MacArts Theatre Galashiels, Community and Performance Venue in the Scottish Borders
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Welcome to MacArts!

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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 an emphasis on involving everyone in the community ;
​this space is now known as MacArts.


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friday 27th january
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Polly paulusma 

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“Outstanding”–The Telegraph
 
“Complete, pure and personal”–MOJO
 
“Enchanting, understated, intelligent folk pop”–Rolling Stone

Website /  Facebook /  Instagram / Twitter / Spotify

We are so thrilled to be welcoming Polly Paulusma, fresh from her performance at CELTIC CONNECTIONS on 24/1/23.

New album ‘The Pivot On Which The World Turns' was released in September 2022 via One Little Independent folk subsidiary Wild Sound.

 
Affectionately shortened to ‘Pivot’, the album marks a return to her singular brand of insightful songs that, in their subject matter, roam around the badlands of love, sex and parenthood, death and grief, failure and success, violence and healing. Most poignantly the album focuses on the roles of women, in our lives and across history, from a variety of perspectives.
 
‘Pivot’ swings from the warm, blues-inspired Americana of ‘Back of Your Hand’ and ‘Dirty Circus’, to the more traditional folk of ‘Brambles and Briars’ and ‘Robin’, as well as poetic, pop curiosities such as ‘Snakeskin’ and the effervescent ‘Luminary’, all of which combine to make up Polly’s most sonically adventurous album to date. As always, she delights in the telling of stories, with littered spoken word aiding her as she utilizes infectious melodies and a light delivery to explore her characters.

Paulusma has toured the world supporting Bob Dylan, Jamie Cullum, The Divine Comedy and Marianne Faithfull, and played Glastonbury, T in the Park, V Festival and Cambridge Folk Festival among many others, touring the USA and Italy. Her gorgeous music tells stories and ponders big questions.  Expect to be enthralled. 

Time:                8pm 
Doors:             7:30pm 
Tickets:           £12 Advance // £16 On The Door)

Buy Tickets
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Ages 14+ (14s to 16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times) 




​

Thursday 2nd febRuary
INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK
INCUBATOR SESSION with 8 days / RACAIN/DEVIN CASSON/CAMERON and AMBER

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8 DAYS
​Independent Venue Week (IVW) is the UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them.

To start our celebration we have invited the stars of tomorrow who are taking part in Mac Arts Incubator sessions. These sessions give performers from 14-24  a platform to develop their skills and work with industry professionals. Due to the support of Creative Scotland we are able to pass on 100% of the ticket sales to the performers.
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Racain
The 4 acts taking part in this event are -
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8 Days
8 Days is a Peebles based alternative rock band comprised of Ailsa Jarvis on drums, Sam Jones on bass, and Fin Price on guitar and vocals. They were previously called Zenith, but changed their name prior to releasing their first single having all been born within 8 days of each other. 8 Days are a alternative rock band that play a mixture of originals and covers. Recently, 8 Days released their debut single “You Need It” on all major streaming sites. LInk to " You need it"

Racain Born in the rhythm section of their high school jazz band, Racain is a young, queer band gaining quick traction in the borders. Influenced by indie, rock and Alt Z, their music varies from high energy to stripped-back acoustic."

Cameron and Amber 
As a relatively new band born at a charity event for Ukraine, We are just experimenting and finding our feet in the live music world. Trying many different styles from classic rock and roll to some sublime, layed back covers putting our own twist on them. And having a bit of fun on stage.
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Devin Casson
Time:                7.30pm 
Doors:             7:00pm  *note early start time*
Tickets:           £5 (100% of this goes to the performers)


Buy Tickets
​

Ages 14+ (14s to 16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times) ​
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Cameron and Amber

SATURDAY 4th FebRuary
FatherSON

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Normal Fears, the band’s fourth album, is a lush lesson in letting go. Gorgeous, groove-led singalongs steeped in electronics find the band in a playful mode, putting break-ups, old ways of working and everyday worries behind them to start afresh, sunny side up.
 
