MacArts is a fantastic multi-purpose arts and community venue in the centre of Galashiels
With a varied programme of live music, theatre, film and community events throughout the year and located in the centre of Galashiels, just a 4 minute walk from the transport interchange, this converted church is run by a small but enthusiastic team of individuals who are dedicated to bringing top quality acts to the Scottish Borders and beyond!
If you're looking for the perfect venue for your community, arts or special event then look no further! Mac Arts is also available to hire and we have discounted rates available for charity/ fundraising/ community events.
Call in and see us @ Bridge Street,
Galashiels, TD1 1SP
or speak to Kate or Chris on:
Telephone: 01896 756852
Email: info@macarts.scot
Call in and see us @ Bridge Street,
Galashiels, TD1 1SP
or speak to Kate or Chris on:
Telephone: 01896 756852
Email: info@macarts.scot
EVENT: Feis Rois Ceilidh Trail Family Ceilidh
After the phenomenal success of last years’ Family Ceilidh, Feis Rois are back!
Oodles of fun for all the family, in a relaxed atmosphere.
All ticket prices include buffet- you MUST book in advance to guarantee you get fed!
The Ceilidh Trail provides visitors to Scotland with the opportunity to experience authentic traditional Scottish music in a wide range of settings.
Fèis Rois established its successful Ceilidh Trail programme in Ross-Shire in 2000. Following the success of the Ross-Shire Ceilidh Trail, Fèis Rois started a National Ceilidh Trail for Scotland in 2012. This project has since gone from strength to strength and provides opportunities for young musicians from across Scotland to perform in locations across the country and further afield.
Many previous participants of the Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail have gone onto carve out very successful careers in the Scottish music industry. These include Fraya Thomsen, Mairearad Green, Matheu Watson, Mischa MacPherson, and Rachel Newton to name but a few.
Tuesday 23rd July
Time: 4:30pm
Doors: 4pm
Tickets: £12 general admission
£8 concession
£30 family of 4
under 2s free
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts *
*booking fee applies
Oodles of fun for all the family, in a relaxed atmosphere.
All ticket prices include buffet- you MUST book in advance to guarantee you get fed!
The Ceilidh Trail provides visitors to Scotland with the opportunity to experience authentic traditional Scottish music in a wide range of settings.
Fèis Rois established its successful Ceilidh Trail programme in Ross-Shire in 2000. Following the success of the Ross-Shire Ceilidh Trail, Fèis Rois started a National Ceilidh Trail for Scotland in 2012. This project has since gone from strength to strength and provides opportunities for young musicians from across Scotland to perform in locations across the country and further afield.
Many previous participants of the Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail have gone onto carve out very successful careers in the Scottish music industry. These include Fraya Thomsen, Mairearad Green, Matheu Watson, Mischa MacPherson, and Rachel Newton to name but a few.
Tuesday 23rd July
Time: 4:30pm
Doors: 4pm
Tickets: £12 general admission
£8 concession
£30 family of 4
under 2s free
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts *
*booking fee applies
FILM: Monty Pythons Life Of Brian
You know what the Monty Python boys say… always look on the bright side of life!
Join us for a screening of Monty Pythons infamous Life of Brian celebrating 40 years since its original controversial release in 1979.
Be ridiculously entertained by Monty Pythons signature absurdity as you follow the story of Brian, a Jewish man living in 33A.D Judea who through a serious of farcical events becomes an unwilling messiah, giving way to one of the Pythons most famous lines “he’s not the Messiah…he’s a very naughty boy!”
Monty Python provide a biblical, religious and political satire whilst ensuring to retain the comedic genius that the Pythons have become so famous for.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the MS Society Borders branch helping fund therapies for people living with MS in the Borders.
Over 15s only
Bar available throughout, snacks available to purchase (sorry no albatrosses) and big raffle prizes to be won!
Wednesday 24th July
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £5 in advance / £8 on the door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Join us for a screening of Monty Pythons infamous Life of Brian celebrating 40 years since its original controversial release in 1979.
Be ridiculously entertained by Monty Pythons signature absurdity as you follow the story of Brian, a Jewish man living in 33A.D Judea who through a serious of farcical events becomes an unwilling messiah, giving way to one of the Pythons most famous lines “he’s not the Messiah…he’s a very naughty boy!”
Monty Python provide a biblical, religious and political satire whilst ensuring to retain the comedic genius that the Pythons have become so famous for.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the MS Society Borders branch helping fund therapies for people living with MS in the Borders.
Over 15s only
Bar available throughout, snacks available to purchase (sorry no albatrosses) and big raffle prizes to be won!
Wednesday 24th July
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £5 in advance / £8 on the door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Goodbye Mr MacKenzie
Goodbye Mr Mackenzie released their first album, Good Deeds and Dirty Rags, in 1989. It entered the UK charts at No.16 and the band quickly attracted a large, loyal support north of the border. Incredible live shows and singles like the Rattler, in particular, further cemented a fond place in many a Scottish heart. A colourful and varied career followed.
As The List would have it: “The Mackenzies left behind the most complex and fascinating footprint of any Scottish Band. Live they were stunning. Lead singer Martin Metcalfe looked like the MC of a particularly debauched cabaret, rousing a troupe that included Shirley Manson who went on to front Garbage and Big John Duncan ex-the Exploited and a couple of Nirvana gigs. While their Scottish counterparts were looking at soul and Steely Dan for inspiration the Mackenzies were taking theirs from the Pixies and the Birthday Party.”
They never stood still, releasing 6 albums in total and touring extensively, including supports for Blondie and Aztec Camera. They then appeared as Angelfish in the US with Manson taking over lead vocals, supported the Ramones and toured with the late great Vic Chestnut. An album produced by Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads was released before Manson went on to enjoy huge success with Garbage.
Core members Metcalfe, Derek Kelly and Fin Wilson kept ploughing their own furrow and two more critically acclaimed albums under Isa & the Filthy Tongues, with American Stacy Chavis on vocals, ensued. Songs from this period appeared on the soundtrack to Richard Jobson’s film New Town Killers and David Mackenzie’s Hollywood movie Spread.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album that started it all off, the Mackenzies are back to play Good Deeds in its entirety, plus perhaps a few little extra little treats. It's party time!
Friday 26th July
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
As The List would have it: “The Mackenzies left behind the most complex and fascinating footprint of any Scottish Band. Live they were stunning. Lead singer Martin Metcalfe looked like the MC of a particularly debauched cabaret, rousing a troupe that included Shirley Manson who went on to front Garbage and Big John Duncan ex-the Exploited and a couple of Nirvana gigs. While their Scottish counterparts were looking at soul and Steely Dan for inspiration the Mackenzies were taking theirs from the Pixies and the Birthday Party.”
