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
MAKING: Puppet Stew Funky Puppet Making Workshop
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*Part of Puppet Animation Festival (limited spaces available so book early!)
Come along and join the Puppet-Stew crew for some creative school holiday fun, all ages and abilities are welcome. You will make your very own rod puppet from colourful bits and bobs, which you can then take home with you. Hours of imaginative play lie ahead, as you make up stories, songs and scenarios with your fabulous new puppet. Wild imaginations and crazy creativity are totally encouraged!
Puppet-Stew has been providing puppet making and performance workshops for over 14 years across the UK, providing fun, exciting, therapeutic and inspirational learning experiences in schools, community groups, festivals, gala days, care centres, corporate events, creches, young carers groups, and just about anywhere else you can think of!
Saturday 20th April
Time: 11am (approx 2 hours)
Doors: 10:30am
Tickets : £8* (only children pay- adult goes free!)
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Come along and join the Puppet-Stew crew for some creative school holiday fun, all ages and abilities are welcome. You will make your very own rod puppet from colourful bits and bobs, which you can then take home with you. Hours of imaginative play lie ahead, as you make up stories, songs and scenarios with your fabulous new puppet. Wild imaginations and crazy creativity are totally encouraged!
Puppet-Stew has been providing puppet making and performance workshops for over 14 years across the UK, providing fun, exciting, therapeutic and inspirational learning experiences in schools, community groups, festivals, gala days, care centres, corporate events, creches, young carers groups, and just about anywhere else you can think of!
Saturday 20th April
Time: 11am (approx 2 hours)
Doors: 10:30am
Tickets : £8* (only children pay- adult goes free!)
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Holy Moly and the Crackers
2017 and 2018 have been huge years for Holy Moly & The Crackers. The ever-evolving folk-alt-rock group, led by vocalist Ruth Patterson, from Newcastle Upon Tyne released their new album ‘Salem’ in July 2017 on their own Pink Lane Records label. The album received acclaimed reviews from R2 Magazine, Folk Radio UK, The Crack, Clash, No Depression, Blown Speaker and has been championed by BBC Introducing and RadioX.
Following the album release, HMATC have toured the UK twice, selling out venues across the country, and made successful debuts in The Netherlands, France, Germany and Italy as well as continuing their success on the festival circuit: They’ve pulled off an accoladed appearance at Glastonbury, appeared at Boomtown Fair, Bestival + Camp Bestival and graced the main stages at festivals such as Beautiful Days, Bearded Theory, Moonbeams and Colours of Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
'Salem's' lead single, the barnstorming indie-rock anthem ‘Cold Comfort Lane’, was included on major Spotify playlists including Fresh Finds, Fierce Femmes & New Noise, then found significant sync success, with 'Cold Comfort Lane' used by E4, BT Vision, Capital One, Ultimate Ears, KIA Sportage Cars and the end credits track for the 2018 summer blockbuster movie Oceans 8.
2019 brings Holy Moly & the Crackers back out on the world stage with a brand-new album in the Spring, an enhanced confidence and an army of growing fans. Come along for the ride - the craziest party in town always has room for one more...
****For fans of: Frank Turner, Gogol Bordello, Imelda May, Skinny Lister****
Sunday 21st April
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* (*BF applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Following the album release, HMATC have toured the UK twice, selling out venues across the country, and made successful debuts in The Netherlands, France, Germany and Italy as well as continuing their success on the festival circuit: They’ve pulled off an accoladed appearance at Glastonbury, appeared at Boomtown Fair, Bestival + Camp Bestival and graced the main stages at festivals such as Beautiful Days, Bearded Theory, Moonbeams and Colours of Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
'Salem's' lead single, the barnstorming indie-rock anthem ‘Cold Comfort Lane’, was included on major Spotify playlists including Fresh Finds, Fierce Femmes & New Noise, then found significant sync success, with 'Cold Comfort Lane' used by E4, BT Vision, Capital One, Ultimate Ears, KIA Sportage Cars and the end credits track for the 2018 summer blockbuster movie Oceans 8.
2019 brings Holy Moly & the Crackers back out on the world stage with a brand-new album in the Spring, an enhanced confidence and an army of growing fans. Come along for the ride - the craziest party in town always has room for one more...
