MacArts is a fantastic multi-purpose arts and community venue in the centre of Galashiels
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
MUSIC: Acoustic Gallagher
Celebrating the songwriting talents of Noel Gallagher - Acoustic Gallagher will be performing at Mac Arts as part of their Scottish tour.
The band will play classics and B-sides from Oasis and High Flying Birds, including Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova, The Masterplan, If I had a Gun, What a Life and , of course, Don’t Look Back in Anger – all played in a laid back and ambient style.
Band line up
Craig Murray (Vocals)
Mark Sheridan (Guitar)
Stevie Turnbull (Acoustic)
Stuart Wilson (Percussion)
Terry Colwell (Harmonica)
Saturday 24th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* in advance / £12 on door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
The band will play classics and B-sides from Oasis and High Flying Birds, including Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova, The Masterplan, If I had a Gun, What a Life and , of course, Don’t Look Back in Anger – all played in a laid back and ambient style.
Band line up
Craig Murray (Vocals)
Mark Sheridan (Guitar)
Stevie Turnbull (Acoustic)
Stuart Wilson (Percussion)
Terry Colwell (Harmonica)
Saturday 24th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* in advance / £12 on door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Pygmy Twylyte - The Music of Frank Zappa + support from South of Sanity
So prolific was Frank Zappa’s output, that it is nearly impossible to present a representative sample of his work in just one concert but Pygmy Twylyte present you with an unmissable evening of Zappa ‘classics’, if indeed such things exist.
Zappa’s 70’s and 80’s work is the main showcase, though there is the occasional foray into 60’s material. Expect some well-known tunes such as “Cosmik Debris” and “Montana”, interspersed with instrumentals like “Black Napkins” and “Chungas Revenge”. The seven-strong band will surely perform something to suit everyone’s taste (and maybe even some poodles, dental floss, snowballs, devils, and a low-rent monster from the silver-screen on the side...) ARF!
The band return after last years’ phenomenal performance at Mac Arts with support from local favorites South of Sanity. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Friday 30th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* Advance / £12 Door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Zappa’s 70’s and 80’s work is the main showcase, though there is the occasional foray into 60’s material. Expect some well-known tunes such as “Cosmik Debris” and “Montana”, interspersed with instrumentals like “Black Napkins” and “Chungas Revenge”. The seven-strong band will surely perform something to suit everyone’s taste (and maybe even some poodles, dental floss, snowballs, devils, and a low-rent monster from the silver-screen on the side...) ARF!
The band return after last years’ phenomenal performance at Mac Arts with support from local favorites South of Sanity. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Friday 30th August
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* Advance / £12 Door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
EVENT: South of Scotland Green Gathering
Come and join us in Galashiels for our South of Scotland 'Green Gathering' regional conference, hosted by the Scottish Borders Green Party, on Saturday 31st August 11.00am-4.00pm. This conference is open to Scottish Green Party members and also to interested members of the public, all are welcome!
Special guests include:
Maggie Chapman, Scottish Green Party Co-convenor 2013-2019
Alison Johnstone MSP
Donald McPhillimy, Greener Melrose
Sam Fuller, Extinction Rebellion
Janet Fenton, Scottish CND Vice-Chair
David Mackenzie, Nukewatch
This is your chance to take part in the public consultation for Alison's Protection of Wild Mammals Bill, to help launch a public campaign to raise awareness of nuclear convoys passing through our region, and to join the newly formed Extinction Rebellion Scottish Borders branch. We will also be debating the future of rural land and public transport in the South of Scotland, and considering how the Scottish Greens can become more inclusive and encourage wider involvement in our cause. It is going to be a busy programme!
There is no charge to attend the conference, although donations towards the buffet lunch will be very welcome - please let us know if you have any special dietary or access requirements.
Saturday 31st August
Time: 11am to 4pm
Tickets: Free Event! (Donation towards buffet lunch would be appreciated)
Please email timothyclancey@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible to let us know if you plan to attend, so that we have an idea of numbers - thank you!
Special guests include:
Maggie Chapman, Scottish Green Party Co-convenor 2013-2019
Alison Johnstone MSP
Donald McPhillimy, Greener Melrose
Sam Fuller, Extinction Rebellion
Janet Fenton, Scottish CND Vice-Chair
David Mackenzie, Nukewatch
This is your chance to take part in the public consultation for Alison's Protection of Wild Mammals Bill, to help launch a public campaign to raise awareness of nuclear convoys passing through our region, and to join the newly formed Extinction Rebellion Scottish Borders branch. We will also be debating the future of rural land and public transport in the South of Scotland, and considering how the Scottish Greens can become more inclusive and encourage wider involvement in our cause. It is going to be a busy programme!
There is no charge to attend the conference, although donations towards the buffet lunch will be very welcome - please let us know if you have any special dietary or access requirements.
Saturday 31st August
Time: 11am to 4pm
Tickets: Free Event! (Donation towards buffet lunch would be appreciated)
Please email timothyclancey@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible to let us know if you plan to attend, so that we have an idea of numbers - thank you!
COMEDY: Chris Henry - Around the World in 80 Dates
The brain behind F**k Tinder takes you on a whirlwind global gigglefest as he seeks to explore the world of dating as a 40-year-old bachelor.
This is his journey from reformed manwhore to the perfect gentleman, as regaled by a world-class international performer who blends cutting-edge stand-up with an unpretentious old-school showbiz style – all-singing all-dancing entertainment, with daring humour and multimedia elements.
For years this Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist railed against conforming to society’s whims by bucking the trend of settling down. But now he’s realised that happiness unshared can barely be called happiness at all, and he wants to find The One!
"The cheeky live equivalent of a cliche-free rom-com, brought to life by someone whose number of hilarious stories is only matched by the notches on his bedpost.”
Thursday 5th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £10*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Box Office: 01896 756 852
https://www.facebook.com/events/908070209533480
VER 18s ONLY DUE TO ADULT CONTENT
This is his journey from reformed manwhore to the perfect gentleman, as regaled by a world-class international performer who blends cutting-edge stand-up with an unpretentious old-school showbiz style – all-singing all-dancing entertainment, with daring humour and multimedia elements.
For years this Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist railed against conforming to society’s whims by bucking the trend of settling down. But now he’s realised that happiness unshared can barely be called happiness at all, and he wants to find The One!
"The cheeky live equivalent of a cliche-free rom-com, brought to life by someone whose number of hilarious stories is only matched by the notches on his bedpost.”
Thursday 5th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £10*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Box Office: 01896 756 852
https://www.facebook.com/events/908070209533480
VER 18s ONLY DUE TO ADULT CONTENT
MUSIC: Claude Bourbon- Spanish and Medieval Blues
Claude Bourbon is known throughout Europe and America for amazing guitar performances that take Blues, Spanish, and Middle Eastern stylings into uncharted territories.
It is very hard to describe the almost endless amalgam of different influences in Claude's playing, all melting into each other, as he moves from classical openings, across a whole continent of cultural roots, from the Balearic’s to the Balkans, and then across to the Mississippi Delta, and shoehorned into all that is music that would not have been out of place in the courts of Emperors and Kings.
Claude weaves his songs through the audience as if on a journey through life taking in different flavours of Europe and beyond. His Spanish medieval blues evolved into Gypsy, Eastern European, with a splash of Paco de Lucia, Delta Blues and more. Holding audience attention under a musical spell.
Now based in the UK, some of this guitarists’ influences allow us a fascinating insight into this remarkable musician; Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore; Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale; JS Bach….
Saturday 7th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* Advance / £12 Door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
It is very hard to describe the almost endless amalgam of different influences in Claude's playing, all melting into each other, as he moves from classical openings, across a whole continent of cultural roots, from the Balearic’s to the Balkans, and then across to the Mississippi Delta, and shoehorned into all that is music that would not have been out of place in the courts of Emperors and Kings.
Claude weaves his songs through the audience as if on a journey through life taking in different flavours of Europe and beyond. His Spanish medieval blues evolved into Gypsy, Eastern European, with a splash of Paco de Lucia, Delta Blues and more. Holding audience attention under a musical spell.
Now based in the UK, some of this guitarists’ influences allow us a fascinating insight into this remarkable musician; Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore; Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale; JS Bach….
