We know it’s cold, but there are lots of things to do indoors this week – you could warm up with Edinbal Dance Workshops (Wednesday), eat up at A Taste of Scottish Islam (Sunday) or even brave the weather and take part in the Great British Bird Watch (all weekend). Many groups are starting up again after the Christmas break, from the Fort Youth Clubs to North Edinburgh Art’s new Kraftworks – we can only feature a selection, so why not contact your local community centre to see what’s on offer? And as always, please check details with the organisers before setting out to any event – it’s far too cold to have a wasted journey.
MONDAY 18TH JANUARY 2016
Between Two Worlds: Early Russian Modernism c.1907-1920. In this lecture, Dr Jonathan Blackwood (Grays School of Art) will look at the diverse and remarkable portfolio of ideas that lay behind some of the works of early Russian modernist artists. Beginning with the work of Mikhail Larionov and Natalya Goncharova, he will consider the profound battle between ‘local’ sources from Russian folk art, icons and storytelling, and the strong pull of the new marketplace for ideas in art in Paris and Berlin. Moving forward from the neo-primitive experiments of Larionov and Goncharova, he will also look at the relationship between contemporary art and the February and October revolutions. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre. Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed. Image: Rabbi with Cat, Natalya Goncharova (c) ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2015.
Stockbridge Toddler and Baby Group: 10-11.30am today and every Monday, Stockbridge Church, Saxe Coburg Street. All welcome!
Grassmarket Picture House: Children of Men (PG) – this explosively violent future-nightmare thriller, directed by Alfonso Cuarón and adapted from the novel by PD James, is a stunningly convincing realisation of a Beirut-ised London in the year 2027, in which terrorist bombs have become as dreary and commonplace as cancer. Clive Owen stars as Theo, a former radical protester, who in defeated middle age has become an alcoholic and low-ranking employee of a government department: a miserable guy in a miserable world. Pollution has rendered humanity infertile; the world’s youngest person is all of 18 years old and there is a global malaise of disorder and despair, 7pm, Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row. All welcome, free admission: donations very welcome! The Grassmarket Community Project is a charity providing mentoring, training and education to participants, many of whom are amongst the most vulnerable of Edinburgh’s citizens, in a nurturing environment. It operates a community cafe, woodwork and tartan social enterprises, and a range of social integration and educational activities for members, aimed at enhancing life skills and developing confidence. To read about The Edinburgh Reporter’s afternoon at the Project, click here.
Meet the Edible Gardening Team: take a look around the productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project volunteers. Find out what jobs need doing in your own garden now and have your vegetable growing questions answered. 1-3pm, Demonstration Garden, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free, drop-in, no booking required. Also at same times on Tuesday 19th January.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Book Group: join the Blackwell’s Book 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—in short, whatever you fancy! Currently reading Edmund de Waal’s The Hare with Amber Eyes. 6pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. To join the group, just email your name and address to events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk.
Picturehouses Toddler Time: exclusive short screenings for pre-school children and their parents and carers. Today: Hey Duggee (U) – a show based around a children’s playgroup called The Squirrel Club, run by a big dog called Duggee. The Squirrel Club is a place where members have adventures and earn badges for their accomplishments. These five episodes are all about animals, snowmen, tidying up, decorating and the circus. 11am, Cameo, Home Street. Tickets cost £3 per child, accompanying adult free.
Flashback Drama: Active Inquiry and Strange Town Theatre Company. Are you interested in being part of a brand new piece of drama to be performed in the Leith Festival in June and as part of the Forest Fringe in August? This devising group is for anyone over the age of 18 with an interest in creating innovative theatre that entertains and challenges; there are opportunities for those interested in acting, directing, writing or backstage work. This year Active Inquiry will continue to work with Strange Town to create a piece of theatre exploring the history of the Leith docks. 6-8pm, Out of the Blue, 36 Dalmeny Street. £7/£4 per session. For more information and to book your place contact Active Inquiry here.
The Skylark Kids’ Movie: this week Song of the Sea (U). Ben, a young Irish boy, and his little sister Saoirse, a girl who can turn into a seal, go on an adventure to free the faeries and save the spirit world. 3.45pm, The Skylark, 241/243 Portobello High Street.
Currie & District Local History Society: A Pictorial History of Balerno over the last 200 Years. Speakers: Ronnie Dixon and Val Wilson. 7.30pm, Gibson Craig Hall, 156 Lanark Road West. All welcome. For more information please contact Mr Douglas Lowe on 0131 449 4349.