****For fans of: Frank Turner, Gogol Bordello, Imelda May, Skinny Lister****
Sunday 21st April
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* (*BF applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Smokin’ Bugler Band
The Smokin’ Bugler Band are an indie/funk/rock band with lots of energy and power behind their playing. With influences from bands such as AC/DC and Black Sabbath, the band recently won the Soundwaves music competition and pulled off a storming headline set at the Glasgow 02 ABC.
Saturday 27th April
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Saturday 27th April
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
COMEDY: Ivo Graham - Motion Sickness
A feisty new show about facing the future, named after my fourth favourite Hot Chip song (and a beaut by Phoebe Bridgers). As seen/heard on Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Live From The BBC, Jon Richardson’s Ultimate Worrier, Fighting Talk, The Now Show, It’s Not What You Know, and eating Subway sandwiches in petrol stations.
“Endlessly amusing hour from the politest man in comedy” (****, the i).
“Not an ounce of flab on his routines… a joy” (****, Telegraph).
“A self-deprecating dweeb par excellence, on the brink of comedy’s Premier League” (****, Evening Standard).
Wednesday 24 April
Doors Open at 7:30PM
Starts at 8:00PM
Ticket Price: £12.00* (*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
“Endlessly amusing hour from the politest man in comedy” (****, the i).
“Not an ounce of flab on his routines… a joy” (****, Telegraph).
“A self-deprecating dweeb par excellence, on the brink of comedy’s Premier League” (****, Evening Standard).
Wednesday 24 April
Doors Open at 7:30PM
Starts at 8:00PM
Ticket Price: £12.00* (*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Surf's Up (Beach Boys)
Fans of The Beach Boys have a treat in store: the spectacular Surf's Up are making their first ever trip to MacArts for a night of fun, sun, surf and note-perfect renditions of all your favourite Beach Boys hits and brilliant classic album tracks!
Surf's Up are a 9-piece band who have been packing out venues for 11 years with their energetic and dynamic performances. This year, they will be debuting a host of hit songs from The Beach Boys' wonderful mid-sixties period, from classic albums 'Today! and 'Summer Days and Summer Nights!!'. You'll actually believe it's 1965 again!
And the rest of the show will feature literally LOADS of precious Beach Boys gems - all of their giant hits, and more. Whether it's the surfing or hot rod tunes you love, or the gorgeous ballads, or even the amazingly complex later material, there'll be lots here for you to enjoy. So bring your best dancing flip-flops for nearly two hours of fun in the sun! You'll be dancing and singing 'til you drop, guaranteed!
Saturday 4th May
Doors: 7:30PM
Starts: 8 pm & 9.30pm (two sets with interval)
Ticket Price: £10.00* advance (*booking fee applies)
£12 on door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Surf's Up are a 9-piece band who have been packing out venues for 11 years with their energetic and dynamic performances. This year, they will be debuting a host of hit songs from The Beach Boys' wonderful mid-sixties period, from classic albums 'Today! and 'Summer Days and Summer Nights!!'. You'll actually believe it's 1965 again!
And the rest of the show will feature literally LOADS of precious Beach Boys gems - all of their giant hits, and more. Whether it's the surfing or hot rod tunes you love, or the gorgeous ballads, or even the amazingly complex later material, there'll be lots here for you to enjoy. So bring your best dancing flip-flops for nearly two hours of fun in the sun! You'll be dancing and singing 'til you drop, guaranteed!
Saturday 4th May
Doors: 7:30PM
Starts: 8 pm & 9.30pm (two sets with interval)
Ticket Price: £10.00* advance (*booking fee applies)
£12 on door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Aidan O’Rourke (Lau) and Kit Downes (Piano/ Harmonium)
365 Volume 2
Aidan O'Rourke is a fiddler, composer, producer and one of the most influential folk musicians of his generation. With his trio Lau (singer/guitarist Kris Drever, accordionist Martin Green) and various solo and collaborative projects, he has pioneered a new sound in Scottish folk and re-contextualized traditional forms with experimental, improvised, jazz, classical and electronic music.
Kit Downes is a BBC Jazz Award winning, Mercury Music Award nominated, solo recording artist for ECM Records. He has toured the world with artists such as Squarepusher, Thomas Strønen and Django Bates and written commissions for Cheltenham Music Festival, London Contemporary Orchestra, Stavanger Konserthus, Cologne Philharmonie, BBC Radio 3 and the Wellcome Trust.
