Welcome to MacArts
MacArts is run by the Duncan MacKinnon Music and Arts Trust - a charitable organisation inspired by the visionary spirit of Dunc MacKinnon, a prominent Borders promoter who brought high profile acts to the Scottish Borders in the 1960s. The Trust was formed to fulfil an ambition to create a state-of-the-art music and arts venue and community space in a disused listed building of historic and architectural significance in the centre of Galashiels with a emphasis on involving everyone in the community ;
this space is now known as MacArts.
MacArts is run by the Duncan MacKinnon Music and Arts Trust - a charitable organisation inspired by the visionary spirit of Dunc MacKinnon, a prominent Borders promoter who brought high profile acts to the Scottish Borders in the 1960s. The Trust was formed to fulfil an ambition to create a state-of-the-art music and arts venue and community space in a disused listed building of historic and architectural significance in the centre of Galashiels with a emphasis on involving everyone in the community ;
this space is now known as MacArts.
We currently have two Crowdfunders that we are participating in. Our own "Help Mac Arts Venue survive Covid 19" and The Music Venue Trust campaign that includes the T-shirt offer. All the money from both Crowdfunders comes direct to Mac Arts. Thank you for all the fantastic support we received.
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Dear Friends
Due to the current worldwide situation, and in line with advice, we like all venues going in to a period of lockdown. The Mac Arts team are working closely with artistes/ promoters to reschedule events for later in the year wherever possible. As you can imagine, this is a mammoth task, and we thank you for your patience and understanding in these unprecedented times. With the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and customers being paramount, please bear with us whilst we update our Website / Facebook / Twitter/ Instagram with updates as soon as we can.
If you have already purchased tickets for an event then the original tickets will still be valid for the new date. If you cannot attend the new date, a full refund will be given.
In the meantime: Be safe, be kind and keep smiling
Team Mac Arts
xxx
Due to the current worldwide situation, and in line with advice, we like all venues going in to a period of lockdown. The Mac Arts team are working closely with artistes/ promoters to reschedule events for later in the year wherever possible. As you can imagine, this is a mammoth task, and we thank you for your patience and understanding in these unprecedented times. With the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and customers being paramount, please bear with us whilst we update our Website / Facebook / Twitter/ Instagram with updates as soon as we can.
If you have already purchased tickets for an event then the original tickets will still be valid for the new date. If you cannot attend the new date, a full refund will be given.
In the meantime: Be safe, be kind and keep smiling
Team Mac Arts
xxx
26/3/21 Life in the tIme on line exhibition
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LIFE IN THE TIME is an interactive digital exhibition
The exhibition will be live at 1:30pm on 26th March at Click here for access Since Jan 6th 2021, AMINA have delivered over 30 online workshops to more than 100 Muslim and BME women around Scotland. These workshops have provided a space for reflection, connection and creativity. Working with artists Annie George , Katherine MacKinnon and Raman Mundair, the participants have shaped their experiences into digital artworks which form LIFE IN THE TIME – an exhibition, a message for the future and a unique snapshot of life during the Covid-19 pandemic as seen through the eyes of Muslim and BME women. LIFE IN THE TIME is an interactive digital exhibition, |
26/6/21 Revival Black + she burns red
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Revival Black are a big hitting yet classic sounding hard rock band, striking out of the cultural heartland that is Liverpool, England. They initiated a sonic incursion on the public with their 10-song debut album - STEP IN LINE and then followed up with their live double-disc DVD/CD - Live In Your Lounge - while being included on the Top #10 vinyl album Earache Presents New Wave of Rock N Roll.
… a flawless masterclass in energy, intensity and passion. Album of the Month 5/5. Guy Bellamy, Great Music Stories Everything about this record just oozes class from start to finish. It’s a crowded market in British Hard Rock right now, but if you’re looking for the one… the one to emerge from the pack, then Revival Black have just stepped up. Andy Thornley, Maximum Volume Music Revival Black’s debut album Step In Line is like the bastard son of Slash & Alter Bridge, British Rock is in safe hands. Mark ‘Tosh’ Davis - RockTrain, Siren FM Note: Doors open for this event 6.30 She Burns Red on stage 7.30 Time: 7.30pm Doors: 6:30pm Tickets: £12.50 +BF (£15 on the door) Buy Tickets |
NEw Date COMING SOON Holy Moly & The Crackers
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HMATC have toured the UK repeatedly, 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. In 2017 and 2018 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 + Colours of Ostrava (CZ).
Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £12 Buy Tickets |
North Atlas +VENLAW NEW DATE COMING SOON
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Scottish alternative rock trio North Atlas are back on the road! Championed by the likes of Planet Rock and BBC Introducing, the band of brothers make their Scottish Borders debut at Mac Arts ahead of their highly anticipated new single.
Support from local lads, VENLAW! Sign up to their mailing list and receive a free download here Check out North Atlas here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwMD7ybH9Kk Time: 8pm Doors:7:30pm Tickets: £6 Advance (will be £9 on the door) Buy Tickets Over 14s (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) |
27/8/21 The Wedding Present
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"The Weddoes" have had eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles… not bad for a band that has, from its inception, stubbornly refused to play the record industry’s game. A pioneering spirit has been at the core of the band’s philosophy ever since. From GEORGE BEST, “an unmitigated delight” [NME], the first full-length release on their own Reception Records onwards, the band has charted an appealing, if often eccentric, course of its very own.
Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £20 +BF Buy Tickets |
4/9/21 Mason Hill + Hollowstar + geckohead
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“this is the best new heavy rock act currently performing in the UK.”
(Fabrications HQ) Mason Hill have spent their formative years "learning their craft" on stages up and down the UK. This included high profile shows supporting the likes of Graham Bonnet (Rainbow), Snakecharmer (feat. ex-Whitesnake, Thunder & Wishbone Ash members), Toseland, Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent, The Dead Daisies) and Stone Broken. Support from Hollowstar and Geckohead Website masonhillofficial.com Time: 7pm Doors: 6:30pm Advance Tickets: £12.50 +Booking fee Buy Tickets On sale from Tuesday 9/5 10am |
5/9/21 New date COMING SOON W3L WRESTLING SHOWDOWN
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Live American Wrestling action from the World Wide Wrestling League, back at Mac Arts for the 3rd time!
Great fun for all the family (as seen on TV) matches to be filmed for popular YouTube show W3L Wrestling Showdown. General Admission: £13.50 // Concession: £11.50 //Family of Four: £44 Ringside Front Row (includes "backstage pass"): £15.50 Time: 3pm Doors: 2:30pm Tickets: Via W3L website ONLY Tickets from: www.W3LWrestling.com Mac Arts is not selling tickets! |
17/9/21 Hendrix, Clapton & Cream performed by Voodoo Room
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A warm welcome to this stunning power trio featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians who present an incredible live show in the true spirit of these legendary superstars. No wigs, no gimmicks - simply great music played by great musicians! Hear classics such as: Watchtower, Cocaine, Hey Joe, Sunshine Of Your Love, Purple Haze, Layla etc. Members of Voodoo Room have recorded and toured with Stevie Winwood, Massive Attack, Arthur Brown, Fish, Thunder and many other high profile artists. With standing ovations the norm, the word on the street is, Voodoo Room are NOT TO BE MISSED!
‘STUNNING!’ - Time Out Time: 8pm Doors: 7:00pm Tickets: £12 +BF Buy Tickets http://www.voodoo-room.com |
20/9/21 The Wildhearts
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For 3 decades The Wildhearts have remained at the forefront of the British rock scene. From their classic debut album ‘Earth Vs’ (voted number one album of the year in Kerrang! back in 1993, and number 20 in the best rock albums of all time in a Kerrang! Special in 2006), through to now with the release of “Renaissance Man’, their first full-length studio album in 10 years, their creative output and legendary live shows have been second to none. Although the 90’s saw the band covered like a living soap opera in the press with tales of sex, drugs, bust ups, fights (both with labels and themselves), splits, more drugs and a lot more controversy (one such incident including entering and then proceeding to trash the Kerrang! Offices!), the recent years have seen the band more focused than ever before and firing on all cylinders. The Wildhearts and their incendiary shows have cemented their reputation and legacy as one of the best bands the UK has ever produced. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £24 +Booking fee Buy Tickets or https://www.seetickets.com/event/the-wildhearts/macarts/1506481 |
2/10/21 Pygmy Twylyte Frank Zappa tribute + South of Sanity
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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. With guitars, keyboards, saxes and a xaphoon at their disposal, the band has a (stink)foot planted in the camp of several of Zappa’s most memorable touring line-ups. Head to MacArts on September 26th to nod along to rock numbers, lose count during jazzy interludes (after all, it’s not dead – it just smells funny) and evade the infamous Frunobulax. Officially licensed by the Zappa Family Trust, Pygmy Twylyte present a must-see event for local music fans. Support from 'Mac Arts' House Band' South of Sanity Over 14s only // Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets : £10 Advance //£14 on the door Buy Tickets |
4/10/21 IDLEWILD's Roddy Woomble
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Known for his enigmatic lyrics, warm baritone voice and consummate gift for a tune, Roddy has released five solo albums to date - 'My Secret Is My Silence' (2006), ‘Before The Ruin’ (2008, with Kris Drever and John McCusker), 'The Impossible Song & Other Songs' (2011), 'Listen To Keep' (2013), and ‘The Deluder’ (2017).