They never stood still, releasing 6 albums in total and touring extensively, including supports for Blondie and Aztec Camera. They then appeared as Angelfish in the US with Manson taking over lead vocals, supported the Ramones and toured with the late great Vic Chestnut. An album produced by Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads was released before Manson went on to enjoy huge success with Garbage.
Core members Metcalfe, Derek Kelly and Fin Wilson kept ploughing their own furrow and two more critically acclaimed albums under Isa & the Filthy Tongues, with American Stacy Chavis on vocals, ensued. Songs from this period appeared on the soundtrack to Richard Jobson’s film New Town Killers and David Mackenzie’s Hollywood movie Spread.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album that started it all off, the Mackenzies are back to play Good Deeds in its entirety, plus perhaps a few little extra little treats. It's party time!
Friday 26th July
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
COMEDY:
Ivo Graham and Alfie Brown
FRINGE PREVIEW SHOW
OverTwo top comedians road test their new shows ahead of the world’s largest arts festival!
IVO GRAHAM: THE GAME OF LIFEThe time for faff is over: has Big Daddy Graham got the skillz (anecdotes/banter/topical asides) to pay da billz (gas/water/electric)? More hilariously anxious blather from one of the most hilariously anxious blatherers in the business.
As spotted on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Live from the BBC, Cats Does Countdown, Richard Osman's House of Games, Roast Battle, Hypothetical, The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Now Show and Fighting Talk.
“A hugely enjoyable hour of stand-up comedy”
★★★★ Times
ALFIE BROWN: IMAGINATIONThis is a brand-new hour from Alfie Brown about family, friendship and inherited belief. Truly subversive and almost torridly honest, Alfie is a room-distilling comedian whose last hit show had sold-out runs in Edinburgh, at Soho Theatre and on tour. Like him, the new hour will be loving, dangerous, inquisitive and disgusting.
“It is tricky to write 350 sensible words, when you come out a show simply thinking "Wow! F*ck! Wow!” ★★★★★ The Scotsman
“The British Doug Stanhope”
★★★★ The Guardian
Tuesday 30th July
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8* advance
£10 on the door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Early booking advised!
Over 16s
IVO GRAHAM: THE GAME OF LIFEThe time for faff is over: has Big Daddy Graham got the skillz (anecdotes/banter/topical asides) to pay da billz (gas/water/electric)? More hilariously anxious blather from one of the most hilariously anxious blatherers in the business.
As spotted on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Live from the BBC, Cats Does Countdown, Richard Osman's House of Games, Roast Battle, Hypothetical, The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Now Show and Fighting Talk.
“A hugely enjoyable hour of stand-up comedy”
★★★★ Times
ALFIE BROWN: IMAGINATIONThis is a brand-new hour from Alfie Brown about family, friendship and inherited belief. Truly subversive and almost torridly honest, Alfie is a room-distilling comedian whose last hit show had sold-out runs in Edinburgh, at Soho Theatre and on tour. Like him, the new hour will be loving, dangerous, inquisitive and disgusting.
“It is tricky to write 350 sensible words, when you come out a show simply thinking "Wow! F*ck! Wow!” ★★★★★ The Scotsman
“The British Doug Stanhope”
★★★★ The Guardian
Tuesday 30th July
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8* advance
£10 on the door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Early booking advised!
Over 16s
MUSIC: Jinski
*Tyneside's highly acclaimed indie folk duo JINSKI make their debut at Mac Arts, following performances at Shrewsbury Folk Festival, and slots supporting The Proclaimers, Lindisfarne, Kathryn Tickell, Mark Radcliffe, and The Poozies, and playing live on BBC1’s The One Show. Consisting of singer songwriter Stephen Wegrzynski and musician Dave Kennedy, Jinski are a partnership forged from acoustic roots and a love of a strong melody and their music crosses the borders of Folk, Country and Pop.
"Folk for modern ears” Maverick magazine
Their dynamic and heartfelt performances have been winning fans all over the UK, with great songs that touch hearts and mind—prepare to be moved.
Licensed bar throughout.
Friday 16th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
"Folk for modern ears” Maverick magazine
Their dynamic and heartfelt performances have been winning fans all over the UK, with great songs that touch hearts and mind—prepare to be moved.
Licensed bar throughout.
Friday 16th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Acoustic Gallagher
Celebrating the songwriting talents of Noel Gallagher - Acoustic Gallagher will be performing at Mac Arts as part of their Scottish tour.
The band will play classics and B-sides from Oasis and High Flying Birds, including Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova, The Masterplan, If I had a Gun, What a Life and , of course, Don’t Look Back in Anger – all played in a laid back and ambient style.
Band line up
Craig Murray (Vocals)
Mark Sheridan (Guitar)
Stevie Turnbull (Acoustic)
Stuart Wilson (Percussion)
Terry Colwell (Harmonica)
Saturday 24th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* in advance / £12 on door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
The band will play classics and B-sides from Oasis and High Flying Birds, including Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova, The Masterplan, If I had a Gun, What a Life and , of course, Don’t Look Back in Anger – all played in a laid back and ambient style.
Band line up
Craig Murray (Vocals)
Mark Sheridan (Guitar)
Stevie Turnbull (Acoustic)
Stuart Wilson (Percussion)
Terry Colwell (Harmonica)
Saturday 24th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* in advance / £12 on door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Pygmy Twylyte - The Music of Frank Zappa + support from South of Sanity
So prolific was Frank Zappa’s output, that it is nearly impossible to present a representative sample of his work in just one concert but Pygmy Twylyte present you with an unmissable evening of Zappa ‘classics’, if indeed such things exist.
Zappa’s 70’s and 80’s work is the main showcase, though there is the occasional foray into 60’s material. Expect some well-known tunes such as “Cosmik Debris” and “Montana”, interspersed with instrumentals like “Black Napkins” and “Chungas Revenge”. The seven-strong band will surely perform something to suit everyone’s taste (and maybe even some poodles, dental floss, snowballs, devils, and a low-rent monster from the silver-screen on the side...) ARF!
The band return after last years’ phenomenal performance at Mac Arts with support from local favorites South of Sanity. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Friday 30th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* Advance / £12 Door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Zappa’s 70’s and 80’s work is the main showcase, though there is the occasional foray into 60’s material. Expect some well-known tunes such as “Cosmik Debris” and “Montana”, interspersed with instrumentals like “Black Napkins” and “Chungas Revenge”. The seven-strong band will surely perform something to suit everyone’s taste (and maybe even some poodles, dental floss, snowballs, devils, and a low-rent monster from the silver-screen on the side...) ARF!
The band return after last years’ phenomenal performance at Mac Arts with support from local favorites South of Sanity. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Friday 30th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* Advance / £12 Door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Claude Bourbon- Spanish and Medieval Blues
Claude Bourbon is known throughout Europe and America for amazing guitar performances that take Blues, Spanish, and Middle Eastern stylings into uncharted territories.
