welcome to MacArts
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Hello!
MacArts is a live music and arts venue in the Scottish Borders town of Galashiels. We host live music from national and international touring artists as well as providing a platform for up-and-coming local acts. We also host comedy, theatre and community events. Our spaces can be hired for anything from parties and weddings to conferences and workshops. |
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COMING UP AT MACARTS
friday 29th september
JILL JACKSON
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Jill Jackson is one of Scotland’s leading singer songwriters and an acclaimed artist within the thriving international Americana music scene.
Her sensitive and sympathetic storytelling, heart-rending vocals, and sheer love of Americana music, have earned her a loyal fan base around the world and not surprisingly, drawn comparisons to the likes of Brandi Carlile and Joni Mitchell. A natural born storyteller and award-winning artist, Jill effortlessly marries swinging American charm with Scottish heart. Despite her many career achievements and undeniable credibility, Jill is an artist who has often – until now – felt like the underdog. However, as the tide slowly starts to change in music and an undercurrent of female talent begins to dominate the Americana scene, Jill stands proudly at the heart of that incredible swell. Jill’s new studio album, Yours Aye, was released on May 2022. Her most exposing body of work to date, this is the record Jill has always wanted to make and comes from an artist who is exactly where they’re supposed to be. Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £16 / £14 concession (seated) Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
sunday 1st october
XR BORDERS PRESENT
Film: MY EXTINCTIOn
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What does it take for us to act on the climate crisis – especially if we’re the kind of person who should already be acting?
In this funny, relatable portrait, a concerned yet ineffectual dad finds the first step is letting those unbearable feelings of climate anxiety in, instead of pushing them aside. But as he meets others like him, he discovers how oil-backed propagandists funded our denial and paralysis. They set out to unmask the vested interests responsible, helping raise a generation’s leading authors in vibrant chorus at the game-changing Tufton Street protest. MY EXTINCTION is a revealingly honest account of how to feel your feelings, act on your privilege, and get active when threatened with extinction. Doors: 1.30pm / 2pm start Tickets: By donation on the door (seated) |
wednesday 4th october
film: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US
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Mile Away Films present “The Difference Between Us,” a debut-drama from the award-winning filmmaker Etienne Kubwabo.
Alex Watson is a young black man, raised in the secluded Highlands of Scotland by two white adoptive parents. When Alex leaves his protective bubble behind to attend university in Glasgow, he moves in with siblings Michael and Laura. As the trio grow closer, their pasts and prejudices threaten their new relationship and Alex must learn what being black in the modern world truly means. “The Difference Between Us,” directed by Etienne Kubwabo, with a screenplay by Etienne Kubwabo & Craig Andrew Mooney, based upon the short story by Etienne Kubwabo, stars Wam Siluka Jr (“Alex”), Paul Stirrat (“Michael”), Alex Jackson (“Laura”), Craig Andrew Mooney(“Pete), Kirsty Scott (“Carla Watson”), Andrew McGeachie (“Ryan Watson”). The producers are Nick Ikunda, Etienne Kubwabo, Craig Andrew Mooney and Rose Sehakizinka. Doors: 5.30pm / 6pm start Tickets: £10 / £9 concession (SEATED) Over 16s (recommended) |
thursday 5th october
Kathryn williams & POLLY PAULUSMA
'Sombre, majestic, extravagant'
Uncut magazine on Kathryn Williams '...complete, pure and personal' MOJO magazine on Polly Paulusma |
As labels buddies on One Little Independent Records, Kathryn Williams and Polly Paulusma met on a song writing retreat. Their friendship developed and strengthened, supporting each other over lockdown. Being fans of each other’s work, it seemed a foregone conclusion that they would get on the road at some point. Finally, after many years of talking about their Thelma and Louise tour dreams, they have pulled together a beautiful intimate month-long tour up and down the country, both playing headline solo sets and also coming together for a few songs together. Lucky audiences will get two concerts for the price of one from two of the most respected British singer-songwriters this country has to offer.