The album follows 2018’s Sum Of All Your Parts, which saw the band reach new levels of critical acclaim, with extensive support from BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac, Clara Amfo, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart, culminating in a European arena tour supporting Lewis Capaldi.
 
Renowned for their encapsulating live performances, they have toured alongside the likes of Lewis Capaldi on his EU arena dates and at Wembley Arena, as well as playing with Frightened Rabbit, Biffy Clyro, Idlewild, Augustines, Enter Shikari, Amber Run, Twin Atlantic, and more.

Time:                8pm 
Doors:             7:30pm 
Tickets:           £17 Advance // £20 On the Door 
Buy Tickets
​
Ages 14+ (14s to 16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times) 
​

Thursday 9th february
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CRIME VIRAL PRESENTS: INSIDE THE mind of a serial killer 

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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND...
 
"We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands, we are everywhere" - words of serial killer Ted Bundy
 
Founder of Crime Viral Cheish Merryweather (as seen on BBC) brings to the stage the sell-out talk Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer.
 
This 2-hour talk will focus on investigating the darkest criminal minds and as always... guaranteed to shock.
 
Featuring: Dr. Harold Shipman, Yorkshire Ripper, Golden State Killer, Amelia Dyer, Jerome Brudos, Jeffrey Dahmer, Fred and Rose West and more...
 
Topics include:
 
- 7 Phases of Serial Killing Explained
- How Serial Killers Are Caught
- Hiding in Plain Sight: How to Spot the Serial Killer Next Door
- Hybristophilia: Why Women Fall in Love with Serial Killers
- Do You Have the Mind of a Serial Killer?
 
Based on psychiatric evaluations, courtroom transcripts, witness testimonies, crime scene evidence and criminal profiles; we will closely detail what goes on in the mind of the most notorious cold-blooded killers.
 
Running time: 2 hours + interval

Time:                           7:30pm 
Doors:                         7pm 
Tickets:                       £18 General Admission 

                                         £9 NHS / Student (must have photo ID)

*please note, tickets can only be purchased from the link below*
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inside-the-mind-of-a-serial-killer-galashiels-tickets-423931680067

SATURDAY 11th February
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READy steady 60s show

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Join us for a night of sixties nostalgia from the ex members of Pilot, Hotel California, Albert Hammond Band, Blues n Trouble- their new touring show.
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Ready Steady 60’s Show presents a showcase of the great bands of this unforgettable time. The fantastic music of The Small Faces, The Kinks Beatles, The Animals, The Hollies, The Who, Dave Clark Five, Spencer Davis Group... – to name but a few – all recreated in this fabulous live show.

Time:              8pm
Doors:           7:30pm
Tickets:         £17
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Buy Tickets
​Ages 14+ (14- 16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times)

SAturday 18th February 
SILENT KNIGHTS BIG SILENT DISCO
​(over 18s) 

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Silent Knights bring their Big Silent Disco back to Galashiels!

Over 18s only , licensed bar until midnight and 3 channels of music to suit all tastes! 

Banish those February blues with some snazzy dancing! 

Time                    8pm to 12am 
Tickets.               £9 (advance booking advised)      *over 18s only* ​​Buy Tickets
 
*over 18s only*               




Thursday 23 Feb (daytime show)
Darren McGarvey 
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Let’s Talk About the Social Distance Between Us

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“If all the best people are in all the top jobs, why is Britain such a fu&%ing bin fire?”

Is this a fair assessment of life in the Scottish Borders?


We are inviting you to explore the changes you want to see and the actions you can take to help make them happen in conversation with Darren McGarvey, the Orwell prize-winning author, BAFTA winning broadcaster and celebrated performer.

In his latest book, The Social Distance Between Us, McGarvey reflects on many familiar challenges. These include wages that haven’t kept pace with rising costs, precarious jobs and the way people at the “sharp end” are often excluded from important decisions that are supposedly made in their interests.

Does class inequality matter in Gala and the Scottish Borders? Does the distance between those who have done well under the current economic settlement and those who are struggling affect what we think about class?

