MONDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2015
Gorgie City Farm Bird Box Week. Invest in property! Get to know your feathered neighbours! Come along and learn about the housing needs of local birds, and build your own bird box to take home or donate. 2pm 0r 2.45pm today and every day this week until Friday, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. £5 per bird box. To avoid disappointment please book in advance by emailing education@gorgiecityfarm.org.uk.
Gorgie Farm Farmer’s Helpers! If you are aged 8-12 years and would like to help on the farm, book now to learn all about farming and caring for animals. You can come every day this week or just for a single day, subject to availability. 10am-12.30pm today and every day until Friday 20th February, Gorgie City Farm, 51 Gorgie Road. £10 per day: advance booking is essential as places are limited, so please call Sarah at the farm on 0131 337 4202 or email education@gorgiecityfarm.org.uk as soon as you can.
I’m Game: It’s Your Move! Explore the world of games in these fun movement workshops with Shuffle Dance Company. Power up through the years, throw some space invader shapes, move like Mario and more. No games knowledge or dance experience required; great for boys and girls. 10.30am or 11.30am (40 minute sessions) for ages 4 and under, 1.30pm or 2.30pm (45 minute sessions) for ages 4-8 years, today and every day until Sunday 22nd February, Learning Centre, Level 4, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street. Limited places: sign up on the day in the Grand Gallery on Level 1. Please note that a participating adult must stay with children in the younger age group.
I’m Game: Power Up Challenge – pick up a belt and follow the clues around the galleries to find special power-up tokens inspired by NMS objects. Add them to your belt and move up levels as your power grows stronger! 10am-4pm (drop-in) today and every day until Sunday 22nd February, Grand Gallery, Level 1, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street.
I’m Game: Get Your Game On. Spend some quality family time playing all sorts of table-top games – no computer in sight! There’s something for every generation and you can even try your hand at popular games from Scottish history. 12 noon-4pm (drop-in) today and every day until Sunday 22nd February, Event Space, Level 2, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street.
Taking Shape: a photographic exhibition by Eniko Meszaros, reflecting the artist’s relationship with language and photography over a one and a half year period in Edinburgh. ‘Often I felt like falling through some kind of void between languages. It was not an empty void though; I found refuge in the world of shapes, colours and contrasts. In Edinburgh everything constantly seems to be in the state of taking shape; ephemeral cloud formations, the seashore appearing and disappearing again, buildings and trees unfolding from mist, the quickly changing contrast of light and shade…’ 10am-2pm, Monday to Friday until 1st March 2015, Undercroft Cafe, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street.
La Galerie 1940 Spring Exhibition: fabulous artwork from various artists, including Trevor Jones, Matthew Bourne and Mhari Timoney. La Galerie 1940, 29 Melville Terrace. Contact gallery for opening times. Exhibition ends 22nd March 2015.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Adult Book Group: join this monthly group for lively, friendly book chatter – no previous experience needed! Currently reading Eleanor Updale’s The Last Minute. March’s book will be Stella Gibbons’ Cold Comfort Farm. 6-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. If you would like to try the group (it’s free), just email events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk with your name and address.
LGBT Spiritual Space: Maxwell Reay, NHS Mental Health Community Chaplain, offers a supportive space for people to discuss and develop ideas of spirituality and identity. For people of all faith or no faith at all. Tonight: ‘The Circles of Life‘, a group discussion to journey through the seasons of spirituality. 6.30-7.30pm (within weekly Drop-In, which runs 5.30-8pm), LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, 9 Howe Street.
Open Eye Gallery: three new exhibitions. Archibald Dunbar McIntosh: Reflections – the Fife-based artist, recognised for his depictions of the Scottish isles and coastlines, takes this exhibition as an opportunity to evaluate and reflect on his career so far. Hugh Buchanan: Shine – the artist’s latest exhibition of watercolours explores the reflective qualities of antique surfaces, particularly marble and porcelain. Lara Scouller: The Pastel Menagerie – the emerging Dundee-based artist holds her first solo exhibition at the Open Eye Gallery, with an impressive array of pastel drawings based on her recent time at Dublin’s Dead Zoo. 10am-6pm Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturdays, Open Eye Gallery, Abercromby Place. The Pastel Menagerie closes on 9th March 2015, Reflections and Shine continue until 11th March.
The Music of Jean Sibelius: distinguished musicologist Eero Tarasti (University of Helsinki) will give a talk on the music of Jean Sibelius as part of the celebrations to mark 150 years since the birth of this iconic Finnish composer. 4-5.15pm, Alison House, Lecture Room B, University of Edinburgh, 12 Nicolson Square. Free and open to all.
Gilmerton Writers’ Group: whether it is fiction or poetry that you write or would like to write, this group is for you! 6pm tonight and fortnightly, Gilmerton Library, 13 Newtoft Street. For more information call the library on 0131 529 5628.
Sofi’s Cult Movie Nights: Paragraph 175 – a screening for LGBT History Month. Historian Klaus Miller interviews survivors of the Nazi persecution of homosexuals under the German Penal Code of 1871, Para 175. 8-10pm, Sofi’s Bar, 65 Henderson Street. Free popcorn! Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s round-up of LGBT History Month here.