Kathryn Williams is a Liverpool-born, Mercury Music Prize nominated singer-songwriter with 16 albums under her belt. Before her last release, Night Drives, which entered the official folk album charts straight to number two, the label OLI celebrated her career thus far with a 20 CD two book box set anthology strewn with her art. She has written a novel The Ormering Tide which debuted to critical acclaim and she hosts her own popular podcast Before the light goes out which was put in the top ten best music podcasts by The Guardian. Kathryn writes songs with many diverse artists around the world including Paul Weller, Ed Harcourt, Beth Neillson Chapman and Michele Stodart. Polly Paulusma’s shed-recorded debut Scissors In My Pocket received international critical acclaim upon its 2004 release by One Little Independent. She toured the USA, supported Bob Dylan, Jamie Cullum, Divine Comedy and Marianne Faithfull and played Glastonbury. In 2012, she founded Wild Sound, now an OLI folk imprint, and signed nine artists. She completed her PhD in 2020, which informed her eighth album Invisible Music — folk songs that influenced Angela Carter (**** The Guardian) and her book (Bloomsbury, 2022). Her ninth and tenth albums The Pivot Upon Which the World Turns and its sister, 2023's When Violent Hot Pitch Words Hurt were recently released to critical acclaim. Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start (seated) Tickets: £14 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
friday 6th october
INCUBATOR SESSION
8 DAYs + DEVIN CASSON + RADIO SILENCE
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This is the final Incubator Session of 2023. Showcasing some of the Borders young talent. These are performers at the start of their music careers and really need your support and if you don't come you could miss the next Arctic Monkeys, Ed Sheeran or Billie Eilish! It's only fiver to get in. This month we are featuring 8 Days, Devin Casson and surprise guests.
8 Days are a Peebles based alternative rock band comprised of Ailsa Jarvis on drums, Sam Jones on bass, and Fin Price on guitar and vocals. They were previously called Zenith, but changed their name prior to releasing their first single, having all been born within 8 days of each other. Devin Casson is a super-talented singer songwriter from Hawick who has been picking up some great support slots with the likes of Horse Mc Donald. Doors: 7pm / 7:30pm start (standing) Tickets: £5 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 7th october
THE URBAN voodoo machine + guests
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The Urban Voodoo Machine’s own brand of Bourbon-Soaked Gypsy Blues Bop’N’ Stroll have swayed audiences over the UK and Europe for 2 decades now, and next year will be their 20th Anniversary.
Their fan base is constantly growing. They have supported and toured with a variety of artists (many of whom have covered their songs) and have performed at most major festivals- in fact, they claim to be the only group in the world to have played both the historical Montreaux Jazz Festival AND metal mecca festival DOWNLOAD! If you have ever caught the group live in action, it’s not likely you would have forgotten it- part circus, part theatre with a big dose of good old Rock’n’Roll! Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start (STANDING) Tickets: £15 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
thursday 12th october
comedy: Weegie hink ae that
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From sketches to songs aboot aw things Scottish, come see these wee comical dafties dae what they dae best! Fast-paced, witty comedy with clever twists on Scottish culture! The Weegie Boys will have ye creasing yersel from start to finish!
Starring Gregor Mackay, Conor Hardie and Elliot Hanigan, the Glasgow based comedy sketch trio Weegie Hink Ae That? have proved an undeniable hit both on stage and online, having sold out Edinburgh Fringe runs, headlined numerous comedy clubs and venues across the country and launched numerous viral sketches via BBC Scotland. 'Original, and frequently hysterically funny... these are highly intelligent writers and performers.' The Reviews Hub Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start (SEATED) Tickets: £15 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
friday 13th october
wrest
'Fans of Frightened Rabbit and The National will love Edinburgh's wrest' Jim Gellatly
'Scotland's most exciting emerging live act' BBC Radio Shetland An emotional adventure you have to experience Independent Music News |
xfire live presents...
After sold-out shows across Europe and at iconic venues St Lukes and Liquid Rooms in Scotland, Edinburgh quartet wrest return to MacArts for a very special headline show. Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start (SEATED) Tickets: £14 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
wednesday 18th october
THE DAMN TRUTH
'The Damn Truth are an out of body experience!' ★★★★ Planet Mosh
'With a near sell-out crowd eagerly awaiting their arrival, the band delivered an electrifying set that left the audience buzzing with excitement.' Rock News 'A smouldering powerhouse of a performance.' Metal Talk 'With a new album in the pipeline, to coin a phrase, “the only way is up” for this terrific, Canadian, kaleidoscopic, intoxicating four-piece!' Metal Planet Music 'One of the best shows I’ve seen this year and I cannot wait to see them again in October.' Music News ★★★★ |
Hailing from Montreal, Canada, The Damn Truth, a celebrated rock band, is set to make their triumphant return to the UK in October 2023 due to overwhelming demand. This tour follows the release of their third studio album, Now or Nowhere, produced by the renowned Grammy-winning producer Bob Rock (Metallica, The Cult, Aereosmith) in collaboration with Spectra Musique/Sony Music.