This two-part event, hosted by the David Hume Institute, is an opportunity to meet and hear from local people as well as to consider the challenge posed by Darren McGarvey in his 2022 Reith Lecture when he said that in order to see true change people must take action in their personal as well as political lives.
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Please pay what you can afford. We know money is tight for lots of people so please book both sessions for free if you want. £25, for those who can afford it, would help us cover the overall costs. 
Ticket numbers are very limited for the morning session so please book now. 
Session 1: 10.30 to 11.45 (includes a soup and sandwich lunch)
Does social distance matter in your community?  

Invited guest speakers including Sarah-Jane Laing, Borders resident and CEO of Scottish Land & Estates and Scott Wight, an employability specialist from the local organisation Works+ will open the session.

This will be followed by a community conversation and an opportunity to explore Darren McGarvey’s work in more depth, as well as to develop questions you would like to ask him in the lunchtime session.

Session 2: 12.15 to 1.30pm followed by book signing
An opportunity to hear from Darren as well as to take part in a question and answer session.

You can book for both sessions or just the lunchtime session with Darren. 
Please pay what you can afford. We know money is tight for lots of people so please book both sessions for free if you want. 

£25 for both the sessions, for those who can afford it.
​This would help us cover the overall costs.

Time:                     10.30pm 
Doors:                   1:00pm 
Tickets:                £0 to £25
​
Buy Tickets
Ages 14+ (14- 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times)

Friday 3rd March
Harris Trust Fundraiser
- Haiver (Billy Kennedy of Frightened Rabbit) / 3 out of 4 / SPaRKs Ensemble

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Fundraiser for the Harris Trust
Featuring -
Billy Kennedy of Frightened Rabbit's new project Haiver

3 out of 4
SPaRKs ensemble
​

Harris Trust is a charity set up in memory of Harris Macdonell which aims to raise awareness about neurodiversity and mental health.
We provide music and sporting activities for young people to enable peer support and promote respect, acceptance and a sense of belonging.
 
The SPaRKs music project at Selkirk High School has been an inspiring journey for a group of senior students and we look forward to this opportunity to showcase their work along with their fantastic mentors Sam Johnston, Billy Kennedy and Jordi Douglas.


Time:                     7.30pm 
Doors:                   7:00pm 
Tickets:                £15 General Admission  // £12.50 Concession
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Buy Tickets
Ages 14+ (14- 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times)

saturday 4th march 
MOVING PICTURES : A TRIBUTE TO RUSH 

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A 3-piece tribute to Canada's finest musical exports RUSH. Hailing from Scotland and the Lake District, Moving Pictures play classic Rush using a serious amount of equipment including progtastic double-neck guitars! 

RUSHfest Scotland fan convention headliners — performed for and with Rush producer Terry Brown — appeared on the tribute albums Songs For Neil Vol.1, 2 and the forthcoming Vol.3.

 “That was the 3rd best Rush show I’ve ever seen. The first 2 were Rush.”
​

Time:                     8pm 
Doors:                   7:30pm 
Tickets:                £13 in advance  // £15 on the door
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Buy Tickets
Ages 14+ (14- 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times)
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saturday 11th march
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These wicked rivers: The calm before the storm tour 

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“The sound of what might’ve happened if Clutch got a bit stoned with Audioslave and Zakk Wylde – and then jammed late into the night.”


Classic Rock Magazine (2020)




“This increasingly magnificent band could indeed have been spirited to us from 1975 – 'Shine On' is achingly, wonderfully good, and when singer John Hartwell announces that 'Don’t Pray For Me', one of these jaw-droppingly personal, stand-and-stare songs, will be the last track, there’s a sense of disbelief that it’s already over”



Planet Rock live review (Winter's End Festival 2022)

Established in 2014, These Wicked Rivers are Derby’s entry to the new wave of rock and roll that is sweeping across the United Kingdom. Drawing influences from the likes of Black Stone Cherry and Rival Sons, the band have made quite an impact since their inception with their brand of blues-infused modern rock steadily picking up plaudits for their gutsy live performances across the UK.

On the live circuit the lads have forged an ever-growing fan base through supports with the likes of Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows and Kris Barras, as well playing stand-out performances at festivals such as Planet Rockstock, Steelhouse Festival, Stonedead Festival and Giants of Rock.
 