The 365 project all began with the book of short stories by the same name by Scottish author James Robertson. James is one of Aidan's favourite authors and this is a musical response to his short stories that he wrote every day for a year in exactly 365 words. Aidan wrote a musical piece for each story alongside Kit and has released Volume 1 on CD with Volume 2 due to be released in 2019.
There is no doubt the tunes are based in Scottish folk music but like his music he has created with LAU he is always interested in new ways of playing with old forms. This exciting new collaboration with Piano / Harmonium player Kit Downes has brought it all together with jazz overtones and the church organ repertoire he grew up playing.
In the summer of 2019 Aidan plans to build a touring installation that will present all of the tunes, stories and audio recordings together, due to be launched at Edinburgh Book Festival in August 2019.
The author James Robertson will be joining Aidan and Kit for many of the gigs bringing the music and stories to life.
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
“Few contemporary musicians in any category can match either his artistic ambitions or his achievements in bringing them to fruition” (The Scotsman)
“What a unique and extraordinary fiddler he is” (Channel4.com)
“O’Rourke is a dazzling fiddler in any setting” (Scotland on Sunday)
“O’Rourke’s music – both his writing and playing – is unfailingly strong and imaginative” (The List)
“Lau are a remarkable band - exquisite and hypnotic, musicianship at its best” (The Guardian)
“Confident free-thinking music that will enthral” (Sunday Herald)
Sunday 5th May
Starts: 8 pm
Doors: 7:30PM
Ticket Price: £12
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Kit Downes is a BBC Jazz Award winning, Mercury Music Award nominated, solo recording artist for ECM Records. He has toured the world with artists such as Squarepusher, Thomas Strønen and Django Bates and written commissions for Cheltenham Music Festival, London Contemporary Orchestra, Stavanger Konserthus, Cologne Philharmonie, BBC Radio 3 and the Wellcome Trust.
The 365 project all began with the book of short stories by the same name by Scottish author James Robertson. James is one of Aidan's favourite authors and this is a musical response to his short stories that he wrote every day for a year in exactly 365 words. Aidan wrote a musical piece for each story alongside Kit and has released Volume 1 on CD with Volume 2 due to be released in 2019.
There is no doubt the tunes are based in Scottish folk music but like his music he has created with LAU he is always interested in new ways of playing with old forms. This exciting new collaboration with Piano / Harmonium player Kit Downes has brought it all together with jazz overtones and the church organ repertoire he grew up playing.
In the summer of 2019 Aidan plans to build a touring installation that will present all of the tunes, stories and audio recordings together, due to be launched at Edinburgh Book Festival in August 2019.
The author James Robertson will be joining Aidan and Kit for many of the gigs bringing the music and stories to life.
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
“Few contemporary musicians in any category can match either his artistic ambitions or his achievements in bringing them to fruition” (The Scotsman)
“What a unique and extraordinary fiddler he is” (Channel4.com)
“O’Rourke is a dazzling fiddler in any setting” (Scotland on Sunday)
“O’Rourke’s music – both his writing and playing – is unfailingly strong and imaginative” (The List)
“Lau are a remarkable band - exquisite and hypnotic, musicianship at its best” (The Guardian)
“Confident free-thinking music that will enthral” (Sunday Herald)
Sunday 5th May
Starts: 8 pm
Doors: 7:30PM
Ticket Price: £12
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
THEATRE: The Unspotted Snow by Peter Arnott - A Mull Theatre production
A light-hearted theatrical romp featuring starvation, scurvy, cannibalism… and some jolly tunes.
Based on the ill-fated 1845 Sir John Franklin expedition to discover the North-West passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific and it’s extraordinary 170-year legacy. Set partly on the barren ice floes of the Arctic and partly in the stultifying drawing room of Lady Jane Franklin, Unspotted Snow is a “ripping yarn” - a bold and adventurous tale of tragedy, mishap, folly, arrogance, madness and betrayal, Victorian heroism ... and ruthless news management.
Join us to explore and discover the hazy, crazy half-truths, rumours and scandals that besmirched the unspotted snow of the great white north.