Their single, "This Is Who We Are Now," produced under the guidance of Bob Rock, has captured attention with its colossal chorus and soaring guitar solo, garnering praise from Classic Rock magazine. The track enjoyed ten weeks on air at Planet Rock and a feature on BBC Radio 2's Rock Show with Johnnie Walker, while also claiming the "Tracks of the Week" title on Classic Rock's Louder Sound. The British music press has celebrated The Damn Truth, with coverage in Classic Rock, Blues Matters, Guitarist, Powerplay, and other prominent publications, underlining the band's musical prowess. Comprising Lee-La Baum (lead vocals, guitar), Tom Shemer (guitar), PY Letellier (bass), and Dave Traina (drums), The Damn Truth has graced stages across Europe and North America. They've shared the limelight with music legends like ZZ Top, the Sheepdogs, Styx, and Rival Sons. Their achievements include sold-out shows at legendary venues such as Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles and Montreal's Corona Theatre. Notably, their music video was featured on Janis Joplin's official Facebook page, showcasing their impact. The culmination of hard work, dedication, and passion, Now or Nowhere marks a pinnacle in The Damn Truth's journey, solidifying their status as rock trailblazers who continue to redefine the genre. Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start (STANDING) Tickets: £17.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
friday 2oth october
Martin stephenson & The daintees
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Such a genuine pleasure to be announcing MS & the Daintees' 2023 You Belong To Blue tour, taking in some of the UK’s most beautiful cities and some quirky venues off the beaten track too (step forward, MacArts, Galashiels!)
The boys will be playing a bunch of songs old and new from their vast 40+ year repertoire and new album You Belong To Blue. The tour features brothers Anth and Gary Dunn on guitar and bass duties, along with 22 year-old drummer Charlie Smith. Charlie’s grandfather Paul Smith was the Daintees' original drummer, playing on seminal albums such as Boat to Bolivia, Gladsome Humour & Blue and The Boy’s Heart! At the end of 2022, Martin booked three days in Blank Recording Studios, Newcastle Upon Tyne, with a mission to nail a new Daintees' album. Keep the quality high and the bills low was his motto and on the first day both he and Charlie had all drums, rhythm guitars and guide vocals done and dusted. On the second day Anth Dunn had completed all his bass parts by 4pm and was off home to wash the dishes. The third day was just as lucrative when brother Gary appeared, bearing Les Paul, Telecaster and a tiny Fender Princeton amp and proceeded to nail all guitar parts by 5pm. Martin’s partner Anna added some subtle backing vocals then young Liam Fender rounded the project off, providing some gorgeous Hammond organ and Wurlitzer piano and that was them out of the studio in a flash, giving birth to one of their finest albums to date. Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start (SEATED) Tickets: £16 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 21st october
Blizzard fest
DOG TIRED + Razor Sharp Death Blizzard + DREAD PERSEPHONE + BLACK LESION
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Steel yourself for an evening of nasty guitar abuse and general bad tempered metal madness as Razor Sharp Death Blizzard, Dog Tired and Black Lesion all indulge in some wickdly heavy sludge riffage. Earl of Hell are replaced by Tool-inspired prog-grungers Dread Persephone on an already sturdy bill.
For fans of: Lamb of God, Pantera, Alice in Chains Doors: 6.30pm / 7pm start (standing) Tickets: £12.50 / £15 on the door Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
sunday 22nd october
An evening with richard jobson (THE SKIDS) and
Martin Metcalfe (goodbye mr mackenzie)
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An amazing evening of songs and stories by two artists with over 110 years in the arts between them. Apart from writing the worldwide number one chart song 'The Saints are Coming', Richard is renowned as a great storyteller and raconteur, has directed six movies and hosted the Film Show for MTV.
