Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008
Traditional Music Programme in date order
The Official Fringe runs from 3rd - 25th August but our programme starts 22nd July and goes on to 31st August!
The world's largest celebration of the arts, the annual Edinburgh International Festival Fringe, is a massive explosion of cultural and artistic expression centred around the official festival. There are many thousands of individual performances taking place during August and Scotland's wonderful traditional music and song gets the chance to blossom during this fantastic and exciting time. Foot Stompin' have made their annual trawl through all the available info including the official Fringe Programme to make up a guide to what's available by way of traditional, folk, world music. There are traditional music events happening all over Edinburgh but the main place for nightly folk and acoustic music is The Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride's which is a five minute walk from Haymarket rail station/road junction along Dalry Road. The venue contains two performance spaces; 'The Big Room' and 'The Back Room'. There is also a nightly programme at The Royal Oak in Infirmary Street in the South Bridge area.
Tickets can be booked online at: (24hours) or by Telephone to the The Fringe Box Office: (9am - 9pm during Festival) or in person at the Fringe Box Office (10am - 9pm), 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS, Scotland. Many venues have their own box office and we will list these when appropriate.
PROGRAMME
22 July: Leith Folk Club presents The House Sisters 20:00. £6.00 A fresh young trio (CARLY BLAIN, RACHEL CROSS, KIRA SLATER) playing traditional and contemporary music from Scotland and beyond. Their thoughtful arrangements combine lovely vocals with fiery fiddles and piano. They play tunes from the Scottish Borders and the rest of Scotland, as well as music from America and Scandinavia and their own compositions. The Village on South Fort Street, EH6 4DN. Tel:
27 July: Festival Folk at the Oak - Gerry Cairns 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
28 July: Festival Folk at the Oak - Martin Boland & Alan Hunter 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
29 July: Leith Folk Club presents Rachel Harrington 20:00. £8.00 Reared among the Pentecostal pines of Oregon, Harrington’s rural gospel roots shine through in her music. Her debut CD, The Bootlegger’s Daughter hit 1 on the Euro-Americana Chart, and climbed into the Top 40 on the Americana Music Association’s radio chart in the US. Rachel is joined by multi-instrumentalist Zak Borden (a solid songwriter in his own right) on vocals, mandolin, guitar and various other weapons of mass destruction. The Village on South Fort Street, EH6 4DN. Tel:
29 July: Festival Folk at the Oak - Simon Hopper 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
30 July: Festival Folk at the Oak - Tom McConville 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
31 July: Festival Folk at the Oak - Kevin MacLeod & Freeland Barbour 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
1- 25 August (excl 11th): Bastard Children of Australian Folk. 20:20 From £8.50 They're the bastard children of twisted folk, old-world Gypsy, ragged Celtic and junkyard blues. A multi-instrumental, globe-hopping jaunt through Australian musical landscapes with wheezing accordions, bleeding harmonicas, tearing guitars, scraping mandolins and more. Carlton Hotel North Bridge Box office
1 – 30 August (excl 6,13,18,25) Scottish Folk Roots and Offshoots – David Ferrard. 18:30 (13:30 – 15,16,17).£7.00 (£5.00) Scottish song and its American offshoots performed in Edinburgh's most intimate folk pub. Ballads, Burns and original songs. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Box Office phone:
1 August: Bob Cheevers 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
2 August: Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham in Concert 19:30 £15.00 Scotland's favourite fiddle & accordion duo. Cramond Kirk, Cramond Glebe Road, Tel:
2 August: Mick West & Frank McLaughlin 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
3 - 24 August: Air Alba – Nancy Nicolson. 15:00 £5.00 Nancy Nicolson's clear eye and sharp wit illuminate facets of Scotland's past and present for Scots and visitors alike. Food, whisky, sex, politics, Burns, Stevenson and more are celebrated in song, story, and music. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street South Bridge. Box Office phone:
3 - 25 August: Night of the Gypsies. 22:00 £10.00 (£8.00) Experience the fire and rhythm of the Roma - the nation without a home. Grammy Award-winning Damian Draghici's Balkan Gypsy Odyssey. Flamenco, Greek, Turkish and Mesopotamian rhythms. A riotous night of Gypsy passion, keeping the fire alive! St George's West, 58 Shandwick Place. Box office:
3 August – Music at the Museum - Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust - Inverkeithing Step Dancers 12:45 & 13:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
3 August – Doghouse Roses. 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
4rd August – Music at the Museum – Jennifer Port, Clarsach, voice 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
4 August: Michael Marra 19:15 £12.00 (£10.00). One of Scotland's most prolific songwriters. Marra delivers finely crafted, thought-provoking and insightful songs with his spine-tingling voice, observing and commenting upon our human condition with a dark humour that always soars above the usual fare. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
4 August – John Malcolm & Stuart McHardy 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
4 August: Traditional Scottish Ceilidh @ The LOT. 21:00 £8.00 (£7.00) An opportunity to get a real taste of traditional Scottish culture. Beautiful Scottish music performed by the award-winning Heeliegoleerie. An evening of dance for the novice to the expert. The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Box Office
4 – 8 August: Stranger Than Fiction – Kayla Kavanagh 21:30 £5.00 (£3.00) The Irish singer/songwriter performs live with an array of instruments, wires and technology, journeying from acoustic to electronic. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
4 – 10 August: The Wilders. 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) Hillbilly hurricane the Wilders from Missouri make a triumphant return after last year's sensational run. 'Their music by rights, should leave vapour trails' (Scotsman). The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
4 – 10 August: Kelly Glasheen and Pamela Gillis. 18:30 £8.00 (£6.00) a blend of melodic folk and modern acoustic. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
