Welcome to MacArts
Hello!
MacArts is a live music and arts venue in the Scottish Borders town of Galashiels. We host live music from national and international touring artists as well as providing a platform for up-and-coming local acts. We also host comedy, theatre and community events. Our spaces can be hired for anything from parties and weddings to conferences and workshops. Scroll down to see everything we have coming up...
MacArts is a live music and arts venue in the Scottish Borders town of Galashiels. We host live music from national and international touring artists as well as providing a platform for up-and-coming local acts. We also host comedy, theatre and community events. Our spaces can be hired for anything from parties and weddings to conferences and workshops. Scroll down to see everything we have coming up...
Coming soon at MacArts
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THURSDAY 7th December
ARAB STRAP POSTPONED
Philophobia 25th anniversary SHOW*
*stripped-back
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Arab Strap started out as an intimate project with home-recorded tapes
shared between friends, but after the unexpected success of their inimitable debut single ‘The First Big Weekend’ they quickly found themselves, along with pals Mogwai, as some of the most exciting and cherished music coming out of Scotland. The band’s first gig was recorded live for John Peel, who became an early devotee. The band went from indie record label Chemikal Underground onto the major label Go! Beat and then back again to Chemikal, touring the world and funnelling life’s experiences into a unique concoction of music that explored beauty, sadness, intoxicants, sex, love, and death all rolled into one. Doors: 7pm / 8pm start Tickets: £27.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
friday 8th december
regular music and CPL present
GUN + The godfathers
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The GUN story starts in 1987 and kicks up a notch for the Glaswegian rockers the following year when A&M Records beat a slew of rival labels to sign them.
However, for this band [known as Blind Allez and even Phobia before settling on GUN], it is a brand new 2022 recording that truly defines both who they are and where they have come from. ‘Backstreet Brothers’ features on the forthcoming ‘Calton Songs’ album and is an affectionate look back at the crazy, hazy days of adolescence that teach us what is important and what we stand for. These are the lessons that have kept the band’s spirit strong, true and honest. Whilst some of the faces have changed over the years, the songs and that gang mentality have stayed strong. GUN in 2023 features Dante Gizzi [lead vocals], Giuliano ‘Jools’ Gizzi [guitar], Paul McManus [drums], Andy Carr [bass] and David Aitken [guitar]. The ‘Calton Songs’ album is named in honour of where the band grew up, but the songs that are revisited on this collection are true way markers for the band’s career. As Jools says, “I look back and remember amazing times. I don’t regret any of it. What an experience to have had. This new album ‘Calton Songs’ allows us to look back and celebrate what went before but also to bring it up to date. It’s a real celebration. However, it is not the end of the story for these ‘Backstreet Brothers’. ON SALE TUESDAY 26th SEPT 10am (GIGANTIC) FRIDAY 29th SEPT 10am (TICKETSOURCE) Doors: 7pm / 8pm start Tickets: £29.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 9th December
Torridon + yoko pwno
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Folk Rock Highlanders Torridon have built up a reputation for rocking venues and festivals throughout Scotland, including Belladrum's Tartan Heart, The Gathering, Loopallu and Butefest festivals.
support from YOKO PWNO so get along early! Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £20 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
sunday 10th december
hit the road tour: DEVIN CASSON
+more tba
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With her own brand of alt/pop, Devin Casson has hit the Borders and Northumberland live music scene with dynamic sets of self-penned originals and sympathetically reworked covers.
Having played support to various local and touring musicians including Horse McDonald, Devin is certainly making her mark with her melodic guitar driven songs. Doors: 7pm (curfew 10pm) Tickets: FREE (ticketed) Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
friday 15th december
Galashiels town band
christmas concert
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Join us for a festive evening of music and merriment at the Galashiels Town Band Christmas Concert! Get into the holiday spirit with a delightful performance.