Martin has been around the block too with his bands Goodbye Mr Mackenzie & The Filthy Tongues and worked with the Talking Heads, written songs for Angelfish (Shirley Manson), The Skids, The Rezillos and others. He has been on tour with the likes of Blondie, The Ramones and Stiff Little Fingers. There will also be an FAQ and no question is off limits (apart from that one about Richard Jobson and Pans People and the one about 'rock stars in their underpants'. Martin's band The Filthy Tongues' new album In These Dark Places was released in January and went to number 3 in the Official Scottish vinyl chart. The Skids have a new album released in June 2023 Destination Dusseldorf (Half the album co-written between Martin & Richard ) a Skids tour is ongoing. Richard Jobson also has a new novel "The Kreuzberg Sonata" out this year. Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start (seated) Tickets: £15 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
thursday 26th october
withered hand
'As life-affirming as music gets'
The Herald 'He records like Billy Childish and mixes like the Blue Nile' Darren Hayman (Hefner) 'Killer melodies …tunes full of warm, woozy sing-song charm' Rolling Stone |
Edinburgh based cult-indie songwriter Withered Hand (Dan Willson) makes a welcome return to the stage in support of his new album How To Love.
Recorded with (Mogwai and Belle & Sebastian producer Tony Doogan in Glasgow, the new record features guests King Creosote and Kathryn Williams - both of whom are long standing collaborators. Withered Hand full band shows feature drums, brass, keyboards and electric guitar as the backdrop for Dan’s insightful songs. A rare chance for concert goers to get lost in and celebrate some of the most immediate, intimate, heart tugging - yet- hook-laden indie-folk this side of Willson’s musical influences: Daniel Johnston, Lemonheads and Sparklehorse. Doors: 7pm / 8pm start (STANDING) Tickets: £18.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 28th october
The spooky revue
Halloween burlesque and cabaret show
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The Kitten Has Claws and MacArts presents... The Spooky Revue
A fabulous Halloween Burlesque and Cabaret Show featuring some of Scotland’s top performers. Saucy and scary cabaret, with Burlesque, Drag, Magic and Song, all with a macabre Halloween twist! Don your most thrilling costumes and let them entertain you as they take to the stage in various horrific guises- from the supernatural to creatures that go bump in the night. With a line-up of ghoulish and grotesque Burlesque, from femme fatale Debay De Lux, rockabilly rebel Tootsie Annie and vivacious vixen Wild Card Kitty, Freakshow (not for the faint of heart) Freakshow from Professor Cogsworth, and fierce and fearsome Drag from Lacy Rain 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! If this wasn't evil enough we also have the atrocity that is The Raffle of Rubbish! Win something great or something that will give you nightmares... Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start (seated) Tickets: £15 / £12 STUDENT TICKETS AVAILABLE £10 Over 18s only - Licensed bar open until 12am |
sunday 29th october
Randolph's leap
'Joyous' The Scotsman
'The next generation of witty Scottish indie pop' The Quietus 'The Jonathan Richman of Scottish indie' The Herald |
Randolph’s Leap are a Scottish indie-pop band known for their catchy melodies, memorable lyrics and uplifting live gigs.