It is very hard to describe the almost endless amalgam of different influences in Claude's playing, all melting into each other, as he moves from classical openings, across a whole continent of cultural roots, from the Balearic’s to the Balkans, and then across to the Mississippi Delta, and shoehorned into all that is music that would not have been out of place in the courts of Emperors and Kings.
Claude weaves his songs through the audience as if on a journey through life taking in different flavours of Europe and beyond. His Spanish medieval blues evolved into Gypsy, Eastern European, with a splash of Paco de Lucia, Delta Blues and more. Holding audience attention under a musical spell.
Now based in the UK, some of this guitarists’ influences allow us a fascinating insight into this remarkable musician; Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore; Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale; JS Bach….
Saturday 7th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* Advance / £12 Door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
It is very hard to describe the almost endless amalgam of different influences in Claude's playing, all melting into each other, as he moves from classical openings, across a whole continent of cultural roots, from the Balearic’s to the Balkans, and then across to the Mississippi Delta, and shoehorned into all that is music that would not have been out of place in the courts of Emperors and Kings.
Claude weaves his songs through the audience as if on a journey through life taking in different flavours of Europe and beyond. His Spanish medieval blues evolved into Gypsy, Eastern European, with a splash of Paco de Lucia, Delta Blues and more. Holding audience attention under a musical spell.
Now based in the UK, some of this guitarists’ influences allow us a fascinating insight into this remarkable musician; Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore; Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale; JS Bach….
Saturday 7th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* Advance / £12 Door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
LIVE OPERA: The Merry Widow by Opera Bohemia
Opera Bohemia, Scotland’s much-loved professional touring company, makes its first visit to Mac Arts bringing one of the world’s best loved operettas, The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár. Set in the romantic city of Paris, various suitors squabble and fight to win the hand of the recently widowed, but very wealthy, Hannah Glawari.
The production will showcase some of Scotland’s finest young professional talent, including Catriona Clark, Douglas Nairne, Marie Claire Breen and Andrew McTaggart. John Wilkie directs a magical new production designed by Alisa Kalyanova and the performance is accompanied by pianist Andrew Brown and violinist Dániel Mészöly. The Merry Widow is full of iconic and stunning Viennese melodies, including show stopping numbers like ‘Viljah', 'The Merry Widow Waltz' and ‘Chez Maxim's'.
“This company is a wealth of extraordinary fresh talent” (The List)
“One of the most exciting new opera companies in the country” (The Herald)
“A breath of fresh air on the operatic circuit” (The Courier)
Wednesday 11th September
Time: 7.30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £16* Full Price /£14* Concessions/£6* under 18s
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
The production will showcase some of Scotland’s finest young professional talent, including Catriona Clark, Douglas Nairne, Marie Claire Breen and Andrew McTaggart. John Wilkie directs a magical new production designed by Alisa Kalyanova and the performance is accompanied by pianist Andrew Brown and violinist Dániel Mészöly. The Merry Widow is full of iconic and stunning Viennese melodies, including show stopping numbers like ‘Viljah', 'The Merry Widow Waltz' and ‘Chez Maxim's'.
“This company is a wealth of extraordinary fresh talent” (The List)
“One of the most exciting new opera companies in the country” (The Herald)
“A breath of fresh air on the operatic circuit” (The Courier)
Wednesday 11th September
Time: 7.30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £16* Full Price /£14* Concessions/£6* under 18s
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
ROCK NIGHT: Trucker Diablo / NASA Assassin / Resonus
Trucker Diablo’s first visit to MacArts in Dec 18 was such a success we had to have them back! They’ve been billed as stadium sized pub rock and have a pedigree that’s seen them support Foo Fighters, Black Stone Cherry, Thunder and play all the major festivals. If you were here last time you’ll know what to expect, if you weren’t, this may be your last chance to see them in a venue this size!
Nasa Assassin - Incendiary Space Pronk (a mix of Prog and Punk) with a smattering of Ska over the top! Remember that time Optimus Prime defrosted and kicked ass? That's what you're in for all under the control of The Watcher.
Local band Resonus provide support
Friday 13th September
Time: 7.30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £10 Advance /£15 at door (Booking Fees apply)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Nasa Assassin - Incendiary Space Pronk (a mix of Prog and Punk) with a smattering of Ska over the top! Remember that time Optimus Prime defrosted and kicked ass? That's what you're in for all under the control of The Watcher.
Local band Resonus provide support
Friday 13th September
Time: 7.30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £10 Advance /£15 at door (Booking Fees apply)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
COMEDY: Gary Faulds Live
He's gone from gigging in the back room of a pub to selling out theatres, the country’s biggest comedy club and a tour of Cyprus!
The dream is well and truly alive for Gary Faulds, helped by the 2 million who tune in to watch his Facebook live videos every month.
He's planning to make 2019 as eventful a year as the current one, only this time things will be bigger and better. He's gone from being a nobody to getting free pakora, clothes and haircuts for life. At his first theatre show a woman fainted! Don’t worry her pals dragged her out the room and came back in to enjoy the show. (TRUE STORY) Strictly over 18s!
www.garyfaulds.co.uk
Saturday 14th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12.50
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
The dream is well and truly alive for Gary Faulds, helped by the 2 million who tune in to watch his Facebook live videos every month.
He's planning to make 2019 as eventful a year as the current one, only this time things will be bigger and better. He's gone from being a nobody to getting free pakora, clothes and haircuts for life. At his first theatre show a woman fainted! Don’t worry her pals dragged her out the room and came back in to enjoy the show. (TRUE STORY) Strictly over 18s!
www.garyfaulds.co.uk
Saturday 14th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12.50
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
FAMILY SHOW: Eaten by Mamoru Iriguchi
What if your food started talking back? Meet Lionel McLion. He’s just eaten a human called Mamoru. But Lionel hasn’t chewed his food well. So Mamoru’s alive and well in his stomach, and now wants to say hello. A strange friendship between the eater and the eaten starts to grow. Eaten invites children to the fascinating world of food chains and digestion.
Nomination: Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS), Best Production for Children and Young People
“Whimsical hi-jinks” The Herald ★★★★
“Big Cuddly and Clever” The Times ★★★★
“Daringly inventive” The Stage★★★★
Wednesday 2nd October
Time: 1:30pm (50 mins running time, no interval)
Doors: 1pm
Tickets: £8 / £6 / £25 Family of 4
Babes in Arms free
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Nomination: Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS), Best Production for Children and Young People
“Whimsical hi-jinks” The Herald ★★★★
“Big Cuddly and Clever” The Times ★★★★
“Daringly inventive” The Stage★★★★
Wednesday 2nd October
Time: 1:30pm (50 mins running time, no interval)
Doors: 1pm
Tickets: £8 / £6 / £25 Family of 4
Babes in Arms free
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Gregg Wright Blues + support from Medicine Hat
"Gregg Wright is in the top echelons of the world's great guitarists!" according to the international publication Blues Matters.
Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2013, Wright is an electrifying performer whose other-worldly guitar playing and deep, soulful vocals, leaves audiences breathless!
“Gregg Wright has an extra gear most guitarists don't have." raves award-winning Bluesman Zac Harmon.
With years of touring with Michael Jackson, Mick Fleetwood and a host of other top tier music artists under his belt, Wright has developed a cool but killer stage presence. He may initially come off as "Mr. Smooth" but he'll be on your jugular in an instant and without warning, like a lion pouncing on its prey.
"The new King of Rockin' Blues Guitar!"
- The Monterey Bay Blues Festival/CA, USA
"Gregg has an extra gear that most guitarists don't have!"
- Zac Harmon/Blues Artist
"The best guitar player I've ever heard!"
- Karen Gros/Associated Content
"One of the most innovative guitarists of our time!" - International Guitar Festival of Great Britain
Thursday 3rd October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets £12 / £10
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2013, Wright is an electrifying performer whose other-worldly guitar playing and deep, soulful vocals, leaves audiences breathless!
“Gregg Wright has an extra gear most guitarists don't have." raves award-winning Bluesman Zac Harmon.
With years of touring with Michael Jackson, Mick Fleetwood and a host of other top tier music artists under his belt, Wright has developed a cool but killer stage presence. He may initially come off as "Mr. Smooth" but he'll be on your jugular in an instant and without warning, like a lion pouncing on its prey.
"The new King of Rockin' Blues Guitar!"
- The Monterey Bay Blues Festival/CA, USA
"Gregg has an extra gear that most guitarists don't have!"
- Zac Harmon/Blues Artist
"The best guitar player I've ever heard!"
- Karen Gros/Associated Content
"One of the most innovative guitarists of our time!" - International Guitar Festival of Great Britain
Thursday 3rd October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets £12 / £10
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
THEATRE: Unveiled Secrets
If you like intrigue, come and see Odd Productions characters sift through Unveiled Secrets to reveal surprising, humorous and uncomfortable truths.
First Steps (highly commended in the ScotRail/ Treading the Borders Brief Encounters Project) by West Linton’s Anita John (Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland)
The Other Nathan (2015 British Theatre Challenge long-listed) by retired Borders’ doctor, Oliver Eade, show how family members reveal long-hidden secrets with humour, conflict and heartache.
Give the Dog a Bone (Oliver Eade, also 2015 British Theatre Challenge long-listed), a middle-aged woman, driven to distraction by an ailing mother, is horrified by her sister’s revelation.
The Other Cat (Oliver Eade, Segora 2018 International Play Competition winner), more of a ‘did it happen?’ than a ‘whodunnit?’, is a dark-yet-playful take on Schrödinger’s famous cat.
This production supports Children1st. Suitable for 16+ years.
There will be an interval of twenty minutes. The show concludes at 10pm.
Friday 4th October
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £10/ £8
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
First Steps (highly commended in the ScotRail/ Treading the Borders Brief Encounters Project) by West Linton’s Anita John (Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland)
The Other Nathan (2015 British Theatre Challenge long-listed) by retired Borders’ doctor, Oliver Eade, show how family members reveal long-hidden secrets with humour, conflict and heartache.
Give the Dog a Bone (Oliver Eade, also 2015 British Theatre Challenge long-listed), a middle-aged woman, driven to distraction by an ailing mother, is horrified by her sister’s revelation.
The Other Cat (Oliver Eade, Segora 2018 International Play Competition winner), more of a ‘did it happen?’ than a ‘whodunnit?’, is a dark-yet-playful take on Schrödinger’s famous cat.
This production supports Children1st. Suitable for 16+ years.
There will be an interval of twenty minutes. The show concludes at 10pm.
Friday 4th October
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £10/ £8
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Jamie Lawson UK tour + support
Jamie Lawson is the first act signed to Ed Sheeran's 'Gingerbread Man Records, and has opened for Ed and One Direction
There’s busy and there’s busy, and there’s big and there’s MASSIVE.
Jamie Lawson has experienced all of those over the last two years. In August 2017 he released Happy Accidents, his second album on Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records, his fourth album overall. He immediately followed that with a tour with James Blunt, his own headline tour, then another tour with label boss and good friend Sheeran – just a summer run round some of the biggest sports stadiums that the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe have to offer.
In the midst of all that the Plymouth-born musician found time to have a go at writing for other artists; decamp to Nashville for what turned out to be a wildly productive songwriting sojourn; bunker in a French recording studio and tap into an in-situ magic previously experienced by Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys; decamp to Dublin to co-produce a brace of new songs; then, finally, prepare to release his second album within 18 months.
As the old joke goes, Jamie Lawson wasn’t expecting that. And nor, presumably, were his fans expecting it. For sure they’d been seduced by the singer-songwriter’s effortless way with an earworm melody and heart worn lyric, and by the undying magic of Wasn’t Expecting That, the breakout classic that scooped the then-largely-unknown artist the 2016 Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. And now, on top of that, he’s proving himself brilliantly prolific too.
But so it goes and here it is, Lawson ’s soaring, emotional, inspiring, uplifting and resoundingly melodic new album, The Years In Between.
“It’s the most collaborative record I’ve made,” says this song-proven writer and road-tested performer. “From working with my band on the early demos, co-writing nearly every song, and then working with producer Ruadhri Cushnan and his musicians in Dublin, it’s been a fascinating process to come up with an album in this way – but feel it’s still very much me.”
Sunday 6th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15*
*includes booking fee
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
https://www.facebook.com/jamielawsonmusic
https://www.twitter.com/jamielawsonuk
https://www.instagram.com/jamielawsonmusic
https://www.youtube.com/JamieLawsonOfficial
http://www.jamielawsonmusic.com
There’s busy and there’s busy, and there’s big and there’s MASSIVE.
Jamie Lawson has experienced all of those over the last two years. In August 2017 he released Happy Accidents, his second album on Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records, his fourth album overall. He immediately followed that with a tour with James Blunt, his own headline tour, then another tour with label boss and good friend Sheeran – just a summer run round some of the biggest sports stadiums that the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe have to offer.
In the midst of all that the Plymouth-born musician found time to have a go at writing for other artists; decamp to Nashville for what turned out to be a wildly productive songwriting sojourn; bunker in a French recording studio and tap into an in-situ magic previously experienced by Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys; decamp to Dublin to co-produce a brace of new songs; then, finally, prepare to release his second album within 18 months.
As the old joke goes, Jamie Lawson wasn’t expecting that. And nor, presumably, were his fans expecting it. For sure they’d been seduced by the singer-songwriter’s effortless way with an earworm melody and heart worn lyric, and by the undying magic of Wasn’t Expecting That, the breakout classic that scooped the then-largely-unknown artist the 2016 Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. And now, on top of that, he’s proving himself brilliantly prolific too.