Tim Vincent-Smith: Sound Shape. During his residency at St Margaret’s House, Tim Vincent-Smith will explore aspects of sound and space using gravity, space and chance; experiments will include the construction of a playable cube of three upright pianos cut in half front and back, large scale pendular carpet painting workshops and a prototype harmonographic projection machine. The residency will culminate in a live performance event, Strange Attractor, on 1st March, when Tim will be joined by his acoustic improvisation trio Sink and special guests. 10am-6pm, Gallery 1, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road until 1st March, when Strange Attractor will take place at 8pm. Exhibition free; admission to Strange Attractor £7.
Toddler Time: short screenings exclusively for pre-school children and their parents or carers. Today Room on the Broom (U), a charming new 30-minute animated version of Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler’s magical tale of a kind witch who invites a surprising collection of animals to join her on the broom, much to the frustration of her loyal cat. 11am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets cost £3 for members of Toddler Time (it’s free to join – ask at the Box Office), accompanying adults free. No adult unaccompanied by a toddler will be admitted.
The Gildas Quartet: as part of the ‘Cranked Up Composition’ event – an opportunity to write, workshop and hear the premiere of a new string quartet composition within 24 hours – in the University of Edinburgh’s Innovative Learning Week, the Gildas Quartet will play Janacek Quartet No 1 Kreutzer Sonata, Matt Giannotti Echo and Birtwhistle Quartet Tree of Strings, and will discuss approaches to composition from the point of view of the performer. 1-2pm, Alison House, Lecture Room A, University of Edinburgh, 12 Nicolson Square. Free admission. The eight students chosen to participate in this project will then have 24 hours to work with the Quartet and develop ideas; the final pieces will be performed in a public concert by the Gildas Quartet at 7pm on 17th February at the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, Nicolson Square.
Children’s Crafts: 3pm, Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace. Also at same time on Tuesday 17th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th February.
The Two Roberts and the Gay Neo-Romantics: when the Two Roberts (Colquhoun and MacBryde) lived openly as a same-sex couple, homosexuality was both illegal and taboo in Britain. They found a place in a close-knit circle of artists and patrons, including Keith Vaughan, John Minton and Peter Watson. This group of friends shared ideas about art and style while providing valuable patronage opportunities and even accommodation for each other. Curator Matthew Storey, Historic Royal Palaces, formerly Victoria & Albert Museum, explores how the Two Roberts’ experience as outsiders had a profound impact on their life and art. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. The Two Roberts exhibition continues at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art TWO until 24th May 2015: entry costs £8/£6.
TUESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2015
Have Fun with the Dogs’ Trust! Come along to the library and enjoy some fun canine-themed activities for half term. 2-3pm, Central Children’s Library, George IV Bridge. For more information contact the Dogs Trust Education and Community Officer on 0131 242 8027 or rachel.bliss@dogstrust.org.uk.
Children’s Crafts: 3pm, Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace. Also at same time on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th February.
Paddington Bear Storytime with stories and crafts – don’t forget the marmalade sandwiches! 2pm, Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drumbrae Drive.
Grand (Hair) Designs: Renaissance Edition. Feeling grey, plague-ridden or poxy? Jackie Spicer (History of Art, Edinburgh College of Art) and Anna Canning (Medical Herbalist) test out Renaissance recipes for hair and makeup that haven’t seen the light since 1530. Beard dye, hair removal and the original platinum bleach will feature. Free samples! 1-3pm, Farmer Education Suite, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free but please RSVP to J.N.Spicer@sms.ed.ac.uk.
Zoolab Minibeasts: a gentle introduction to the world of classification – meet some invertebrates, including arthropods, molluscs, crustaceans and arachnids! 1.45-2.45pm, Portobello Library, Rosefield Avenue. Please contact staff for more details. Free.
Lunchtime Concert: Mhairi Lawson (soprano) and Jan Waterfield (piano) perform Haydn Arianna a Naxos Hob XXVIb/2, Schubert Lieder, Felix & Fanny Mendelssohn Lieder and Mozart Die ihr das unermesslichen Weltalls Schoepfer K619. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square. Free and open to all.
Common Weal Edinburgh North & Leith: EU – Workings of the Parliament with Per Johansson. Per started his career as a trainee judge in the Swedish courts, then moved to Brussels where he worked as an EU Affairs consultant before joining the European Civil Service. After 5 years in the European Commission and with the European Data Protection Office, he moved to Edinburgh to become Head of Office for the European Parliament. 7-9.30pm, Area C Coffee House, 239 Leith Walk. All welcome.
Common Weal Edinburgh North & Leith Reading Group. 7.45pm, Pilmeny Resource Centre, 15 Buchanan Street – please note new time and venue.
French Cinema: Adieu Berthe. Armand, a pharmacist in the Parisian suburbs, leads a peaceful life between his job, his loving family and his extravagant mistress. His world is shaken when his grandmother Berthe dies. In French with English subtitles. 6-7.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free, no booking required. Also showing 1-2.30pm on Wednesday 18th February 2015.
St John’s Shrove Tuesday Social Event – Iolanthe or The Peer and the Peri: a fabulous evening before Lent begins. The choir will sing a concert version of Iolanthe while you enjoy sweet or savoury pancakes and a glass of wine of fruit juice (more wine available by donation). 7.30pm, St John’s Church, Princes Street. Tickets cost £5/£2.50.