4 – 23 August (Excl 10,17): Accidental Death of an Accordionist. 22:45 £12.00 (£10.00). The legendary comedy ceilidh murder mystery theatre show! Enjoy a wild evening at 'Glengirnie Hall': live music, song, dancing - and murder! ' ... red-blooded, rollicking farce ... Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
5 August – Music at the Museum – Garry Innes, Ewan Robertson - Accordion, guitar, voice 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
5 August: Cheyenne Brown and Seylan Baxter 18:30 £8.00 (£6.00). Quirky arrangements of traditional songs and tunes with Scottish harp and cello. Exuberant and sensitive harp playing, mellow, natural singing, and creatively atmospheric cello form rich and varied musical textures with a distinctive style.Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
5 August: Andy McKee and Don Ross. 19:15 & 21:00 £12.00 (£10.00). McKee: a most promising fingerstyle guitarist with a rarely-seen playing style and compositional talent attracting a huge fanbase - over 12 million views on YouTube! Ross: a most respected musician and one of the world's top guitarists. Together - stunning! Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
5 August – Foakies 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
5 August: Wendy Carle Taylor & Tony Mitchell 22:00 (1hr 10m) £10.00. (£8.00) A unique blend of contemporary & traditional songs & guitar solos featuring some brand new compositions & material by Cohen, Bogle, Piaf, Polwart and Burns. “Tony is the most melodic player I have ever heard” Dick Gaughan. “Wendy has the Conyach – the gift of singing from the heart & soul” Sheila Stewart MBE. The Lot, 4-6 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU. Tel
6 August – Music at the Museum – Claire Mann, Aaron Jones - Fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
6 August: David Vernon and Dick Lee 17:45 £10.00 (£8.00) This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform a virtuoso mix of music with infectious enjoyment - French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan. Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
6 – 16 August (excl 10,11,12): Spirit of Scotland 20:00 £8.00 (£6.00). Harry MacFadyen returns to the Fringe with his sell-out show of 2007 and his unique blend of powerful vocals and foot-tapping instrumentals on pipes, guitar and mandolin. 'You're a star' (Inverachray Festival Chairman). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
6 August: Amaiur Dantza Taldea. 20:00. A group of 20 dancers and musicians from the Spanish Basque Country will perform their unique act. Dalriada Bar & Cafe. 77 The Promenade, Edinburgh, EH15 2EL. Tel
6 August – Jim Malcolm 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
7 August – Music at the Museum – Donald Lindsay - Pipes, ballad singer 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
7 August: Toasting the Lassies – Gill Bowman. 13:00. £10.00 (£8.00) Edinburgh, 1796. Ever wondered about the women who inspired the love songs of Robert Burns? Gill Bowman provides the answers. Lighting candles and polishing glasses in anticipation of his arrival, she dishes the dirt! Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
7 August: Jack Paget. 17:00. £8.00 (£6.00) Jack's music ranges through folk to modern popular music. He has used experiences of travelling to write songs about real life - the 'human condition' - songs to leave you feeling good. Excellent guitar playing and a voice to match. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
7 August: Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin. 19:15. £12.00 (£10.00) These outstanding musicians will perform a varied programme of traditional music including haunting fiddle airs, rousing jigs and reels, and Scots and Gaelic song. The group will be joined by other young musicians from across Scotland. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
7 August – Bellevue Rendezvous 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
7 August: Songs from Head and Heart - Bob Cheevers 21:30. £10.00 (£8.00) Bob Cheevers, Emmy-winning Austin, Texas songwriter returns to the Fringe to sing from head and heart. Love and loss, heartbreak and happiness, for richer and for poorer - Cheevers explores all the emotions. Open to heartfelt discussion. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
8 August – Music at the Museum – Panalba - Historical Scottish Folk music 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
8 August: Tam White 19:15. £10.00 (£8.00) If you've seen Tam before, you just know this will be a great show. That voice. Unique. Ohhhh, that voice! Plus songs from Muddy Waters, Mose Allison, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, et al. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
8 August – Alistair Hulett & Phil Snell 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
8 August: Evening with John Wright's Band 21:00. £10.00 (£8.00) Multi-talented musicians celebrate the life and music of outstanding contemporary singer, the late John Wright. A sensitive, varied selection of John's popular songs, showing why John believed these guys were his 'best band ever'!Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
8 August: Songs from Head and Heart - Bob Cheevers 21:30. £10.00 (£8.00) Bob Cheevers, Emmy-winning Austin, Texas songwriter returns to the Fringe to sing from head and heart. Love and loss, heartbreak and happiness, for richer and for poorer - Cheevers explores all the emotions. Open to heartfelt discussion. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
8 August: Emer O’Neill 23:00. £8.00 (£6.00) This singer/songwriter from Belfast comes bearing fierce, poetic lyrics and a pounding rhythm. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
9 August – Music at the Museum – Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust 12:45 &13:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
9 August: David Vernon and Dick Lee 15:00. £10.00 (£8.00) This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform a virtuoso mix of music with infectious enjoyment - French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan. Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
9 August: Toasting the Lassies – Gill Bowman. 17:45. £10.00 (£8.00) Edinburgh, 1796. Ever wondered about the women who inspired the love songs of Robert Burns? Gill Bowman provides the answers. Lighting candles and polishing glasses in anticipation of his arrival, she dishes the dirt! Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
9 August: Amaiur Dantza Taldea. 19:00- 21:00 A group of 20 dancers and musicians from the Spanish Basque Country will perform their unique act. Dalriada Bar & Cafe. 77 The Promenade, Edinburgh, EH15 2EL. Tel
9 August: Billy Jones. 19:15. £10.00 (£8.00) with Swedish multi-instrumentalists Pelle Bolander and David Owe - guitars, fiddles, mandolin, banjo, lap steel, squeezebox, Scandinavian keyed fiddle. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