Thursday 9th May
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12* / £10* concessions / £8* BYT / Students
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Based on the ill-fated 1845 Sir John Franklin expedition to discover the North-West passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific and it’s extraordinary 170-year legacy. Set partly on the barren ice floes of the Arctic and partly in the stultifying drawing room of Lady Jane Franklin, Unspotted Snow is a “ripping yarn” - a bold and adventurous tale of tragedy, mishap, folly, arrogance, madness and betrayal, Victorian heroism ... and ruthless news management.
Join us to explore and discover the hazy, crazy half-truths, rumours and scandals that besmirched the unspotted snow of the great white north.
Thursday 9th May
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12* / £10* concessions / £8* BYT / Students
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: James Grant
James Grant, Scottish singer-songwriter who was frontman of the band Love and Money.
Grant's first solo album, Sawdust in My Veins, was released on Survival Records in 1998. It featured long term collaborator Donald Shaw, Karen Matheson, harmonica player Fraser Speirs, drummer James MacKintosh and the BT Scottish Ensemble. After a label change to Vertical, the same lineup was retained for My Thrawn Glory in 2000. I Shot The Albatross, a collection of poetry set to music, was released in 2002. It included interpretations of works by Edwin Morgan, EE Cummings, and William Blake. The gentle, introspective Holy Love, followed in 2004, featuring contributions by dobro player Jerry Douglas and ex-Thrum vocalist Monica Queen. Strange Flowers, a more upbeat collection, was released in February 2009
Grant also scored the film The Near Room and has collaborated with Capercaillie's Karen Matheson, performing live and writing songs for her solo records The Dreaming Sea, Downriver, and Time To Fall.
In conversation with radio presenter Billy Sloan on BBC Scotland's Music Through Midnight show on 5 June 2015, Grant revealed he was writing material and suggested it was more likely to be for a solo album than another Love & Money project.
Friday 10th May
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7.30pm
Tickets: Coming Soon
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Grant's first solo album, Sawdust in My Veins, was released on Survival Records in 1998. It featured long term collaborator Donald Shaw, Karen Matheson, harmonica player Fraser Speirs, drummer James MacKintosh and the BT Scottish Ensemble. After a label change to Vertical, the same lineup was retained for My Thrawn Glory in 2000. I Shot The Albatross, a collection of poetry set to music, was released in 2002. It included interpretations of works by Edwin Morgan, EE Cummings, and William Blake. The gentle, introspective Holy Love, followed in 2004, featuring contributions by dobro player Jerry Douglas and ex-Thrum vocalist Monica Queen. Strange Flowers, a more upbeat collection, was released in February 2009
Grant also scored the film The Near Room and has collaborated with Capercaillie's Karen Matheson, performing live and writing songs for her solo records The Dreaming Sea, Downriver, and Time To Fall.
In conversation with radio presenter Billy Sloan on BBC Scotland's Music Through Midnight show on 5 June 2015, Grant revealed he was writing material and suggested it was more likely to be for a solo album than another Love & Money project.
Friday 10th May
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7.30pm
Tickets: Coming Soon
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
THEATRE: A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil by Chris Brookmyre and Horsehead Theatre
“A Tale Etched In Blood And Hard Black Pencil” - When a double murder reunites the classmates of St Elizabeth’s Primary School, scores are settled, debts repaid and alliances forged. Twenty years have passed but will those bonds still hold fast?
In this hilarious Scottish black comedy, Horsehead Theatre takes a nostalgic look at school days, filled with psycho teachers, class jokers and playground feuds. All set to a cracking 70s/80s soundtrack!
Award winning author Chris Brookmyre is a fan of the show, “an utterly brilliant adaptation” (fb livestream).
Warning – this play contains very strong language and scenes of a sexual nature. Suitable for age 14yrs+ only.
Saturday 11th May
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12*/ £10* concessions
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
In this hilarious Scottish black comedy, Horsehead Theatre takes a nostalgic look at school days, filled with psycho teachers, class jokers and playground feuds. All set to a cracking 70s/80s soundtrack!
Award winning author Chris Brookmyre is a fan of the show, “an utterly brilliant adaptation” (fb livestream).
Warning – this play contains very strong language and scenes of a sexual nature. Suitable for age 14yrs+ only.