For the past two decades Roddy has also been the frontman of much loved Scottish alternative rock band Idlewild, releasing eight studio albums, and touring worldwide as a headline act, but also in support to R.E.M., Pearl Jam and U2 amongst others. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £17.50 Buy Tickets |
2021 date coming soon Phil Kay Cosmicomic Storyteller Tour
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Phil Kay is a cosmically iconic comic storytelling mind on legs…speaking about his day, and his adventures…calamities and hair-brained schemes…buying machetes is Venezuela…
‘…Primal Scream threatening his puppy…’ ‘…arguing with the police whilst in his bath…’ ‘…Trainspotting Rap Party Speed in the Sherbert Dip Debacle…’ PLUS: ULTRA ALL NEW ASIAN TOUR STORIES: ‘Stroke Victim Casing Phil With a Stick…’, ‘…Sleeping With Keira Nightly…’ It just doesn’t stop; the man may improvise a song of his journey to the gig…ABOUT YOU ….and your friends…It’s Planet Anecdote and positivity is Wholly Viable! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXRajZ1QpBc Time: 8pm Doors: 7pm Tickets: £15* Advance *booking fee applies (£20 On the Door) Buy Tickets |
14/10/21 the songs of leonard cohen keith James in concert
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These remarkable songs - stripped back to their bare honesty and courage.
Enigmatic, mysterious and sub textural, songwriter Leonard Cohen was an unflinching character, with an exact sense of prose, wry humour and the courage to wrestle with the unspoken, forgiving human frailty with the stroke of each word. The chilling announcement of Leonard's death marked the end of an era. His music befriended an entire generation. Within every line of his writing, he has been challenging us to listen more carefully, speak more thoughtfully, think more deeply and recognize our own fragility. Our World misses him very much. With a lifetime reputation of performing in this exact way and an undying love of the ‘pure song’ Keith James gives you a concert of Cohen’s amazing material in the most intimate and sensitive way imaginable, exposing the solitary inner strength of his greatest songs in their original perfect form. ‘Some of the most atmospheric and emotive music you will ever hear’ The Independent www.keith-james.com Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnMR5Jn_RMw&t=15s Time: 8pm Doors:7:30pm Tickets: £16 Buy Tickets |
15/10/21 Twisted Tails vol. 2 by owdyado theatre
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Deep in space the crew of the Fortuna are searching for extra-terrestrial life but the ship is malfunctioning, the crew are beginning to show signs of a strange infection and time is running out…
As acclaimed sci-fi author Edward R Matherson lays on his death bed, a bloody battle of wits is taking place in his kitchen over the secret of the universe… Jamie’s life is in turnaround. He’s lost his job, he’s desperate for love and his only companion is a malfunctioning Alexa unit. She’s supposed to make his life easier. But the question is – who is serving whom? Time, space, kidnapping, torture, the infinity of the universe, the quest for humanity, the desperate search for meaning, the last gasp of a dying star and copious amounts of tea – these themes and more are covered in ‘Owdyado’s hilariously dark Twisted Tales Vol. 2 – three brand new comedy thrillers live on stage! Featuring scripts by Jon Welch, Brett Harvey & Charlotte Bister & Daniel Richards, Twisted Tales Vol. 2 by ‘Owdyado Theatre will have you laughing, crying and gasping for more! For their sixth outing ‘Owdyado Theatre brings you three more twisted tales from three distinct voices. Inspired by cult TV series The Twilight Zone and Inside No. 9, Time: 7.30pm Doors: 7pm Tickets: £10-£14 (booking fee applies) Buy Tickets |
29/10/21 Wrest
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New date. All tickets remain valid
Wrest are a hotly-tipped Scottish indie folk-rock band, making music from Edinburgh's Old Town. Their sound combines soaring guitars with layered lyrics and heartfelt melodies, reminiscent of bands like Frightened Rabbit, The National, Idlewild, Snow Patrol and We Were Promised Jetpacks. Don’t miss this must-see gig from one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging live acts. Support by Hawick band The Boy With the Lion Head YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD5XJt57lx8 FB : https://www.facebook.com/wearewrest/ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/wearewrest/?hl=en Time: 8pm Doors:7:30pm Tickets: £10 Advance // £13 On the Door Buy Tickets |