Come along with your family and friends to enjoy a wonderful evening filled with classic Christmas tunes and joyful melodies. Our passionate musicians will entertain you with their exceptional skills and heartwarming performances. Sing along to familiar carols, and let the captivating melodies transport you to a world of holiday cheer while you experience the magic of live music. Don't miss out on this special event that celebrates the joy and spirit of Christmas. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening of musical delight at the Galashiels Town Band Christmas Concert! Doors: 7pm / 7:30pm start Tickets: £10 general / £8 concession / Free to primary age children |
saturday 16th december
killer instinct (tribute to the killers)
saturday 3rd february 2024
MAN OF MOON + special guests
independent venue week 2024
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As part of Independent Venue Week Mac Arts are delighted to bring you Man of Moon + some very special guests
Man of Moon are a two-piece psychedelic/alternative rock band formed in Edinburgh and now based in Glasgow. They have over the years sold out shows up and down the UK and toured Europe twice, once with 'Django Django' in 2018 and the other with fellow Scottish band 'The Twilight Sad' in 2019. After the release of their first single 'The Road', and then their first 2 EP's 'Medicine' and 'Chemicals', all of which received much critical acclaim from such sites as The New York Times, The Guardian, NME and CLASH magazine the band then went on to release they're much anticipated debut album 'Dark Sea' in 2020. The debut album won Tenement TV album of the year and saw them sell out shows across the UK in support of the album release including a packed out show at Glasgow's iconic 'Oran Mor'. The band are: Chris Bainbridge (Guitarist/Vocalist) Iain Stewart (Drummer) Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £12.50 (£14 on the door) Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
friday 15th february 2024
BLUE DEAL
+ The mighty joes
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Blues-Rock from 'Southern Black Forest'/Germany
By winning the 'German Blues Challenge' in 2023, Blue Deal was chosen as the best blues act in Germany. In 2024 the band will represent Germany at the 'European Blues Challenge' in Braga (Portugal) and the 'International Blues Challenge' in Memphis (USA). "Pulsating grooves, strong guitar parts and the extremely versatile, raw voice" result in "...well-written songs from a creative, up-and-coming band..." (Blues Matters! N° 129, Dec/Jan 2023 Blue Deal's full range can only be felt and experienced after attending a concert - this is the unanimous opinion. The songs tell stories from life and also take a critical stance on current issues. Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £15 (standing) Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
thursday 22nd february 2024
Gary meikle: Facts
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'Heya guys!
Thanks for thinking about coming back again to watch me build up the show. So what can you expect? Well I'm calling this show 'Facts' , so you'll hear lots of them and my take on them, obviously but as usual it'll be focused around my familiy life as a single papa and adad to 2 girls that are in the process of rinsing me for every penny I have for their upcoming wedding!' - Gary Doors: 7pm / 7:30pm start Tickets: £22.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18. |
thursday 29th february 2024
Jerry sadowitz: COMEDIAN, MAGICIAN, PSYCHOPATH!
‘Music has death metal, film has Wes Craven, and comedy has Jerry Sadowitz… brutal but brilliant’ ***** Scotland On Sunday
‘An absolute dumpster fire of decorum… hysterically funny’ **** The Guardian ‘Outright hilarious’ **** The Times |
Jerry Sadowitz, Britains favourite comedian and magician, is back! Yes - the man with no visible demographic returns to simultaneously amuse, offend, baffle and upset you while parting you of hard-earned cash! Television appearances include ‘Love Island’, ‘Michty Me’ (still in production) and ‘Loose Stools’. He is married to Benedict Cumberbatch. Doors: 7pm / 8pm start Tickets: £26.50 (seated) Strictly over 18s only – contains very strong language and themes. |
friday 15th March 2024
THe national anthems: BRITPOP TAKEOVER
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UK's No.1 Britpop tribute The National Anthems acoustic duo are coming to Galashiels for the first time. Featuring north east's finest Jon Corbett and David Welsh this is an ideal night out for fans of Oasis, Stone Roses, Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller and more... they throw it all in!
Dance and sing along to epic 90s classics for a night of true nostalgia. Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £12 / £10 (standing) LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS: £8 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 16th march 2024
Moving pictures - a tribute to rush
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A trio-piece tribute to Canada's finest musical exports Rush. Hailing from Scotland and the Lake District, Moving Pictures play classic Rush using a serious amount of equipment including progtastic double-neck guitars!
RUSHfest Scotland fan convention headliners — performed for and with Rush producer Terry Brown — appeared on the tribute albums Songs For Neil Vol.1, 2 and the forthcoming Vol.3. 'That was the 3rd best Rush show I’ve ever seen. The first 2 were Rush.' Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £15 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
thursday 21st march 2024
THE ERIC BELL TRIO
FEATURING Ex Thin lizzy guitarist
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Thin Lizzy founding guitarist, Eric Bell, is thrilled to be setting out on his first UK tour since the pandemic.
The new Eric Bell Trio welcomes two new musicians with Phil Smyth on bass, and Matt Hewer on drums. The band will be playing early classic Thin Lizzy tracks from the period of Eric's time in the band, along with blues classics and songs from his subsequent, highly acclaimed solo albums. In 1969 Eric walked into a bar in Dublin, ordered a pint and settled down to watch a band play. Two of the members of that band were Brian Downey and Phil Lynott. He was knocked out by what he saw and he asked them to form a band with him. Both duly obliged and within weeks **Thin Lizzy** was born. The three of them worked very hard both in the studio and on the road and three iconic albums were the result. The band also enjoyed hit single success with 'Whiskey In The Jar' and 'The Rocker'. Eric left the band in 1973 for health reasons and forged a solo career, alongside an exciting period playing lead guitar for Jimi Hendrix's legendary bassist, in The Noel Redding Band. Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £18.50 (price on the door £22) Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 4th may 2024
Newton Faulkner
Feels Like Home Tour 2
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TICKETS ONSALE WEDNESDAY 29th NOVEMBER 10am 'Just a man with his voice and guitar doing some old-fashioned diddly-diddly-diddly-bap-bap' Newton Faulkner (NF) Newton's going old school, solo, mainly acoustic with the occasional splash of something of the beaten track, maybe a cassette sting part, who knows. It's been 2 years since Feels Like Home part 1, who's ready for Feels Like Home part 2, this time it's personal. 'On the forthcoming UK tour, I’ll be focusing on the songs that work best with just a vocal and guitar part and dusting off some things I haven't played for a long time,” says Newton. "There are a lot of songs I miss playing at this stage in my career, but I can't play them all at every gig any more, we'd be there all night. I'm very excited to be reunited with some of my old friends.' NF VIP tickets Become a VIP ticket holder and pick the best available seats in the theatre ( If seated ), along with a VIP meet and greet prior to the performance with Newton and a signed souvenir package. There are a limited number of tickets allocated to each show, book early advised. 'The VIP tickets will give you the opportunity to peek behind the curtain and see me soundcheck and ask any questions you like. They'll even be a handshake or hug in it for you, if you're into that kind of thing.' NF Guitar Workshop Tickets A unique guitar workshop experience with Newton - very limited in number, plus everything included in the VIP package and access to the concert. 'Whether you've just started playing or have been playing for years and want to try something different, I'll let you see how I approach everything from arrangements to composition to warm up my fingers.' NF THE ONLY SCOTTISH DATE ON HIS TOUR!! Doors: 7pm / 7:30pm start Tickets: £28.50 general admission / £75 VIP / £150 guitar workshop Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 25th may 2024
MAIDEN SCOTLAND
tribute to iron maiden
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Maiden Scotland are one of Europe’s longest running and established tributes to British Heavy Metal legends Iron Maiden.
Formed in 2003 and now in their 21st year, Maiden Scotland feature 5 musicians at the top of their game and who know who an Iron Maiden tribute should sound. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Martin Jakubski who has the range and power to recreate Bruce Dickinson’s classic powerhouse vocals. Covering all the classics such as Run to the Hills, Fear of the Dark and The Trooper but also delving deeper into the back catalogue performing songs rarely and never played live by Iron Maiden A Maiden Scotland gig is a full-on rock show and the focus is on performance and music rather than ill-fitting wigs. Whether you are a hard-core fan of Iron Maiden or a casual rock listener you will find something to enjoy at a Maiden Scotland show. Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £16 (price on the door £20) Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 15th june 2024
The mccommitments
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The McCommitments are a Scottish soul band celebrating the music from the classic hit movie ‘The Commitments’, playing all the hits from the classic soundtrack including ‘Mustang Sally’, ‘Try a Little Tenderness’, ‘Take Me to the River’, ‘Chain of Fools’ and more...
Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £12.50 (price on the door £15) Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
thursday 22nd august 2024
Fleetwood bac
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Fleetwood Bac, the Mac sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with a passion and energy that has received the seal of approval from ‘Big Daddy’ Mick himself. Fkeetwood Bac are the world’s first and without doubt leading Fleetwood Mac tribute Band, the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic Rumours line-up.
Doors: 7pm / 8pm start Tickets: £20 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 7th september 2024
Voodoo Room: A Night of Hendrix, Clapton and Cream
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Celebrating the incredible music of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton & Cream - Voodoo Room are a stunning high energy ‘Power Trio’ featuring some of the UK's finest musicians whose credits include playing with the likes of Steve Winwood, Massive Attack, Arthur Brown, Fish, Thunder, Lulu and more.
Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £17 / £15 concession Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 5th october 2024
SINGIN' I'M no a billy, he's a tim
20 years anniversary world tour
Written by Des Dillon
Directed by Stephen Cafferty
With Scott Kyle (Outlander, Angels Share, Kajaki and Winner of Stage Award for Acting Excellence), Colin Little (River City, Fried, Gasping, The Secret Agent) and James Miller.
A phenomenon in Scotland where it has sold out countless nationwide tours, a sensation at the Edinburgh Festival and now touring Internationally.
Israeli vs Palestinian, Catholic vs Protestant, Celtic vs Rangers...
When tribal factions clash can reason ever prevail?
A play exploring bigotry and ethnic identity.
What happens when on the day of the Old Firm Match, you lock up a Celtic and Rangers fan in a cell together?
Fireworks!
And a weird kind of unity.
Doors: 7pm / 7:30pm start
Tickets: £25
Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18
friday 18th october 2024
Hollie Mcnish
The lobster tour
'Funny, so smart and refreshingly honest' - Sarah Millican
'Her writing is sublime' – Ellie Taylor 'Makes me cry and howl with laughter' - Paapa Essiedu 'like Pam Ayres on acid'– Lemn Sissay 'One of the best poets we have'. – Matt Haig 'Never have we needed her more' – Stylist 'Rubbish' - The Telegraph |
After a run of sold out shows up and down the UK, Hollie McNish is back with a brand new book, Lobster and other things I'm learning to love. A Sunday Times bestselling writer whose live readings are not to be missed, expect strong language and adult content, gift-wrapped in gorgeously crafted poetry.
In Lobster, Hollie brings her much-loved style to questions of friendship, flags and newborns, clocks, cocks and volvos, shining a ridiculous and beautifully poetic lens upon all those things we have been taught to hate, and which we might just learn to love again. Adult content warning 14+ / Book signing after the gig About the Author Hollie McNish is a poet and author based between Glasgow and Cambridge. She was the first poet to record at Abbey Road Studios, London and won the Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry for her poetic parenting memoir – Nobody Told Me -of which The Scotsman stated ‘The World Needs this Book’. She has published four further collections of poetry – Papers, Cherry Pie, Plum and Slug, which was a Sunday Times bestseller. Her new book, Lobster, and other things I'm learning to love is out now. She loves writing. Doors: 7pm / 7:30pm start Tickets: £12 / £10 concession Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
sunday 1st december 2024
READY steady 60s show
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The best of the Mod 60's and British Beat Boom!
Four-piece live band with stunning vocals, performed with high energy and recreating the iconic era. Over 100 minute show featuring video clips, footage and voiceovers. Rated as the top authentic-sounding 60s show! Doors: 3:30pm / 4pm start Tickets: £18 advance / £20 on the door Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