Saturday 7th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10* Advance / £12 Door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Shambolics
Shambolics are a fervently ambitious outfit from Scotland who are more than ready to take on the World.
The Fife four-piece have taken one further step towards greatness with their signing to Creation23, a brand new label venture from infamous Scottish music mogul Alan McGee.
A far cry from the rag-tag chaos their name would perhaps imply, Shambolics have a knack for artfully honed and irresistibly dreamy rock’n’roll that calls to mind the indelible sounds of the genre’s lauded masters, from The LA’s to The Beatles and The Stone Roses.
Breaking out of the Fife scene and quickly building a passionately devoted fanbase across Scotland, the band scooped the 2017 SAMA Award for 'Best Rock/Alternative Act’ and have continued on an upwards trajectory ever since. From earning critical acclaim from press tastemakers including BBC Scotland (Vic Galloway), This Feeling, Radio X, Virgin Radio (Edith Bowman) & Fred Perry Subculture, to sharing huge stages with the likes of The Sherlocks & The View performing at some of the UK's biggest festivals including Isle of Wight Festival, Tramlines Festival and Reading & Leeds Festival; Shambolics glitter with all the hallmarks of a band destined for greatness.
Mac Arts is working in collaboration with Heriot Watt University to bring you this event, which is open to all!
Licensed Bar throughout
Over 18s
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shambolicsmusic/
Shop - https://shambolics.bigcartel.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Ih7QnllC6SG4ruMlOErZYAE6AQP4sF-CaPGXcAgss7ffM4SldK06r1iI
LISTEN TO SHAMBOLICS ON SPOTIFY HERE:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Zxk4WkmkKRjPyjmmCRAUR
Sunday 8th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8* (general admission) // £10 (on the door)
£5 (student )
FREE (with Freshers' Wristband)
* booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
" Shambolics, one of Scotland's best new bands. Already list Kyle Falconer and Alan Mcgee amongst their growing army of fans" - Fred Perry
"Catchy Psychedelia that recalls the majesty of the Bunnymen, the licks of Orange Juice and harmonies of The La's" - This Feeling
The Fife four-piece have taken one further step towards greatness with their signing to Creation23, a brand new label venture from infamous Scottish music mogul Alan McGee.
A far cry from the rag-tag chaos their name would perhaps imply, Shambolics have a knack for artfully honed and irresistibly dreamy rock’n’roll that calls to mind the indelible sounds of the genre’s lauded masters, from The LA’s to The Beatles and The Stone Roses.
Breaking out of the Fife scene and quickly building a passionately devoted fanbase across Scotland, the band scooped the 2017 SAMA Award for 'Best Rock/Alternative Act’ and have continued on an upwards trajectory ever since. From earning critical acclaim from press tastemakers including BBC Scotland (Vic Galloway), This Feeling, Radio X, Virgin Radio (Edith Bowman) & Fred Perry Subculture, to sharing huge stages with the likes of The Sherlocks & The View performing at some of the UK's biggest festivals including Isle of Wight Festival, Tramlines Festival and Reading & Leeds Festival; Shambolics glitter with all the hallmarks of a band destined for greatness.
Mac Arts is working in collaboration with Heriot Watt University to bring you this event, which is open to all!
Licensed Bar throughout
Over 18s
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shambolicsmusic/
Shop - https://shambolics.bigcartel.com/?fbclid=IwAR0Ih7QnllC6SG4ruMlOErZYAE6AQP4sF-CaPGXcAgss7ffM4SldK06r1iI
LISTEN TO SHAMBOLICS ON SPOTIFY HERE:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Zxk4WkmkKRjPyjmmCRAUR
Sunday 8th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8* (general admission) // £10 (on the door)
£5 (student )
FREE (with Freshers' Wristband)
* booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
" Shambolics, one of Scotland's best new bands. Already list Kyle Falconer and Alan Mcgee amongst their growing army of fans" - Fred Perry
"Catchy Psychedelia that recalls the majesty of the Bunnymen, the licks of Orange Juice and harmonies of The La's" - This Feeling
LIVE OPERA: The Merry Widow by Opera Bohemia
Opera Bohemia, Scotland’s much-loved professional touring company, makes its first visit to Mac Arts bringing one of the world’s best loved operettas, The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár. Set in the romantic city of Paris, various suitors squabble and fight to win the hand of the recently widowed, but very wealthy, Hannah Glawari.
The production will showcase some of Scotland’s finest young professional talent, including Catriona Clark, Douglas Nairne, Marie Claire Breen and Andrew McTaggart. John Wilkie directs a magical new production designed by Alisa Kalyanova and the performance is accompanied by pianist Andrew Brown and violinist Dániel Mészöly. The Merry Widow is full of iconic and stunning Viennese melodies, including show stopping numbers like ‘Viljah', 'The Merry Widow Waltz' and ‘Chez Maxim's'.
“This company is a wealth of extraordinary fresh talent” (The List)
“One of the most exciting new opera companies in the country” (The Herald)
“A breath of fresh air on the operatic circuit” (The Courier)
Wednesday 11th September
Time: 7.30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £16* Full Price /£14* Concessions/£6* under 18s
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
The production will showcase some of Scotland’s finest young professional talent, including Catriona Clark, Douglas Nairne, Marie Claire Breen and Andrew McTaggart. John Wilkie directs a magical new production designed by Alisa Kalyanova and the performance is accompanied by pianist Andrew Brown and violinist Dániel Mészöly. The Merry Widow is full of iconic and stunning Viennese melodies, including show stopping numbers like ‘Viljah', 'The Merry Widow Waltz' and ‘Chez Maxim's'.
“This company is a wealth of extraordinary fresh talent” (The List)
“One of the most exciting new opera companies in the country” (The Herald)
“A breath of fresh air on the operatic circuit” (The Courier)
Wednesday 11th September
Time: 7.30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £16* Full Price /£14* Concessions/£6* under 18s
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
ROCK NIGHT: Trucker Diablo / NASA Assassin / Resonus
Trucker Diablo’s first visit to MacArts in Dec 18 was such a success we had to have them back! They’ve been billed as stadium sized pub rock and have a pedigree that’s seen them support Foo Fighters, Black Stone Cherry, Thunder and play all the major festivals. If you were here last time you’ll know what to expect, if you weren’t, this may be your last chance to see them in a venue this size!
Nasa Assassin - Incendiary Space Pronk (a mix of Prog and Punk) with a smattering of Ska over the top! Remember that time Optimus Prime defrosted and kicked ass? That's what you're in for all under the control of The Watcher.
Local band Resonus provide support
Friday 13th September
Time: 7.30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £10 Advance /£15 at door (Booking Fees apply)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Nasa Assassin - Incendiary Space Pronk (a mix of Prog and Punk) with a smattering of Ska over the top! Remember that time Optimus Prime defrosted and kicked ass? That's what you're in for all under the control of The Watcher.
Local band Resonus provide support
Friday 13th September
Time: 7.30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £10 Advance /£15 at door (Booking Fees apply)
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
COMEDY: Gary Faulds Live
He's gone from gigging in the back room of a pub to selling out theatres, the country’s biggest comedy club and a tour of Cyprus!
The dream is well and truly alive for Gary Faulds, helped by the 2 million who tune in to watch his Facebook live videos every month.
He's planning to make 2019 as eventful a year as the current one, only this time things will be bigger and better. He's gone from being a nobody to getting free pakora, clothes and haircuts for life. At his first theatre show a woman fainted! Don’t worry her pals dragged her out the room and came back in to enjoy the show. (TRUE STORY) Strictly over 18s!
www.garyfaulds.co.uk
Saturday 14th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12.50
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
The dream is well and truly alive for Gary Faulds, helped by the 2 million who tune in to watch his Facebook live videos every month.
He's planning to make 2019 as eventful a year as the current one, only this time things will be bigger and better. He's gone from being a nobody to getting free pakora, clothes and haircuts for life. At his first theatre show a woman fainted! Don’t worry her pals dragged her out the room and came back in to enjoy the show. (TRUE STORY) Strictly over 18s!
www.garyfaulds.co.uk
Saturday 14th September
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £12.50
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
ROCK NIGHT: Polestar Music Management presents
3 of the best Rock Bands on Polestar Music Management roster are heading to Mac Arts!