9 August: Gaelic Culture in the Capital. Margaret Stewart with Ingrid & Allan Henderson. 19:30. £10.00 £8.00. Edinburgh Gaelic Partnership present Gaeic singer Margaret Stewart with multi-instrumentalists Allan & Ingrid Henderson featuring material from Margaret's latest album 'Togaidh mi mo Sheolta' . Columcille Centre 2 Newbattle Terrace. Tickets at the venue or, or pre-booked by email from
9 August – Gillian McDonald & Frank McLaughlin 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
9 August: Alex Yellowlees Hot Club Quartet 21:00 £10.00 (£8.00).Exciting, intoxicating swing laced with Latin rhythms and Celtic Gypsy flair. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
9 August: Bob Cheevers & Dan Britton 21:30 £10.00 (£8.00). Bob Cheevers, now helped by Dan Britton (UK), giving an 'across-the-pond' perspective, continues his exploration of the 'human condition' in song. There are no boundaries or borders! Head-to-head discussion welcomed Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
9 – 12 August: Two Tall Girls – Sophie Bancroft & Christine Hanson 18:30 (9th) 20:) . £10.00 (£8.00) Intimate and sexy. Gorgeous music from two of Scotland's most inventive and distinctive artists, jazz-folk singer/songwriter Sophie Bancroft and Canadian cellist Christine Hanson. 'Refreshing and utterly magical' (Herald). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
10 August – Music at the Museum – Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust - Stirling Highland Dancers 12:45 &13:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
10 August: Emer O’Neill 18:30. £8.00 (£6.00) This singer/songwriter from Belfast comes bearing fierce, poetic lyrics and a pounding rhythm. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
10 August: Outside Track 19:15. £10.00 (£8.00) Sparkling vocal harmony and driving dance tunes on fiddle, flute and accordion, woven together with a unique combination of harp and guitar. This multinational five-piece band is bursting onto the traditional music scene with their distinct sound. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
10 August – Tom Clelland 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
10 August: Bert Jansch 21:00 £15.00 (£12.00). Former member of Pentangle, Jansch's legendary acoustic guitar and emotive songs still hold audiences spellbound. One of the most influential musicians ever. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
10 August: Bob Cheevers & Dan Britton 21:30 £10.00 (£8.00). Bob Cheevers, now helped by Dan Britton (UK), giving an 'across-the-pond' perspective, continues his exploration of the 'human condition' in song. There are no boundaries or borders! Head-to-head discussion welcomed Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
11 August – Music at the Museum – Sarah Naylor, Douglas Millar - Fiddle, keyboard 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
11 August: Jay Brown and the Houstoun Road 18:30 £800 (£6.00). Jay Brown's Fringe debut. New band (the Houstoun Road), new album, a bag of great new songs, and a swirling set that ranges from intimate and aching ballads to driving, E-Street-style rock. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
11 August: Brechin, Wilkinson, Martin 19:15 £10.00 (£8.00). Original and traditional songs and tunes from Edinburgh's own accordion ace, Sandy Brechin, and the new young voice of the Borders - singer/guitarist Ewan Wilkinson - plus guest appearance from Skye's top fiddler, Ronan Martin. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
11 -16 August: Gaelic Culture in the Capital. 19:30. £) £)A different programme each night. 'Sunrise not Secular'; 'Bannal'; 'Mo Roghainn Fhein'; 'A Taste of the Mod'; 'Daimh'; 'Fred Morrison' Experience the unique tradition and cultural wealth of Scottish Gaelic with a lively week of musical and literary events featuring bagpipes, storytelling, drama, music and song, making this an exciting, week-long 'Ceilidh in the City'. Columcille Centre 2 Newbattle Terrace Box office .
11 August: Shooglenifty 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) Groundbreaking Scottish mavericks, 'Shooglenifty' push the word traditional to its limits with their unique blend of dance vibes and root music. Described as 'acid crofters' (Guardian), they forge music that is both brand-new and traditionally rooted. The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
11 August – Ian Bruce 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
11 August: Traditional Scottish Ceilidh @ The LOT. 21:00 £8.00 (£7.00) An opportunity to get a real taste of traditional Scottish culture. Beautiful Scottish music performed by the award-winning Heeliegoleerie. An evening of dance for the novice to the expert. The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Box Office
11 August: Bert Jansch 21:00 £15.00 (£12.00). Former member of Pentangle, Jansch's legendary acoustic guitar and emotive songs still hold audiences spellbound. One of the most influential musicians ever. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
12 -15 August: Chinese Music and Dance Showcase. 12.30 FREE (45 mins). Sandbach School plays host to its international partner, Fukien Secondary School from Hong Kong. Be captivated by their display of traditional Chinese music and dance against the spectacular backdrop of the Royal College of Physicians. 9 Queens Street Tel
12 August – Music at the Museum – Skerryvore - Traditional boy band from Isle of Tiree12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
12 August: David Vernon and Dick Lee 13:00 £10.00 (£8.00) This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform a virtuoso mix of music with infectious enjoyment - French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan. Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
12 August: Findlay Napier and the Bar Room Mountaineers 19:15. £10.00 (£8.00) With songs written by Napier alongside traditional Scottish material, the Mountaineers reach new peaks with their rich, rootsy, progressive sound. Influences are blues, Americana, funk and country, but their sound remains uniquely Scottish. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
12 August: Leith Folk Club presents Mark Cool and Lou Vargo (double bill) 20:00. £6.00 Mark Cool is a folk/alt-country/americana singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Durham, North Carolina. Cool has been compared to Townes Van Zandt, Nebraska era Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, and Old Crow Medicine Show. Lou Vargo makes music. Always has. “Determined”, “gritty”, “brutally honest” and “absolutely brilliant” are just a few ways the U.S. and European press have described Lou Vargo and his debut EP “American Disaster”. The Village on South Fort Street, EH6 4DN. Tel:
12 August – Sara Grey & Kieron Means 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
12 August: Bert Jansch 21:00 £15.00 (£12.00). Former member of Pentangle, Jansch's legendary acoustic guitar and emotive songs still hold audiences spellbound “ One of the most influential musicians ever”. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
12 August: Yiddish Song Project. 21:30 £11.00 (£9.00) From klezmer to jazz, experience the raucous joyfulness and melancholy beauty of the Yiddish musical tradition, and hear new Yiddish music performed by this trio - vocalist Stephanie Brickman, Phil Alexander (piano/accordion), Jo Nicholson (clarinet). The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Tel
13 August – Music at the Museum – Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust - Commonwealth Dancers 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
13 - 17 August: Air Alba – Nancy Nicolson. 18:00 £5.00 Nancy Nicolson's clear eye and sharp wit illuminate facets of Scotland's past and present for Scots and visitors alike. Food, whisky, sex, politics, Burns, Stevenson and more are celebrated in song, story, and music. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street South Bridge. Box Office phone:
13 – 17 August: Not in Our Name: Songs of Peace and Protest 18:30 £12.00 (£10.00) Roy Bailey: 'the greatest socialist folk singer of his generation' (Tony Benn). David Ferrard: 'the fresh-faced saviour of the Scottish protest tradition' (Scotsman). Two voices unite. Inspiring, topical, and entertaining! Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
13 August: Burach 19:15 £10.00 (£8.00) Fronted by the wild box man, Sandy Brechin, the kings of 'heavy folk' present a non-stop 75 minutes of groovin' tune sets and fantastic songs. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
13 August –The Long Notes 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
13 August: Deaf Shepherd 21:00 £12.00 (£10.00) From the Hell-for-leather elation of fiery jigs and reels, through stirring, majestic Highland pipe marches, to the haunting eloquence of slow airs and ballads. 'Simply the best folk band Scotland has produced in many years' (Scotsman). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
13 August: Moishe’s Bagel 21:30 £11.00 (£9.00) Rip-roaring, foot-stomping, jazz-inflected klezmer from some of Scotland's finest. An intoxicating, life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance music, Middle Eastern rhythms and virtuoso performances. The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Box Office
14 August – Music at the Museum – Kathleen Graham - Clarsach, voice 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
14 August: Toasting the Lassies – Gill Bowman. 20:00. £10.00 (£8.00) Edinburgh, 1796. Ever wondered about the women who inspired the love songs of Robert Burns? Gill Bowman provides the answers. Lighting candles and polishing glasses in anticipation of his arrival, she dishes the dirt! Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
14 August – Robin Laing 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
14 August: Malinky 21:00 £10.00 (£8.00) Today's foremost young exponents of Scots song, Malinky celebrate their 10th anniversary since first forming in Edinburgh back in 1998 with a set of brand-new material from their fourth release, due out on Greentrax Recordings in autumn 2008. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
14 August: Geoff 'Hurricane' Watson 21:30 £10.00 (£8.00) ). Watson gushes forth a tornado of spectacular guitar work in original songs and select favourites. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
14 August: Jay Brown and the Houstoun Road 23:00 £800 (£6.00). Jay Brown's Fringe debut. New band (the Houstoun Road), new album, a bag of great new songs, and a swirling set that ranges from intimate and aching ballads to driving, E-Street-style rock. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
14 – 23 August: Caledonian Folk & Blues at the Guildford 20:00 FREE. The Fringe's best free pub music event. 14th year featuring Scotland's favourite folk'n'fun band, Yard of Ale, with guests Mike Whellans, Eddie Walker, Bedford Falls, On The Wagon, Sandy Tweeddale, and F.C Ukelele. Guildford Arms, 1 West Register Street (off East End of Princes Street) Tel
15 August – Music at the Museum – Angus Lyon, Ruaridh Campbell - Accordion, fiddle 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
15 August: The Big Gig: 19:00 £10.00 Talented young songwriters perform brand new songs with musical support and additional performances from established artists including Karine Polwart, Kim Edgar, MC Soom T, Mattie Foulds, and Future Pilot AKA. You'll be moved and impressed! The Music Box, Stevenson College Tel:
15 August: Deaf Shepherd 19:15 £12.00 (£10.00) From the Hell-for-leather elation of fiery jigs and reels, through stirring, majestic Highland pipe marches, to the haunting eloquence of slow airs and ballads. 'Simply the best folk band Scotland has produced in many years' (Scotsman). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
15 August – Paul McKenna Band 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
15 August: The McCalmans 21:00 £12.00 (£10.00) 'Simply the Best' (Scotland on Sunday). Live band of the year, 2006; 26 albums, world tours, countless radio and TV series, full-frontal singing. New material guaranteed. Hilarious and thoughtful in equal measures. Been there, done it, got the beer mug! Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
15 – 18 August: Adam Bulley & Malcolm MacFarlane. 21:30 £10.00 (£8.00) This guitar duo promises an even more exciting experience than last year's critically-acclaimed shows. New music, more instruments - a debut CD too! 'Bulley and MacFarlane's frenetic fretwork is both powerful and inspirational' (Garden Sessions). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
15 August: Geoff 'Hurricane' Watson 23:00 £10.00 (£8.00) ). Watson gushes forth a tornado of spectacular guitar work in original songs and select favourites. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
16 August – Music at the Museum – Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust 12:45 & 13:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
16 August: Toasting the Lassies – Gill Bowman. 13:00. £10.00 (£8.00) Edinburgh, 1796. Ever wondered about the women who inspired the love songs of Robert Burns? Gill Bowman provides the answers. Lighting candles and polishing glasses in anticipation of his arrival, she dishes the dirt! Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
16 August: David Vernon and Dick Lee 15:00 £10.00 (£8.00) This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform a virtuoso mix of music with infectious enjoyment - French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan. Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