2020 was due to be the busiest year for the band yet, with a jam-packed schedule of tours and festivals including a slot on the main stage of Ramblin' Man Fair. However, even a global pandemic couldn't slow the lads down. They made good use of the down time back in the studio working on new music.
 
The band embarked on their first full UK tour in September 2021, taking their trademark 'Grandma's Living Room' stage set to the far corners of the UK to a rapturous reception.
 
Followed by a 23-date UK tour with Hayseed Dixie in 2022, the band is sure to be rolling into a town near you very soon
 
No rest for The(se) Wicked (Rivers)! Jump on in and enjoy!
 



Time:                             8pm 
Doors:                          7:30pm 
Tickets:                    £12 Advance // £10 Students 
                                      £16 On the Door 
​Buy Tickets
Ages 14+ (14s-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times) 

SatURDAY 18th MARCH 
GUN + guests (rescheduled from December 2022)

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Glaswegian rockers GUN are back with a brand new album, ‘Calton Songs’ released on Cherry Red Records on 14 October 2022 and will be available on Cherry Red-coloured vinyl, CD, cassette and digital.

‘Calton Songs’ is a full-blooded celebration of the band’s career so far with enthusiastic and brand new acoustic reinterpretations of the songs that made their name and took GUN to the four corners of the world.

These retooled classics are bolstered by the addition of the single ‘Backstreet Brothers’ which is released 18 May. This is a new and fully electric track that basks in the simple joys of both lives and good times shared, but also brings the GUN story up to date.

Time:                8pm 
Doors:             7:30pm 
Tickets:           £24
Buy Tickets 
​Ages 14+ (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times)​

Thursday 23rd March 
Ivo Graham: My Future My Clutter

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Bumbling wordsmith and tripe factory returns to discuss three years of heavy-duty pranking/parenting/procrastinating since Dave’s 2019 nominations for Best Comedy Show and Joke of the Fringe ("I've got an Eton College advent calendar, where all the doors are opened by my father's contacts"). As seen/heard on Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, British As Folk, and fondue-set winner on Richard Osman's House of Games. 
 
"A hugely enjoyable hour of stand-up comedy" 
(The Times)
 
"Suddenly has star-in-the-making coming off him like steam" 
(The Telegraph)



Time                    8pm 
Doors:                7:30pm 
Tickets:               £14+bf (Advance sales)
Buy Tickets 
​Ages 14+ (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times)​
​

*This show is likely to contain swearing and adult content*
*Reselling of tickets will result in cancellation of booking*


friday 24th march
TOM Mcguire and the brassholes

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   ON SALE 10am MONDAY 30th JANUARY

Tom McGuire & the Brassholes are a funk soul powerhouse from Glasgow. Combining rich arrangements with meticulous songcraft and untouchable in live performance, the band is carving a niche of their own. Following the success of their 2019 debut album, the group is ready to enter into an exciting 2nd phase.

The band formed busking on the streets of Glasgow and made a living from playing bars before bursting onto the scene with runaway viral debut single “Ric Flair”. Mere months later the band launched their debut album with a sell-out show at the 1000+ capacity QMU in Glasgow. Since then they have gone on to secure support slots for Craig Charles and George Clinton, have become a firm favourite on the festival circuit, headlining a number of Scottish festivals, and have toured extensively in the U.K and Europe.

The band’s music is full of vitality, the sound of a new niche being cut, classic pop sensibility with high musicianship values and rewarding arrangement and rich production. At the root is soulful song, telling stories and sharing experiences of joy, turmoil, loss, celebration, sadness, happiness, confidence, frailty. All told hyper- distilled and delivered in finely honed funk pop parcels of aesthetic joy. Life is confusing and hard, but music is fun and great, so let’s talk about it whilst at one and the same time, getting down.

Time                    8pm 
Doors:                7:30pm 
Tickets:              £14 Advance // £17 On The Door 

Buy Tickets 
Over 14s (14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times)

SATURDAy 25th march 
THE Countess of fife + Kirsten adamson 

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The Countess of Fife – the insurgent alt country outfit led by Fay Fife (best known as the dynamic front woman, founder and creative force of classic Scottish punk bands The Rezillos/The Revillos).