Everyday Heroes: 2019 sees the release of their highly anticipated debut album, and with it they plan to continue their expansion into the wider UK building on the exponential success they have earned through their ethic of rigorous hard work, an outstanding stage show, and ballsy bluesy rock 'n' roll!
Concrete Kingdoms: The driving guitars of Led Zeppelin, the brash punch of AC/DC, the pick-you-up-and-throw-you-around excitement of the Foo Fighters? Meet Concrete Kingdoms - an electrifying five piece hard rock act from Fife in Scotland!
Scarlet Rebels: Powerful, anthemic & melodic Scarlet Rebels deliver emotional guitar music that has soul & feeling crossed with raw power with big choruses that stick like super glue.
Licensed bar throughout
Over 14s only (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
Saturday 28th September
Doors: 7pm
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10 advance (£12 on the door)
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Everyday Heroes: 2019 sees the release of their highly anticipated debut album, and with it they plan to continue their expansion into the wider UK building on the exponential success they have earned through their ethic of rigorous hard work, an outstanding stage show, and ballsy bluesy rock 'n' roll!
Concrete Kingdoms: The driving guitars of Led Zeppelin, the brash punch of AC/DC, the pick-you-up-and-throw-you-around excitement of the Foo Fighters? Meet Concrete Kingdoms - an electrifying five piece hard rock act from Fife in Scotland!
Scarlet Rebels: Powerful, anthemic & melodic Scarlet Rebels deliver emotional guitar music that has soul & feeling crossed with raw power with big choruses that stick like super glue.
Licensed bar throughout
Over 14s only (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
Saturday 28th September
Doors: 7pm
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10 advance (£12 on the door)
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
FAMILY SHOW: Eaten by Mamoru Iriguchi
What if your food started talking back? Meet Lionel McLion. He’s just eaten a human called Mamoru. But Lionel hasn’t chewed his food well. So Mamoru’s alive and well in his stomach, and now wants to say hello. A strange friendship between the eater and the eaten starts to grow. Eaten invites children to the fascinating world of food chains and digestion.
Nomination: Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS), Best Production for Children and Young People
“Whimsical hi-jinks” The Herald ★★★★
“Big Cuddly and Clever” The Times ★★★★
“Daringly inventive” The Stage★★★★
Wednesday 2nd October
Time: 1:30pm (50 mins running time, no interval)
Doors: 1pm
Tickets: £8 / £6 / £25 Family of 4
Babes in Arms free
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Nomination: Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS), Best Production for Children and Young People
“Whimsical hi-jinks” The Herald ★★★★
“Big Cuddly and Clever” The Times ★★★★
“Daringly inventive” The Stage★★★★
Wednesday 2nd October
Time: 1:30pm (50 mins running time, no interval)
Doors: 1pm
Tickets: £8 / £6 / £25 Family of 4
Babes in Arms free
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Gregg Wright Blues + support from Medicine Hat
"Gregg Wright is in the top echelons of the world's great guitarists!" according to the international publication Blues Matters.
Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2013, Wright is an electrifying performer whose other-worldly guitar playing and deep, soulful vocals, leaves audiences breathless!
“Gregg Wright has an extra gear most guitarists don't have." raves award-winning Bluesman Zac Harmon.
With years of touring with Michael Jackson, Mick Fleetwood and a host of other top tier music artists under his belt, Wright has developed a cool but killer stage presence. He may initially come off as "Mr. Smooth" but he'll be on your jugular in an instant and without warning, like a lion pouncing on its prey.
"The new King of Rockin' Blues Guitar!"
- The Monterey Bay Blues Festival/CA, USA
"Gregg has an extra gear that most guitarists don't have!"
- Zac Harmon/Blues Artist
"The best guitar player I've ever heard!"
- Karen Gros/Associated Content
"One of the most innovative guitarists of our time!" - International Guitar Festival of Great Britain
Thursday 3rd October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets £12 / £10
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2013, Wright is an electrifying performer whose other-worldly guitar playing and deep, soulful vocals, leaves audiences breathless!
“Gregg Wright has an extra gear most guitarists don't have." raves award-winning Bluesman Zac Harmon.
With years of touring with Michael Jackson, Mick Fleetwood and a host of other top tier music artists under his belt, Wright has developed a cool but killer stage presence. He may initially come off as "Mr. Smooth" but he'll be on your jugular in an instant and without warning, like a lion pouncing on its prey.
"The new King of Rockin' Blues Guitar!"
- The Monterey Bay Blues Festival/CA, USA
"Gregg has an extra gear that most guitarists don't have!"
- Zac Harmon/Blues Artist
"The best guitar player I've ever heard!"
- Karen Gros/Associated Content
"One of the most innovative guitarists of our time!" - International Guitar Festival of Great Britain
Thursday 3rd October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets £12 / £10
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
THEATRE: Unveiled Secrets
If you like intrigue, come and see Odd Productions characters sift through Unveiled Secrets to reveal surprising, humorous and uncomfortable truths.
First Steps (highly commended in the ScotRail/ Treading the Borders Brief Encounters Project) by West Linton’s Anita John (Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland)
The Other Nathan (2015 British Theatre Challenge long-listed) by retired Borders’ doctor, Oliver Eade, show how family members reveal long-hidden secrets with humour, conflict and heartache.
Give the Dog a Bone (Oliver Eade, also 2015 British Theatre Challenge long-listed), a middle-aged woman, driven to distraction by an ailing mother, is horrified by her sister’s revelation.
The Other Cat (Oliver Eade, Segora 2018 International Play Competition winner), more of a ‘did it happen?’ than a ‘whodunnit?’, is a dark-yet-playful take on Schrödinger’s famous cat.
This production supports Children1st. Suitable for 16+ years.
There will be an interval of twenty minutes. The show concludes at 10pm.
Friday 4th October
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £10/ £8
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
First Steps (highly commended in the ScotRail/ Treading the Borders Brief Encounters Project) by West Linton’s Anita John (Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland)
The Other Nathan (2015 British Theatre Challenge long-listed) by retired Borders’ doctor, Oliver Eade, show how family members reveal long-hidden secrets with humour, conflict and heartache.
Give the Dog a Bone (Oliver Eade, also 2015 British Theatre Challenge long-listed), a middle-aged woman, driven to distraction by an ailing mother, is horrified by her sister’s revelation.
The Other Cat (Oliver Eade, Segora 2018 International Play Competition winner), more of a ‘did it happen?’ than a ‘whodunnit?’, is a dark-yet-playful take on Schrödinger’s famous cat.
This production supports Children1st. Suitable for 16+ years.
There will be an interval of twenty minutes. The show concludes at 10pm.
Friday 4th October
Time: 7:30pm
Doors: 7pm
Tickets: £10/ £8
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: The Boy With The Lion Head Album Preview //
'A Half Remembered Dream' //
+ support from National Service
The Boy with the Lion Head formed in the Scottish Borders in 2014, releasing their tender and grand debut album ‘The Ebb and Flow’ in 2015. This quickly earned them slots at King Tut’s and other venues around Scotland, and airplay on BBC and Amazing Radio.
Their follow up EP, 2016’s Everything is Temporary, showcased a new level of intensity and purpose from the band and earned them well deserved slots at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2017, the BBC Bandstand at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Glasgow's Celtic Connections and they were also invited to play the 'Tim Peaks Stage' at Rec Rock festival by curator Peter Salisbury, former member of The Verve.
Often building songs from quiet intricate introductions towards deliciously intertwined atmospheric guitar and keys crescendos, they create an emotive wall of sound playing live. If you want easy comparisons, think Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad.
Following two years spent writing and recording new material, The Boy with The Lion Head are now ready to release their second album A Half Remembered Dream, which promises to see the band build on their signature blend of atmospheric landscapes and haunting melodies.