16 August: Colin Clyne 17:00 £8.00 (£6.00) Clyne's story-like lyrics are steeped in blues and folk rock; his live performances have been described as heartfelt, passionate, dynamic and powerful. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
16 August – Kieran Halpin 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
16 August: The McCalmans 21:00 £12.00 (£10.00) 'Simply the Best' (Scotland on Sunday). Live band of the year, 2006; 26 albums, world tours, countless radio and TV series, full-frontal singing. New material guaranteed. Hilarious and thoughtful in equal measures. Been there, done it, got the beer mug! Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
16 August: Jake Cogan 23:00 £8.00 (£6.00) Quietly becoming recognised as one of folk music's most exciting voices. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
17 August – Music at the Museum – Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust - Celtic Storm. 12:45 & 13:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
17 August: Deaf Shepherd 19:15 £12.00 (£10.00) From the Hell-for-leather elation of fiery jigs and reels, through stirring, majestic Highland pipe marches, to the haunting eloquence of slow airs and ballads. 'Simply the best folk band Scotland has produced in many years' (Scotsman). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
17 August: Celebrate the Music of the Scottish Harp in Historic Rosslyn Chapel - Ailie Robertson & Friends 19:30 £10.00 (£8.00) Acclaimed, award-winning clarsach player, Ailie Robertson and a new generation of talented young Scottish performers invite you to enjoy traditional dance tunes, beautiful songs - and a few surprises! Rosslyn Chapel Roslin, Midlothian Tel
17 August: Ken Hastings 20:00 £8.00 Bringing forth echoes of the 1960s, when he began his singing career, but citing MacLean, McTell and Taylor among myriad influences, Ken writes 'songs in the broadside tradition - all catchy numbers with local or topical themes' Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
17 August – Eddie Walker 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
17 August: Jock Tamson's Bairns 21:00 £10.00 (£8.00) 'The singing, the playing, the harmonies, the sheer undiluted quality remain as the benchmark for any others who aspire to understand and convey traditional Scottish music at its finest ... one of the finest groups ever' Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
18 August: Miraculous Mandolin 12.30. £8 Enjoy the mandolin as you have never heard it before. Alison Stephens is not only Britain's leading classical mandolinist, but also a consummate performer. Using three different instruments, she reveals the best-kept secrets of this charming instrument. St Andrew's & St George's Church, 13 George Street. Tel
18 August – Music at the Museum – Anna Wendy Stevenson, Ewan McPherson - Fiddle, guitar 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
18 August: Adrian Legg 19:15. £12.00 (£10.00). ”joyfully emotional collision between classical melodic sophistication and the ballsy American guitar..” Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
18 August: Toasting the Lassies – Gill Bowman. 20:00. £10.00 (£8.00) Edinburgh, 1796. Ever wondered about the women who inspired the love songs of Robert Burns? Gill Bowman provides the answers. Lighting candles and polishing glasses in anticipation of his arrival, she dishes the dirt! Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
18 August: Shooglenifty 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) Groundbreaking Scottish mavericks, 'Shooglenifty' push the word traditional to its limits with their unique blend of dance vibes and root music. Described as 'acid crofters' (Guardian), they forge music that is both brand-new and traditionally rooted. The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
18 August: Scottish Piping 20:00 £8.00 Members of the Royal Scottish Pipers Society will perform traditional bagpipe music, both on the Great Highland Pipes and the 'small pipes'. A variety of music is promised, including the classical Ceol Mhor or big music of the Piobaireachd. St Mark's artSpace, 7 Castle Terrace. Box office Tel
18 August – Claire Mann & Aaron Jones 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
18 August: Fribo 21:00. £10.00 (£8.00). A unique collaboration between Norwegian singer Anne Sofie Linge Valdal, Scottish fiddler Sarah-Jane Summers and English-born guitarist Ewan MacPherson, rapidly gaining recognition and acclaim for blending musical styles with sensitivity and an exuberant feel for contemporary sounds and rhythms. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
18 August: Traditional Scottish Ceilidh @ The LOT. 21:00 £8.00 (£7.00) An opportunity to get a real taste of traditional Scottish culture. Beautiful Scottish music performed by the award-winning Heeliegoleerie. An evening of dance for the novice to the expert. The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Box Office
18 – 23 August: Burns and Tannahill: Twa Robs. 19:30 £8.00 (£7.00) Weatherby, Morran, Brechin, Duff, Freeman . Foot-tapping instrumental/vocal Scottish folk music on accordion, cittern, whistle, cello, voices. Ideal show for families. Scotland's finest - from Linn 'Complete Burns' CDs. 'Great voices, great songs, tasteful arrangements. Diverse Attractions, Riddles Court 322 Lawnmarket. Tel
18 August: Celebrate the Music of the Scottish Harp – Sileas. 7:30 £10.00. Sìleas: Scotland's most original harp duo. Since 1981, Mary Macmaster and Patsy Seddon have been at the forefront of the recent revival of both the clarsach and the Scottish harp. A sparkling soundscape. St Andrew's & St George's Church, 13 George Street. Tel
18 August: Miraculous Mandolin 14.30. £8 Enjoy the mandolin as you have never heard it before. Alison Stephens is not only Britain's leading classical mandolinist, but also a consummate performer. Using three different instruments, she reveals the best-kept secrets of this charming instrument. St Andrew's & St George's Church, 13 George Street. Tel
19 August – Music at the Museum – Mary Ann Kennedy - Clarsach, voice 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
19 - 25 August: Special Ed & The Shortbus. 18:00 (14:00 23,24) £13 (£10) Sensational stablemates of The Wilders, this hot five-piece are fast becoming the most talked about act on the US festival circuit. It's the first time Edinburgh will experience their light-the-blue-touch-paper-and-stand-back hillbilly style, presented with a hugely entertaining Vaudevillian edge. The Famous Spiegeltent (venue 87), George Square Gardens. Box office: &
19 August: John Renbourn 19:15 & 21:00 £15.00 (£12.00) Founder member of the influential folk/jazz fusion band, Pentangle. This legendary fingerstyle guitarist plays material from his extensive, highly original repertoire, spanning Celtic classics through to jazz/blues and early music transcriptions. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
