceilidh dancing – come and enjoy the Scottish whirls! 7-8.30pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. £2 per session.
WHALE Street Arts: music, craft, street dance, poetry, beat box, art and more, on the streets of Wester Hailes every Thursday evening. This term’s theme is puppets – physical, shadow, hand and finger – leading up to the Puppet Animation Festival at Easter. Come and meet the Street Arts Team: 5-5.30pm – Harvesters Square, 5.30-6pm – Dumbeg, 6-6.30pm – Hailesland, 6.30-7pm – Walkers, 7-7.30pm – Westburn. For ages 8-18. For more information see Street Arts’ Facebook page here. For ages 7-16. Free.
Ecumenical Friends at St Cuthbert’s. Matthew Ross, General Secretary, Action of Churches Together in Scotland. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, 5 Lothian Road. All very welcome: tea and coffee provided, please bring your own packed lunch. £1.50 per person. These events are organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.
Mayfield Salisbury Thursday Club: this week Music with Margo and Iain Dunn. 2pm, Upper Hall, Mayfield Salisbury Church, 18 West Mayfield. All very welcome: 50p per person. For more information please contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234. Next week: Rev Sarah Kilbey on The Sounds of Silence: Coping with Deafness.
Early Shetland Authors: Professor Penny Fielding explores the world of Margaret Chalmers and Dorothea Primrose Campbell, two early Shetland authors whose poetry had little success in their lifetime. Their case raises a number of questions: how can poets be ‘recovered’ with scant archival resources? What role does geographical distance play in literary history? And why should we read these authors in the first place? 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Book via website or call 0131 623 3734. Free.
Odeon Silver Cinema: if you are over 55, you can enjoy films for only £3, with tea or coffee beforehand, at the Odeon’s special screenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Today: 11am – What We Did On Our Holiday (12A)., 2pm – The Rewrite (12A). You can buy your tickets at the cinema (no extra charges), or online (50p booking fee + 21p transaction charge then apply). Odeon, 118 Lothian Road.
Scottish Society of Architect Artists: Art4X. An exhibition and sale of art works organised jointly by the SSAA and the University of Edinburgh, in support of the University’s Patrick Wild Centre. The Centre’s mission is to understand the neuronal basis of, and test new therapies for, autism, fragile X syndrome and intellectual disabilities by fostering collaborations between world class basic science and clinical research at the University of Edinburgh. A selection of guest artists and Ligne et Couleur (Ligne et Couleur is the name of the SSAA’s counterpoint associations in other European countries) colleagues from France, Germany, Italy and Poland who have exhibited with SSAA over the last three decades have been invited to contribute works for the exhibition and auction as part of Art4X. 10am-4pm today and Friday 23rd January, 10am-12 noon Saturday 24th January, Sculpture Hall, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place.
Live Music Now: Fraser Langton and Juliette Philogene. Fraser (clarinet) and Juliette (piano) have been wowing audiences with their performances since they started playing together in 2009. Together they will bring a varied programme of colourful and impressionistic music inspired by the National Gallery’s permanent collection, and in celebration of Burns’ Night they will play some popular Burns songs. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
FRIDAY 23RD JANUARY 2015
Freeze Frame Film Club: an informal evening of flickering images drawn from classic old favourites. This week: Back to the Future (PG). Go early and have a 3 course movie-themed meal at the Drill Hall Arts Cafe before the show, or just go along for the film itself – free popcorn provided! ‘An evening of nostalgic drama, laughter and tears’. 6.30pm (film 8pm), Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street. Meals cost £15 and must be booked in advance – call the cafe on 0131 555 7100. Film costs £2.50 (children £2), which can be paid on the door (subject to availability), or in advance by calling 0131 555 7100 or emailing stephanie.haigh@outoftheblue.org.uk, or asking at the cafe. For more information see the club’s Facebook page.
Fort Community Centre Bake Sale! Kids from some of the Centre’s clubs are holding a bake sale today – so come along, bring your money, and eat cake! 1pm, Fort Community Centre, 25 North Fort Street.
Bookbug: rhymes and songs for young children and their parents/carers. 10.30-11am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North.
Storytime: find out where the magic story rug will take you this week! 10.30am today and every Friday, Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace.
Rally and Broad: The Apology Shop. A tongue-in-cheek celebration of the apology in its many varieties: come hear the confessional, the reverential, the spittingly caustic and the wittily marvellous, featuring Francesca Beard, Bizerk, Emily Dodd, Chris Willats, and UK University Slam Champ Jess Smith. 7-10pm,The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. £5 on the door. The Bongo Club is owned by local arts charity Out of the Blue. ‘Putting the sounds of the underground and imaginative aspirations before the mighty dollar’.