Saturday 11th May
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12*/ £10* concessions
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
THEATRE / CABARET: The Dark Carnival: Unplugged by Vanishing Point
Who’d have thought, that when we died, we didn’t die completely?
Our consciousness goes on a bit. It lingers on, discreetly.
The Dark Carnival: Unplugged is an informal, rousing music and theatre show. With songs, spoken word and a free (though not compulsory!) glass of whisky for everyone, it tells the story of newcomers to the afterlife who are surprised to discover that death is not actually the end. Incredulous at their continuity, they form their own necropolitan community where every night is party night.
But a mysterious event throws the lives of the dead into uncertainty. When news reaches the cemetery, an underground revolution begins, led by the stoical Mrs Mark and her band of necropolitans.
Inspired by Weimar cabaret, danse macabre and classic songwriters of musical theatre such as Kurt Weill and Lionel Bart, the songs find themselves in a musical space somewhere in between Leonard Cohen and The Muppets. Come in, have a drink and join us for an intimate, celebratory and heart-warming night of storytelling and song.
Sponsored by The Famous Grouse
Sunday 19th May
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12* / £10* concessions
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Our consciousness goes on a bit. It lingers on, discreetly.
The Dark Carnival: Unplugged is an informal, rousing music and theatre show. With songs, spoken word and a free (though not compulsory!) glass of whisky for everyone, it tells the story of newcomers to the afterlife who are surprised to discover that death is not actually the end. Incredulous at their continuity, they form their own necropolitan community where every night is party night.
But a mysterious event throws the lives of the dead into uncertainty. When news reaches the cemetery, an underground revolution begins, led by the stoical Mrs Mark and her band of necropolitans.
Inspired by Weimar cabaret, danse macabre and classic songwriters of musical theatre such as Kurt Weill and Lionel Bart, the songs find themselves in a musical space somewhere in between Leonard Cohen and The Muppets. Come in, have a drink and join us for an intimate, celebratory and heart-warming night of storytelling and song.
Sponsored by The Famous Grouse
Sunday 19th May
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12* / £10* concessions
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
COMEDY: Jim Smith Back to the Teuchter
Back to The Teuchter is the 3rd solo show from "comedy farmer" Jim Smith. It's Countryfile meets The Only Way Is Essex as Jim hits the stage using characters, regional accents and impressions to help explain to city slickers what the outside world looks like through the eyes of those that 'bide up the glen'. Hot topics will include internet dating for farmers, village nightlife and how to pimp your Land Rover. Suitable for both country bumpkins and dead trendy city folk.
With two sell-out Fringe runs under his belt, Jim is in demand as a performer all over Scotland when he’s not on the farm. TV and radio credits include BBC Radio Scotland's Breaking The News, Scot Squad and The Farm Diaries.
‘He is nothing short of superb’ Scotsman
‘Scotland’s funniest farmer comedian’ Guardian
‘Amusing, charming man’ Three Weeks
Saturday 25th May
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £12* / £10* concessions
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
With two sell-out Fringe runs under his belt, Jim is in demand as a performer all over Scotland when he’s not on the farm. TV and radio credits include BBC Radio Scotland's Breaking The News, Scot Squad and The Farm Diaries.
‘He is nothing short of superb’ Scotsman
‘Scotland’s funniest farmer comedian’ Guardian
‘Amusing, charming man’ Three Weeks
Saturday 25th May
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £12* / £10* concessions
(*booking fee applies)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Mt. Doubt support Foreignfox (Scottish Fiction Record label take over Mac Arts)
Hailing from Edinburgh, Mt. Doubt is the musical alias of frontman Leo Bargery, which over time has evolved musical arms and legs into a multi instrumental alt-rock / dark-pop band, with evocative lyrics delivered through warm brogue vocals.
Sophomore album In Awe of Nothing was released via indie label Scottish Fiction to critical acclaim, receiving praise from the likes of The Herald, The National, The List and The Skinny. Radio airplay followed on BBC 6Music, BBC Radio Scotland, KEXP, XFM, and Amazing Radio, as well as playing two live sessions for BBC Radio Scotland.
Tipped as one of BBC Radio Scotland's Vic Galloway's 'Top 25 Scottish Artists to Watch' and described as "a massively distinctive new voice in Scottish music" by BBC Radio Scotland's Roddy Hart; the past two years have been ones of further development with the release of three further EP's; The Loneliness of the TV Watchers, Moon Landings and This Must Mean Something Awful.