19 August: The Poozies 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) Passionate, hectic, exciting, eclectic. In 17 years they seem to have found the secret of eternal youth. Exquisite musicianship, heart-wrenching harmony and the broadest musical palette. In a world wrapped in grey ... a giant splash of colour! The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
19 August: Leith Folk Club presents Pipedown 20:00. £6.00 Pipedown are a pipes-led traditional music group based in Scotland, with a sound and approach that is fresh and exciting. Described by The Living Tradition magazine as one of the most talented pipes led groups around they have been delighting audiences all over the British Isles and Mainland Europe with their lively performances and superb musicianship. They were Danny Kyle Award winners at Celtic Connections 2001 and have released two critically acclaimed albums.The Village on South Fort Street, EH6 4DN. Tel:
19 August – Ann and David Reekie 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
19 – 23 August: Nick Keir – The Fires of Edinburgh. 21:25 £6.00 (£4.00) Internationally acclaimed Edinburgh songwriter (McCalmans, Tolkien Ensemble) gives a wry, affectionate insider's view of the festival city in a wonderfully atmospheric venue. 'Intelligent lyrics, appealing melodies and flavoursome delivery'
19 August: Wingin’ It 21:30 £10.00 (£8.00) This fresh, dynamic young guitar duo won a Danny award at Celtic Connections 2007. Expect crisp, hot, dazzling, expert musicianship in their Fringe debut. 'They left some traditionalist mouths hanging open, but the boys absolutely nailed it' (Herald). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
19 August: Wendy Carle Taylor & Tony Mitchell. 22:00 (1hr 10m) £10.00. (£8.00) A unique blend of contemporary & traditional songs & guitar solos featuring some brand new compositions & material by Cohen, Bogle, Piaf, Polwart and Burns. “Tony is the most melodic player I have ever heard” Dick Gaughan. “Wendy has the Conyach – the gift of singing from the heart & soul” Sheila Stewart MBE. The Lot, 4-6 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU. Tel
20 August – Music at the Museum – Anna Massie, Mairearad Green - Fiddle, banjo, mandolin, accordion, pipes 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
20 August: Jan Akkerman + Gareth Pearson 19:15 & 21:00 £15.00 (£12.00) During a 50-year career, Akkerman has done almost anything a musician could possibly do, and still heads into new ideas with typical enthusiasm. A rare opportunity to see one of the world's greatest guitarists up-close. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
20 August: Celebrate the Music of the Scottish Harp 19:30 £10.00. Gaelic and Scottish songs, airs, strathspeys and reels presented in an informal ceilidh atmosphere by na Clarsairean, the Scottish Harp Orchestra, Lothian Gaelic Choir, Jim Ferguson and Isobel Mieras. Fiddle, harp and voice.. St Andrew's & St George's Church, 13 George Street. Tel
20 August: Blazin’ Fiddles 19:30 £14.00. From remote village halls to the Royal Albert Hall, Blazin' Fiddles have delighted audiences with their Highlands-and-islands fiddle music and tales. They celebrate their 10th year with new music from their latest album, 'Blazin' Fiddles Live'. Brunton Theatre, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh Box office: Tel
20 August: Toasting the Lassies – Gill Bowman. 20:00. £10.00 (£8.00) Edinburgh, 1796. Ever wondered about the women who inspired the love songs of Robert Burns? Gill Bowman provides the answers. Lighting candles and polishing glasses in anticipation of his arrival, she dishes the dirt! Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
20 August: The Poozies 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) Passionate, hectic, exciting, eclectic. In 17 years they seem to have found the secret of eternal youth. Exquisite musicianship, heart-wrenching harmony and the broadest musical palette. In a world wrapped in grey ... a giant splash of colour! The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
20 August – Jim Bainbridge 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
20 August: Yiddish Song Project. 21:30 £11.00 (£9.00) From klezmer to jazz, experience the raucous joyfulness and melancholy beauty of the Yiddish musical tradition, and hear new Yiddish music performed by this trio - vocalist Stephanie Brickman, Phil Alexander (piano/accordion), Jo Nicholson (clarinet). The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Tel
20 August: Wingin’ It 21:30 £10.00 (£8.00) This fresh, dynamic young guitar duo won a Danny award at Celtic Connections 2007. Expect crisp, hot, dazzling, expert musicianship in their Fringe debut. 'They left some traditionalist mouths hanging open, but the boys absolutely nailed it' (Herald). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
21 August: Fife Youth Concert Band & Kingdom Fiddlers. 12:30 £5.00 (£2.50) Fife Youth Concert Band will perform an exciting programme including music from Bedford, Holst and Fagan, plus 'Superman' by Williams, alongside Kingdom Fiddlers, who will perform traditional tunes interspersed with movie. Central Hall, West Tolcross Tel
21 August – Music at the Museum – Ailie Robertson – Clarsach 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
21 August: Miraculous Mandolin 16.30. £8.00 Enjoy the mandolin as you have never heard it before. Alison Stephens is not only Britain's leading classical mandolinist, but also a consummate performer. Using three different instruments, she reveals the best-kept secrets of this charming instrument. St Andrew's & St George's Church, 13 George Street. Tel
21 August: Stefan Grossman 19:15 £12.00 (£10.00) Grossman is a performer of varied guitar styles who has been passionately engaged in teaching throughout the 30 years since his 'How to Play Blues Guitar' appeared on vinyl. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
21 August: Women in Harmony: Annie Grace, Corrina Hewat and Karine Polwart. 19:15 £12.00 (£10.00). This unique show will sell out! Distinctive voices with harp, pipes/whistle and guitar perform innovative arrangements of Scots dance songs, lullabies, laments, supernatural and spiritual tales, striking original compositions. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
21 August: Blazin’ Fiddles 19:30 £14.00. From remote village halls to the Royal Albert Hall, Blazin' Fiddles have delighted audiences with their Highlands-and-islands fiddle music and tales. They celebrate their 10th year with new music from their latest album, 'Blazin' Fiddles Live'. Brunton Theatre, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh Box office: Tel