Works On Paper 2015: a selection of prints, drawings and watercolours from the storerooms of The Fine Art Society Edinburgh and London. Artists include Gerald Brockhurst, Sir David Wilkie, Robert Austin, Walter Geikie, James McBey, Mabel Royds and Charles Tunnicliffe. 10am-7pm today, 11am-4pm Saturday, Dundas Street Gallery, 6a Dundas Street.
Eco Kidz: if you love creating and would like to learn some new skills too, try Eco Kidz. The group uses recycled materials to design and create new products before selling them at markets around Edinburgh: the Christmas pop-up stalls almost sold out! All profits go back into the project. For ages 8-12. 1.45-3.15pm today and every Friday, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. Free.
Scottish Society of Architect Artists: Art4X. An exhibition and sale of art works organised jointly by the SSAA and the University of Edinburgh, in support of the University’s Patrick Wild Centre. The Centre’s mission is to understand the neuronal basis of, and test new therapies for, autism, fragile X syndrome and intellectual disabilities by fostering collaborations between world class basic science and clinical research at the University of Edinburgh. A selection of guest artists and Ligne et Couleur (Ligne et Couleur is the name of the SSAA’s counterpoint associations in other European countries) colleagues from France, Germany, Italy and Poland who have exhibited with SSAA over the last three decades have been invited to contribute works for the exhibition and auction as part of Art4X. 10am-4pm today, 10am-12 noon tomorrow (Saturday 24th January), Sculpture Hall, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place.
St Bride’s Toddlers Group: a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for parents/carers and their children to get together, play and chat. Led by Solma Rahman. 9.30-11.30am today and every Friday until 20th March, St Bride’s Cafe, St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace.
St Bride’s Children’s Club: have lots of fun and make new friends while playing games, learning arts and crafts and going on trips. For ages 5-9. Today and every Thursday until 26th March (no club 19th February) 4-5.30pm, St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace. 50p per session.
Lunchtime Concert: de la guitarra. Gordon Ferries and Stephen Morrison specialise in 19th century guitar music on original instruments. Today they will perform works by Beethoven, Mozart, Carullli and Sor. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh, Bristo Square. Free.
Malawi Coffee Morning: with Fairtrade tea and coffee and Fairtrade goods for sale. Profits go to the church’s Malawi project. All very welcome! 10.30am-12 noon today and every Friday, Stockbridge Parish Church, Saxe Coburg Street.
Girl Fridays: a club for girls in P7 to S4. 3-4.30pm, Pilmeny Youth Centre, 44 Buchanan Street. For more information contact Mo Airnes on 0131 553 2559 or email moairnes@btconnect.com
Edinburgh College of Art Friday Lecture Series: Mika Hannula. Based at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, Mika is the former Director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki, and Chair of KUNO, the Nordic network of art academies. 11.30am, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place. Free and open to all.
Heriot Watt University: Lunchtime Music Hour. This week: The Rotary Club Young Musician Competition. 12.30-1.30pm, Zero Degrees, Students Union, Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Campus, EH14 4AS.
Human Blues: Anna Glantz and Tam Hare. An exhibition exploring the connections between the self, collective identity and modern culture, and the ‘weird, and not so wonderful’ feelings that arise when these disconnect. Anna is a Swedish-born painter and printmaker, Tom is a visual artist and writer whose work is principally photographic and camera-centric. Open preview tonight 6-9pm, then 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 11am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays, until 3rd February 2015, Gallery 2, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road.
LGBT Women’s Wellbeing Group: Colour My Life. An inclusive group offering a chance to meet other LGBT women in a relaxed environment. Chat, information and activities promoting health and wellbeing. The group is open to all LGBT women, and welcomes transgender people who primarily identify as women. This month banish the winter blues by contributing to a women’s wellbeing creative space, where women can come together to share music, get in touch with their artistic side and have the opportunity to contribute words of solidarity to Amnesty International’s Write for Rights letter writing campaign. 2-4.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. To stay up to date with the group contact alison@lgbthealth.org.uk to be added to the email reminder list.
Gallery Social – Beauty By Design: Fashioning the Renaissance. A relaxed and informal guided tour with refreshments for anyone affected by dementia and their friends, relatives and supporters. 10.30am-12 noon, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free: to book a place please call 0131 624 6560.