TUESDAY 19TH JANUARY 2016
Tiny Tales: Hide & Seek. Where will the story clock stop today? Join Beth and Andrew from Suit and Pace, a magical mouse called Malcolm, a clever sheep and a friendly giant for interactive stories, songs and all round fun. For ages 1-3. 10am or 11.30am (40 minute sessions), Storytelling Bothy, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £5 per child, accompanying adult free, and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here. Please remember to book a free adult ticket for yourself when purchasing your child’s ticket. Advance booking is recommended.
Shopping in Bruntsfield & Morningside – what do you think? The Council is consulting on draft guidance for Bruntsfield/Morningside ‘town centre’. The consultation document includes options for guiding the balance of shops with other uses and services, and also identifies opportunity areas and sites for improvement in and around the town centre, to support it as a place to shop, visit, live and work. The public and local businesses are invited to two drop-in events to view the consultation document; the first is today, 2-5pm, at Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Comments must be submitted via the Council’s Consultation Hub by 16th February 2016. The second event will take place 11am-2pm on Saturday 23rd January, also at Morningside Library.
Kraftworks: come along to this new free adult group and learn practical skills from professional artists! Find out how to transform everyday recycled materials from around your home. All levels of experience welcome and all materials provided. 10am-12 noon, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court. Drop-in, no need to book – for more information please call 0131 315 2151.
A Calendar of Memories: a session of tales, songs, laughter and reminiscence in the relaxed setting of the Storytelling Court. Hosted by Life Stories, who specialise in sharing stories with older people to help rekindle imagination, trigger memories and increase communication. 1pm, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets are free but please book – in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here.
In Focus: John Phillip’s La Gloria. The son of a cobbler, Scottish artist John Phillip (1817-1867) showed early talent and this, combined with his drive and determination to succeed, saw him rise to be the best paid artist in Britain and Queen Victoria’s favourite. Jennifer Melville, Head of Collections, Archives and Library Services, National Trust for Scotland, concentrates on Phillip’s skills and imagination, his tragic personal life, his artistic friendships and discerning collecting. She will examine how his extensive travels in Spain and his remarkable Spanish-themed paintings led to him becoming both greatly admired and also an important influence on other younger artists, such as Mary Cassatt. 12.45-1.30pm, Hawthornden Lecture Theatre. Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free and unticketed.
Lunchtime Concert: The Cantilena Festival Piano Trio. Scott Mitchell (piano), Angus Ramsay (violin) and Sarah Harrington (cello) play Beethoven Piano Trio in Bb major Op.97 ‘The Archduke’. 1.10pm, City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square. Admission free.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Chris Brookmyre: Black Widow. Jack Parblane, Brookmyre’s maverick reporter, returns in a tale of marriage, murder and a search for the dark truth behind the woman the media is calling Black Widow… 7.30pm (doors open 7pm), The Caves, Niddry Street.Tickets cost £5 and may be obtained from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8222, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via eventbrite here. A booking fee applies to tickets purchased through eventbrite.
Usher Hall Emerging Artists Series: soprano & piano duo Emily Mitchell and Geoffrey Tanti perform John McLeod’s Songs from Above and Below, a new composition inspired by the stories and recollections of local mining communities gathered by Live Music Now musicians. 11am,Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £3 (students and schools free). Funded by Kimie Trust.
Cameo Silver Screen: if you are 60+, join the Silver Screen club and qualify for discounted tickets costing just £5.50 – plus free tea, coffee & biscuits – at these special weekly screenings. Today’s films are Room (15) at 12.25pm and 3.15pm and The Revenant (15) at 12 noon, 3pm and 5.50pm, Cameo, Home Street. Non-members are welcome but pay standard ticket prices.
Get Organised: A Night At The Opera. John Kitchen presents the music of Sir Arthur Sullivan, including the overtures to The Pirates of Penzance and The Yeomen of the Guard as well as the celebrated ‘Cachucha’ from The Gondoliers. John will also play Lemare’s Carmen Fantasy which includes all the best tunes from Bizet’s masterpiece and Verdi’s Grand March from Aïda. 1.10pm, Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4.
The Jonathan Mills Lectures: Curating with Time. The act of curation usually conjures images of earnest, scholarly types charged with cataloguing, preserving and presenting precious objects or important archives. In an age of information and the internet, does the idea of curating remain firmly fixed on objects, or in space? Or can it include time-based activities such as music, opera, dance or theatre? Film or audio-visual installations? Jonathan Mills proposes that we consider the temporal as well as spatial – the musical as well as visual – potential of the acts of keeping, preserving, archiving and curating, and urges us to consider a more active relationship within all of these activities, to explore their dynamic potential through programming and performance. 5.20pm, Room O17, Edinburgh College of Art Main Building, Lauriston Place. Free and open to all.