The live experience includes brass, strings, fuzzy keyboards, bad jokes and good dancing. Over the past decade, the band have released four studio albums and countless DIY albums which have earned them a cult following. They have released music through King Creosote and Pictish Trail's Fence Records and Lost Map Records as well as indie labels Olive Grove and Fika. They have performed across the UK, including at major festivals such as T in the Park, Green Man, Celtic Connections, Belladrum and the Edinburgh Fringe. Their music even inspired a theatre show, The Isle of Love. Doors: 7pm / 8pm start (standing) Tickets: £16.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 4th November
PYGMY TWYLYTE PERFORM THE SONGS OF FRANK ZAPPA
+ THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY EXPERIENCE
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So prolific was Frank Zappa's output, that it is nearly impossible to present a representative sample of his work in just one concert. Over the course of his life, and since his death in 1993, over one hundred official Zappa albums have been released, alongside countless bootlegs. These range from 60’s psychedelia with the Mothers of Invention, Jazz and Rock material tinged with Zappa’s own inimitable spin, through to orchestral compositions performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Navigating the vast Zappa oeuvre then is no mean feat, but Scotland’s Pygmy Twylyte have embraced the challenge with gusto. Since their inception in 2018, the band have selected a core body of classic material, complemented with a rotating offering of more obscure cuts, and blasted this to delighted audiences across the UK. Special guests opening the show will be The Sensational Alex Harvey Experience, the UK's number one tribute to the legendary The Sensational Alex Harvey Band! Hailing from Alex's home town of Glasgow, the band have gained a reputation for their authentic high energy show, with original SAHB guitarist Zal Cleminson noting 'Best SAHB tribute by far!' Two outstanding bands playing the music of two of rocks most unique icons in an evening not to be missed! Doors: 7pm / 7:30pm start (standing) Tickets: £13 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
SUNdAY 5th NOVember
THE VINTAGE EXPLOSION
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In the past year, The Vintage Explosion have had two No. 1 albums on the Worldwide iTunes Blues Album Chart, No. 3 on the Worldwide ITunes Album Chart as well as top ten on the US Billboard Blues Album Chart, sold-out a 14 date UK Tour , were specially invited to perform at the BBC Big Birthday Bash on TV as the house band and made their live debut on national TV on This Morning ITV. They are currently recording their first studio album of self-penned songs which is due for release worldwide in the summer of 2023.
Mac Arts are thrilled to be hosting 2 performances in one day- a seated matinee show, and an evening performance with room to dance! Matinee show (seated) Doors: 2pm / 2:30pm start Tickets: £20 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 Evening show (standing) Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £20 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 |
WEdnesday 8th november TICKETS AVAILABLE
Thursday 9th November SOLD OUT
Karine Polwart
'Long established as a glorious singer, enquiring songwriter and enlightened mind' MOJO ★★★★
'There are few songwriters sharper' Financial Times ★★★★ 'One of the finest singer-songwriters in Britain' The Guardian ★★★★★ |
This is a rare chance to enjoy Karine in intimate, conversational solo performance. Expect a clutch of new songs and wonder tales, and an evening suffused with light on this, the Light Beyond the Window tour.
Karine Polwart is a multi-award-winning Scottish songwriter, folk singer, and storyteller. Her songs evoke a richness of place, hidden histories, scientific curiosity and folklore. Trees and rocks speak. Birds flit in and out of vision. And the stars know everything. She conjures the beauty and magic, the sorrow and complexity of the world out of the corner of her eye, with lyricism and tenderness. Karine’s many collaborative projects include - Still as Your Sleeping, a duo with pianist Dave Milligan; a longstanding trio with brother Steven Polwart and multi-instrumentalist Inge Thomson; her Scottish Songbook re-imaginings of classic Scottish pop; Spell Songs, a multi-artist response to environmental loss; and Wind Resistance, her peatbog-inspired theatre show for The Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh. Her commissions over the past two years include new work for both the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. 2023 will see her host and write for Seek the Light, a poetic three-part BBC Radio 4 series combining science, music and folklore. Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start (seated) Tickets: £22.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 11th November
JUST RADIOHEAD
So authentic … not a beat missed.'
'Amazing set … your performance was the highlight of my weekend' 'Having never seen Radiohead live I was really excited to catch your set … and wasn’t disappointed!' |
Just Radiohead are the UK’s leading Radiohead tribute band, replicating and performing the astonishing music of one the nation’s most influential, versatile, and talented bands. Showcasing tracks from the explosive post-grunge debut of Pablo Honey through to the beautiful and most recent art-rock album release A Moon Shaped Pool, the band captures a memento at each stop along the entire majestic journey ensuring that every minor detail is respected and authentic, while leaving the audience feeling like they are once again revelling ‘back in the day’ accompanied by Radiohead.
A back catalogue now spanning four decades means fans have rarely had the opportunity to see Radiohead perform their favourite songs live … … step forward Just Radiohead!!! Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £13 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
thursday 16th november
df concerts presents
nati + special guests
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Scottish folk-rock to lighten your mood and embrace every part of you.