LGBT Film Nights: see LGBT themed and mainstream films in a friendly, sociable setting. Vote by email, and at the events, for film choices each month. You are welcome just to turn up on the night, but please be aware that the film will already have been chosen. 6.30-9.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information, contact the centre on 0131 523 1100 or email admin@lgbthealth.org.uk
Son et Lumiere: two hours of sound and silence, of light and darkness. Space and time to sit, to think, to wander, to be. 6-8pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Tickets £3 at the door.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Stuart MacBride The Missing and The Dead: Acting Detective Inspector Logan McRae returns in this new novel by the bestselling crime writer.’One mistake can cost you everything. When you catch a twisted killer there should be a reward, right?’ What McRae gets is a ‘development opportunity’ in the depths of rural Aberdeenshire…then a little girl’s body washes up outside the sleepy town of Banff, kicking of a massive manhunt….there are dangerous predators lurking in the wilds of Aberdeenshire, and not everyone’s going to get out of this alive. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. This event is ticketed, but tickets are free and can be collected from Blackwell’s front desk or reserved by calling 0131 622 8218 or emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about Stuart MacBride’s 2014 Edinburgh Book Festival appearance here.
An Evening with Burns and Gow: Robert Burns and Niel Gow are responsible for some of the greatest words and music that Scotland has ever produced. This performance sees Euan Drysdale (vocals/guitar/piano) and Alistair Savage (fiddle) celebrate the works of Burns and Gow in a joyous evening of traditional fiddle music, alongside some new folk/blues interpretations of Burns’ poetry in song. 7.30-9.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £10/£8 and can be purchased online here or by calling 0131 556 9579.
SATURDAY 24TH JANUARY 2015
Victoria Bar Singles Night! 8pm,Victoria, 265 Leith Walk
Polish Rhymetime: 11am today and every second Saturday, Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace. All very welcome to come and join in the fun.
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 National Gallery of Modern Art ONE, Belford Road. Free: no booking required.
Tiger Tales: stories and crafts for children aged 4-8 years. 3-4pm, Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street. Free.
Edinburgh League of Comics Manga Workshops: learn how to create your own characters, script a story and take home your very own comic book! For ages 10+. 2-4pm, Kirkliston Library, 16 Station Road. To book your place drop into the library and speak to Nicola, or call her on 0131 529 5510/email kirkliston.library@edinburgh.gov.uk If you can’t make it today, there will be another workshop on 31st January 2015.
ABJAD: an exhibition by four artists, Jane Bustin, Kevin Harman, Paul Keir and Jeff McMillan ‘who, in their sometimes sideways approach to abstraction, balance conceptual concerns with an intuitive touch’. 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday until 21st March 2015, Ingelby Gallery, 15 Calton Road.
Macastory: The Two Rabbies. A fun-filled show with not one but two Rabbie Burns, each claiming to be the real McCoy! The audience must decide who is telling the truth as the Rabbies tell outrageous tall tales of their amazing adventures, and perform songs and verses from the Bard himself. 12 noon, 2pm or 3pm (40 minute sessions), Hawthornden Court, Level 1, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free: just drop in. Also at same times on Sunday 25th January 2015.
Edinburgh Society of Musicians: Dream Team concert. Kirsteen Davidson Kelly plays new piano compositions by Vroni Holzmann, inspired by the landscape of the Alps, Swedish forests and seascapes. 7.30pm, Edinburgh Society of Musicians, 3 Belford Road. Admission free.
Balerno Village Screen: Les Miserables (12). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Miserables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This screening will be a #pitchfever fundraiser for a 2G pitch at Balerno School, and coincides with the production of Les Miserables that Balerno High School pupils are currently preparing: some of them will be along to perform before the screening. 12.30-3pm (doors open at 12 noon), St Joseph’s Hall, Balerno, EH14 7TZ. Tickets are free, and can be booked via eventbrite or collected from The Mill Cafe or Balerno Post Office. If you can’t get a ticket, you are welcome to turn up and will be given a seat if there are no-shows: if you have a ticket and can’t make it, please cancel so that someone else can come along. Balerno Village Screen is a community cinema funded by donations.
Works On Paper 2015: a selection of prints, drawings and watercolours from the storerooms of The Fine Art Society Edinburgh and London. Artists include Gerald Brockhurst, Sir David Wilkie, Robert Austin, Walter Geikie, James McBey, Mabel Royds and Charles Tunnicliffe. 11am-4pm (closes today), Dundas Street Gallery, 6a Dundas Street.
It’s In The Bag: rhymes, drama, creative games and puppets, with lots of well-loved Scottish songs throughout. (1) Sam & Rosie’s Tartan Tea Party – for ages 0-2 years, 2.15pm (10am show already sold out), (2) Sam & Rosie’s Highland Adventure: The Mystery of the Lost Haggis – for ages 3-6 years, 11.15am or 1pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £6 per child and can be purchased online here or by calling 0131 556 9579. Please remember to book a free adult ticket too.
Burns for Beginners: Robert Burns’ keys poems and songs are performed to a cracking live music accompaniment, along with discussion, context and English subtitles. A sell-out at TradFest Edinburgh 2014 and Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014 ‘this is the show about Burns that Burns would want to see!’ For ages 12+. 7.30pm, Netherbow Centre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £8/£4 and can be booked online here or by calling SSC on 0131 556 9579.