Representing Muslims in Scotland and the North-East: a series of seminars with British Muslim writers, poets and filmmakers. Tonight Iyat Hayatleh, a Palestinian poet and translator who moved from Syria to Scotland in 2000, and published his first collection of poems Beyond All Measure in 2007. Iyat has since collaborated with Scottish poet Tessa Ranford on a two-way translation project for a book Rug of a Thousand Colours, with poems inspired by the Five Pillars of Islam. Refreshments will be available after the talk. 5.30pm, Project Room, First Floor, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh. Free: all welcome.
The Gildas Quartet: as part of the ‘Cranked Up Composition’ event – an opportunity to write, workshop and hear the premiere of a new string quartet composition within 24 hours – in the University of Edinburgh’s Innovative Learning Week, the Gildas Quartet will play a series of works composed by students in 24 hours. 7pm, City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, Nicolson Square. Free and open to all.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and their parents/carers. 10.30am today and every Tuesday and Saturday, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. Free: all very welcome!
Little Ducks Club: stories, singing, crafting and playing for children and parents/carers at this city centre toddler group. 10am, Undercroft Cafe, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. For more information please contact Angela Grant, Child, Youth & Family Worker, on 07731 465 642. All welcome!
A Look at Contemporary South African Photography: many photographers working in South Africa today are dealing with complex issues related to the country’s political past. Anne Lyden, NGS International Photography Curator, offers a survey of some of the leading practitioners who, through their photographic images, seek to rethink and redefine issues of race, identity and culture in the post-apartheid country. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Ponte City: an immersive study of the iconic Johannesburg building by Mikhael Subotzky and Patrick Waterhouse, continues at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street, until 26th April 2015. Admission is free.
Click Clack: a monthly night of live music and other performing arts of an experimental nature – ‘funky and idiosyncratic’. Tonight Liz Lochhead reads her poetry accompanied by Steve Kettley on tenor sax, plus The Enormous Yes and Bitter Together. 7-10pm, Henry’s Cellar Bar, Morrison Street. £6/students £4.
Edinburgh College of Art Thursday Research Seminar Series – Experimental Histories: Queer Lives On Film. A screening as part of the University of Edinburgh’s Innovative Learning Week. 5-6pm, Common Room, Minto House, 20-22 Chambers Street. Free and open to all.
WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2015
French Cinema: Adieu Berthe. Armand, a pharmacist in the Parisian suburbs, leads a peaceful life between his job, his loving family and his extravagant mistress. His world is shaken when his grandmother Berthe dies. In French with English subtitles. 1-2.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free, no booking required.
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 Centre, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact biandbeyondedinburgh@gmail.com.
Literature of the North Atlantic: Faroese and Icelandic Literature in a Scottish Context. Dr Mads Bunch (University of Copenhagen) will explore the major developments in Icelandic and Faroese literature in the 20th century, focusing on the currents of modernism and magic realism, and writers such as Halldor Laxness, Einar Mar Guomundsson, William Heinesen and Gunnar Hoydal, and comparing them with the literature of the Orkneys, primarily the work of Edwin Muir and George Mackay Brown. 5.30-6.30pm, Lecture Theatre G.03, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh. Free: all welcome, but please book via eventbrite. This talk forms part of the 2014/15 Northern Scholars Lecture Series.
Rotary Club International Young Musician Competition Area Final: 7pm, Lecture Theatre 4, Main Building, Edinburgh Campus, Heriot Watt University, EH14 4AS. All welcome: admission £5 per person (includes light refreshments).
Visually-Impaired Tour and Workshop – Beauty By Design: Fashioning the Renaissance. A free descriptive tour and practical workshop for the visually-impaired, focusing on the Beauty By Design exhibition. 10am-3.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. To book a place please call the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.
Reid School of Music Postgraduate Online Information Session: if you’d like to know more about postgraduate study at the University of Edinburgh’s Reid School of Music, join this online event, which will begin with a short presentation followed by an open Q & A session. 10-11am: if you would like to take part, you can find further details and booking information here.
An Evening with Andrew O’Hagan: the Man Booker-nominated novelist, essayist and critic will be discussing his writing and celebrating the publication of his fifth novel The Illuminations. ‘I have scarcely read so beautiful a style or one so tender about life and death’ (Financial Times). 6.30pm, Looking Glass Books, 36 Simpson Loan. Free but booking is required: please email hello@lookingglassbooks.com or call the shop on 0131 229 2902.
Zoo Arts Extra: Animation Workshops for Adults. These sessions will take place during film screenings at North Edinburgh Arts, so your child can enjoy a film while you get creative. If you have your own equipment (camera/ipad/laptop) please bring it along, but it will be no problem if you don’t. The resulting animations will be screened at Friday’s Film Club. 1.30-3pm, North Edinburgh Arts, 15a Pennywell Court. There will be a further session at the same times on Thursday 19th February: you are welcome to attend both or just one session. To book a place please call 0131 315 2151.
Common Weal Edinburgh North & Leith: Spoken Word. A celebration of local spoken word with McGuire, Janette Ayachi, Suky Goodfellow and Kirsty Law, hosted by Sarah Beattie Smith and Jenny Lindsay. Five minute open mic slots available for spoken word of any kind – arrive early to sign up on the night. 7pm, Area C Coffee House, 239 Leith Walk. All welcome.
THURSDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2015
#artcore: calling young animators! If you are aged 12-18 and interested in animation, come along to the library today to find out about a new series of workshops facilitated by Red Kite Animation. Today you’ll get a chance to try out the technology, meet the team and find out what’s involved, then from Friday 27th February there’ll be afternoon workshops with top-notch animator Bona Bones, who will set you up with everything you need to get started on your project. You’ll create storylines, dialogue and story boards, and get to grips with animating, editing and adding music. If you’re interested call #artcore on 0131 555 4604 or email fiona@redkite-animation.com. #artcore is a collaborative two year project led by Out of the Blue alongside 13 Edinburgh arts organisations, young people, artists and young Creative Apprentices; it aims to develop a new and vibrant arts scene distinct from adult arts, one where young people take charge. Taster session today, 2.30-4.30pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge.
LGBT Age Edinburgh: One Man, Two Guvnors. An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the internationally acclaimed smash hit National Theatre comedy at the Festival Theatre. 10.30am-12 noon, Festival Theatre, 13-29 Nicolson Street. Booking essential: contact Lynda Peachey on 0141 271 2330 or email lynda@lgbthealth.org.uk. If you would like to stay to have lunch and attend the matinee performance, please let Lynda know and she can book tickets. The tour is free but donations to the Festival Theatre are welcome. LGBT Age events are for LGBT people who are 50+ and would like to meet others. The group has a monthly LGBT Age newsletter, keeping you up-to-date with the project’s events and activities in Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Lothians; to join email lgbtage@lgbthealth.org.uk or sign up at www.lgbthealth.org.uk.
Leith Walk Police Box Pop Up Launch: Leith Walk Police Box is to become a pop up venue, offering short-term flexible lets to budding entrepreneurs, artists, foodies, designers, campaigners, and particularly for any community and charity uses. Tonight the launch will be celebrated at The Black Fox – come along, say hello and find out about the first two exciting pop ups, The Edinburgh Tool Library and Anjila Wilson, who is researching the history of Shrubhill at Edinburgh College of Art. There will be cake! Food and drink also available to purchase from the bar. 7-10pm, The Black Fox, 17 Albert Place.
From Plot to Plate: How to Plan and Work a Vegetable Plot. Each year RBGE’s students of horticulture are given a small plot to plan and work as part of their exam. At this event the students will present their different designs, explaining their ideas and showing how the plots developed through the season, which problems had to be overcome and what grew well or not so well. Plenty of tips and inspiration for the upcoming growing season! 7.30-8.30pm, Lecture Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20a Inverleith Row. £6 (RGBE members £5) on the door – no advance booking required.
Souper Indoor Kurling: free of charge and suitable for all ages and abilities – come along and join in this free social activity; everyone welcome! 1-3pm today and for the following 5 Thursdays, St Martin’s Community Resource Centre, 232 Dalry Road. Tea/coffee and soup will be available. For further information or to register your interest, please contact Alan on 0131 337 1376/alan@healthallaround.org.uk or Jim on 0131 337 3252/gdca@btconnect.com.
Edinburgh College of Art Online Information Session: MSc Digital Media Design. If you are interested in this online course and you’d like to find out more about the programme, join Professor John Lee (Programme Director) and Dr Denista Petrova (Tutor) for a live chat, during which they will provide an overview of the programme and answer your questions. 2-3pm: if you would like to take part click here for further details and registration.
LGBT Learning Disability Project: this month – ‘Speaking to your doctor’. 2-4pm, Lifecare Centre, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge. This project provides a range of opportunities for building confidence and friendship among LGBT people who also identify as having a learning disability/difficulty. Please bring a carer or supporter if you need help to take part. If you would like to join this group please contact George Burrows on 0131 652 3281 or email george@lgbthealth.org.uk.
Slavery and Song: new insights into the songs of slavery, with the choir of St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church and special guests Andrea Baker, Stephen Fischbacher and The Edinburgh Signing Choir. 7.30pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Tickets cost £5/£3 and include refreshments.
Ecumenical Friends at St Cuthbert’s: John Ross speaks on Habitat for Humanity. 12.30-2pm, St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, 5 Lothian Road. £1.50 per person: bring your own packed lunch, tea and coffee provided. These events are organised by Edinburgh City Centre Churches TOGETHER.
Children’s Crafts: 3pm, Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace. Also at same time on Friday 20th February.
Women 50:50 with Talat Yaqoob and Sarah Beattie. Women 50:50 is a campaign launched by Kezia Dugdale (Labour MSP) and Alison Johnstone (Scottish Green Party MSP) for 50% representation in Parliament, on councils and on public boards. It welcomes support from members of all political parties and none; key supporters include Jackie Baillie (Labour MSP), Marco Biagi (SNP MSP), Jean Urquhart (Independent MSP) and Alison McInnes (Lib Dem MSP). 7pm for 7.30pm, Area C Coffee House, 239 Leith Walk. All welcome. This event is hosted by Common Weal Edinburgh North & Leith. For more information about the Women 50:50 campaign, click here.
Grafitti Art & Design Workshop at Muirhouse Library: learn design skills and create artwork on paper for the Surveillance Gallery, then paste it up with the help of Zoo Arts Extra and library staff. The Surveillance Gallery is the outside wall of North Edinburgh Arts; it has already been the site of three community exhibitions since being established in August 2014 by local artist Bob Winton. This workshop aims to share skills and fun, and get more young people involved with creative activities in and around NEA. 10.30am-12.30pm, Muirhouse Library, Pennywell Court. Booking is optional – if you would like to reserve your place, call North Edinburgh Arts on 0131 315 2152.