Live the band have been praised for their energetic and atmospheric performances at T in the Park, Belladrum, Brew at the Bog, ButeFest, XpoNorth, ShuffleDown, Mugstock, The Big Sit In and Songs From Northern Britain. Recent supports slots include bands such as We Were Promised Jetpacks, Errors, Admiral Fallow, Andy Jenkins, Peaness and White Lies.
“Rich emotive song writing.” Vic Galloway, BBC Radio Scotland
“There's no denying Bargery's ability to create atmospheric indie-pop with delicate and sinewy melodies.” The Herald
“Immediate comparisons will be drawn with The National.” The National
"Fuses a charming Edwyn Collins baritone with flavours of The National’s anthemic mid-life trepidation and Springsteen’s way with an everyperson guitar riff and chorus" The List
“Leo Bargery has a voice like caramel, with just a hint of something grittier alongside. He croons his way through the record with a seductive nonchalance” The Skinny
Press page: http://archive.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/mt.-doubt
Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/mtdoubt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MtDoubt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MtDoubt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOF4MNC7l_cJkYvogU-72Q
Friday 31st May
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 / Students £5 (Discount for advance online bookings)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Sophomore album In Awe of Nothing was released via indie label Scottish Fiction to critical acclaim, receiving praise from the likes of The Herald, The National, The List and The Skinny. Radio airplay followed on BBC 6Music, BBC Radio Scotland, KEXP, XFM, and Amazing Radio, as well as playing two live sessions for BBC Radio Scotland.
Tipped as one of BBC Radio Scotland's Vic Galloway's 'Top 25 Scottish Artists to Watch' and described as "a massively distinctive new voice in Scottish music" by BBC Radio Scotland's Roddy Hart; the past two years have been ones of further development with the release of three further EP's; The Loneliness of the TV Watchers, Moon Landings and This Must Mean Something Awful.
Live the band have been praised for their energetic and atmospheric performances at T in the Park, Belladrum, Brew at the Bog, ButeFest, XpoNorth, ShuffleDown, Mugstock, The Big Sit In and Songs From Northern Britain. Recent supports slots include bands such as We Were Promised Jetpacks, Errors, Admiral Fallow, Andy Jenkins, Peaness and White Lies.
“Rich emotive song writing.” Vic Galloway, BBC Radio Scotland
“There's no denying Bargery's ability to create atmospheric indie-pop with delicate and sinewy melodies.” The Herald
“Immediate comparisons will be drawn with The National.” The National
"Fuses a charming Edwyn Collins baritone with flavours of The National’s anthemic mid-life trepidation and Springsteen’s way with an everyperson guitar riff and chorus" The List
“Leo Bargery has a voice like caramel, with just a hint of something grittier alongside. He croons his way through the record with a seductive nonchalance” The Skinny
Press page: http://archive.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/mt.-doubt
Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/mtdoubt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MtDoubt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MtDoubt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOF4MNC7l_cJkYvogU-72Q
Friday 31st May
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 / Students £5 (Discount for advance online bookings)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Le Cafe Parisien
Le Café Parisien is a musical and cultural journey throughout the streets, cafes and terraces of Europe…
Expect to hear Hot Club Swing, Classical Themes, adventures into Romany and Celtic music and vintage songs- all delivered with a fresh new twist.
A veritable melting pot of astounding musicianship and novel arrangements, all flavoured with a sense of warmth and fun to make for a cracking night’s entertainment!
Saturday 1st June
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: Coming Soon
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Expect to hear Hot Club Swing, Classical Themes, adventures into Romany and Celtic music and vintage songs- all delivered with a fresh new twist.
A veritable melting pot of astounding musicianship and novel arrangements, all flavoured with a sense of warmth and fun to make for a cracking night’s entertainment!
Saturday 1st June
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: Coming Soon
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: VISTAS +support tbc
Vistas are an indie band hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland.
The line-up consists of Prentice Robertson, Dylan Rush & Jamie Law. Vistas are a band with catchy choruses, hooky guitar lines and rhythmic thunderous baselines.