But so it goes and here it is, Lawson ’s soaring, emotional, inspiring, uplifting and resoundingly melodic new album, The Years In Between.
“It’s the most collaborative record I’ve made,” says this song-proven writer and road-tested performer. “From working with my band on the early demos, co-writing nearly every song, and then working with producer Ruadhri Cushnan and his musicians in Dublin, it’s been a fascinating process to come up with an album in this way – but feel it’s still very much me.”
Sunday 6th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15*
*includes booking fee
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
https://www.facebook.com/jamielawsonmusic
https://www.twitter.com/jamielawsonuk
https://www.instagram.com/jamielawsonmusic
https://www.youtube.com/JamieLawsonOfficial
http://www.jamielawsonmusic.com
PUNK POETRY:
Dr John Cooper Clarke- The Luckiest Guy Alive with special guests
John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’.
Since then his career has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents. Johns new poetry book ‘The Luckiest Guy Alive ‘was released on November 1st 2018 in the UK and Worldwide on Picador/Macmillan.
Today, JCC is as relevant and vibrant as ever, and his influence just as visible on today’s pop culture.
Aside from his trademark ‘look’ continuing to resonate with fashionistas young and old, and his poetry included on national curriculum syllabus,
his effect on modern music is huge.
His influence can be heard within the keen social observations of the Arctic Monkeys and Plan B. These collaborations mean that John has been involved in 2 recent global number 1 albums - with The Arctic Monkeys putting one of Johns best loved poems, I Wanna Be Yours, to music on their critically acclaimed A:M Album.
His latest show, touring across the UK, USA, Canada and Australasia, is a mix of classic verse, extraordinary new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat- a chance to witness a living legend at the top of his game.
Wednesday 16th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £25*
*booking fee applies
https://bit.ly/2JizYWK
Website: www.johncooperclarke.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/johncooperclarke
Twitter: @offical_jcc
I say to people, have you heard of John Cooper Clarke and if they say, yes, yeah he's an absolute genius and you just go, 'oh - ok, you've saved me a lot of time"
Steve Coogan
Since then his career has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents. Johns new poetry book ‘The Luckiest Guy Alive ‘was released on November 1st 2018 in the UK and Worldwide on Picador/Macmillan.
Today, JCC is as relevant and vibrant as ever, and his influence just as visible on today’s pop culture.
Aside from his trademark ‘look’ continuing to resonate with fashionistas young and old, and his poetry included on national curriculum syllabus,
his effect on modern music is huge.
His influence can be heard within the keen social observations of the Arctic Monkeys and Plan B. These collaborations mean that John has been involved in 2 recent global number 1 albums - with The Arctic Monkeys putting one of Johns best loved poems, I Wanna Be Yours, to music on their critically acclaimed A:M Album.
His latest show, touring across the UK, USA, Canada and Australasia, is a mix of classic verse, extraordinary new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat- a chance to witness a living legend at the top of his game.
Wednesday 16th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £25*
*booking fee applies
https://bit.ly/2JizYWK
Website: www.johncooperclarke.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/johncooperclarke
Twitter: @offical_jcc
I say to people, have you heard of John Cooper Clarke and if they say, yes, yeah he's an absolute genius and you just go, 'oh - ok, you've saved me a lot of time"
Steve Coogan
MUSIC: Wotjek The Bear + support tbc
Wojtek the Bear were formed in Glasgow in early 2016 and since the release of their debut single "Dead from the Waist Up” have been described as
"both delicately pretty and staggeringly imposing" – Louder than War,
“wistful melancholy and shimmering pop melodies” – Tenement TV and
“a wonderful record that soars through emotions”– Scottish Sun
They have found fans in BBC 6 Music's Lauren Laverne & Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens, BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth, Roddy Hart & Vic Galloway, Absolute Radio’s Danielle Perry and Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly & Charlie Ashcroft among others, and have appeared at the Celtic Connections, Xpo North, Tenement Trail & Belladrum festivals to date.
Their debut album "A Talent For Being Unreasonable" was released on Scottish Fiction Records in May 2018 and the band embarked on a full UK tour in support of the release.
“A Talent For Being Unreasonable” is out now on limited edition blue vinyl and digitally via Scottish Fiction Records.
Twitter
https://twitter.com/wojtekbearband
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/wojtekthebearband
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxH3f5-ZIgaLrWwXTd8TQ
Friday 25th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £7 advance*
*booking fee applies
£9 on the door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
"both delicately pretty and staggeringly imposing" – Louder than War,
“wistful melancholy and shimmering pop melodies” – Tenement TV and
“a wonderful record that soars through emotions”– Scottish Sun
They have found fans in BBC 6 Music's Lauren Laverne & Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens, BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth, Roddy Hart & Vic Galloway, Absolute Radio’s Danielle Perry and Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly & Charlie Ashcroft among others, and have appeared at the Celtic Connections, Xpo North, Tenement Trail & Belladrum festivals to date.
Their debut album "A Talent For Being Unreasonable" was released on Scottish Fiction Records in May 2018 and the band embarked on a full UK tour in support of the release.
“A Talent For Being Unreasonable” is out now on limited edition blue vinyl and digitally via Scottish Fiction Records.
https://twitter.com/wojtekbearband
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/wojtekthebearband
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxH3f5-ZIgaLrWwXTd8TQ
Friday 25th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £7 advance*
*booking fee applies
£9 on the door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
'GALASQUEALS' HALLOWEEN SPOOCTACULAR EVENT:
The Spooky Revue
The Spooky Revue is a fabulous Hallowe'en edition of the Sugar Revue Burlesque and Variety show featuring some of Scotland's top Cabaret artists, brought to you by Scotland's Dita John Cleese of Burlesque and Cabaret; Wild Card Kitty.
With a line-up of ghoulish and grotesque Burlesque ranging from the supernatural to creatures that go bump 'n' grind in the night, accompanied by some suitably haunting variety performers: femme fatale Miss Hell's Belle, Rockabilly Rebel Tootsie Annie, Rock n Roll Queen Daiquiri Dusk and Freakshow (not for the faint of heart) from Professor Cogsworth, all hosted by the devilishly humorous musical comedy stylings of The Creative Martyrs; this is one sexy collection of Evil, guaranteed to make you howl at the moon with joy!
Get your glad rags on and unleash your dark side with a prize for the best dressed!
Saturday 26th October
Time: 8pm - 12am
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15 / £12
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
With a line-up of ghoulish and grotesque Burlesque ranging from the supernatural to creatures that go bump 'n' grind in the night, accompanied by some suitably haunting variety performers: femme fatale Miss Hell's Belle, Rockabilly Rebel Tootsie Annie, Rock n Roll Queen Daiquiri Dusk and Freakshow (not for the faint of heart) from Professor Cogsworth, all hosted by the devilishly humorous musical comedy stylings of The Creative Martyrs; this is one sexy collection of Evil, guaranteed to make you howl at the moon with joy!