Mayfield Salisbury Thursday Club: Neil Shaw will talk about Edinburgh Shops in the Past. 2pm, Mayfield Salisbury Church Hall, West Mayfield. Everyone very welcome; please contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234 for more information.
Live Music Now: Seraphim. An exciting ensemble featuring soprano Marie Claire Breen, trumpeter Andrew Connell-Smith and pianist Christopher Baxter. The programme will include works by Handel, Strauss, Debussy and Gershwin. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Where Cows Walk on Water’ – the printmaking studio of the future: a talk by Paul Hamilton, an art and design lecturer and practising artist based in Portadown, Northern Ireland. Paul’s belief that printmaking has developed as a microcosm for learning and creative expression will form the backbone of this lecture, in which he will highlight the symbiotic relationship between traditional and digital printmaking; ultimately he proposes that printmaking in the 21st century is a rich and exciting means of communication through reflection, technology and process. 6.30-7.30pm, Edinburgh Printmakers, 23 Union Street. Tickets cost £5 or two for £8 (EP members free). Places are limited: please book online here or call 0131 557 2479.
The Heart is a Prideful Beast: an exhibition of new work by Daniel Domig. Domig studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and has exhibited widely over the past decade in Europe and North America. This is his first UK show. Opening reception 6-8pm tonight, then 10.30am-5.30pm Wednesday to Sunday until 19th April 2015, Warburton Gallery, 1 India Buildings, Victoria Street.
Red Kites February Tour: ‘epic yet intimate music, combining emotive lyrics and sweeping melody delivered with a fierce determination. Balancing pop songwriting with raw, celtic-tinged alt-rock and an unpredictability which is entirely their own..’ 7pm (doors open 6.30pm), Sneaky Pete’s, Cowgate. For over-18s only: refunds will not be given for ticket purchases for under-18s. Tickets cost £5.50 and can be booked here (transaction fee may apply).
The Jonathan Mills Lectures: Ethereal Eye – a musical meditation for an unbuilt city. In his composition Ethereal Eye, Jonathan Mills pays tribute to the unrealised plans of the architect Walter Burley Griffin for Canberra, Australia, and through a specially commissioned ensemble of microtonal percussion instruments, he invokes the poetics of a city that was imagined but never achieved. Jonathan Mills is a composer, festival director and Visiting Professor at the University of Edinburgh. 5.15pm, Alison House, Lecture Theatre, University of Edinburgh, 12 Nicolson Square.
Biggest Threat or Greatest Opportunity? A Health Response to Climate Change. As part of the University of Edinburgh’s Innovative Learning Week, MedAct and Healthy Planet are hosting an event to explore the health impacts of climate change. Come and explore the links between climate change, health and nuclear disarmament, and the ways in which we can improve health and stop climate chaos. The event will begin with key speakers from MedAct, Healthy Planet, Friends of the Earth and ICAN and some short films, followed by discussions in small groups. 7-9pm, University of Edinburgh, G.06 Central Area, 50 George Square. Please book online here.
FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2015
Scottish PEN: Are We Still Charlie? President of Scottish PEN Drew Campbell will chair a panel featuring cartoonist Greg Moody, journalist Joyce McMillan and author and playwright Alan Bissett for a discussion on censorship, self-censorship and freedom of expression in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings. 7.30pm, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £4/£2 (free for PEN members) and can be purchased via Brown Paper Tickets here (booking fee applies). PEN is a non-political organisation promoting literature and freedom of expression.
St Michael’s Church Jumble Sale: 7pm, St Michael’s Church, 1 Slateford Road. donations can be dropped off at 6pm on Thursday 19th February.
LGBT Women’s Wellbeing Group. This month: I Turn To You. Have you ever had therapy? Wondering how to find an LGBT affirmative therapist? Want to share your experiences of therapy or counselling? The group is creating a safe space for explorations of what it means and feels like to have therapy, complete with feature storytellers sharing their experiences of what love and therapeutic relationships mean to them. The Women’s Wellbeing Group is an inclusive group that offers the chance to meet other LGBT women in a relaxed environment; it is open to all LGBT women and to transgender people who identify primarily as women. 6-8.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, 9 Howe Street.
Freeze Frame Film Club: Hobson’s Choice (1953) (U). An informal evening of flickering images drawn from classic old favourites: this month a romantic comedy set in 19th Century Salford, directed by David Lean and starring John Mills, Charles Laughton and Prunella Scales in one of her first film roles.. Free popcorn and good company alongside the Cafe’s celluloid menu inspired by the films themselves; come early and have a 3-course pre-film meal prepared by a special guest chef, or just come for the film itself and maybe a snack and a drink. Meals cost £15 per person and must be pre-booked: call the cafe on 0131 555 7100. Tickets for the film cost £2.50/£2 and can be bought on the door (subject to availability) or in advance from the cafe. Doors open 6.30pm, film begins 8pm, Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.
Lunchtime Concert: Michael Harris (organ) plays Georg Muffat, JS Bach, Sweelinck, Buxtehude and Bruhns. 1.10pm, Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Square. Free and open to all.
Children’s Crafts: 3pm, Piershill Library, 30 Piersfield Terrace.
Crafty Fridays: an activity for children every week at 3pm, McDonald Road Library, 2 McDonald Road, Leith. All welcome!