Think of the Cramps meeting Johnny Cash in an unholy alchemy of country, punk, rock and gospel.

Fay’s glorious vocals – rich, dark and powerful – combine with Allan (So You Think You’re A Cowboy) Mcdowall’s singing guitars and harmony vocals to create a perfect storm to play with your emotions, working with some of the finest Scottish musicians around

Support for this show will be from Kirsten Adamson
Singer/songwriter Kirsten summons the same heart-stopping purity as Sandy Denny, by way of Emmylou Harris and Kate Bush. Transcendence runs in the family. Her father was Stuart Adamson (Skids, Big Country) and her mother Alexandra, a champion Highland dancer.
 
With summers spent soaking up the atmosphere in Nashville with her dad and a string of leading roles in musical theatre back in the UK, the teenage Adamson’s course was set. She sang backing vocals on Big Country’s last album Driving to Damascus at age 13. By 2010, she was forging her own career as a vocalist and keyboard player for indie-folkers Aberfeldy. She fronted country rockers The Gillyflowers and more recently shone as half of alt-country duo The Marriage, and then on a self-titled solo debut. The austere beauty of her voice has been a constant motif. In a reflective mood, she’s now gearing up to release a new solo LP this winter.

Time                    8pm 
Doors:                7:30pm 
Tickets:               £9 Advance // £13 On The Door 

Buy Tickets 
Over 14s (14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times)

SATURDAY 1st april 
THE FILTHY TONGUES 

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REVIEWS FOR ‘JACOB’S LADDER’
 
'A vivid and visceral exploration of Edinburgh's underbelly that recalls Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds at their most intense.’
​Louder Than War
 
'A strictly testosterone-charged mean gothic blues machine.’ The Scotsman
 
REVIEWS FOR BACK TO HELL
 
'Back to Hell is, like Jacob's Ladder, an incredible album. It's one of the best released in Scotland so far this year, with a heady mixture of Nick Cave, blues and the indie survivors' knack for a catchy hook and wry humour.’ Scottish Daily Record
 
'With irresistible hooks and melodies snaring the listener from start to finish, these beautifully crafted songs are built to last and will reward repeated listening. Scottish Album of the Year? Place your bets now.’
Penny Black Music

 




 The Filthy Tongues will release their much awaited third album, ‘In These Dark Places’, at the end of January 2023.
 
It is the final part of a trilogy based on their hometown of Edinburgh and promises to be every bit as compelling as the previous two instalments.
 
‘Jacob's Ladder’ and ‘Back to Hell’ both received rave reviews across the board and ‘In These Dark Places’ is sure to deliver a suitably uncompromising conclusion to this fine body of work.
 
From the fittingly claustrophobic juggernaut of an earworm that is Gas Mask Blues, the romping, acerbic snarl of Pandemic Pete and the drunk tank admission of the title track to the relentless, questioning riot that is Tricky Nicky, it’s time to get ready for another rollercoaster.
 
MORE ABOUT THE BAND
 The Filthy Tongues have occupied a unique place at the heart of Scottish alternative rock, in various manifestations, since the mid 80’s.
 
Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, a stunning live band with Martin Metcalfe resembling the MC of a debauched, vaguely gothic cabaret, morphed into Angelfish who established a hardcore following (which remains strong today) as the band appeared in both the UK national and US college charts.
 
From reluctant backing singer in the Mackenzies to front woman in Angelfish, Shirley Manson’s nascent style and talent were nurtured and influenced by the lyrical and musical talents of Metcalfe, Fin Wilson and Derek Kelly.
 
The eventual amicable split left behind ‘the most complex, fascinating musical footprint of any Scottish band yet’. (The List magazine)
 
This period was followed by 2 albums as Isa & the Filthy Tongues which garnered various 5 star reviews and saw them played regularly on BBC6 Music.
 