Get your glad rags on and unleash your dark side with a prize for the best dressed!
Saturday 26th October
Time: 8pm - 12am
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15 / £12
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Lucy Spraggan + Special Guests
UK TOUR
Lucy Spraggan is in a good place and wants to share it with you. She is happy in love, life and music: three things that are reflected in the anthemic, upbeat, and infectious sound of her new album. The past few years have been the best of times for the singer-songwriter and Today Was a Good Day sings that message loud. The UK has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the developed world and an ever-growing incidence of mental health difficulties across our population: Spraggan’s personal experience of dark days compels her to pass on the message of hope that forms the backbone of this album.
It’s been seven years since Spraggan appeared on the X Factor in 2012 and she’s open about the difficult times when she felt suicidal. “I was a young person with fame and money in my pocket. I was dragged from club to club to play and given free booze,” says Spraggan. “I’m not sure where I would be without it the experience, but it was just too much for my brain. I was drinking and partying and in a terrible place.”
She reached her lowest moment driving down a motorway 2013. With her foot on the accelerator at 120mph, she closed her eyes. “I was about to turn my wheel into the central reservation when my dog (her Boston Terrier, Steve) sneezed. I knew I couldn’t do it to him and he saved me. I came straight home and started Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and my recovery started from there. It opened the door to hope.”
Spraggan wants use her experiences to help others. Last year, she released ‘Stick The Kettle On’ – the first track on this the Today Was a Good Day album - in support of CALM - The Campaign Against Living Miserably. The track was written with Roy Stride (Scouting For Girls), and Stride and Spraggan decided work with CALM to help people who suffer with mental health issues.
Lucy’s new album, Today Was a Good Day marked a new chapter for Spraggan musically. She signed a new record and publishing deal with Cooking Vinyl in 2018. The new album, produced by Jon Maquire showcases Spraggan’s voice in the structure of the songs. Overall she sounds at her most confident and accomplished, and ready to build on her 50 million views on YouTube and 25 million streams on Spotify. The most Googled musician of 2012, Spraggan was the first X Factor artist to play Glastonbury and will perform there again this year on the Avalon Stage after filling the Acoustic Tent in 2017.
The album was released May 2nd and achieved another No.12 position in the nation UK album chart.
October 2018 saw Lucy sell out yet another UK Headline tour selling nearly 14k tickets. She toured the UK and Europe with Melissa Etheridge and then went to the US and played SXSW for the second year running, followed by a week of west coast shows and a Florida cruise show with Melissa Etheridge again.
Mac Arts are thrilled to be welcoming Lucy to the Scottish Borders!
Friday 1st November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £18*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
www.seetickets.com/artist/lucy-spraggan/747283
14+ gig , under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18
It’s been seven years since Spraggan appeared on the X Factor in 2012 and she’s open about the difficult times when she felt suicidal. “I was a young person with fame and money in my pocket. I was dragged from club to club to play and given free booze,” says Spraggan. “I’m not sure where I would be without it the experience, but it was just too much for my brain. I was drinking and partying and in a terrible place.”
She reached her lowest moment driving down a motorway 2013. With her foot on the accelerator at 120mph, she closed her eyes. “I was about to turn my wheel into the central reservation when my dog (her Boston Terrier, Steve) sneezed. I knew I couldn’t do it to him and he saved me. I came straight home and started Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and my recovery started from there. It opened the door to hope.”
Spraggan wants use her experiences to help others. Last year, she released ‘Stick The Kettle On’ – the first track on this the Today Was a Good Day album - in support of CALM - The Campaign Against Living Miserably. The track was written with Roy Stride (Scouting For Girls), and Stride and Spraggan decided work with CALM to help people who suffer with mental health issues.
Lucy’s new album, Today Was a Good Day marked a new chapter for Spraggan musically. She signed a new record and publishing deal with Cooking Vinyl in 2018. The new album, produced by Jon Maquire showcases Spraggan’s voice in the structure of the songs. Overall she sounds at her most confident and accomplished, and ready to build on her 50 million views on YouTube and 25 million streams on Spotify. The most Googled musician of 2012, Spraggan was the first X Factor artist to play Glastonbury and will perform there again this year on the Avalon Stage after filling the Acoustic Tent in 2017.
The album was released May 2nd and achieved another No.12 position in the nation UK album chart.
October 2018 saw Lucy sell out yet another UK Headline tour selling nearly 14k tickets. She toured the UK and Europe with Melissa Etheridge and then went to the US and played SXSW for the second year running, followed by a week of west coast shows and a Florida cruise show with Melissa Etheridge again.
Mac Arts are thrilled to be welcoming Lucy to the Scottish Borders!
Friday 1st November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £18*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
www.seetickets.com/artist/lucy-spraggan/747283
14+ gig , under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18
MUSIC: Broken Chanter + support from ULTRAS
Broken Chanter is the adopted name of David MacGregor. MacGregor spent the past decade as the principal songwriter of Scottish Alt-Pop darlings Kid Canaveral - a band that could get you to dance, laugh, and weep all in the space of a set. Their Debut LP Shouting at Wildlife was described by The Herald as "a Scottish pop classic that should be mandatory in every record collection in the country", with follow-up Now That You Are a Dancer being nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award in 2014. Following the completion of touring for Kid Canaveral’s third record in late 2017, the natural break allowed MacGregor time to collect his thoughts, and some song fragments, and flesh them out into skeletal demos recorded in Ardnamurchan, Skye, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Ireland.
A light-hearted raconteur and heavy-hearted singer when accompanied by just a guitar, and a whirling dervish of noise and melody when fully electric, MacGregor spent February - May 2018 recording in Gort na Luchóg, Co. Donegal, nestled on a remote peninsula protruding into the Atlantic, and in Glenwood Studios in Glasgow with long-time collaborating engineer/producer Gal, Audrey Tait (Hector Bizerk, Birds of Paradise Theatre), Gav Prentice (Over the Wall, ULTRAS, National Theatre of Scotland), Jill O’Sullivan (Sparrow and the Workshop, bdy_prts), Hannah Shepherd (eagleowl, Withered Hand), Emma Kupa (Standard Fare, Mammoth Penguins, Hayman-Kupa Band) and Kim Carnie (BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2017 Finalist).
The first Broken Chanter album is a record which paints an emotional and expansive soundscape with a distinct sense of place, that showcases MacGregor's ear for melody and dexterity at tugging heart-strings. It will be released into the world on 6 September 2019 by Olive Grove Records and Last Night From Glasgow.