Edinburgh College of Art Online Information Session: MSc Material Practice. If you are interested in this postgraduate programme and you’d like to find out more about it, join Professor Remo Pedreschi (Programme Director) for a live chat, during which he will provide an overview of the programme and answer your questions. 10-11am: if you would like to take part click here for further details and registration.
Waterstones Edinburgh Fort Book Group: come and join the book group, which will be discussing We Were Liars by E Lockhart, described by The Guardian as ‘a cunning, clever and absolutely gripping’ novel. 5pm, Waterstones Edinburgh Fort, 26 Kinnaird Park. For more information call 0131 657 5493.
T-his T-hat: an interactive dance experience in which children are asked to play a very important role. This fun afternoon is introduced with a story about two girls who have lost something during a journey, before leading into a creative workshop where the children join in to help to tell the story. The performance looks at the difficulty of making choices, and the possibility of failure; it also introduces Italian language and lets you explore and learn some basic words – letters, numbers, colours and food. For children aged 2-7 years. 2-2.45pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5 per child, accompanying adult free, and may be booked online here or by calling the Centre on 0131 556 9579. Please remember to book a free adult ticket too.
A Bench on the Road: the result of research commissioned in 2013 by the University of Edinburgh under the Italian-Scottish Research Cluster project, A Bench on the Road tells the story of six women from 1850 to 1950, during which period of global Italian migration 25 million Italians left their country. Many thousands made their home in Scotland, generating one of the most successful socio-economic integrations on record; the Italo-Scottish community constitutes a large and vibrant ethnic group in Scotland. The play, featuring three Italian-Scottish and three Scottish actresses, analyses a whole range of issues arising from this important phenomenon from the perspective of women. A Bench on the Road is a project created by Charioteer Theatre in coproduction with the Italian Cultural Institute of Edinburgh, realised with the support of Creative Scotland and Piccolo Teatro di Milano. For all ages. 7.30-9.30pm, Main Hall, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Entry will be by donation at the door to Charioteer Theatre, but you can book your seats in advance by emailing boxoffice@summerhall.co.uk
Character In Biography: The Most Really Interesting Problem. Professor Dame Hermione Lee (University of Oxford) gives the 2015 Susan Manning Lecture. Leslie Stephen, editor of the National Dictionary of Biography and father of Virginia Woolf, wrote in an 1893 essay on ‘Biography’ that ‘the most really interesting problem – that of the development of human character – is generally the most inscrutable’. This lecture asks whether, and how, that ‘really interesting’ and ‘inscrutable’ problem can be solved in biography. Hermione Lee is the biographer of Virginia Woolf, Edith Wharton and Penelope Fitzgerald. 5.30-7pm, Lecture Theatre G.03, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh.
What if the paintings came to life? Inspired by James Mayhew’s picture book Katie and her gallery adventures, bring artworks to life by making puppets inspired by paintings. What happens next when these characters come to life? You decide… 2-4pm (drop-in), Main Gallery Floor, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Also at same times on Saturday 21st February.
It Surrounds Me – Part Two: Fiona Hermse hosts an exhibition of site-specific sculptures, mixed media pieces and paper forms. Private view tonight 7-9pm, then 10am-6pm until 1st March 2015, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road.
Elizabeth Soutar Bookbinding Ceremony: the winners of the NLS creative and craft booking competition will be announced at this event, and all entries for the bookbinding award will be on display. The competition was open to bookbinders across Europe, and the winning entries will join the library’s collection of fine bindings. 6pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but please book online here or by calling the library on 0131 623 3734.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Samantha Shannon: The Mime Order. In this sequel to Shannon’s debut novel The Bone Season, Paige Mahoney has escaped the brutal prison camp of Sheol I, but her problems have only just begun; many of the survivors are missing, and she is the most wanted person in London. Paige must keep moving, from Seven Dials to Grub Street to the secret catacombs of London, until the fate of the underworld can be decided. Samantha Shannon has been heralded as ‘the new JK Rowling’. This event will be chaired by Stuart Kelly. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets can be obtained from the shop’s front desk, by emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or calling 0131 622 8218.
Cramond Kirk Presents An Evening with Art: a social evening and art exhibition. 70 paintings donated by a talented artist in the congregation will be displayed and available to purchase, with all proceeds going to Fresh Start, the Cardiomyapathy Association and Kirk funds. 7.30-9pm, Cramond Kirk Hall, Cramond Glebe Road. Tickets cost £5 each, which includes refreshments.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and their parents/carers. 10.30am, Oxgangs Library, Oxgangs Road North. Free: all very welcome!
Music for Violin and Organ: Duncan Ferguson, Master of Music (organ) is joined by Manchester-based violinist Rebecca Smith to play a selection of music written specially for organ and violin, including a major 12-tone composition by Croatian composer J Slavenski. Other composers represented include Siegfried Karg-Elert and Josef Rheinberger. In association with the Edinburgh Society of Organists. 7.30pm, St Mary’s Cathedral, Palmerston Place. Free admission.
Stories on the Way: an evening of stories from apprentice storytellers on the theme of ‘the way’ – stories of turning points and wayward travellers. Come and show your support and join the apprentices for a spellbinding evening hosted by Janis MacKay. 7.30-9.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £6/£4 and may be booked online here or by calling the Centre on 0131 556 9579.