Dancefest: a celebration of Youth Dance – an evening of excellence in dance performed by young people from across Scotland. 7pm, Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street. Tickets cost £5 (+ booking fee) and may be purchased in person from the Festival Theatre or King’s Theatre (Leven Street) Box Offices, by calling 0131 529 6000 or online here.
Quiz Night: with Paul Finch. 9pm, The Old Chain Pier, Trinity Crescent. Booking is advised.
Leith Folk Club: Brack ‘n’ File: Brack’n’File will officially launch ‘This Old Guitar’ – their debut CD EP – at the Club tonight. Well known Edinburgh guitarist Tony Mitchell and Shetland based bassist Rick Nickerson, two thirds of popular 70’s contemporary folk group Rankin File, have teamed up with singer Maureen Brack, also of Edinburgh. Since they formed in 2012, Brack’n’File have had two sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe among many, many other gigs. Support: Elizabeth Merrit and Martin Borland. 7.30pm, Victoria Park House Hotel, 221 Ferry Road. Tickets cost £8 and may be reserved by completing the online form here or texting the club’s dedicated booking line on 07502 024 852. Reserved tickets must be collected by 7.30pm on the night.
St Mary’s Music School Rush Hour Concert: Mozart, Brahms, Mendelsshon, Smetana and Malcolm Arnold. 6pm, St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street. Free admission – come along and hear senior pupils demonstrate their skills.
Work in Progress: a night of comedy with a difference – headline comedians trying out their brand new material – off notes & off adrenaline! So come expecting nerves, a bit of chaos and a lot of laughs… but don’t come expecting a slick, finished comedy show on the cheap. This is strictly Work In Progress. (The WiP project includes Daniel Sloss, Kai Humphries and Mark Nelson and occasional special guests.) For over 18s only. 7.30pm, Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall, 1 Summerhall. Tickets cost £3 + booking fee and may be obtained from the Box Office on 0131 560 1580 or online here.
WEDNESDAY 20TH JANUARY 2016
Visually Impaired Tour and Workshop: Modern Scottish Women – Painters and Sculptors 1885-1965. A free descriptive tour and practical workshop for the visually impaired. 10am-3.30pm, Scottish Gallery of Modern Art TWO, Belford Road. To book a place please contact the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.
Sunflower Dementia Cafe: a welcoming and caring environment for those struggling with issues of memory loss, and for their carers, to enjoy companionship and stimulating activity. 2-3.30pm today and the third Wednesday of each month (next meeting 17th February), Sanctuary, Palmerston Place Church, Palmerston Place. If you would like to register to attend or to find out more please contact the church office at admin@palmerstonplacechurch.com or on 0131 220 1690.
John Bellany and the Scottish Women’s Hospitals: during the First World War, the Scottish Women’s Hospitals were set up in war zones across Europe to tend sick and wounded servicemen in countries including Serbia, France, Bulgaria and Russia. The hospitals were staffed almost entirely by female doctors, surgeons, nurses and support staff and were funded by communities from across the UK and beyond. Renowned Scottish artist John Bellany (1942-2013) produced a series of oil paintings and drawings inspired by the experiences of the wounded soldiers and the nurses that cared for them; these previously unseen works will feature in the exhibition, which will also include a specially commissioned poem by Scotland’s Makar, Liz Lochhead, her creative response to the Bellany works. Archive photographs, film and objects on loan from public and private collections tell the wider story of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals. 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm) Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-6.30pm (last entry 6pm), Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. Please note the exhibition will be closed on Sundays and 15-20th February 2016. Ends 16th April 2016. Read The Edinburgh Reporter’s article about the Scottish Women’s Hospitals here.
Fort Youth Clubs: Minions and Seniors re-start today! Minions is at 3.30-5.30pm for those in P4-7, Seniors is at 6.30-8.30pm for those in P7 and S1-2. Fort Community Centre, 25 North Fort Street. 50p per session. For more information call 0131 553 1074.
Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra (in rehearsal): open rehearsal by this excellent 17-piece student Big Band. 4-6.30pm, The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. Free.
Zoo Arts Extra starts up again today – introducing a NEW project and creating some interesting characters inspired by the creatures created last term. New (and old!) faces very welcome! Zoo Arts is a series of visual art sessions for young people aged 9 – 14 years; the sessions take place on a Wednesday afternoon during term time. Activities are usually project-based, lasting 2 to 4 weeks, with each session involving some reflection and discussion and sharing of a healthy snack. 4-5.30pm, North Edinburgh Arts, Pennywell Court. 50p per session.