“Retrospect is a soaraway anthem, a piece of indie-infused electro-pop that erupts from the traps and only continues to accelerate’’ - CLASH magazine
“When this band are massive at the end of the year you can say you heard them here first” - Huw Stephens, BBC radio 1
“Upbeat, jaunty indie-rock blasts of fun that simply oozes positivity” - God is in the TV
Thursday 13th June
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Standing Over 14's - under 16's to be accompanied by an adult
The line-up consists of Prentice Robertson, Dylan Rush & Jamie Law. Vistas are a band with catchy choruses, hooky guitar lines and rhythmic thunderous baselines.
“Retrospect is a soaraway anthem, a piece of indie-infused electro-pop that erupts from the traps and only continues to accelerate’’ - CLASH magazine
“When this band are massive at the end of the year you can say you heard them here first” - Huw Stephens, BBC radio 1
“Upbeat, jaunty indie-rock blasts of fun that simply oozes positivity” - God is in the TV
Thursday 13th June
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Standing Over 14's - under 16's to be accompanied by an adult
MUSIC: MUSIC: Jah Wobble & The Invaders of the Heart
Mac Arts welcomes the one and only JAH WOBBLE & THE INVADERS OF THE HEART
Over the past three decades or so, Jah Wobble has ploughed his own furrow as a prolific solo artist, as well as becoming a well-respected session musician, with a genuine passion for Eastern and Global music. He has worked with a diverse range of musicians, including Baaba Maal, Bjork, Primal Scream, Brian Eno, Sinead O’Connor, Julianne Regan, Dolores O’Riordan, Holgat Czukay, The Edge and Chaka Demus & Pliers.
The man born John Wardle began his musical journey when he met John Lydon and Sid Vicious in 1973. It was Vicious who not only nicknamed John ‘Jah Wobble’ after a drunken binge but also loaned him his first bass guitar. Lydon asked JW to join Public Image Limited (aka PiL) in spring 1978. Wardle’s distinctive ‘low end’ bass became the backbone of PiL’s pioneering sound. After its follow-up, the exploratory yet sinister soundscapes of ‘Metal Box’, Wardle became disillusioned by politics within the band and their reluctance to play live. He eventually split from PiL in mid-1980 and embarked on a prolific solo career.
Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart released their debut album in 1990 and received a Mercury Music Prize nomination in 1991 for the ‘Rising above bedlam’ album. After the acclaimed ‘Take me to God’ album in 1994, Jah Wobble launched his own 30 Hertz record label which has subsequently released around 40 albums.
Friday 28th June
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £16 Plus Booking Fee - Standing
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Over the past three decades or so, Jah Wobble has ploughed his own furrow as a prolific solo artist, as well as becoming a well-respected session musician, with a genuine passion for Eastern and Global music. He has worked with a diverse range of musicians, including Baaba Maal, Bjork, Primal Scream, Brian Eno, Sinead O’Connor, Julianne Regan, Dolores O’Riordan, Holgat Czukay, The Edge and Chaka Demus & Pliers.
The man born John Wardle began his musical journey when he met John Lydon and Sid Vicious in 1973. It was Vicious who not only nicknamed John ‘Jah Wobble’ after a drunken binge but also loaned him his first bass guitar. Lydon asked JW to join Public Image Limited (aka PiL) in spring 1978. Wardle’s distinctive ‘low end’ bass became the backbone of PiL’s pioneering sound. After its follow-up, the exploratory yet sinister soundscapes of ‘Metal Box’, Wardle became disillusioned by politics within the band and their reluctance to play live. He eventually split from PiL in mid-1980 and embarked on a prolific solo career.
Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart released their debut album in 1990 and received a Mercury Music Prize nomination in 1991 for the ‘Rising above bedlam’ album. After the acclaimed ‘Take me to God’ album in 1994, Jah Wobble launched his own 30 Hertz record label which has subsequently released around 40 albums.
Friday 28th June
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £16 Plus Booking Fee - Standing
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Wojtek the Bear
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.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wojtekthebearband/
Twitter https://twitter.com/wojtekbearband
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/wojtekthebearband
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxH3f5-ZIgaLrWwXTd8TQ
Friday 19th July
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £7 / £5 students
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
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.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wojtekthebearband/
Twitter https://twitter.com/wojtekbearband
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/wojtekthebearband
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxH3f5-ZIgaLrWwXTd8TQ
Friday 19th July
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £7 / £5 students
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