LGBT History Month: LGBTALENT Performs. An open mic night for LGBT young people, their friends and allies. All welcome. 6-9pm, LGBT Youth Scotland, 40 Commercial Street. For more information contact nigel.chipps@lgbtyouth.org.uk. Free. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s round-up of LGBT History Month here.
Rally & Broad: Oh Bondage! Up Yours! A team of lyrical delighters celebrate all things freeing and chain-smashing, featuring Salena Godden, Kirsty Law and her band, Kevin Williamson, Graeme Hawley and Liz Cronin. 7-10pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. Tickets £5 on the door, or in advance from eventbrite (booking fee applies).. The Bongo Club is a nightblub, live venue and all round artistic hub owned by local arts charity Out of the Blue, ‘putting sounds of the underground and imaginative aspirations before the mighty dollar’.
Gap In The Air: composer and sound artist Agostino Di Scipio explores the generation and transmission of sound, often experimenting with the phenomena of emergence in chaotic dynamics. He is best known for his live solo electronics concerts and sound installations. This performance will be based on a series of public workshops on Agostino’s pioneering work on audible ecosystems, held during the University of Edinburgh’s Innovative Learning Week. 6-8pm, Talbot Rice Gallery, University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge. Free but please book via eventbrite here. Gap In The Air was a recent celebration of experimental music and sonic art at Talbot Rice.
Nitekirk: this ministry, rooted in Greyfriars Kirk and supported by its local ecumenical partners, seeks to create a welcoming, sacred space for all. ‘A place of welcome, a space for stillness, a pause on your journey, an open door’. 8-11pm (drop-in at any time between these hours), Augustine United Church, Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge.
SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2015
The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home Valentine’s Ceilidh: share the love and have a great evening at Summerhall – which used to be the Dick Veterinary Hospital, where many of the Dog & Cat Home’s residents were taken for treatment. Dance the night away with ceilidh band The Cannongate Cadjers in this impressive building; all profits will go to help stray and unwanted animals. 7.30pm-12 midnight, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £8 (+ booking fee) in advance from eventbrite or £10 on the door. For more information please call EDCH on 0131 669 5331.
A New Adventure For Lapin! Le Petit Monde warmly invites you to a taster for its new production starring Lapin and his French-speaking chums. This presentation, scheduled in the early stages of the show’s development, will be an opportunity for families to give Tania Czajka, Le Petit Monde performer and artistic director, and Alasdair Satchel, director, feedback to help them create a top new bilingual adventure for the little rabbit. In English and French, for children aged 3-5 years and their families. 11.30am-12.30pm, Institut francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Free, but space is limited so please book your places in advance by contacting accueil@ifecosse.org.uk or 0131 225 5366. Le Petit Monde is a puppet theatre company based in Edinburgh.
Edible Gardening Weekend Activities: fancy growing your own vegetables but don’t know where to start? Focusing on seasonal gardening information, the team will be on hand with friendly advice, fun activities and garden produce tasters. 12.30-3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20a Inverleith Row. Free. Also at same times on Sunday 22nd February 2015.
Calm Yer Beans! A fundraising night in aid of Edinburgh NW Foodbank. Live music and spoken word from Wounded Knee, Little Love and the Friendly Vibes, Dirty Red Turncoats, Harry Giles and Katherine MacMahon, 7.30pm, Area C Coffee House, 239 Leith Walk. All welcome. BYOB (corkage applies).
Vintage Kilo Sale: over 5 tonnes of quality mixed vintage fashion and accessories – only £15 per kilo! Stock is replenished throughout the day. Earlybird entry 11am-12 noon, £3; general entry 12 noon-4pm, £1.50, (private trade hour 10-11am), Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street.
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living: are you a disabled person or do you have a long-term health condition? Do you want to live a more independent life? The Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living invite you to drop in to Kirkliston Community Centre today for a cuppa and a chat – make friends, share your stories and experiences, ask any questions you may have, and have a bit of fun! Transport can be arranged if required. 1-3pm, Kirkliston Community Centre, 16-18 Queensferry Road. For more information and to register your interest please call Elspeth or Kelly at LCIL on 0131 475 2350, email elspeth.ferguson@lothiancil.org.uk or kelly.jack@lothiancil.org.uk or call Callum Gibson at the Community Centre on 0131 333 4214.
St Bride’s Family Cinema: see your favourite films for free! Juice and choc ices available in the interval for 50p each. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Today’s film: Lady and the Tramp (U), next week: Despicable Me (U). 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace, Dalry.
The Domestics: 9pm, Dalriada, 77 Promenade, Portobello.
Bookbug: songs and rhymes for young children and their parents/carers. 10.30am today and every Saturday and Tuesday, Corstorphine Library, 12 Kirk Loan. Free: all very welcome!
LGBT: T Time in Edinburgh. An informal monthly social gathering open to all transgender people and supporters. Come along for tea/coffee and a chat in a friendly, relaxed environment. The first meeting of each quarter is family-friendly, and an optional event runs alongside each T Time. Today Beyond the Label: if you are a trans-identifying person, the trans label or experience may be an important part of your identity, but it is also important to make the time to explore and nurture other aspects of your identity. This is an opportunity to explore what you feel is important or of interest about you beyond the trans/label experience, and how these other aspects of self relate to, or are affected by, trans identity. T Time 1-4pm, Beyond the Label 2-3.30pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact Jules Stapleton Barnes on 0131 523 1104 or jules@lgbthealth.org.uk.