Saturday 2nd November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 advance / £5 Students
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
£10 on the door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
A light-hearted raconteur and heavy-hearted singer when accompanied by just a guitar, and a whirling dervish of noise and melody when fully electric, MacGregor spent February - May 2018 recording in Gort na Luchóg, Co. Donegal, nestled on a remote peninsula protruding into the Atlantic, and in Glenwood Studios in Glasgow with long-time collaborating engineer/producer Gal, Audrey Tait (Hector Bizerk, Birds of Paradise Theatre), Gav Prentice (Over the Wall, ULTRAS, National Theatre of Scotland), Jill O’Sullivan (Sparrow and the Workshop, bdy_prts), Hannah Shepherd (eagleowl, Withered Hand), Emma Kupa (Standard Fare, Mammoth Penguins, Hayman-Kupa Band) and Kim Carnie (BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2017 Finalist).
The first Broken Chanter album is a record which paints an emotional and expansive soundscape with a distinct sense of place, that showcases MacGregor's ear for melody and dexterity at tugging heart-strings. It will be released into the world on 6 September 2019 by Olive Grove Records and Last Night From Glasgow.
Saturday 2nd November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 advance / £5 Students
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
£10 on the door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
MUSIC: Scouting For Girls TOUR
During their last tour Scouting For Girls played to more people than they’ve ever played to before. They were celebrating ten years since they first released their 2007 self-titled debut, a record that went on to become triple platinum and birthed the generation-bridging anthems of ‘She’s So Lovely’, ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and ‘Heartbeat’. 2017’s accompanying ‘Ten Add Ten’ record bundled that now-classic debut with ten new songs, proving that the band’s joy, energy and ability to write an instantly catchy chorus hadn’t gone anywhere.
“We had such a huge age range across the audience for that tour, from kids to people who’ve grown up listening to us,” explains vocalist Roy Stride. “It was such a lovely feeling. It almost feels like you’re playing to family. It was actually more fun than we’ve ever had before, but I find that with the band. The longer it goes on, the more fun it becomes.”
It was a chance to celebrate the journey they’ve been on, with people who’ve been on it as well. “Every time we do a tour, it’s special because we only do it every two or three years. It’s almost like a reunion, getting back together with a load of old friends.” Scouting For Girls didn’t need to remind people who they were though: they’re a British institution.
In the decade since ‘Scouting For Girls’, the band have released ‘Everybody Wants To Be On TV’ (2010), ‘The Light Between Us’ (2012), and ‘Still Thinking About You’ (2015) plus the mega hit single ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’. They’ve picked up nominations for four Brits, an Ivor Novello and played everywhere from a sold out Wembley Arena to countless festival stages. Last year they released ‘England I Still Believe’ as a cheeky, unofficial World Cup anthem, which is a very Scouting For Girls thing to do.
Friends since they were five, drummer Pete Ellard, Bassist Greg Churchouse and Roy have never changed to chase success. Success came to them. They’ve never followed what others are doing, preferring to focus on themselves and make the music they want to make. “That’s why we still have fun now. The whole point of being in a band was to try and find a way to hang out together as mates. It’s not that we never chased success, we’ve been playing together since we were teenagers and we always wanted to do it professionally, but we got to a point where we never thought it would happen. So we just carried on doing it anyway for fun.” But then it happened - Number 1 singles, sold-out shows - “and we just carried on doing the same thing because, why would you change it?”
Scouting For Girls write massive pop bangers. “We love making music that connects with people in a really fun, happy way. I love writing songs which I know are going to connect with ten thousand people in a field. We’ve always been an amazing party band. We’re the band playing in the middle of the afternoon at a festival, that everyone wants to see because they know it’s going to be fun. They know it’s going to be a laugh.”
“With Scouting For Girls, the glass is definitely, always half full. I really enjoy looking at what we’ve done, but I also enjoy where we are at the moment. It is a very happy place to be.” And that’s reflected in new album ‘The Trouble With Boys’, which is released on September 20th and follows on from lead single ‘Grown Up’, which was co-written with James Blunt. Sparked by the reflection that their ten-year anniversary caused, their fifth album sees Scouting for Girls looking back and feeling lucky. “So many bands don’t get to do this.” When they first started, there was pressure behind every achievement. “It was so full on all of the time, but now we have an amazing level of success where we just enjoy every moment.”
Upbeat, fun and infectious, ‘The Trouble With Boys’ dives into their love of uniquely British bands like The Kinks, ELO, Madness and The Beatles. It’s designed to make people feel good. It’s about remembering to be excited, care-free and in love. It’s a very Scouting For Girls album. “Being in a band almost feels like you’ve gone to Neverland,” grins Stride. “You never have to grow up.”
Wednesday 6th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £23*
*booking fee applies
OVER 14s GIG ONLY (Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18)
Pre- sales: 17/ 7 https://store.scoutingforgirls.com
General Sale: 19/7
https://www.beyondhighlands.com/events/e64a652b-f23c-483d-88b2-d2e4a853ffb5
“We had such a huge age range across the audience for that tour, from kids to people who’ve grown up listening to us,” explains vocalist Roy Stride. “It was such a lovely feeling. It almost feels like you’re playing to family. It was actually more fun than we’ve ever had before, but I find that with the band. The longer it goes on, the more fun it becomes.”
It was a chance to celebrate the journey they’ve been on, with people who’ve been on it as well. “Every time we do a tour, it’s special because we only do it every two or three years. It’s almost like a reunion, getting back together with a load of old friends.” Scouting For Girls didn’t need to remind people who they were though: they’re a British institution.
In the decade since ‘Scouting For Girls’, the band have released ‘Everybody Wants To Be On TV’ (2010), ‘The Light Between Us’ (2012), and ‘Still Thinking About You’ (2015) plus the mega hit single ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’. They’ve picked up nominations for four Brits, an Ivor Novello and played everywhere from a sold out Wembley Arena to countless festival stages. Last year they released ‘England I Still Believe’ as a cheeky, unofficial World Cup anthem, which is a very Scouting For Girls thing to do.
Friends since they were five, drummer Pete Ellard, Bassist Greg Churchouse and Roy have never changed to chase success. Success came to them. They’ve never followed what others are doing, preferring to focus on themselves and make the music they want to make. “That’s why we still have fun now. The whole point of being in a band was to try and find a way to hang out together as mates. It’s not that we never chased success, we’ve been playing together since we were teenagers and we always wanted to do it professionally, but we got to a point where we never thought it would happen. So we just carried on doing it anyway for fun.” But then it happened - Number 1 singles, sold-out shows - “and we just carried on doing the same thing because, why would you change it?”
Scouting For Girls write massive pop bangers. “We love making music that connects with people in a really fun, happy way. I love writing songs which I know are going to connect with ten thousand people in a field. We’ve always been an amazing party band. We’re the band playing in the middle of the afternoon at a festival, that everyone wants to see because they know it’s going to be fun. They know it’s going to be a laugh.”