National Service are a four piece from London drawing influence from the likes of Interpol, The xx, Radiohead and Grizzly Bear. Their signature melancholic wash and colossal brooding soundscapes are layered with hypnotic, textural guitars and deep vocals. Their new EP Meltwater (to be released late summer) is their second EP and was recorded at Saccharine Studios with John Bisset of CALLUNA. The five tracks have been carefully crafted and masterfully constructed to allow the listener to escape into National Service’s fragile, angst-ridden world for a twenty-five minute dose of cathartic revelry. More acute and immediate than on previous releases, the band have noticeably matured in this second coming, where the listener experiences a full tour de force of emotions, each rawer and more vulnerable than before. The first single Concrete is out on Friday 19 July.
Saturday 5th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £7* (advance)
*booking fee applies
£9 on the door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
ox Office 01896 756 852
Their follow up EP, 2016’s Everything is Temporary, showcased a new level of intensity and purpose from the band and earned them well deserved slots at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2017, the BBC Bandstand at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Glasgow's Celtic Connections and they were also invited to play the 'Tim Peaks Stage' at Rec Rock festival by curator Peter Salisbury, former member of The Verve.
Often building songs from quiet intricate introductions towards deliciously intertwined atmospheric guitar and keys crescendos, they create an emotive wall of sound playing live. If you want easy comparisons, think Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad.
Following two years spent writing and recording new material, The Boy with The Lion Head are now ready to release their second album A Half Remembered Dream, which promises to see the band build on their signature blend of atmospheric landscapes and haunting melodies.
National Service are a four piece from London drawing influence from the likes of Interpol, The xx, Radiohead and Grizzly Bear. Their signature melancholic wash and colossal brooding soundscapes are layered with hypnotic, textural guitars and deep vocals. Their new EP Meltwater (to be released late summer) is their second EP and was recorded at Saccharine Studios with John Bisset of CALLUNA. The five tracks have been carefully crafted and masterfully constructed to allow the listener to escape into National Service’s fragile, angst-ridden world for a twenty-five minute dose of cathartic revelry. More acute and immediate than on previous releases, the band have noticeably matured in this second coming, where the listener experiences a full tour de force of emotions, each rawer and more vulnerable than before. The first single Concrete is out on Friday 19 July.
Saturday 5th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £7* (advance)
*booking fee applies
£9 on the door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
ox Office 01896 756 852
MUSIC: Jamie Lawson UK tour + support
Jamie Lawson is the first act signed to Ed Sheeran's 'Gingerbread Man Records, and has opened for Ed and One Direction
There’s busy and there’s busy, and there’s big and there’s MASSIVE.
Jamie Lawson has experienced all of those over the last two years. In August 2017 he released Happy Accidents, his second album on Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records, his fourth album overall. He immediately followed that with a tour with James Blunt, his own headline tour, then another tour with label boss and good friend Sheeran – just a summer run round some of the biggest sports stadiums that the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe have to offer.
In the midst of all that the Plymouth-born musician found time to have a go at writing for other artists; decamp to Nashville for what turned out to be a wildly productive songwriting sojourn; bunker in a French recording studio and tap into an in-situ magic previously experienced by Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys; decamp to Dublin to co-produce a brace of new songs; then, finally, prepare to release his second album within 18 months.
As the old joke goes, Jamie Lawson wasn’t expecting that. And nor, presumably, were his fans expecting it. For sure they’d been seduced by the singer-songwriter’s effortless way with an earworm melody and heart worn lyric, and by the undying magic of Wasn’t Expecting That, the breakout classic that scooped the then-largely-unknown artist the 2016 Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. And now, on top of that, he’s proving himself brilliantly prolific too.
But so it goes and here it is, Lawson ’s soaring, emotional, inspiring, uplifting and resoundingly melodic new album, The Years In Between.
“It’s the most collaborative record I’ve made,” says this song-proven writer and road-tested performer. “From working with my band on the early demos, co-writing nearly every song, and then working with producer Ruadhri Cushnan and his musicians in Dublin, it’s been a fascinating process to come up with an album in this way – but feel it’s still very much me.”
Sunday 6th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15*
*includes booking fee
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
https://www.facebook.com/jamielawsonmusic
https://www.twitter.com/jamielawsonuk
https://www.instagram.com/jamielawsonmusic
https://www.youtube.com/JamieLawsonOfficial
http://www.jamielawsonmusic.com
There’s busy and there’s busy, and there’s big and there’s MASSIVE.
Jamie Lawson has experienced all of those over the last two years. In August 2017 he released Happy Accidents, his second album on Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records, his fourth album overall. He immediately followed that with a tour with James Blunt, his own headline tour, then another tour with label boss and good friend Sheeran – just a summer run round some of the biggest sports stadiums that the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe have to offer.
In the midst of all that the Plymouth-born musician found time to have a go at writing for other artists; decamp to Nashville for what turned out to be a wildly productive songwriting sojourn; bunker in a French recording studio and tap into an in-situ magic previously experienced by Nick Cave and Arctic Monkeys; decamp to Dublin to co-produce a brace of new songs; then, finally, prepare to release his second album within 18 months.
As the old joke goes, Jamie Lawson wasn’t expecting that. And nor, presumably, were his fans expecting it. For sure they’d been seduced by the singer-songwriter’s effortless way with an earworm melody and heart worn lyric, and by the undying magic of Wasn’t Expecting That, the breakout classic that scooped the then-largely-unknown artist the 2016 Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. And now, on top of that, he’s proving himself brilliantly prolific too.
But so it goes and here it is, Lawson ’s soaring, emotional, inspiring, uplifting and resoundingly melodic new album, The Years In Between.
“It’s the most collaborative record I’ve made,” says this song-proven writer and road-tested performer. “From working with my band on the early demos, co-writing nearly every song, and then working with producer Ruadhri Cushnan and his musicians in Dublin, it’s been a fascinating process to come up with an album in this way – but feel it’s still very much me.”
Sunday 6th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15*
*includes booking fee
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
https://www.facebook.com/jamielawsonmusic
https://www.twitter.com/jamielawsonuk
https://www.instagram.com/jamielawsonmusic
https://www.youtube.com/JamieLawsonOfficial
http://www.jamielawsonmusic.com
MUSIC: Mother Bru EP Launch + Butters // Venlaw
From the depths of the Scottish Borders, Mother Bru return to Mac Arts, Galashiels to present their long-awaited debut EP.
This event sees the band emerge from the studio with five new tracks - expect an energetic and enigmatic blend of Hip Hop, Funk and Rock.
Come and see Mother Bru lay down neck-snapping grooves and big tasty licks, drizzled with cryptic yet poignant and memorable lyrics. Witness Mother Bru’s dynamic lead vocalist McGill put the world to rights, tackling varied issues such as friendship, conformity and identity...
With support from instrumental rock trio Venlaw and surf thrash outfit Butter. Get down, grab a drink and get loose as this will be a night to remember.
Saturday 12th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £6 advance // £8 on door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Box Office: 01896 756 852
Over 14s Gig
under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18)
PUNK POETRY:
Dr John Cooper Clarke- The Luckiest Guy Alive with special guests
John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’.
Since then his career has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents. Johns new poetry book ‘The Luckiest Guy Alive ‘was released on November 1st 2018 in the UK and Worldwide on Picador/Macmillan.
Today, JCC is as relevant and vibrant as ever, and his influence just as visible on today’s pop culture.
Aside from his trademark ‘look’ continuing to resonate with fashionistas young and old, and his poetry included on national curriculum syllabus,
his effect on modern music is huge.
His influence can be heard within the keen social observations of the Arctic Monkeys and Plan B. These collaborations mean that John has been involved in 2 recent global number 1 albums - with The Arctic Monkeys putting one of Johns best loved poems, I Wanna Be Yours, to music on their critically acclaimed A:M Album.
His latest show, touring across the UK, USA, Canada and Australasia, is a mix of classic verse, extraordinary new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat- a chance to witness a living legend at the top of his game.
Wednesday 16th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £25*
*booking fee applies
https://bit.ly/2JizYWK
Website: www.johncooperclarke.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/johncooperclarke
Twitter: @offical_jcc
I say to people, have you heard of John Cooper Clarke and if they say, yes, yeah he's an absolute genius and you just go, 'oh - ok, you've saved me a lot of time"
Steve Coogan
Since then his career has spanned cultures, audiences, art forms and continents. Johns new poetry book ‘The Luckiest Guy Alive ‘was released on November 1st 2018 in the UK and Worldwide on Picador/Macmillan.