30/10/21 The Complete Stone Roses
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The Complete Stone Roses are one of the UK’s most well-known, most seen and most successful tribute bands. Selling out venues across the UK
The Stone Roses played a pivotal role in the history of the UK’s indie music scene. Famous hits like Fools Gold, I Am the Resurrection and I Wanna Be Adored are as recognisable now as they were in the heyday of Madchester and the Hacienda, the cultural icons from which the original band were born. Complete Stone Roses play to acclaim from fans themselves, the press, and even original Stone Roses band members. Stone Roses bass player Mani says "they do our songs real justice. At times, they play even better than we did.” Doors: 7:30pm Time: 8pm Tickets: £12.50 + booking fee Over 14s gig Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9oWi_rR2NU Buy Tickets |
13/11/21 Silent Disco by Silent Knights
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f 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: 80's, FUNK & GUILTY PLEASURES GREEN CHANNEL: INDIE, CHART & POP BLUE CHANNEL: DANCE CLASSICS & R&B Time: 8pm to 12am Tickets : £9 Advance Buy Tickets |
13/11 /21 Family Silent Disco by Silent Knights
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After the success of their first Family Silent Disco in Galashiels they are back!
Children Children aged 12 and under are the responsibility of their parents/guardians. For younger children we keep the sound level at the recommended level of 84db, it is parent/guardian’s responsibility to control child’s volume, this can be adjusted on the individual headphones. This event is recommended for ages 4+ All children must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 4pm -6pm Tickets: £5 (all attendees must purchase a ticket for entry ) Buy Tickets |
14/11/21 Gary Meikle - Comedy
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After his meteoric rise through the ranks, Scottish Comedy Award winner and viral sensation Gary Meikle is back with his second tour show Surreal! It’s a word that perfectly describes Gary’s last twelve months. He started the year performing in comedy clubs, and ended it selling out big theatres in the UK as well as tours in America, Canada and Europe!
Not one for mincing his words, Gary has been described as “playfully dark”. His cheeky chappie nature and ability to get away with talking about anything will have you laughing at things you probably shouldn’t be! As always, Gary will draw material from his own real-life experiences, including his unique family dynamic and his rapid rise to online fame. Quickly putting his audiences at ease, a night of stand up with Gary feels like a night in the pub chatting with friends! Time: 8pm Doors: 7pm Tickets: £20* (*booking fee applies) Buy Tickets |
15/11/21 Grace Petrie UK Tour
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A folk singer, songwriter and activist from Leicester, UK, Grace has been writing, recording and touring relentlessly for ten years. Her unique takes on life, love and politics, and the warmth and wit with which they are delivered, have won over audiences everywhere, across the alternative, folk, political and comedy scenes. She has racked up tour supports with Emmy the Great and Billy Bragg, and in 2019 supported Frank Turner on his UK arena tour. She has made her mark in the comedy scene regularly supporting comedians Robin Ince and Josie Long on tour and she has also collaborated with some of the most respected names in folk, including Leon Rosselson, Roy Bailey and Peggy Seeger. Top 10 Folk Album of 2018 - Mojo magazine. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets : £12.50 +booking fee Buy Tickets |
19/11/21 Raymond Mearns: Everybody Hates Raymond
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This is the ultimate self-help comedy show that teaches you one simple truth in a hilarious way but, if you want to know what that truth is, then you just have to come along and see this great new show from one of Scotland's finest live stand-up comedians.