“With Scouting For Girls, the glass is definitely, always half full. I really enjoy looking at what we’ve done, but I also enjoy where we are at the moment. It is a very happy place to be.” And that’s reflected in new album ‘The Trouble With Boys’, which is released on September 20th and follows on from lead single ‘Grown Up’, which was co-written with James Blunt. Sparked by the reflection that their ten-year anniversary caused, their fifth album sees Scouting for Girls looking back and feeling lucky. “So many bands don’t get to do this.” When they first started, there was pressure behind every achievement. “It was so full on all of the time, but now we have an amazing level of success where we just enjoy every moment.”
Upbeat, fun and infectious, ‘The Trouble With Boys’ dives into their love of uniquely British bands like The Kinks, ELO, Madness and The Beatles. It’s designed to make people feel good. It’s about remembering to be excited, care-free and in love. It’s a very Scouting For Girls album. “Being in a band almost feels like you’ve gone to Neverland,” grins Stride. “You never have to grow up.”
Wednesday 6th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £23*
*booking fee applies
OVER 14s GIG ONLY (Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18)
Pre- sales: 17/ 7 https://store.scoutingforgirls.com
General Sale: 19/7
https://www.beyondhighlands.com/events/e64a652b-f23c-483d-88b2-d2e4a853ffb5
COMEDY: Susie McCabe - Born Believer
OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS AND BEYOND PRESENTS
The fastest-selling act at Glasgow International Comedy Festival three years running is back with a brand-new show! In her 40th year, Susie has decided to leave cynicism behind to be an all-new positive Susie (optimistic at best, positive at pushing it). Join the former 'Scottish Headliner of the Year' and Glasgow favourite for what will no doubt be another barnstormer of a show.
"A genuine stand-up, highly recommended." Kevin Bridges
"The ever-reliable Susie McCabe delivers plenty of chuckles." The Scotsman
Thursday 24th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £13*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
over 16s Only
The fastest-selling act at Glasgow International Comedy Festival three years running is back with a brand-new show! In her 40th year, Susie has decided to leave cynicism behind to be an all-new positive Susie (optimistic at best, positive at pushing it). Join the former 'Scottish Headliner of the Year' and Glasgow favourite for what will no doubt be another barnstormer of a show.
"A genuine stand-up, highly recommended." Kevin Bridges
"The ever-reliable Susie McCabe delivers plenty of chuckles." The Scotsman
Thursday 24th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £13*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
over 16s Only
CLUB EVENT: Silent Disco
Join us on Saturday 9th November for The BIG Silent Disco at the wonderful MacArts Galashiels!
If you haven't participated in a silent disco before it's simple- on arrival you are given your headphones and music is transmitted to them- you will be able to flick between 3 different channels of music being played by 3 different DJ's!
RED CHANNEL: POP, CHEESE 80's 90's CHART
GREEN CHANNEL: ROCK, INDIE, POP-PUNK, METAL
BLUE CHANNEL: DANCE CLASSICS & MORE
We have great LED flashing headphones which display the colour of channel you are listening to! Red, Green or Blue, you decide!
Please pre-book your tickets in advance as these will go fast- it's going to be a very fun night!
Licensed Bar
Saturday 9th November
Time: 8pm to Midnight
Tickets: £9 Advance
£10 on door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
If you haven't participated in a silent disco before it's simple- on arrival you are given your headphones and music is transmitted to them- you will be able to flick between 3 different channels of music being played by 3 different DJ's!
RED CHANNEL: POP, CHEESE 80's 90's CHART
GREEN CHANNEL: ROCK, INDIE, POP-PUNK, METAL
BLUE CHANNEL: DANCE CLASSICS & MORE
We have great LED flashing headphones which display the colour of channel you are listening to! Red, Green or Blue, you decide!
Please pre-book your tickets in advance as these will go fast- it's going to be a very fun night!
Licensed Bar
Saturday 9th November
Time: 8pm to Midnight
Tickets: £9 Advance
£10 on door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Chris Wood
In a world of soundbites and distractions, Chris Wood is a truth seeker. His writing is permeated with love and wry intelligence, uplifting and challenging as he celebrates the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life. Tom Robinson and Chris Difford are fans while Stick In The Wheel and The Unthanks look to him as an influence. Winner of 6 BBC Folk Awards, he's played with The Royal Shakespeare Company and was a key member of The Imagined Village, along with Billy Bragg and Martin Carthy. A wise and soulful craftsman, his concerts are a cliché free zone.
“Chris Wood might be the Ken Loach of songwriting. Very political, but at the same time full of compassion, and he grows sharper and more acute with each passing album. He’s good, quite probably the very best we have today, and we need him more than ever.” - fRoots Magazine
Sunday 10th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Box Office: 01896 756 852
“Chris Wood might be the Ken Loach of songwriting. Very political, but at the same time full of compassion, and he grows sharper and more acute with each passing album. He’s good, quite probably the very best we have today, and we need him more than ever.” - fRoots Magazine
Sunday 10th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Box Office: 01896 756 852
MUSIC: Elephant Sessions + support
Join Mac Arts and Elephant Sessions for a festive shindig!
WINNERS 2017 BBC SCOTS TRAD AWARDS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
WINNERS 2018 BBC SCOTS TRAD LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS 2018 BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS – BEST BAND
Hailing from the Highlands of Scotland the band formed in 2012. They are comprised of Euan Smillie (fiddle), Alasdair Taylor (mandolin), Mark Bruce (guitar), Seth Tinsley (bass, synth) and Greg Barry (drums, samples).
Creating a progressive blend of intricate tunes, engulfing guitars, with a bass and drum heavy backline, their music combines the very best of trad, funk and electronica resulting in a new and exciting sound. Gigging extensively around the UK, they swiftly built a fan base and went on to release their debut album The Elusive Highland Beauty in 2014 to critical acclaim. This album and its subsequent tours and festival appearances saw the band winning the Best Up and Coming Act category at the BBC Alba Trad Music awards in 2014. Already renowned for their breath-taking live shows the band began to gain success not just within the U.K but also found themselves beginning to perform at some of the most prestigious European Festivals. Since then, the band have made live appearances at some of the most notable venues and festivals across the U.K, Europe and Australia, including Glastonbury, Byron Bay Bluesfest, Colours of Ostrava and multiple headline sell-outs at Celtic Connections.
Mercury prize winning band Alt-J, along with BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6, found themselves converted to the band’s unique brand of indie folk.
Reviews from Rolling Stone Magazine sat alongside folk magazine coverage. Radio features accompanied documentaries and highlights shows on television stations.
The band scooped the coveted BBC MG Alba Album of the Year for ‘All We Have is Now’ and were shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award shortly after.
In 2018, the band also picked up the Live Act of the Year award at the BBC Scots Trad Music Awards, received a nomination for 'Best Group' in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Saturday 14th December
Time; 8pm
Doors:7:30pm
Tickets: £10* advance
£12 on door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