Nati is a Scottish singer-songwriter who is getting comfortable with herself as she gets older. That’s the topic of her latest single ‘Older’ where she learns to embrace herself and tell her younger self that getting older is scary but it’ll be alright. The track itself is an up-tempo, rumbling folk-rock anthem that infuses energy into anyone who listens to it. It’s a bit poppier than my usual folk-rock tastes but it has such an undeniable “fuck em’, you do you” message that I can’t help but enjoy it. The middle eight is also the stuff of Scottish pub chants too. Nati’s single ‘Older’ is out now and you can keep up with future releases and her Scotland tour dates across 2023 and beyond on her website. Doors: 7pm / 8pm start Tickets: £12.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
Friday 17th November
Carla J Easton + MALKA co-Headline show
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Carla J Easton is an award nominated singer-songwriter, releasing 3 critically acclaimed albums, writing for TeenCanteen, Belle & Sebastian, BMX Bandit, Hen Hoose & National Theatre Scotland. Championed by BBC6 Music, she has performed at festivals across the UK and internationally (SXSW, Pop Montreal, The Great Escape, Celtic Connections, Indiefjord and Pop Cologne)
MALKA Tamara Schlesinger first made waves on the music scene as the front woman of acclaimed alt-folk collective 6 Day Riot and also as a prolific songwriter. Her work has been included in a host of high-profile syncs for TV series and Hollywood blockbusters – most notably Skins, Scream 4 and 127 Hours. Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £12/£10 Students: £8 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 18th november
Callum Easter and the roulettes
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Callum Easter has always been a force of nature. The Edinburgh-based singer and multi-instrumentalist thrives on impulse and spontaneity, balancing that with an impeccable song writing craftsmanship that makes even the more outré moments of his current batch of mutated soul punk / rock‘n’roll instantly arresting. Released in late November 2021, Lost Map Records and Moshi Moshi Records are proud to present his irresistible second album, System. Like his debut album Here Or Nowhere – which was released on Lost Map in 2019 and went on to be shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year Award by popular vote – System was recorded largely alone in Callum’s Edinburgh studio, but bustles with a brash, maximalist vigour, that draws a line under his previous work and charges exhilaratingly forwards – beginning a journey that he describes as a “descent into ordinary madness”.
His love of rock ‘n’ roll has long been baked in – but there’s a new fervour to where he’s taken this source. Now there is an outward fire; a raging – albeit with the sort of wryly humorous delivery only he can provide – against the general noise of everyday living and a longing for something else, something more, something that looks you straight in the eye. System is careful to balance protest with positivity; it’s accentuated on the album’s stirring opener and first single ‘What You Think?’ which sees Callum urge the listener via his steely growl that “there’s no point crying, what’s the use? No more hiding, what’s the use?” to focus on living and the positive changes we can make as individuals and collectively. Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £13 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
thursday 23rd november
focus
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Warm up those tonsils it's time for a spot of yodelling! With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports.
Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3’ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans! Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £22 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
sunday 26th november
Karen Dunbar
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Guaranteed laughs from the Queen of Scottish Comedy heading out on a long overdue Scottish tour. Much loved for her role in BBC TV's Chewin' the Fat, Dunbar is also famed as a stalwart of Scottish theatre, but returns here with more of her trademark comic storytelling . Don't miss it!
Doors: 7pm / 8pm start Tickets: £15 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
Friday 30th november
Spam valley
Kevin P Gilday
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Critically acclaimed writer and performer Kevin P Gilday (Suffering from Scottishness, Sonnet Youth) takes a verbal sledgehammer to lazy stereotypes and attempts to deconstruct what it really means to be ‘working-class’ in modern Britain. Spam Valley is a hilarious, autobiographical monologue exploring what happens when a working-class upbringing gives way to a middle-class career path.
Blending theatre, stand-up and contemporary spoken word, Gilday delves into his own Glaswegian upbringing to chart his journey, from ‘Spam Valley’ to the stage, with trademark wit and delivery. Spam Valley is politically charged theatre at its best. ‘Poignant class satire that demands to be heard’ ★★★★★ The Wee Review ‘Do your heart some good by grabbing a ticket before the run ends’ ★★★★ The Quintessential Review ‘...an autobiographical monologue about class, delivered with controlled feeling and biting wit’ The Scotsman Doors: 7pm / 7:30pm start Tickets: £15 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 2nd december
TRUCKER DIABLO
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Their fourth visit to Mac Arts - the Irish Rockers and all-round top blokes Trucker Diablo are back in town!