21 August: Eddie McGuire: Flute/Guitar/Piano Music 19:30 £10.00 (£6.00) Enjoy music by the celebrated Glasgow composer that achieved Gramophone Magazine's Editor's Choice, with outstanding performers Nancy Ruffer (flute), Abigail James (guitar), Dominic Saunders (piano). Includes premiere: 'Resistance Movement'. Canongate Kirk, Canongate, The Royal Mile Box office
21 August – Mike & Ali Vass 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
21 August: Austin George 21:00 £8.00 (£6.00) Creative Edinburgh singer/songwriter Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
21 August: Moishe’s Bagel 21:30 £11.00 (£9.00) Rip-roaring, foot-stomping, jazz-inflected klezmer from some of Scotland's finest. An intoxicating, life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance music, Middle Eastern rhythms and virtuoso performances. The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Box Office
21 August: Mike Whellans 23:00 £10.00 (£8.00) Scotland's only one-man, 12-bar rhythm'n'blues band. Crisp, live-wire-fast, accurate flat-picking on acoustic and electric guitars; fabulously wild mouth-harp; all underpinned with drum kit and Mike's own highly idiosyncratic speciality - mouth percussion. And he sings. Wow! Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
22 August – Music at the Museum – Calum Stewart, Andy May - Wooden flute, piano 12:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
22 August: Toasting the Lassies – Gill Bowman. 13:00. £10.00 (£8.00) Edinburgh, 1796. Ever wondered about the women who inspired the love songs of Robert Burns? Gill Bowman provides the answers. Lighting candles and polishing glasses in anticipation of his arrival, she dishes the dirt! Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
22 August: David Vernon and Dick Lee 17:45 £10.00 (£8.00) This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform a virtuoso mix of music with infectious enjoyment - French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan. Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
22 August: Celebrate the Music of the Scottish Harp – Catriona Mackay & Chris Stout 19:30 £10.00. Superb duo Catriona McKay (clarsach) and Chris Stout (Shetland fiddle/viola): 'a divine concoction of tradition and bold imagination - sensual, throaty fiddle lines - harp is deliciously angular and haughty - unimpeachable' (Irish Times). St Andrew's & St George's Church, 13 George Street. Tel
22 August: Whistlebinkies in Concert 19:30 £10.00 (£6.00) Come and enjoy our blend of harp, flute, fiddle, lowland pipes, concertina, drums, voice and bass. A beautiful acoustic sound. Canongate Kirk, Canongate, The Royal Mile Box office
22 August – Sinsheen 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
22 August: Women in Harmony: Annie Grace, Corrina Hewat and Karine Polwart. 21:00 £12.00 (£10.00). This unique show will sell out! Distinctive voices with harp, pipes/whistle and guitar perform innovative arrangements of Scots dance songs, lullabies, laments, supernatural and spiritual tales, striking original compositions. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
22 August: Austin George 21:00 £8.00 (£6.00) Creative Edinburgh singer/songwriter Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
22 August: Dick Gaughan 21:00 £12.00 (£10.00) Born in Glasgow, raised in Leith, toured the world since - the troubadour. A most respected and sought-after musician, Dick is at once compassionate and passionate, soft and edgy - making new friends, new enemies and influencing people. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
22 August: Gill Bowman 23:00 £10.00 (£8.00) Traditional Scots songs, self-penned songs, Burns songs - lots of laughs - all accompanied by self-assured and inventive acoustic guitar. Gill Bowman is 'both literally and figuratively - something of a clear voice singing out in the wilderness' Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
23 August – Music at the Museum –Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust 12:45 & 13:45 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
23 August: Toasting the Lassies – Gill Bowman. 13:00. £10.00 (£8.00) Edinburgh, 1796. Ever wondered about the women who inspired the love songs of Robert Burns? Gill Bowman provides the answers. Lighting candles and polishing glasses in anticipation of his arrival, she dishes the dirt! Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
23 August: Tattie Jam 17:00 £8.00 (£6.00) A juicy, surprising brew of songs and tunes, ancient and modern. Distinctive, versatile guitar picking, fluid cello and expressive vocals in exciting arrangements of humorous, pithy new songs, funky dance tunes, keening slow airs and haunting ballads. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
23 August: Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder 18:30 £10.00 (£8.00) Prize-winning fiddler ('The next Alasdair Fraser' [Scotland Press & Post]) and virtuoso mandolinist ('Rising mandolin star' [Mandolin Magazine]) render traditional Irish and Scottish music with hints of classical refinement and ethnic influences. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
23 August: Filska 19:15 £12.00 (£10.00) Three fiddles, one guitar: the scintillating sound of contemporary Shetland in a rare Edinburgh showcase. Featuring Jenna Reid, Bethany Reid, Gemma Wilson and Andrew Tulloch, this internationally-acclaimed quartet is taking their native tradition to new heights. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
23 August: Chinese Music - Old and New. 20:00 £10.00 (£6.00) Enjoy beautiful melody and pulsating dance music! Fine performers include Yanmei Wu (zheng, dance), Sun Zhuo (zheng), Kimho Ip (yang qin), Hooiling Eng and Eddie McGuire (flute). Part of China Now. Canongate Kirk, Canongate, The Royal Mile Box office
23 August: Shooglenifty 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) Groundbreaking Scottish mavericks, 'Shooglenifty' push the word traditional to its limits with their unique blend of dance vibes and root music. Described as 'acid crofters' (Guardian), they forge music that is both brand-new and traditionally rooted. The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
23 August – Stairheid Gossip 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
23 August: North Sea Gas 21:00 £10.00 (£8.00) Scotland's foremost folk music entertainers are back with more great songs and humour. 'There are no airs and graces, just fantastic music' (Edinburgh Guide 2007; EdinburghGuide.com). Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
23 August: Sinsheen 21:30 £10.00 (£8.00) Two great voices in harmony. 'Scintillating ... extraordinary breadth and depth ... awe-inspiring performance, cut with two warm and engaging stage presences, and a clutch of emotionally charged songs which spoke to the heart and stirred the soul' Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