The band also featured on the soundtrack to Richard Jobson’s New Town Killers film and caught the ear of Hollywood in David Mackenzie’s film Spread.
 
In a colourful career the band have worked and toured with Blondie, The Ramones, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth from the Talking Heads, Vic Chesnutt, New York Dolls, Big Audio Dynamite, Aztec Camera and many more.


Time                     8pm 
Doors                  7:30pm 
Tickets               £15
Buy Tickets 
Over 14s (14-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times)



 

FRIday 28th april 
Bronwynne Brent (Trio )

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Female Vocalist of The Year – Americana UK


 
“A Peggy Lee-like groove" - The Daily Express


 
"Absolutely gorgeous - really special!" - Bob Harris, BBC
 From The Mississippi Delta - Bronwynne Brent (Trio format)
​

Spilling the tea of love and reading the leaves has been the leitmotif of Bronwynne Brent’s work for nearly a decade. “I know,” she sighs, folding into a southern drawl, “it’s not like I sit down and try to write love songs, but what else is more important than love?” Lauded by American Songwriter Magazine as “captivating”, Brent’s last release, Stardust, saw her voted Female Performer of the Year twice in a row by Americana UK and called up for television and radio appearances on the BBC. For her latest album, Undercover, the Greenville, Mississippi, native setup shop at Brooklyn’s legendary Daptone Studios. Conjured up with trusted collaborator and producer Johnny Sangster, Undercover is a deep Southern roux, combining simple elements of folk, blues, and jazz into a complex and flavorful brew of truth-imbued Americana. 


 Using her world of experience to poke out small town prying eyes amid a groovy, organ heavy title track, she’s positively funky lamenting old habits on “Walking Relapse.” On a bluesy cover of Chuck Willis’ “What’cha Gonna Do When Your Baby Leaves You”, Brent celebrates the forward-looking 1950’s artists patented rock ‘n’ stroll. Her interpretation of Belgian crooner Jacques Brel’s “If You Go Away” matches the emotional complexity and sardonic intensity that made Brel himself famous. She discovered the track listening to Nina Simone records, and brought in another frequent collaborator, cellist Barb Hunter, to arrange strings into a symphony strong enough to make it a James Bond theme.  

Brent’s deftness for inhabiting the perspective of a wronged lover makes her voice extra poignant on her songs about trauma bonds. “I don’t play the blues,” says Brent, “but I’m definitely singin’ ‘em!” Helmed by Brent’s singular, bold, alchemical voice, Undercover is a ferocious amalgam of American roots music, at once devastating and empowering. It’s Bronwynne Brent’s best recording, made at a studio famous for its soul, by a band known for revitalizing rock ‘n’ roll.

Time:                       8pm 
Doors:                    7:30pm 
Tickets:                  £12.50


Buy Tickets
Ages 14+ (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times) 

saturday 29th april
​Horse  

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One of Scotland’s finest singer-songwriters…
 
 
A HORSE show is so much more than just a show, it’s like a reunion of old friends, an event.
 
Fitting then, that she’s returning to MacArts once more, a favourite venue.
 
This acoustic performance shall reveal some of the songs from her long-awaited new album- her 11th, destined for a summer release.
 
As it’s the 30th anniversary of the second album, God’s Home Movie, April’s show will feature a smattering of songs from this classic album.
 
“A Horse concert is a little bit like having a warm and comforting security blanket wrapped around you”
Southside Advertiser


Time:                            8pm 
Doors:                          7:30pm 
Tickets:                        £19

​Buy Tickets
Ages 14+ (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times)



​

SUNDAY 30th April 
The tannahill weavers

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Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for the town's historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the Tannahill Weavers have made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms.  As one of the world's premier traditional Celtic bands, their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, original ballads and lullabies, and humorous tales of life in Scotland.

“The music may be pure old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll.”        
- Winnipeg Free Press


"An especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new."  
 - New York Times


"Formed from a Paisley pub session in 1968, seminal trailblazers the Tannahill Weavers now also rank as national treasures." 