Described by Classic Rock Magazine as 'stadium pub rock', the band have shared the stage with Foo Fighters, Black Stone Cherry, Ricky Warwick, Thunder and many more. The one thing you do expect from Trucker is big riffs, big choruses and big performances, and their most recent album Tail End of a Hurricane doesn’t disappoint! From the sing-along 'Rock Kids of the 80s', the energy of 'Insects', the short sharp punch of 'Slow Dance' or the laid-back tale, 'Woodstock to Vietnam', you’ll know you’ve opened your front door to see the Big Truck parked up outside, engine running, exhaust fumes pumping out the pipe, door laying open invitingly... Doors: 7:30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £13 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
THURSDAY 7th December
ARAB STRAP
Philophobia 25th anniversary SHOW
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Arab Strap started out as an intimate project with home-recorded tapes
shared between friends, but after the unexpected success of their inimitable debut single ‘The First Big Weekend’ they quickly found themselves, along with pals Mogwai, as some of the most exciting and cherished music coming out of Scotland. The band’s first gig was recorded live for John Peel, who became an early devotee. The band went from indie record label Chemikal Underground onto the major label Go! Beat and then back again to Chemikal, touring the world and funnelling life’s experiences into a unique concoction of music that explored beauty, sadness, intoxicants, sex, love, and death all rolled into one. Doors: 7pm / 8pm start Tickets: £27.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
friday 8th december
regular music and CPL present
GUN
plus special guests The godfathers
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The GUN story starts in 1987 and kicks up a notch for the Glaswegian rockers the following year when A&M Records beat a slew of rival labels to sign them.
However, for this band [known as Blind Allez and even Phobia before settling on GUN], it is a brand new 2022 recording that truly defines both who they are and where they have come from. ‘Backstreet Brothers’ features on the forthcoming ‘Calton Songs’ album and is an affectionate look back at the crazy, hazy days of adolescence that teach us what is important and what we stand for. These are the lessons that have kept the band’s spirit strong, true and honest. Whilst some of the faces have changed over the years, the songs and that gang mentality have stayed strong. GUN in 2023 features Dante Gizzi [lead vocals], Giuliano ‘Jools’ Gizzi [guitar], Paul McManus [drums], Andy Carr [bass] and David Aitken [guitar]. The ‘Calton Songs’ album is named in honour of where the band grew up, but the songs that are revisited on this collection are true way markers for the band’s career. As Jools says, “I look back and remember amazing times. I don’t regret any of it. What an experience to have had. This new album ‘Calton Songs’ allows us to look back and celebrate what went before but also to bring it up to date. It’s a real celebration. However, it is not the end of the story for these ‘Backstreet Brothers’. ON SALE TUESDAY 26th SEPT 10am (GIGANTIC) FRIDAY 29th SEPT 10am (TICKETSOURCE) Doors: 7pm / 8pm start Tickets: £29.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 9th December
Torridon
saturday 16th december
killer instinct (tribute to the killers)
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Join us for a big Christmas night out with Killer Instinct, Scotland’s #1 tribute to The Killers!
After the live show we will keep the party going, playing the biggest indie hits from 1990s/2000s Doors: 7pm / 8pm start (disco after gig until 12am) Tickets: £12.50 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
saturday 16th march 2024
Moving pictures - a tribute to rush
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A trio-piece tribute to Canada's finest musical exports Rush. Hailing from Scotland and the Lake District, Moving Pictures play classic Rush using a serious amount of equipment including progtastic double-neck guitars!
RUSHfest Scotland fan convention headliners — performed for and with Rush producer Terry Brown — appeared on the tribute albums Songs For Neil Vol.1, 2 and the forthcoming Vol.3. 'That was the 3rd best Rush show I’ve ever seen. The first 2 were Rush.' Doors: 7.30pm / 8pm start Tickets: £15 Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
sunday 1st december 2024
READY steady 60s show
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The best of the Mod 60's and British Beat Boom!
Four-piece live band with stunning vocals, performed with high energy and recreating the iconic era. Over 100 minute show featuring video clips, footage and voiceovers. Rated as the top authentic-sounding 60s show! Doors: 3:30pm / 4pm start Tickets: £18 advance / £20 on the door Over 14s: 14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 |