What if the paintings came to life? Inspired by James Mayhew’s picture book Katie and her gallery adventures, bring artworks to life by making puppets inspired by paintings. What happens next when these characters come to life? You decide… 2-4pm (drop-in), Main Gallery Floor, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Scandinavian Young Fiction – Meet the Authors. We’ve all heard of Pippi Longstocking, The Ugly Duckling, Sophie’s World and The Moomins, but what kind of books are being written for children and young adults in the Nordic countries today? Come and meet a group of exciting authors, hear them talk about their creative process and read extracts from their work, and ask them questions about their writing. This family-friendly event (in English) will feature Danish author Merete Pryds Helle together with Norwegian authors Maria Parr and Harald Rosenlow Eeg. Bjarne Thorup Thomsen will lead the discussion, and light refreshments will be served. 11am-1pm, Danish Cultural Institute, 3 Doune Terrace. Free but ticketed: please rsvp to dci@dancult.co.uk.
Portrait Gallery Architecture Tour: monthly architecture tour of the magnificent Arts & Crafts building designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. 2-2.45pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Booking essential: please call the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.
Wasabi Disco with Young Marco (Rush Hour, Amsterdam): ‘mutant disco and sleazy electro throbbers spun till late’. 11pm, Sneaky Pete’s, Cowgate. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked online here (transaction fee applies).
The Enchanted Forest Adventure: Brooke Laing performs and delights in this interactive, action-packed adventure through an enchanted forest where a miserable witch has been up to mischief. Can everyone save Bottom and his fairytale friends from the witch’s spells before Big Ben chimes midnight? For ages 3-6 years. 12 noon-12.45pm, (10.30am performance sold out), Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £6 per child, accompanying adult free, and may be booked online here or by calling the Centre on 0131 556 9579. Please remember to book a free adult ticket too.
Edinburgh Society of Musicians: cellist Veronica Hendry plays works by JS Bach. 7.30pm prompt, Edinburgh Society of Musicians, 3 Belford Road. Free admission: all welcome. The Edinburgh Society of Musicians has promoted practical music making in Edinburgh since 1887.
Me and The Devil: unorthodox party music played by the ‘subversive record selectors’ – expect disco,world groove, psychedelia, new wave, krautrock and ‘other buzz words’. Victoria Bar, 265 Leith Walk. Free admission.
SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2015
Storytelling – From Ballads to Lullabies. Join storyteller Fergus McNicol as he brings alive music and stories connected to portraits in the gallery, from The Maid of Norraway to The Fisher Lassies of Newhaven. For ages 7+. 2pm or 3pm (45 minute sessions), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free: no booking required. Supported by the Friends of NGS.
Bridgend Growing Communities Annual Potato Day: a chance to buy rare variety organic seed potatoes, plus refreshments, children’s activities, tours of the allotment, food tastings and mini-workshops. 11am-2pm, Bridgend Community Allotments, 41 Old Dalkeith Road.
Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents The Mikado Singalong! Come along and help provide the chorus. EDGAS will bring the soloists and the orchestra; some scores will be available to borrow (or just come to listen). 7.30pm, St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Tickets cost £10/£5 and are available from Alan Borthwick at aborth@sky.com or the Usher Hall Box Office.
Mayfield Salisbury Festival of Sacred Music: Evening Worship – Orthodox. An evening service featuring music written for the Russian Orthodox liturgy, sung by Russkaya Capella, the only choir in Scotland specialising in Russian choral music. 7pm, Mayfield Salisbury Church, 1a Mayfield Road.
LGBT History Month: Breaking Out of the Trans* Narrative: Me & T. For friends, family and partners of Trans* people – a discussion that will examine media representations of trans* people. A chance to voice your opinions and hear each other’s stories. 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre, 9 Howe Street. For more information contact me.and.t.edinburgh@gmail.com. No booking required. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s round-up of LGBT History Month here.
Edible Gardening Weekend Activities: fancy growing your own vegetables but don’t know where to start? Focusing on seasonal gardening information, the team will be on hand with friendly advice, fun activities and garden produce tasters. 12.30-3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20a Inverleith Row. Free.
Filmhouse Junior: Matilda (PG): Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman star in this celebrated version of Roald Dahl’s story. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small, and can be purchased online here or by calling the Filmhouse Box Office on 0131 228 2688.
Live at Boda: Caro, Jules & Pawel. An eclectic set from Boda regulars, playing crowd-pleasing acoustic music. ‘Cosiness, beers, wines, teas, coffees and great atmospheric music.’ 6-8pm, Boda Bar, 229 Leith Walk.
WHALE Arts Craft Fair: stallholders from the local area and beyond offer handmade arts, crafts, gifts, design ware, accessories and more! 1.30-4.30pm, WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove. Free entry.
LGBT History Month: Holy Communion. As part of Broughton St Mary’s ongoing commitment to support the LGBT community, the church will host a special Holy Communion to mark LGBT History Month. 10.30am, Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, 12 Bellevue Crescent.
A Remembering Service: an ecumenical service for all those who have suffered the loss of a child from the beginning of pregnancy onwards, and for those who wish to come in love and support, to have time in quiet surroundings to fully recognise their loss and help with healing. 5pm, St John the Baptist RC Church, St Ninian’s Road, Corstorphine.
St Giles’ At Six: Sinfonia Excelsior, the orchestra of Heriot-Watt University, performs Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free: retiring collection.