 -Glasgow Celtic Connections 2018

Time:                   8pm
Doors:                7:30pm

Tickets:              £13 Advance // £15 On the Door
Buy Tickets

Ages 14+ (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times)

Friday 12th MaY
​
Mickey 9's  

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​Post-funk evil disco...

Anybody who knows the Scottish music scene will tell you that Mickey 9s are one of the most exciting bands to see live.

The irreverent four-piece from Glasgow combine elements of dance, punk and disco into a blistering, genre-defying groove that sends crowds into a frenzy.

Previous Best Live Act Winners at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards. They are well known for their iconic music videos too.
2023 will see Mickey 9s take their incredible live show on the road to support the release of their third and The Scottish Album of the Year Award 2022 Eligible album, Modern Kunst.


Time:                   8pm
Doors:                7:30pm

Tickets:              £13 Advance // £15 On the Door 
Buy Tickets

Ages 14+ (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times)

saturday 13th may
​
The springsteen sessions 

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After their epic gig at MacArts in May 2022. the gang are back by popular demand! 

Dougie Robertson, the singer/ front man, founded the SPRINGSTEEN SESSIONS in 2014 and they have gone from strength to strength ever since.


Back to playing to large and enthusiastic audiences up and down the UK The SPRINGSTEEN SESSIONS have now totally re-branded - retaining the all-important “front-man” - and have added a complete revamp of the entire band introducing some of the best experienced musicians around.


These guys are all huge fans of “The Boss” and their devotion to replicating the authentic sounds of the “Main Man” and the E-Street Band is obvious.

Time:                     8pm 
Doors:                   7:30pm 
Tickets:                £15 in advance  // £17 on the door
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Buy Tickets
Ages 14+ (14- 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times)

saturday 20th may 
WILDFIRE 
+ dread persephone + Dead bolt

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Scottish Borders' finest ROCK export are finally playing a headline show at the mighty MacArts! 

PLEASE NOTE EARLY START TIME ! 3 x BANDS!

Time                    7:30pm 
Doors                 7pm 
Tickets               £12.50 in advance // £15 on the door 
​​Buy Tickets
​
Ages 14+ (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times) 



Sunday 28th May
Perfect Parachute Picture + TASH

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One of Sheffield's most prominent up and coming rock acts in recent times, Perfect Parachute Picture are armed with a catalogue of juggernaut riffs, pounding rhythms and wonderfully catchy melodies. Edward James (bass) and Kyle Ernest (drums and vocals) are the duo that make up this exciting two piece unit, taking huge strides throughout the UK rock scene with a string of distinguished, thumping singles, and a live show leaving audiences clambering to see the band again. These northern riff makers definitely aren’t ones to leave on in the background. Their debut 2021 EP 'White Walls' saw the band gain extensive airplay from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X, Amazing Radio, local BBC Introducing shows and worldwide airplay in the USA, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and South America to name a few. The band's single 'Idea' also picked up support from Spotify who featured the song on their 'All New Rock', 'New Punk Tracks' and 'The Punk List' playlists, with the latter featuring the song in the playlist for almost six straight months. Their single ‘Don’t Bow’ released in February of 2022 went even further and landed the band their first ever Radio 1 play on Jack Saunders’ evening show, and was John Kennedy’s Radio X X-Posure ‘Hot One’ being played four times in two weeks. Following this, their single ‘Silhouette’ received worldwide airplay and was John Kennedy’s Radio X X-Posure ‘Hot One’ a week before its release. 

​For Fans Of: Queens of the Stone Age, Biffy Clyro, Turbowolf, Dinosaur Pile-Up, DZ Deathrays, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Death from Above 1979, Weezer, Royal Blood


TIME:                     7.30PM 
DOORS:                   7:00PM 
TICKETS:                £8  in advance // £10 on the door

Buy Tickets
Over 14s (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times)

sunday 4th june 
Gary meikle 2023 tour 

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“Most blurbs are written in the 3rd person so they’ll be like ‘Gary is this, Gary is that, you can expect this from Gary’ well I’m writing this myself so, this will be MY 3rd show, or 2.5 as I’m calling it.
 