As seen on “Limmy’s show” and BBC Scotland’s “Breaking the News”, Raymond Mearns is regarded as one of the very best live stand-up comedians in the country. He’s a regular at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe every year where he combines great story telling with finely crafted gags and razor-sharp improvisation, and now he’s coming to a venue near you! “I Loved watching Him” Kevin Bridges “A personality so huge it fills the room” - The List “A man who knows how to swear properly” – Billy Connolly A Genuine Improvisational Genius” – Frankie Boyle “Enjoyable & Cathartic” – The Skinny “Exceptionally Funny and Cathartic” – The Scotsman www.raymondmearns.com Time: 8pm Doors: 7pm Tickets: £12 // £10 Buy Tickets |
4/12/21 The Polis (Police Tribute Band) +Dylan Paterson
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The Polis are Scotland's No.1 Police tribute act. Join them on a journey from Roxanne to the iconic Every Breath You Take as they perform an energetic and dynamic live set with all the urgency and angst of The Police at their very best. Listen out for a few B-sides, classic album tracks and live arrangements, a treat for the true Police aficionado.
Whilst deliberately not a look-a-like act, The Polis do tip their hats to the original Police with their instantly recognisable and striking on-stage look. Musically the band have rehearsed tirelessly to bring a reality and likeness to the sound that originally brought The Police to massive global popularity in the late 70's and early 80's. Check them out here: www.thepolis.co.uk Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets : £11 Advance // £14 OTD www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts |
11/12/21 J.a.g. the Jimi ANDERSON GROUP +Darkhorse
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One of the best rock vocalists in the business. From writing & producing JAG albums (3 to date) Jimi is a must see , having played at Legends of Rock festival and most of the biggest gigs, this vibrant rocker will blow you away.
Jimi began writing songs and formed the rock band Sahara whilst spending any spare time attending gigs at the Legendary 'Glasgow Apollo' till it closed in 1985. Various incarnations of the band ensued including a name change to "The Hardline" until they were picked up by Wet Wet Wet's manager Elliott Davis and offered a management contract on the strength of a demo tape showcasing his phenomenal voice, five years of recording demo's, touring, notable sell out gigs at Glasgow's King Tut's, London's 'Borderline Club' and a support slots in front of 30,000 people at Glasgow Green. Jimi continued writing, performing and recording He has toured extensively in the UK and Rhodes. Meeting new friends along the way, and his voice just got better and better and the next adventure started..... Time: 7.30pm Doors: 7:00pm Tickets: £13 +BF Buy Tickets |
25/2/22 Goodbye Mr Mackenzie Resheduled
Scottish Music legends return to Mac Arts after a string of sell out shows including the Barrowlands. "A staggering thrill-ride, a phenomenally unforgettable evening"
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £22
Buy Tickets
2019 Barrowlands video
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £22
Buy Tickets
2019 Barrowlands video
11/3/22 Gary Faulds
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Best known for his viral Facebook videos, Gary’s material really comes to life on stage in front of an audience. Now embarking on his third live tour, Gary’s fantastic live shows continue to attract crowds in their thousands year after year.
Time: 8pm Doors: 7:00pm Tickets: £20 +BF Buy Tickets |
19/3/22 Horse
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This is a rearranged show and all existing Tickets remain valid.
A glorious celebration of the 30 year anniversary of the classic album ‘The same sky’. In March 1989, the first single, “You could be forgiven”, was released and it was so different from anything else at the time - thrilling first plays on Radio 1 - the track absolutely setting the bar - an incredibly unique Scottish voice and brilliant band. The first major UK tour followed and in 1990, tours across Europe, including opening for artists such as Tina Turner and BB King. There are many great songs on this album but arguably the ultimate song from this album and possibly any of her albums, is “Careful”, a beautiful and timeless song. This is a very special night which will inevitably conjure up treasured times from over the years for the entire audience. It’s a rare evening, celebrating and playing the album in its entirety - the full band show - a set choc-full of the classic songs. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £18.50+ booking fee Buy Tickets |