Today, JCC is as relevant and vibrant as ever, and his influence just as visible on today’s pop culture.
Aside from his trademark ‘look’ continuing to resonate with fashionistas young and old, and his poetry included on national curriculum syllabus,
his effect on modern music is huge.
His influence can be heard within the keen social observations of the Arctic Monkeys and Plan B. These collaborations mean that John has been involved in 2 recent global number 1 albums - with The Arctic Monkeys putting one of Johns best loved poems, I Wanna Be Yours, to music on their critically acclaimed A:M Album.
His latest show, touring across the UK, USA, Canada and Australasia, is a mix of classic verse, extraordinary new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat- a chance to witness a living legend at the top of his game.
Wednesday 16th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £25*
*booking fee applies
https://bit.ly/2JizYWK
Website: www.johncooperclarke.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/johncooperclarke
Twitter: @offical_jcc
I say to people, have you heard of John Cooper Clarke and if they say, yes, yeah he's an absolute genius and you just go, 'oh - ok, you've saved me a lot of time"
Steve Coogan
COMEDY: Susie McCabe - Born Believer
OFF THE KERB PRODUCTIONS AND BEYOND PRESENTS
The fastest-selling act at Glasgow International Comedy Festival three years running is back with a brand-new show! In her 40th year, Susie has decided to leave cynicism behind to be an all-new positive Susie (optimistic at best, positive at pushing it). Join the former 'Scottish Headliner of the Year' and Glasgow favourite for what will no doubt be another barnstormer of a show.
"A genuine stand-up, highly recommended." Kevin Bridges
"The ever-reliable Susie McCabe delivers plenty of chuckles." The Scotsman
Thursday 24th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £13*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
over 16s Only
The fastest-selling act at Glasgow International Comedy Festival three years running is back with a brand-new show! In her 40th year, Susie has decided to leave cynicism behind to be an all-new positive Susie (optimistic at best, positive at pushing it). Join the former 'Scottish Headliner of the Year' and Glasgow favourite for what will no doubt be another barnstormer of a show.
"A genuine stand-up, highly recommended." Kevin Bridges
"The ever-reliable Susie McCabe delivers plenty of chuckles." The Scotsman
Thursday 24th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £13*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
over 16s Only
MUSIC: Wotjek The Bear + support tbc
Wojtek the Bear were formed in Glasgow in early 2016 and since the release of their debut single "Dead from the Waist Up” have been described as
"both delicately pretty and staggeringly imposing" – Louder than War,
“wistful melancholy and shimmering pop melodies” – Tenement TV and
“a wonderful record that soars through emotions”– Scottish Sun
They have found fans in BBC 6 Music's Lauren Laverne & Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens, BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth, Roddy Hart & Vic Galloway, Absolute Radio’s Danielle Perry and Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly & Charlie Ashcroft among others, and have appeared at the Celtic Connections, Xpo North, Tenement Trail & Belladrum festivals to date.
Their debut album "A Talent For Being Unreasonable" was released on Scottish Fiction Records in May 2018 and the band embarked on a full UK tour in support of the release.
“A Talent For Being Unreasonable” is out now on limited edition blue vinyl and digitally via Scottish Fiction Records.
Twitter
https://twitter.com/wojtekbearband
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/wojtekthebearband
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxH3f5-ZIgaLrWwXTd8TQ
Friday 25th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £7 advance*
*booking fee applies
£9 on the door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
"both delicately pretty and staggeringly imposing" – Louder than War,
“wistful melancholy and shimmering pop melodies” – Tenement TV and
“a wonderful record that soars through emotions”– Scottish Sun
They have found fans in BBC 6 Music's Lauren Laverne & Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 1's Huw Stephens, BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth, Roddy Hart & Vic Galloway, Absolute Radio’s Danielle Perry and Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly & Charlie Ashcroft among others, and have appeared at the Celtic Connections, Xpo North, Tenement Trail & Belladrum festivals to date.
Their debut album "A Talent For Being Unreasonable" was released on Scottish Fiction Records in May 2018 and the band embarked on a full UK tour in support of the release.
“A Talent For Being Unreasonable” is out now on limited edition blue vinyl and digitally via Scottish Fiction Records.
https://twitter.com/wojtekbearband
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/wojtekthebearband
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxH3f5-ZIgaLrWwXTd8TQ
Friday 25th October
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets : £7 advance*
*booking fee applies
£9 on the door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
'GALASQUEALS' HALLOWEEN SPOOCTACULAR EVENT:
The Spooky Revue
The Spooky Revue is a fabulous Hallowe'en edition of the Sugar Revue Burlesque and Variety show featuring some of Scotland's top Cabaret artists, brought to you by Scotland's Dita John Cleese of Burlesque and Cabaret; Wild Card Kitty.
With a line-up of ghoulish and grotesque Burlesque ranging from the supernatural to creatures that go bump 'n' grind in the night, accompanied by some suitably haunting variety performers: femme fatale Miss Hell's Belle, Rockabilly Rebel Tootsie Annie, Rock n Roll Queen Daiquiri Dusk and Freakshow (not for the faint of heart) from Professor Cogsworth, all hosted by the devilishly humorous musical comedy stylings of The Creative Martyrs; this is one sexy collection of Evil, guaranteed to make you howl at the moon with joy!
Get your glad rags on and unleash your dark side with a prize for the best dressed!
Saturday 26th October
Time: 8pm - 12am
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15 / £12
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
With a line-up of ghoulish and grotesque Burlesque ranging from the supernatural to creatures that go bump 'n' grind in the night, accompanied by some suitably haunting variety performers: femme fatale Miss Hell's Belle, Rockabilly Rebel Tootsie Annie, Rock n Roll Queen Daiquiri Dusk and Freakshow (not for the faint of heart) from Professor Cogsworth, all hosted by the devilishly humorous musical comedy stylings of The Creative Martyrs; this is one sexy collection of Evil, guaranteed to make you howl at the moon with joy!
Get your glad rags on and unleash your dark side with a prize for the best dressed!
Saturday 26th October
Time: 8pm - 12am
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15 / £12
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Lucy Spraggan + Special Guests
UK TOUR
Lucy Spraggan is in a good place and wants to share it with you. She is happy in love, life and music: three things that are reflected in the anthemic, upbeat, and infectious sound of her new album. The past few years have been the best of times for the singer-songwriter and Today Was a Good Day sings that message loud. The UK has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the developed world and an ever-growing incidence of mental health difficulties across our population: Spraggan’s personal experience of dark days compels her to pass on the message of hope that forms the backbone of this album.
It’s been seven years since Spraggan appeared on the X Factor in 2012 and she’s open about the difficult times when she felt suicidal. “I was a young person with fame and money in my pocket. I was dragged from club to club to play and given free booze,” says Spraggan. “I’m not sure where I would be without it the experience, but it was just too much for my brain. I was drinking and partying and in a terrible place.”
She reached her lowest moment driving down a motorway 2013. With her foot on the accelerator at 120mph, she closed her eyes. “I was about to turn my wheel into the central reservation when my dog (her Boston Terrier, Steve) sneezed. I knew I couldn’t do it to him and he saved me. I came straight home and started Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and my recovery started from there. It opened the door to hope.”
Spraggan wants use her experiences to help others. Last year, she released ‘Stick The Kettle On’ – the first track on this the Today Was a Good Day album - in support of CALM - The Campaign Against Living Miserably. The track was written with Roy Stride (Scouting For Girls), and Stride and Spraggan decided work with CALM to help people who suffer with mental health issues.
Lucy’s new album, Today Was a Good Day marked a new chapter for Spraggan musically. She signed a new record and publishing deal with Cooking Vinyl in 2018. The new album, produced by Jon Maquire showcases Spraggan’s voice in the structure of the songs. Overall she sounds at her most confident and accomplished, and ready to build on her 50 million views on YouTube and 25 million streams on Spotify. The most Googled musician of 2012, Spraggan was the first X Factor artist to play Glastonbury and will perform there again this year on the Avalon Stage after filling the Acoustic Tent in 2017.
The album was released May 2nd and achieved another No.12 position in the nation UK album chart.