St Bride’s Family Cinema – see your favourite film for free! Adventure, excitement, fun and laughs – they’re all here. All welcome: children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Juice and choc ices available in the interval for 50p each. This week: The Lego Movie (U), next week: Dumbo (U). 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace.
Family Saturdays at the French Institute: La Galette des Rois. The first event in a new series of ‘rendez-vous’ in French; an opportunity for children aged 3 to 10 years to discover a popular piece of French culture. This time, the tales, songs and crafts are all about ‘la Galette des Rois’ – and is there anything better than finishing this event with a delicious Galette tasting? 12 noon-2pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Price per child £5/members £3. No booking required. Please note: parents must stay with their children.
Winter Guided Walk: join a Garden Guide for a leisurely afternoon walk round the Garden. Discover stunning seasonal highlights and learn about the history of the Garden and its plants. For ages 14+. 2pm, John Hope Gateway Reception, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. £5 per person: no advance booking necessary. Also at same time on Sunday 25th January 2015.
Traditional Scottish Music at Morningside Library: following a successful performance last year, Derek, John and Lindsay return for a morning of traditional Scottish music. 11.30am-12.30pm, Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. No need to book – just turn up.
Scottish Society of Architect Artists: Art4X. An exhibition and sale of art works organised jointly by the SSAA and the University of Edinburgh, in support of the University’s Patrick Wild Centre. The Centre’s mission is to understand the neuronal basis of, and test new therapies for, autism, fragile X syndrome and intellectual disabilities by fostering collaborations between world class basic science and clinical research at the University of Edinburgh. A selection of guest artists and Ligne et Couleur (Ligne et Couleur is the name of the SSAA’s counterpoint associations in other European countries) colleagues from France, Germany, Italy and Poland who have exhibited with SSAA over the last three decades have been invited to contribute works for the exhibition and auction as part of Art4X. 10am-12 noon, Sculpture Hall, Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place.
Israel-Palestine Prayer Vigil: Polwarth will hold this month’s prayer vigil for peace between Israel and Palestine. Vigils have been held all over the country since troubles flared in Gaza last summer; they are organised jointly by the Church of Scotland’s World Mission Council, Christian Aid and other supporting agencies. The morning will include an overview of Church of Scotland’s and Christian Aid’s work in the area and a talk about the work of the YWCA Women and the Wall. 10am-12 noon, Polwarth Parish Church, Polwarth Terrace. All welcome.
SUNDAY 25TH JANUARY 2015
Winter Guided Walk: join a Garden Guide for a leisurely afternoon walk round the Garden. Discover stunning seasonal highlights and learn about the history of the Garden and its plants. For ages 14+. 2pm, John Hope Gateway Reception, Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Inverleith Row. £5 per person: no advance booking necessary.
Storytelling: Happy Birthday Rabbie! Come and celebrate Burns Day with Scottish song, story and poetry. Enjoy a wee bit of the Bard’s work, learn some Scots language and listen to some Scottish traditional tales. For ages 7+. 2pm, 2.45pm or 3.30pm (30 minute sessions), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free: no booking required.
Filmhouse Junior: Penguins of Madagascar (U). 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and can be booked online or by calling the Box Office on 0131 228 2688. Next week: Into The Woods.
Sofi’s Nocturnes: a weekly open stage hosted by Matt Norris and Arno Blok. Unplugged and intimate: all acts welcome (music, spoken word, comedy, anything else you’d like to do). A free drink for every performer. 8-10pm, Sofi’s, 65 Henderson Street.
Macastory: The Two Rabbies. A fun-filled show with not one but two Rabbie Burns, each claiming to be the real McCoy! The audience must decide who is telling the truth as the Rabbies tell outrageous tall tales of their amazing adventures, and perform songs and verses from the Bard himself. 12 noon, 2pm or 3pm (40 minute sessions), Hawthornden Court, Level 1, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Free: just drop in.
Rock and Roll Ping Pong with DJ Ding and DJ Dong; a free monthly social night, with balls on! Free play, silly ping pong games, music from every genre to play along to, and an optional, strictly amateur, tournament (£1 entry, winner takes all). 7-11pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. The Bongo Club is owned by local arts charity Out of the Blue. ‘Putting the sounds of the underground and imaginative aspirations before the mighty dollar’.
Me & T Monthly: a supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are transgender or exploring their gender. An opportunity to meet other people who may have similar experiences, questions or concerns. 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact me.and.t.edinburgh@gmail.com.
St Giles at Six: music students from Napier University. Solo performances from final year music students. 6pm, St Giles Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