 I’ve had several top professionals and industry people tell me over the years that I shouldn’t swear as much on stage, that I shouldn’t be as crude or as edgy as I am but guess what, they likely don’t know that as a kid growing up in the care system I was told that I’d be either dead or in jail by the time I was 30 so I tend not to listen to others and do things my way, it’s gotten me this far after all.  So, this show will be a continued celebration of me being me which in the current climate of cancel culture we find ourselves in could be seen as risky but f*** it. 
 
Time:                             8pm 
Doors:                           7pm
Tickets:                        £22
Buy Tickets
​Over 18s only

thursday 15th june
SKIDS

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Due to unprecedented demand  the Skids are making a return to Mac Arts. The band are celebrating the launch of Destination Dusseldorf
Recorded in 2022, the brand new studio album from Scotland's legendary Skids, will be released in March 2023 on an array of Vinyl, CD and DL.


Collaborating with incredible artists like Youth, Hugh Cornwall and Martin Metcalfe - all fans of the band.  Creativity born from friendship and respect lies at the heart of this new album which we think will be one of our finest recordings.

Time:                     8pm 
Doors:                   7:30pm 
Tickets:                £25.50 in advance  // £28 on the door
​
Buy Tickets
Ages 14+ (14- 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times)

SATURDAy 8th JULY
GARY FAULDS: FRONTIER 

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Frontier is Gary’s journey into the unknown, will we find aliens on Mars? Can I get Turkey teeth? Will I ever call my Mum’s boyfriend Da? Can I do yoga without farting? Will the yoga lassie let me back after fart gate? 
 
An action-packed hour of relatable comedy from Gary who just wants to be a better version of himself, but what steps need to be taken for that to happen? How do normal people live the life of these six pack Spartan gods on Instagram who have never have bad days or bits of donner meat stuck to their teeth?  
 
Buy tickets now, come to the gig, turn off your phone and get lost in his madness. You never know, you too could one day be an 18 stone morbidly obese scheme boy, crippled with anxiety and stretch marks.

Time                    8pm 
Doors                  7pm 
Tickets                £25
​Buy Tickets
advisable ages 16+



THURSDAY 24th august 
fleetwood bac 

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FLEETWOOD BAC are the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic ‘Rumours’ line-up.

The sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with the passion and energy that got the seal of approval from ‘Big Daddy’ Mick, and built up an excellent reputation amongst Mac fans through numerous tours, festival appearances, corporate events and TV and radio slots all over the U.K. and Europe.
​

Time:                             8pm 
Doors:                           7:30pm
Tickets:                        £18
Buy Tickets
0ver 14s only (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times) ​​

friday 13th october 
wrest: UK TOUR 2023

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'Fans of Frightened Rabbit and The National will love Edinburgh's wrest' Jim Gellatly

'Scotland's best new band' Border Telegraph

'Best Scottish Album' Scots Whay Hae /Postcards from the Underground

'Scotland's most exciting emerging live act' BBC Radio Shetland
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“An emotional adventure you have to experience” Independent Music News

'Album of the Week' BBC Radio Rapal
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'Ones to Watch ' Independent Music News
xfire live presents...

After sold-out shows across Europe and at iconic venues St Lukes and Liquid Rooms in Scotland, wrest return to Mac Arts in Galashiels for a special headline show





Time                     8pm 
Doors                  7:30pm 
Tickets                £14 Advance / £18 on the door
 

Buy Tickets
Over 14s only (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times )  

saturday 25th november 
Porkpie 

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The one and only PORKPIE are back!

Performing classics from The Specials, Bad Manners , Madness and more! Early booking highly advisable and dancing shoes a must!



Time                     8pm 
Doors                7:30pm 
Tickets                £15
Buy Tickets
Over 14s only (14-16s must be accompanied by an over 18 at all times )  


We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!

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MacArts Centre
Bridge St,
Galashiels
​TD1 1SP

Telephone

01896 756852
​In Emergency 07818284922 / 07934839585

Email

info@macarts.scot
Terms and Conditions
With support from 
​Duncan MacKinnon Music and Arts Trust Ltd is a Registered Scottish Charity No. SC043299​
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