Edinburgh Student Arts Festival: Potted Homes. Gemma Batchelor presents her photographic series, which focuses on bringing the outside inside. A common practice for centuries, from everyday ferns to exotic aloe plants, this exhibit explores why people take these collections to an extreme and turn their domestic space into an indoor jungle. 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays), Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Please note that sometimes the Centre’s exhibition space is not accessible to the public because of a private function booking; please call ahead to check. Ends 20th February 2016.
Bi and 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 please contact biandbeyondedinburgh@gmail.com.
Edinbal Dance Workshops: A Dance Tour of Europe. From social and energetic dances from Brittany and joyful group dances from the Basque country, to warm, exuberant Southern Italian dances or smooth couplings from France, this series will take you on a folk dance tour of Europe! All workshops are independent from each other and are suitable for complete beginners, with a mixture of taught dances, social dancing and live music. Please wear soft shoes. 7pm tonight, then fortnightly until Wednesday 30th March, Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Each session costs £5/£3 and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here.
Class Act 2016: the Traverse hosts two evenings of exciting new work from the next generation of playwrights – the Class Act 2016 graduates. Class Act is the Traverse Theatre’s flagship schools’ project, challenging senior pupils from across Edinburgh to become playwrights and creating brand new scripts to be premiered on the Traverse stage. This year acclaimed professional playwrights – Clare Duffy, Lewis Hetherington, John McCann, Nicola McCartney and Isabel Wright – have been working with pupils from Craigmount High School, Firrhill High School, Holy Rood High School, Trinity Academy and St Augustine’s RC High School. For ages 14+. 7.30pm, Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street. Tickets cost £6.50/£4.50 and are available from the Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1404 or online here. Class Act continues tomorrow night (Thursday 21st) at the same time.
THURSDAY 21ST JANUARY 2016
Cooking Up A Story: Broomhouse Health Strategy Group presents a free fun session with rhymes, stories and cooking for you and your wee ones. 11-11.30am, Wester Hailes Library, 1 Westside Plaza. Free, but booking is required and may be made by speaking to a member of the library staff, calling them on 0131 529 5668 or emailing westerhailes.library@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Picturehouses Big Scream: exclusive screenings for parents/carers and their babies under 12 months. Today: The Lady in the Van (12A) – Maggie Smith reprises the role she played in Alan Bennett’s hit stage play as the elderly Miss Shepherd, a lady who occupied a decrepit Bedford van parked in Bennett’s Camden Town driveway for some 15 years. 10.30am, Cameo, Home Street.
Word Power Books Presents Emily Chappell – What Goes Around: A London Cycle Courier’s Story. ‘A beautiful new view of the city from a talented new writer and cycle courier’. Emily Chappell never meant to be a cycle courier. She planned to earn her living using her mind rather than her legs. She thought it’d be a useful stopgap while searching for a ‘real’ job. Today, six years on, she’s still pedalling. ‘It’s my most enduring love affair; the career that’s shaped my life, made me what I am, and entirely derailed any hope of a normal existence.’ Emily studied at Cambridge and SOAS and since 2008 has worked as a cycle courier in London. Her writing has featured in the Guardian and in 2012 she won Travel Blogger of the Year at the British Travel Press Awards and a Jupiter’s Traveller Award from the Ted Simon Foundation. 6.30pm, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free, all welcome – donations also welcome!
Mayfield Salisbury Thursday Club: a weekly programme of music, visual presentations, films, talks and demonstrations. Although mainly for retired people, visitors of any age are always welcome. This week: Stan Robertson & The Dixieland Style Jazz Band. 2-4pm, Upper Hall, Mayfield Salisbury Parish Church, 1a Mayfield Road. Annual membership costs £4 per year and 50p a week is charged for tea. New members are most welcome, but you don’t have to be a member to come along. For more information please contact Florence Smith on 0131 663 1234
Meet Joe Wicks: Joe Wicks, The Body Coach himself, will be signing copies of his new guide to a healthy lifestyle, Lean In 15. 12.30pm, Waterstones West End, 128 Princes Street. For more information please contact the shop on 0131 226 2666.
Peter Arnott: Moon Country. Renowned playwright Peter Arnott’s first novel is a contemporary Scottish Western that combines ‘a good yarn’ with comedy and a search for redemption. Arnott will read from and discuss the novel, making comparisons between writing for stage, broadcast and page. With a special musical guest! 2pm, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here or by calling 0131 623 3734.