October 2018 saw Lucy sell out yet another UK Headline tour selling nearly 14k tickets. She toured the UK and Europe with Melissa Etheridge and then went to the US and played SXSW for the second year running, followed by a week of west coast shows and a Florida cruise show with Melissa Etheridge again.
Mac Arts are thrilled to be welcoming Lucy to the Scottish Borders!
Friday 1st November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £18*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
www.seetickets.com/artist/lucy-spraggan/747283
14+ gig , under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18
It’s been seven years since Spraggan appeared on the X Factor in 2012 and she’s open about the difficult times when she felt suicidal. “I was a young person with fame and money in my pocket. I was dragged from club to club to play and given free booze,” says Spraggan. “I’m not sure where I would be without it the experience, but it was just too much for my brain. I was drinking and partying and in a terrible place.”
She reached her lowest moment driving down a motorway 2013. With her foot on the accelerator at 120mph, she closed her eyes. “I was about to turn my wheel into the central reservation when my dog (her Boston Terrier, Steve) sneezed. I knew I couldn’t do it to him and he saved me. I came straight home and started Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and my recovery started from there. It opened the door to hope.”
Spraggan wants use her experiences to help others. Last year, she released ‘Stick The Kettle On’ – the first track on this the Today Was a Good Day album - in support of CALM - The Campaign Against Living Miserably. The track was written with Roy Stride (Scouting For Girls), and Stride and Spraggan decided work with CALM to help people who suffer with mental health issues.
Lucy’s new album, Today Was a Good Day marked a new chapter for Spraggan musically. She signed a new record and publishing deal with Cooking Vinyl in 2018. The new album, produced by Jon Maquire showcases Spraggan’s voice in the structure of the songs. Overall she sounds at her most confident and accomplished, and ready to build on her 50 million views on YouTube and 25 million streams on Spotify. The most Googled musician of 2012, Spraggan was the first X Factor artist to play Glastonbury and will perform there again this year on the Avalon Stage after filling the Acoustic Tent in 2017.
The album was released May 2nd and achieved another No.12 position in the nation UK album chart.
October 2018 saw Lucy sell out yet another UK Headline tour selling nearly 14k tickets. She toured the UK and Europe with Melissa Etheridge and then went to the US and played SXSW for the second year running, followed by a week of west coast shows and a Florida cruise show with Melissa Etheridge again.
Mac Arts are thrilled to be welcoming Lucy to the Scottish Borders!
Friday 1st November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £18*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
www.seetickets.com/artist/lucy-spraggan/747283
14+ gig , under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18
MUSIC: Broken Chanter + support from ULTRAS
Broken Chanter is the adopted name of David MacGregor. MacGregor spent the past decade as the principal songwriter of Scottish Alt-Pop darlings Kid Canaveral - a band that could get you to dance, laugh, and weep all in the space of a set. Their Debut LP Shouting at Wildlife was described by The Herald as "a Scottish pop classic that should be mandatory in every record collection in the country", with follow-up Now That You Are a Dancer being nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award in 2014. Following the completion of touring for Kid Canaveral’s third record in late 2017, the natural break allowed MacGregor time to collect his thoughts, and some song fragments, and flesh them out into skeletal demos recorded in Ardnamurchan, Skye, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Ireland.
A light-hearted raconteur and heavy-hearted singer when accompanied by just a guitar, and a whirling dervish of noise and melody when fully electric, MacGregor spent February - May 2018 recording in Gort na Luchóg, Co. Donegal, nestled on a remote peninsula protruding into the Atlantic, and in Glenwood Studios in Glasgow with long-time collaborating engineer/producer Gal, Audrey Tait (Hector Bizerk, Birds of Paradise Theatre), Gav Prentice (Over the Wall, ULTRAS, National Theatre of Scotland), Jill O’Sullivan (Sparrow and the Workshop, bdy_prts), Hannah Shepherd (eagleowl, Withered Hand), Emma Kupa (Standard Fare, Mammoth Penguins, Hayman-Kupa Band) and Kim Carnie (BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2017 Finalist).
The first Broken Chanter album is a record which paints an emotional and expansive soundscape with a distinct sense of place, that showcases MacGregor's ear for melody and dexterity at tugging heart-strings. It will be released into the world on 6 September 2019 by Olive Grove Records and Last Night From Glasgow.
Saturday 2nd November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 advance / £5 Students
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
£10 on the door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
A light-hearted raconteur and heavy-hearted singer when accompanied by just a guitar, and a whirling dervish of noise and melody when fully electric, MacGregor spent February - May 2018 recording in Gort na Luchóg, Co. Donegal, nestled on a remote peninsula protruding into the Atlantic, and in Glenwood Studios in Glasgow with long-time collaborating engineer/producer Gal, Audrey Tait (Hector Bizerk, Birds of Paradise Theatre), Gav Prentice (Over the Wall, ULTRAS, National Theatre of Scotland), Jill O’Sullivan (Sparrow and the Workshop, bdy_prts), Hannah Shepherd (eagleowl, Withered Hand), Emma Kupa (Standard Fare, Mammoth Penguins, Hayman-Kupa Band) and Kim Carnie (BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2017 Finalist).
The first Broken Chanter album is a record which paints an emotional and expansive soundscape with a distinct sense of place, that showcases MacGregor's ear for melody and dexterity at tugging heart-strings. It will be released into the world on 6 September 2019 by Olive Grove Records and Last Night From Glasgow.
Saturday 2nd November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 advance / £5 Students
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
£10 on the door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
MUSIC: Scouting For Girls. The Trouble With Boys Tour
During their last tour Scouting For Girls played to more people than they’ve ever played to before. They were celebrating ten years since they first released their 2007 self-titled debut, a record that went on to become triple platinum and birthed the generation-bridging anthems of ‘She’s So Lovely’, ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and ‘Heartbeat’. 2017’s accompanying ‘Ten Add Ten’ record bundled that now-classic debut with ten new songs, proving that the band’s joy, energy and ability to write an instantly catchy chorus hadn’t gone anywhere.
“We had such a huge age range across the audience for that tour, from kids to people who’ve grown up listening to us,” explains vocalist Roy Stride. “It was such a lovely feeling. It almost feels like you’re playing to family. It was actually more fun than we’ve ever had before, but I find that with the band. The longer it goes on, the more fun it becomes.”
It was a chance to celebrate the journey they’ve been on, with people who’ve been on it as well. “Every time we do a tour, it’s special because we only do it every two or three years. It’s almost like a reunion, getting back together with a load of old friends.” Scouting For Girls didn’t need to remind people who they were though: they’re a British institution.
In the decade since ‘Scouting For Girls’, the band have released ‘Everybody Wants To Be On TV’ (2010), ‘The Light Between Us’ (2012), and ‘Still Thinking About You’ (2015) plus the mega hit single ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’. They’ve picked up nominations for four Brits, an Ivor Novello and played everywhere from a sold out Wembley Arena to countless festival stages. Last year they released ‘England I Still Believe’ as a cheeky, unofficial World Cup anthem, which is a very Scouting For Girls thing to do.
Friends since they were five, drummer Pete Ellard, Bassist Greg Churchouse and Roy have never changed to chase success. Success came to them. They’ve never followed what others are doing, preferring to focus on themselves and make the music they want to make. “That’s why we still have fun now. The whole point of being in a band was to try and find a way to hang out together as mates. It’s not that we never chased success, we’ve been playing together since we were teenagers and we always wanted to do it professionally, but we got to a point where we never thought it would happen. So we just carried on doing it anyway for fun.” But then it happened - Number 1 singles, sold-out shows - “and we just carried on doing the same thing because, why would you change it?”
Scouting For Girls write massive pop bangers. “We love making music that connects with people in a really fun, happy way. I love writing songs which I know are going to connect with ten thousand people in a field. We’ve always been an amazing party band. We’re the band playing in the middle of the afternoon at a festival, that everyone wants to see because they know it’s going to be fun. They know it’s going to be a laugh.”
“With Scouting For Girls, the glass is definitely, always half full. I really enjoy looking at what we’ve done, but I also enjoy where we are at the moment. It is a very happy place to be.” And that’s reflected in new album ‘The Trouble With Boys’, which is released on September 20th and follows on from lead single ‘Grown Up’, which was co-written with James Blunt. Sparked by the reflection that their ten-year anniversary caused, their fifth album sees Scouting for Girls looking back and feeling lucky. “So many bands don’t get to do this.” When they first started, there was pressure behind every achievement. “It was so full on all of the time, but now we have an amazing level of success where we just enjoy every moment.”