23 August: Yiddish Song Project. 21:30 £11.00 (£9.00) From klezmer to jazz, experience the raucous joyfulness and melancholy beauty of the Yiddish musical tradition, and hear new Yiddish music performed by this trio - vocalist Stephanie Brickman, Phil Alexander (piano/accordion), Jo Nicholson (clarinet). The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Tel
23 August: Dougie MacLean Acoustic Band. 22:00 £15.00 (£14.00) Famous for his song 'Caledonia' and tune 'The Gael' ('Last of the Mohicans'), Dougie MacLean is 'a musical hero' (Wall Street Journal). The Queen’s Hall Clerk Street, Box office:
23 August: Gill Bowman 23:00 £10.00 (£8.00) Traditional Scots songs, self-penned songs, Burns songs - lots of laughs - all accompanied by self-assured and inventive acoustic guitar. Gill Bowman is 'both literally and figuratively - something of a clear voice singing out in the wilderness' Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
24 August – Music at the Museum – Finale Ceilidh - Canongate Cadjers Ceilidh Band 14:00 FREE. (Duration 45mins) Get a taste of Scotland's traditional music scene with 'Live Music Now! Scotland'. National Museum of Scotland Chamber Street. Tel
24 August: David Vernon and Dick Lee 13:00. £10.00 (£8.00) This brilliant accordion and clarinet duo perform a virtuoso mix of music with infectious enjoyment - French, jazz, Jewish, traditional, Balkan. Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row
24 August: Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder 18:30 £10.00 (£8.00) Prize-winning fiddler ('The next Alasdair Fraser' [Scotland Press & Post]) and virtuoso mandolinist ('Rising mandolin star' [Mandolin Magazine]) render traditional Irish and Scottish music with hints of classical refinement and ethnic influences. Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
24 August: Breabach: Double-Barrel Bagpipes 19:15 £12.00 (£10.00) Breathtaking Scottish music from award-winning band with flute, fiddle, guitar, songs, dance and - wait for it - two sets of bagpipes! Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
24 August: Celebrate the Music of the Scottish Harp in Historic Rosslyn Chapel - Cheyenne Brown/Seylan Baxter 19:30 £10.00 (£8.00) Vibrant young duos, Cheyenne Brown/Seylan Baxter - harp, cello, voice - and Rachel Hair/Paul Tracey - harp, guitar - blend traditional Scottish/Irish and contemporary music with fire, grace and humour. Rosslyn Chapel Roslin, Midlothian Tel
24 August: Shooglenifty 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) Groundbreaking Scottish mavericks, 'Shooglenifty' push the word traditional to its limits with their unique blend of dance vibes and root music. Described as 'acid crofters' (Guardian), they forge music that is both brand-new and traditionally rooted. The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
24 August – Kinrick 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
24 August: TMSA Young Trad Tour: 21:00 £12.00 (£10.00 Finalists on BBC Radio Scotland's 'Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2008'. Featuring eight exceptionally talented young Scottish musicians: pipers, fiddlers, accordionists and whistlers, with tunes, Gaelic and Scots songs. A memorable evening. . Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
24 August: Sarah-Jane Summers + Ewan MacPherson: 21:30 £10.00 (£8.00). ... lush Highland fiddle with a Nordic edge' (Cromarty Old Brewery). Contemporary and traditional Norwegian hardanger and Highland fiddle: 'light and jaunty in one tune, all darkness and brooding in another'. . Acoustic Music Centre @ St Bride’s, 10 Orwell Terrace Edinburgh EH112DY. Box Office phone:
24 August: Moishe’s Bagel 21:30 £11.00 (£9.00) Rip-roaring, foot-stomping, jazz-inflected klezmer from some of Scotland's finest. An intoxicating, life-affirming mix of Eastern European dance music, Middle Eastern rhythms and virtuoso performances. The Lot, 4 Grassmarket. Box Office
25 - 28 August: Land and Sea Theatre Company presents "Lament for the Little Boats". 19:30 £10.00 (£8.00) A drama by Howard Purdie about the 1881 Eyemouth Disater when 129 fishermen lost theri lives in a terrible storm. Join our Victorian congregation and be drawn into the heartbreaking events of Black Friday. Methodist Church, Nicloson Square, Edinburgh. Box office: or at the door.
25 August: Scottish Piping 20:00 £8.00 Members of the Royal Scottish Pipers Society will perform traditional bagpipe music, both on the Great Highland Pipes and the 'small pipes'. A variety of music is promised, including the classical Ceol Mhor or big music of the Piobaireachd. St Mark's artSpace, 7 Castle Terrace. Box office Tel
25 August: Shooglenifty 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) Groundbreaking Scottish mavericks, 'Shooglenifty' push the word traditional to its limits with their unique blend of dance vibes and root music. Described as 'acid crofters' (Guardian), they forge music that is both brand-new and traditionally rooted. The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
25 August – Mark Dunlop 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
26 August: Leith Folk Club presents Adam Sutherland, Paul Jennings and Mike Bryan 20:00. £6.00 A unique collaboration between three wildly creative musicians who between them have been members of the Peatbog Faeries, Session A9, Croft No 5, the Bar Room Mountaineers, Old Blind Dogs and Box Club. This promises to be a very special evening's entertainment!.The Village on South Fort Street, EH6 4DN. Tel:
26 August – Gavin Marwick and Friends 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
27 August – Russell’s House 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
28 August – Nancy Nicolson 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
29 August – Alastair McDonald 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
30 August: Tam White and The Dexters 20:00 £15.00 (£13.00) The legend returns to his natural habitat. The real deal with real musicians, lyrics and music. Tam is Scotland's own. Blues, soul and jazz tracks - sublime! The Spiegel Garden George Square Gardens Box office:
30 August – Gill Bowman 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
31 August – Nick Keir 20:30 £5.00. Edinburgh's legendary folk pub presents 35 nights featuring the finest acoustic music performed by Scottish and international folk and trad artistes in an intimate, welcoming ambience. Book early! Sell-out in past years. The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street, South Bridge. Tel:
Tickets can be booked online at: (24hours) or by Telephone to the The Fringe Box Office: (9am - 9pm during Festival) or in person at the Fringe Box Office (10am - 9pm), 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS, Scotland. | 
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