Stuart McHardy and John Greig: Songs of the Jacobites. From the 17th to the late 18th-century, the Jacobite cause was a thorn in the flesh of successive British governments. Over two hundred years later many of their songs are still sung and others are still being written. Crochallan (John Greig and Stuart McHardy) take you on a musical journey of over two and hundred and thirty years; a journey, it would seem, that is not yet over. 6-6.30pm, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free, no booking required.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents Alanna Knight: Akin to Murder. The leading crime writer and Honorary President of the Edinburgh Writers’ Club launches the latest installment in her Inspector Faro series; the year is 1864 and Detective Inspector Faro’s idyllic life has been shattered by the escape of convicted murderer John McLaw. With countless dead end sightings of the killer and further criminal activity, Faro realises that this case is far more complicated than he had first assumed. When the disappearance of a maid comes to light, Faro begins to think there could be a link between this and the murder of Annie McLaw. His determination to unearth the truth becomes personal, and in a race against time to solve the case he takes matters into his own hands. 6.30-8pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets may be obtained from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8222, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via eventbrite here.
The Secret Sex Life of Robert Burns: Keara Murphy presents her acclaimed BBC Radio Scotland show, featuring the good, the bad and the ugly side of Burns – what happened to the women when Burns moved on? With live music, storytelling and comedy, an evening not to miss! Special guests: Trish Mullin, Jennifer Walker, Heather Haddow and Martin Haddow. For ages 16+. 7.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets costs £10/£8 and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here. A Blue Eyed Lassie Production for The Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Nuala O’Connor: Miss Emily. Irish novelist Nuala O’Connor talks about her new book, a fictional account of the lives of the poet Emily Dickinson and a family maid, in which she explores the themes of friendship and freedom. Miss Emily is now short-listed for The Eason Book Club Novel of the Year 2015. 7-8pm, Central Library, George IV Bridge. Free tickets are available via eventbrite here.
The Scots in Russia: A Presentation by Billy Kay, hosted by The Princess Daskova Russian Centre. The writer and broadcaster will talk about the substantial contribution to Russia made by Scots from the 17th century to the time of the Revolution. His new series The Scots in Russia, produced for BBC Radio Scotland, covers such areas of lasting influence as the army, navy, architecture, town planning, engineering, painting, intellectual history and literature. The talk will be illustrated with clips from the series. Billy Kay joined the BBC as a researcher in 1979; as a producer he created the acclaimed Odyssey series of documentaries recording the oral history of the Scottish working class. Later as a freelance writer and broadcaster he continued this theme in a number of television documentaries for BBC Scotland. Today, Billy is an active member of the Cross Party Group on the Scots Language at the Scottish Parliament. Billy’s book The Scottish World contains a chapter on A Forgotten Diaspora, which is about the Scots in Poland, Prussia and Russia. Copies will be available at the event. 6pm, Screening Room (Ground Floor), 50 George Square (University of Edinburgh). Admission is free but please register via eventbrite here.
The Poetry Review – Winter Launch. In partnership with The Poetry Society, the new issue will be launched in the Scottish Poetry Library’s refurbished building. Editor Maurice Riordan will introduce readings from contributing poets Frank Ormsby, Deryn Rees-Jones and Sam Riviere. 6.30-8.30pm, The Mezzanine, Scottish Poetry Library, Crichton’s Close. Free but tickets are required and may be obtained via eventbrite here.
FRIDAY 22ND JANUARY 2016
Artist Talk: Rachel Duckhouse. Glasgow-based Rachel Duckhouse will talk about the inspiration for her new solo exhibition Rhythm in Research, which presents screenprints, etchings, lithographs and drawings created in response to several artist residencies and self-directed research projects she’s recently undertaken in Scotland and Canada. She will also discuss the role research and residencies play in informing her wider artistic practice. 6.30-7.30pm, Edinburgh Printmakers, Union Street. Free but booking is required and may be made via eventbrite here. The talk will be followed by a preview of the exhibition from 7.30pm to 9pm (unticketed). The exhibition will open to the public on Saturday 23rd January and run until 26 March 2016. The gallery is normally open 10am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Fort Youth Clubs: Friday Club re-starts today! For children in P1-3. 12.45-2.45pm, Fort Community Centre, 25 North Fort Street. £1 per session. For more information call 0131 553 1074.
Malawi Coffee Morning: Fair Trade teas and coffees are served; greetings cards are also for sale. All profits go to the church’s Malawi Project. 10.30am-12 noon today and every Friday, Stockbridge Church, Saxe Coburg Street. A warm welcome awaits you!
Lunchtime Concert: Peter Backhouse (organ): Clerambault – Suite du premier ton, Pachelbel Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, Messiaen Les Mages, Buxtehude Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern BuxWV223 and Dubois Fiat Lux. 1.10pm, Greyfriars Kirk, Greyfriars Place. Free admission: part of the University of Edinburgh’s Concerts at the University Series 2015-16.