Upbeat, fun and infectious, ‘The Trouble With Boys’ dives into their love of uniquely British bands like The Kinks, ELO, Madness and The Beatles. It’s designed to make people feel good. It’s about remembering to be excited, care-free and in love. It’s a very Scouting For Girls album. “Being in a band almost feels like you’ve gone to Neverland,” grins Stride. “You never have to grow up.”
Wednesday 6th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £23*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
OVER 14s GIG ONLY (Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18)
“We had such a huge age range across the audience for that tour, from kids to people who’ve grown up listening to us,” explains vocalist Roy Stride. “It was such a lovely feeling. It almost feels like you’re playing to family. It was actually more fun than we’ve ever had before, but I find that with the band. The longer it goes on, the more fun it becomes.”
It was a chance to celebrate the journey they’ve been on, with people who’ve been on it as well. “Every time we do a tour, it’s special because we only do it every two or three years. It’s almost like a reunion, getting back together with a load of old friends.” Scouting For Girls didn’t need to remind people who they were though: they’re a British institution.
In the decade since ‘Scouting For Girls’, the band have released ‘Everybody Wants To Be On TV’ (2010), ‘The Light Between Us’ (2012), and ‘Still Thinking About You’ (2015) plus the mega hit single ‘This Ain’t A Love Song’. They’ve picked up nominations for four Brits, an Ivor Novello and played everywhere from a sold out Wembley Arena to countless festival stages. Last year they released ‘England I Still Believe’ as a cheeky, unofficial World Cup anthem, which is a very Scouting For Girls thing to do.
Friends since they were five, drummer Pete Ellard, Bassist Greg Churchouse and Roy have never changed to chase success. Success came to them. They’ve never followed what others are doing, preferring to focus on themselves and make the music they want to make. “That’s why we still have fun now. The whole point of being in a band was to try and find a way to hang out together as mates. It’s not that we never chased success, we’ve been playing together since we were teenagers and we always wanted to do it professionally, but we got to a point where we never thought it would happen. So we just carried on doing it anyway for fun.” But then it happened - Number 1 singles, sold-out shows - “and we just carried on doing the same thing because, why would you change it?”
Scouting For Girls write massive pop bangers. “We love making music that connects with people in a really fun, happy way. I love writing songs which I know are going to connect with ten thousand people in a field. We’ve always been an amazing party band. We’re the band playing in the middle of the afternoon at a festival, that everyone wants to see because they know it’s going to be fun. They know it’s going to be a laugh.”
“With Scouting For Girls, the glass is definitely, always half full. I really enjoy looking at what we’ve done, but I also enjoy where we are at the moment. It is a very happy place to be.” And that’s reflected in new album ‘The Trouble With Boys’, which is released on September 20th and follows on from lead single ‘Grown Up’, which was co-written with James Blunt. Sparked by the reflection that their ten-year anniversary caused, their fifth album sees Scouting for Girls looking back and feeling lucky. “So many bands don’t get to do this.” When they first started, there was pressure behind every achievement. “It was so full on all of the time, but now we have an amazing level of success where we just enjoy every moment.”
Upbeat, fun and infectious, ‘The Trouble With Boys’ dives into their love of uniquely British bands like The Kinks, ELO, Madness and The Beatles. It’s designed to make people feel good. It’s about remembering to be excited, care-free and in love. It’s a very Scouting For Girls album. “Being in a band almost feels like you’ve gone to Neverland,” grins Stride. “You never have to grow up.”
Wednesday 6th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £23*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
OVER 14s GIG ONLY (Under 16s must be accompanied by an over 18)
MUSIC: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes
Tom McGuire & The Brassholes are an eclectic, modern soul-funk, 8 piece band from Glasgow, headed by lumberjack-attired soul bearer, Tom McGuire. The funky collective of “killer animals from hell”, consists of a colourful, hilarious bunch of wonderfully talented, animated young men. They provide energetic, bombastic funk and soul, imbibed with meaning.
The band earned their stripes on Sauchiehall and Buchanan Street as buskers during Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games, and have slowly been working their way up the staircase of success, becoming one of Scotland’s most vibrant live acts. With support slots including Craig Charles’ Funk + Soul Club, and views from their viral video “Ric Flair” achieving well over 550,000.
Their new album is out now.
Thursday 7th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Box Office: 01896 756 852
Tickets: £10*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
https://open.spotify.com/track/0Dg53XfKr94pOZcN4sGdIh?si=4JmQSUuVTY2tmmgdZIuv0w
https://open.spotify.com/track/2kaSDnN8iFdlaPvTAQmLh0?si=ER-4vOPeSvWMreDlIV0nBA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs4p0GIrk0E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmKQijU-bGM
The band earned their stripes on Sauchiehall and Buchanan Street as buskers during Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games, and have slowly been working their way up the staircase of success, becoming one of Scotland’s most vibrant live acts. With support slots including Craig Charles’ Funk + Soul Club, and views from their viral video “Ric Flair” achieving well over 550,000.
Their new album is out now.
Thursday 7th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Box Office: 01896 756 852
Tickets: £10*
*booking fee applies
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
https://open.spotify.com/track/0Dg53XfKr94pOZcN4sGdIh?si=4JmQSUuVTY2tmmgdZIuv0w
https://open.spotify.com/track/2kaSDnN8iFdlaPvTAQmLh0?si=ER-4vOPeSvWMreDlIV0nBA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs4p0GIrk0E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmKQijU-bGM
CLUB EVENT: Silent Disco
Join us on Saturday 9th November for The BIG Silent Disco at the wonderful MacArts Galashiels!
If you haven't participated in a silent disco before it's simple- on arrival you are given your headphones and music is transmitted to them- you will be able to flick between 3 different channels of music being played by 3 different DJ's!
RED CHANNEL: POP, CHEESE 80's 90's CHART
GREEN CHANNEL: ROCK, INDIE, POP-PUNK, METAL
BLUE CHANNEL: DANCE CLASSICS & MORE
We have great LED flashing headphones which display the colour of channel you are listening to! Red, Green or Blue, you decide!
Please pre-book your tickets in advance as these will go fast- it's going to be a very fun night!
Licensed Bar
Saturday 9th November
Time: 8pm to Midnight
Tickets: £9 Advance
£10 on door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
If you haven't participated in a silent disco before it's simple- on arrival you are given your headphones and music is transmitted to them- you will be able to flick between 3 different channels of music being played by 3 different DJ's!
RED CHANNEL: POP, CHEESE 80's 90's CHART
GREEN CHANNEL: ROCK, INDIE, POP-PUNK, METAL
BLUE CHANNEL: DANCE CLASSICS & MORE
We have great LED flashing headphones which display the colour of channel you are listening to! Red, Green or Blue, you decide!
Please pre-book your tickets in advance as these will go fast- it's going to be a very fun night!
Licensed Bar
Saturday 9th November
Time: 8pm to Midnight
Tickets: £9 Advance
£10 on door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Chris Wood
In a world of soundbites and distractions, Chris Wood is a truth seeker. His writing is permeated with love and wry intelligence, uplifting and challenging as he celebrates the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life. Tom Robinson and Chris Difford are fans while Stick In The Wheel and The Unthanks look to him as an influence. Winner of 6 BBC Folk Awards, he's played with The Royal Shakespeare Company and was a key member of The Imagined Village, along with Billy Bragg and Martin Carthy. A wise and soulful craftsman, his concerts are a cliché free zone.
“Chris Wood might be the Ken Loach of songwriting. Very political, but at the same time full of compassion, and he grows sharper and more acute with each passing album. He’s good, quite probably the very best we have today, and we need him more than ever.” - fRoots Magazine
Sunday 10th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Box Office: 01896 756 852
“Chris Wood might be the Ken Loach of songwriting. Very political, but at the same time full of compassion, and he grows sharper and more acute with each passing album. He’s good, quite probably the very best we have today, and we need him more than ever.” - fRoots Magazine
Sunday 10th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £15
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Box Office: 01896 756 852
MUSIC: Jill Jackson
Autumn 2019 sees Jill Jackson return to the live stage to perform an intimate acoustic show at Mac Arts to celebrate the critically acclaimed album ‘Are We There Yet?’ This will be a striped back show detailing the storytelling nature of the album and some behind scenes stories of the recording.