Rally & Broad: The Hangover Special. The Hangover Special shows explore all things emotionally in need of cures with witty verse, head-soothing tunes, uplifting beats, and stellar line-ups! Tonight will be a very specially curated show, over two floors – come visit Rally’s Room in the main space, and Broad’s Room upstairs, as they weave a story of a night out and the morning after… With words from poet and performer Colin McGuire, dance from Ruth Mills, music from up-and-coming folk singer Roseanne Reid and multi-instrumentalist Be Charlotte, with more to be announced. 7-10pm, The Bongo Club, 66 Cowgate. £5 in advance here or £6 on the door (sta): advance booking is advised. The Bongo Club is an independent nightclub, live venue and all-round artistic hub owned by local arts charity Out of the Blue. ‘Putting the sounds of the underground and imaginative aspirations before the mighty dollar’.
Edinburgh Palette: New Exhibitions. (1) Cordula Marks Venters – The Third Kingdom: mixed media representations of the characters and landscapes of a parallel world: the mythical Shendag Bertec. The drawings are illustrations and companion pieces to the story of Isa Raichenhall and her journey in search of her missing friend, from a mid-20th century Europe torn apart by war to this strange land of strange people. (2) Jenny Campbell – Broken Lines: paintings, drawings and monoprints by the Edinburgh-based Northern Irish artist, who is fascinated by the early migration of peoples and has started a series of paintings about water, movement, identity, displacement and settlement. (3) Michael Wight – XLA: an art project that has spanned the past three years but has been 23 years in the making. The term XLA originates from the medical term for X-linked Agammaglobulinemia, a rare immune condition that the artist was born with; the work is themed around living with a medical condition that has both hindered and helped his growth as a person. The artwork showcases events in Wight’s life, and includes large abstract paintings, digital work, photography and some contemporary installation pieces. Private view of all exhibitions tonight (please contact venue for times), then 10am-6pm daily, St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road. All exhibitions end 7th February 2016.
Burns For Beginners: Robert Burns’ key poems and songs are performed to a cracking live musical accompaniment, along with discussion, context, and English subtitles. A sell-out at TradFest Edinburgh 2014 and Burnsfest 2015, this is the show about Burns that Burns would want to see! Includes poems To a Mouse, Holy Willie’s Prayer, Tam O’Shanter, and songs You’re Welcome Willie Stewart, Green Grow the Rashes, Ae Fond Kiss, A Man’s A Man and Auld Lang Syne. For ages 12+. 7.30pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets costs £8/£4 and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here.
Golden Arm Theatre Project: Blood of the Young. ‘A gig like no other’. An eclectic mixing of live music and theatre, featuring new short works by some of Scotland’s leading playwrights – including Clare Duffy and Isabel Wright – all inspired by the songs of Edinburgh indie-pop band Golden Arm. A sold-out success at Glasgow’s Tron theatre, Golden Arm Theatre Project comes to the Traverse for one night only. Expect dancing… 7.30pm, Traverse Bar Cafe, Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge Street. Tickets cost £8.50 and are available from the Box Office, in person, by calling 0131 228 1404 or online here.
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! Adderley Brothers Tribute: a quintet of Scotland’s foremost jazz musicians pays joyous tribute to the soul-jazz music of legends Cannonball (sax) and Nat (trumpet) Adderley, including their hit, composed by Weather Report keys man Josef Zawinul, ‘Mercy, Mercy, Mercy!’, and many other classic pieces. With Colin Steele (trumpet), Martin Kershaw (alto sax), Steve Hamilton (piano – now touring with US drums star Billy Cobham), top bassist Brian Shiels, and outstanding drummer Alyn Cosker. 9pm (entry from 8pm), The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £5/£4 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.
SATURDAY 23RD JANUARY 2016
Picture Hooks: Debbi Gliori and Jonathan Bishop. Come and hear Jon and Debi tell the story of What’s the time, Mr Wolf? Make a mask of one of the characters and then perform your version of the story of Mr Wolf, the Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood and the Faintly Wicked Witch. Plus, check out the authors’ work in the Picture Hooks exhibition and pick up your very own signed book. For ages 5-7. 2-3.30pm, Clore Education Centre, Scottish National Gallery, The Mound. Free but booking is required and may be made by calling the Information Desk on 0131 624 6560.
It’s in the Bag: Burnsfest Special. It’s in the Bag are an award-winning company who delight in taking children’s imaginations on a storytelling adventure. Rhymes, songs, drama, creative games and puppets bring the story to life! Today there are two shows: (1) Sam & Rosie’s Tartan Tea Party – join Sam & Rosie as they journey to the North of Scotland for the annual Burns celebration. For ages 0-2. 10am or 2.15pm. (2) Sam & Rosie’s Highland Adventure: The Mystery of the Lost Haggis! Oh No! Disaster strikes just as the Burns Ceilidh is about to begin – Grandad’s prize winning haggis has gone. Dressed in their finest tartan Sam & Rosie must solve the mystery… For ages 3-6. 11.15am or 1pm. Lots of well-known Scottish nursery rhymes and songs with a smattering of the Bard’s finest throughout. All shows take place in Storytelling Court, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets cost £6 per child, accompanying adult free, and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here. Please remember to book a free adult ticket for yourself when purchasing your child’s ticket.
French Family Saturdays: Rois et Reines. How to start a new year in French? With the typical and very popular galette des rois of course! This first workshop of the year is a special occasion for the children to enjoy tales, songs and crafts, all in French. And to finish on a tasty note, a galette tasting will be organized for the little kings and queens. 1-3pm, Institut Francais d’Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent. Members £4/non-members £7 (accompanying parents and carers free): advance booking is highly recommended and may be made by emailing frenchclasses@ifecosse.org.uk. The full programnme for the French Family Saturdays season 2015-16 and the many other activities offered for children and teenagers is available here. If you would like to join the Institut and save money on multiple bookings, click here.
St Bride’s Free Family Cinema: see your favourite films for free! Adventure, excitement, fun and laughs – everyone welcome. Juice and choc ices are available to purchase in the interval at 50p each. This week’s film is Atlantis – The Lost Empire (U). Please note that all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am-12.30pm (includes interval), St Bride’s Centre, Orwell Terrace, Dalry. Next week’s film is The Princess and The Frog (U).
Big Garden Birdwatch: Are there fewer blackbirds these days? Are blue tits ruling the roost? Every year half a million people take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch to find out. Come and meet the RSPB and contribute to the largest garden bird survey ever! 12.30-3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row. Free, drop-in, no booking required. Also at same times on Sunday 24th January 2016. With RSPB Scotland.
Word Power Books Presents Lindsay MacGregor: The Weepers. The co-host of Platform, a regular music and poetry night at Ladybank Station, and co-editor of Dundee Writes, a small magazine of poetry and prose, reads from her new pamphlet, ‘some of the best poetry Calder Wood Press has published. It’s a mature collection of highly original and very well crafted poems’. 12 noon, Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street. Free, all welcome – donations also welcome!
Shopping in Bruntsfield & Morningside – what do you think? The Council is consulting on draft guidance for Bruntsfield/Morningside ‘town centre’. The consultation document includes options for guiding the balance of shops with other uses and services, and also identifies opportunity areas and sites for improvement in and around the town centre to support it as a place to shop, visit, live and work. The public and local businesses are invited to two drop-in events to view the consultation document; the second is today, 11am-2pm, at Morningside Library, 184 Morningside Road. Comments must be submitted via the Council’s Consultation Hub by 16th February 2016.
Filmhouse Over The Rainbow: Victim (PG). In this fascinating slice of social history, Dirk Bogarde plays a homosexual barrister being blackmailed by a young man who commits suicide when arrested. Bogarde can either shut up or come out, and opts for the latter, putting a strain on his marriage and his reputation. Bogarde, the Rank matinee idol, risked almost everything by playing the role, and he gives an open and sincere performance, with Sylvia Syms also excellent as his appalled but supportive wife. A landmark in British cinema, Victim was the first mainstream English-language film to portray homosexuality sympathetically – something for which it was initially denied US censorship approval. An explicit protest against the laws then outlawing homosexual acts, the film had a significant influence on social attitudes and is said to have led indirectly to the repeal of these laws in England and Wales in 1967. 3.45pm, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Also showing at 6.15pm on Sunday 24th January 2016.
Blackwell’s Edinburgh Presents A Borders Suite: Scottish composer Donald Thomson launches his new collection of original works for piano. Donald will perform the five piano pieces from ‘A Borders Suite‘, which will be interspersed with poetry by Robert Burns, performed by Liz O’Malley. 2-2.30pm, Blackwell’s, South Bridge. Free tickets may be obtained from the shop’s front desk, by calling 0131 622 8222, emailing events.edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk or via Facebook here.
The Skylark Presents…Paul Brown’s Banjo Antics: 8pm, The Skylark, 241/243 Portobello High Street.
Lords of The Creation…and Other Beasties: Robert Burns spent much of his early life surrounded by farm animals and wildlife. He developed a great respect for ‘nature’s social union’ and gave animals a social and moral voice throughout his work. IDEOMS Theatre present some of Burns’ best loved poems in a quirky and entertaining way, loosely set in the day-in-the-life of Burnsian characters. ‘With songs, music and laughter this is a great evening out’. Half-time haggis will also be provided! For ages 12+. 7pm, Netherbow Theatre, Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. Tickets costs £10/£8 and may be booked in person, by calling the Box Office on 0131 556 9579 or online here.
Artcore Circus Cabaret: the premiere showcasing of the brand new show by Artcore Circus and a host of other great acts, featuring the very best in up and coming young talent from performers aged 16-24. 7-9pm, Full Cirqle, 8-9 Baileyfield Crescent, Portobello. £5 on the door. Artcore Circus offers youth circus training through a free 8 week programme of tuition, culminating in a group performance. It is project managed PyroCeltica.
SUNDAY 24TH JANUARY 2016
Storytelling: Rabbie Burns. Join singer and musician Kath Campbell and storyteller Claire McNicol for a fun-filled Burns-inspired journey of story, song and even a wee dance! For ages 4-12. 2pm or 3pm (45 minute sessions), Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street. Free, no booking required.
Filmhouse Junior: films for a younger audience. This week: Jungle Book (U) – in a tropical jungle Bagheera the Panther discovers a baby in the wreck of a boat. Ten years later, the child has grown into a happy, inquisitive little boy, but his life is in danger when human-hating Shere Khan the tiger returns to the area… Wonderful characters, stunning animation and delightful jazzy songs make this a true classic. 11am, Filmhouse, Lothian Road. Tickets cost £4 per person, big or small.
Radical Burns Nicht Supper: celebrate the Bard’s birthday with a supper to be held in the lovely Spoon Restaurant. There will be a traditional Scottish meal (vegetarians catered for), the drinking of whisky (not compulsory!), songs and poetry readings in the spirit of the Bard. Come along and discover what makes for a radical Burns night. 7 for 7.30pm, Spoon Restaurant, 6a Nicolson Street. Tickets cost £15/£10 and must be purchased in advance from Word Power Books, West Nicolson Street (tel: 0131 662 9112, email books@word-power.co.uk). Please note that tickets cannot be purchased or collected from the venue.
Me & T Monthly: a supportive space for people who have friends, family or partners who are trans*, non-binary or exploring their gender. An opportunity to discuss experiences, questions or concerns. 2-4pm, LGBT Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. For more information please contact me.and.t.edinburgh@gmail.com or visit the group’s website at meandtscotland.wordpress.com.
LGBT Self Stigma Art Workshop: a workshop designed for people who wish to explore the concept of self-stigma through art making with discussion in a safe, relaxed, environment. We might often feel stigmatised by others for reasons to do with our sexuality or gender identity, and certain labels, including those used to describe mental ill health, might be particularly prone to being stereotyped. This workshop is a non-judgmental space to explore ways in which we might also sometimes unwittingly contribute towards our own self-stigma. Participants will collectively and creatively explore ways that we can combat stigma in order to thrive as individuals and communities. The day will include opportunities make your own art work and contribute ideas towards a larger anti-stigma themed interactive piece of public art. 11am-5.30pm, Serenity Cafe, The Tun, 8 Jackson’s Entry, off Holyrood Road. Booking is essential: please contact Alison Wren on 0131 652 3283, email alison@lgbthealth.org.uk or book online here.
A Taste of Scottish Islam: Scotland is home to 77,000 Muslims, many of whom draw their heritage from the diverse cultures and traditions of the Muslim world. From Istanbul through to Indonesia, Muslim societies reflect local customs, and cuisine reflects local ingredients and palates! The Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World (part of the University of Edinburgh) is hosting a food event to celebrate and bring together the different cultures of the Muslim world, represented here in Edinburgh – a chance to reflect differences, appreciate similarities, and enjoy some delicious food! 
To complement the food, there will also be entertainment from acclaimed group Duo Hyperborea who will play traditional music from across the Islamic world. 3pm, City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square. Tickets are free but registration is required and may be made via eventbrite here. Children of all ages are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If have a favourite dish which reflects your cultural heritage, the organisers are looking for volunteers to cook dishes and bring them along to share at this event. Thanks to the sponsorship of BEMIS Scotland (Empowering Scotland’s Ethnic and Cultural Minority Communities), limited grants may be available to buy all the ingredients you need. If you would like to cook a dish, please contact Lilly Jenkins at the Alwaleed Centre: thealwaleedcentre@ed.ac.uk.
Edinburgh School of Music Showcase: ESM Director Kira Emslie presents some of her top music students in a monthly showcase of their burgeoning vocal and instrumental talent. 3-5.30pm, The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street. £3 on the door: please note this venue is cash only.
St Giles’ At Six: Music Students from Edinburgh Napier University. Final year students will perform solo pieces. 6pm, St Giles’ Cathedral, High Street. Free admission: retiring collection.