’ARE WE THERE YET?’ is lauded as Jackson’s best yet.
Recorded in Glasgow and produced by award winning producer Boo Hewerdine (Emily Barker and Eddi Reader) ‘Are We There Yet?’ features contributions from some of Scotland’s finest musicians.
Jackson is considered a contemporary Country Americana artist brimming with songs of beauty and depth. With an unabashed embrace of gleeful, melodic choruses delivered in Jill’s unmistakeable warm and heart-wrenching voice.
Friday 15th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10 in advance
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
£12 on the door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
JILL JACKSON - ARE WE THERE YET?
“A superb album which has shades of Joni Mitchell. Very impressive.” **** Maverick Magazine
“Are We There Yet?’ shows she is no Nashville intimidator, bringing some Scotpop seasoning whilst showing off with some western swing guitar skills” 4/5 The Scotsman
“Class work on a fifth album that adds weight to her growing catalogue…..easy American Country swagger” ***** Louder Than War
’ARE WE THERE YET?’ is lauded as Jackson’s best yet.
Recorded in Glasgow and produced by award winning producer Boo Hewerdine (Emily Barker and Eddi Reader) ‘Are We There Yet?’ features contributions from some of Scotland’s finest musicians.
Jackson is considered a contemporary Country Americana artist brimming with songs of beauty and depth. With an unabashed embrace of gleeful, melodic choruses delivered in Jill’s unmistakeable warm and heart-wrenching voice.
Friday 15th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £10 in advance
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
£12 on the door
Box Office: 01896 756 852
JILL JACKSON - ARE WE THERE YET?
“A superb album which has shades of Joni Mitchell. Very impressive.” **** Maverick Magazine
“Are We There Yet?’ shows she is no Nashville intimidator, bringing some Scotpop seasoning whilst showing off with some western swing guitar skills” 4/5 The Scotsman
“Class work on a fifth album that adds weight to her growing catalogue…..easy American Country swagger” ***** Louder Than War
MUSIC: Countess of Fife + support from The Trama Dolls
FAY FIFE singer and creative force of the Rezillos sings, writes and plays keys with her alternative country outfit THE COUNTESS OF FIFE.
THE COUNTESS OF FIFE began as a writing project in Edinburgh 2 & ½ yrs ago by Fay Fife, Rezillos/Revillos and Lord Mcdowall of influential post punk country outfit ‘So You Think You're A Cowboy’.
THE COUNTESS OF FIFE are now focusing on live shows as well as recording their first album. THE COUNTESS OF FIFE draws from country, punk, early R'n'B, soul, surf and gospel.
“The Cramps crossed with Johnny Cash".
THE COUNTESS OF FIFE comprises of
Fay Fife, singer, songwriter, keys;
Lord Mcdowall, guitarist, co-songwriter, backing vocalist.
They are joined by Lady Nora Noonan, drums & backing vox and Thaddeus G Pycroft bass.
Saturday 23rd November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 General Admission
£5 Students
THE COUNTESS OF FIFE began as a writing project in Edinburgh 2 & ½ yrs ago by Fay Fife, Rezillos/Revillos and Lord Mcdowall of influential post punk country outfit ‘So You Think You're A Cowboy’.
THE COUNTESS OF FIFE are now focusing on live shows as well as recording their first album. THE COUNTESS OF FIFE draws from country, punk, early R'n'B, soul, surf and gospel.
“The Cramps crossed with Johnny Cash".
THE COUNTESS OF FIFE comprises of
Fay Fife, singer, songwriter, keys;
Lord Mcdowall, guitarist, co-songwriter, backing vocalist.
They are joined by Lady Nora Noonan, drums & backing vox and Thaddeus G Pycroft bass.
Saturday 23rd November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 General Admission
£5 Students
MUSIC: Wrest // Dead Electric
Wrest are a Scottish indie band making music from Edinburgh's Old Town. The sound combines soaring guitars with layered lyrics and heartfelt melodies, with songs reminiscent of bands like Frightened Rabbit, The National and We Were Promised Jetpacks.
Building on previous critically acclaimed projects, Wrest were reborn in 2018, with their lead single Adventurers kicking off the launch of their highly acclaimed debut album, Coward of Us All."
***
Wrest head to Mac Arts, Galashiels, as part of a nationwide tour in support of their debut album Coward of Us All.
Released on 30th May 2019, the album was quickly picked up by BBC Radio, The Sun, The National and other press. Parallels with Frightened Rabbit, The National and The Twilight Sad have led to a passionate and rapidly-growing fan-base in the weeks since the launch, both at home and overseas.
Following a strong word-of-mouth reaction, and with sold-out shows in Edinburgh, Glasgow and even as far afield as Shetland, the band has quickly become one of Scotland's most exciting emerging live acts.
With support from Indie Shoegaze Glasgow lads, Dead Electric.
Over 14s (under 16s must be accompanied)
Friday 29th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 advance // £10 on the door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
Building on previous critically acclaimed projects, Wrest were reborn in 2018, with their lead single Adventurers kicking off the launch of their highly acclaimed debut album, Coward of Us All."
***
Wrest head to Mac Arts, Galashiels, as part of a nationwide tour in support of their debut album Coward of Us All.
Released on 30th May 2019, the album was quickly picked up by BBC Radio, The Sun, The National and other press. Parallels with Frightened Rabbit, The National and The Twilight Sad have led to a passionate and rapidly-growing fan-base in the weeks since the launch, both at home and overseas.
Following a strong word-of-mouth reaction, and with sold-out shows in Edinburgh, Glasgow and even as far afield as Shetland, the band has quickly become one of Scotland's most exciting emerging live acts.
With support from Indie Shoegaze Glasgow lads, Dead Electric.
Over 14s (under 16s must be accompanied)
Friday 29th November
Time: 8pm
Doors: 7:30pm
Tickets: £8 advance // £10 on the door
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
MUSIC: Elephant Sessions + support
Join Mac Arts and Elephant Sessions for a festive shindig!
WINNERS 2017 BBC SCOTS TRAD AWARDS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
WINNERS 2018 BBC SCOTS TRAD LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS 2018 BBC RADIO 2 FOLK AWARDS – BEST BAND
Hailing from the Highlands of Scotland the band formed in 2012. They are comprised of Euan Smillie (fiddle), Alasdair Taylor (mandolin), Mark Bruce (guitar), Seth Tinsley (bass, synth) and Greg Barry (drums, samples).
Creating a progressive blend of intricate tunes, engulfing guitars, with a bass and drum heavy backline, their music combines the very best of trad, funk and electronica resulting in a new and exciting sound. Gigging extensively around the UK, they swiftly built a fan base and went on to release their debut album The Elusive Highland Beauty in 2014 to critical acclaim. This album and its subsequent tours and festival appearances saw the band winning the Best Up and Coming Act category at the BBC Alba Trad Music awards in 2014. Already renowned for their breath-taking live shows the band began to gain success not just within the U.K but also found themselves beginning to perform at some of the most prestigious European Festivals. Since then, the band have made live appearances at some of the most notable venues and festivals across the U.K, Europe and Australia, including Glastonbury, Byron Bay Bluesfest, Colours of Ostrava and multiple headline sell-outs at Celtic Connections.
Mercury prize winning band Alt-J, along with BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6, found themselves converted to the band’s unique brand of indie folk.
Reviews from Rolling Stone Magazine sat alongside folk magazine coverage. Radio features accompanied documentaries and highlights shows on television stations.
The band scooped the coveted BBC MG Alba Album of the Year for ‘All We Have is Now’ and were shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award shortly after.
In 2018, the band also picked up the Live Act of the Year award at the BBC Scots Trad Music Awards, received a nomination for 'Best Group' in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Saturday 14th December
Time; 8pm
Doors:7:30pm
Tickets: £10* advance
£12 on door
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01896 756 852
www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts
