|
|
|
Celtic Music Venues & Session Pubs
Here's a list of venues across the country supporting Scottish music. Some, like Sandy Bells bar in Edinburgh are world famous! If you have any to add or edit please contact us
|
| | 3 Bellies Brae, Kirriemuir - Tuesday nights - mixed session with local musicians & singers - very welcoming. Tel: 01575 574889. |
| An Tobar Arts Centre, Gallery and Café based in a Victorian school building overlooking Tobermory Bay, showing the best of local and touring exhibitions which change monthly. Full programme of Concerts, (many of them traditional music) Events and Workshops also available throughout the year.
Argyll Terrace, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Argyll, PA75 6PB (map)
Telephone: 01688 302 211
Web site: http://www.antobar.co.uk
|
| Leith's first totally non-smoking pub "The Black Swan" at 23/24 Sandport Place is hosting a new Sunday evening traditional music & song session from Sunday 27th February starting 7.30pm. Tim O'Leary, Claire Mann & Allan Johnston are session hosts and will welcome any folk musicians/singers/listeners & drinkers who would like to join them there. Freshly re-furbished and recently re-opened after a long period of closure the bar looks a promising venue.
Directions from The Shore, in Leith are walk up river as far as the Raj Indian restuarant and walk over the bridge to Sandport Place. The Black Swan is a further 50 yards or so on the left. Meals are available. Children are allowed until 8.00pm.
|
| Broadbeat at Cafe Drummonds, Aberdeen is dedicated to bringing a monthly night dedicated to traditional scottish music back to the centre of the city.
Every 4th Thursday
Cafe Drummonds, 1 Belmont Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1JR: Tel: 01224 619931
How to get there: Directions from A90
Enter the roundabout GARTHDEE ROUNDABOUT. Leave the roundabout onto A9013 HOLBURN STREET. Carry on up HOLBURN STREET and onto UNION STREET. Turn left onto UNION TERRACE. Turn right onto SCHOOLHILL Turn left onto BACK WYND. Turn left onto GAELIC LANE. Turn right onto BELMONT STREET
|
| The Ceilidh Club at the Lot runs every Tuesday evening from 8pm in one of Edinburgh's finest acoustics music venues, holding up to 80 people and features a beautiful wooden floor, an inhouse, state of the art, sound system and lighting.
Featuring some of Edinburgh top ceilidh bands. Each band has a caller who will teach the dances, so the event is great for everyone from complete beginners to experienced ceilidhers.
Tickets £6 on the door and reserved by calling The Lot on 0131 225 9922 or Mark Neal Tel: 0131 621 4709
Dancing will be to three or four piece bands featuring some of the best fiddlers, accordionists and rhythm sections from the most popular Edinburgh ceilidh bands. The bands will include players from the Robert Fish Band, the Belle Stars and Bella McNab. Each band will have a caller who will teach some of the best known and popular dances, and some more unusual dances. You don't need a partner, as everyone is here to share a good time.
The Lot,
4 - 6 The Grassmarket,
Edinburgh EH1 2JU
Telephone: 0131 225 9922
http://www.edinburghceilidhs.com
|
| | Drouthy Neebours, 1 - 3 West Preston Street in Edinburgh's Southside. Occasional sessions, musicians welcome. Contact the pub 0131-662-9617 |
| Hosting a great and varied selection of music, the Loft caters to most tastes - with Blues, Indie, Celtic, Country, Americana, Folk & Jazz regularly taking their turn on stage. Has a session night every first Wednesday of the month and an Open Mic night every third Wednesday. Always a very well attended session in a very atmospheric setting
Originally a traditional sandstone farm building, it was converted in early 2002 from a grain loft with cart shed below to what is now one of the country's best live music venues. Upstairs the Loft remains more or less unchanged from its original use with the pitch pine roof beams left uncovered and the floor showing all the signs of its previous life. The only additions have been the construction of a stage & of course - a bar.
East Grange Loft is situated 1/2 mile off the A96, travel 4 miles from Forres toward Elgin and look out for the sign post "East Grange Loft & Activities" on the left hand side of the road.
To find out who is playing at the Loft. -Tel: 01343 850 078 - web: http://www.eastgrange.co.uk/
|
| The "Edinburgh University Folk Song Society" was renamed "Edinburgh University Folk Society" to reflect the high proportion of instrumentalists and instrumental music involved. Today it consists of 10-15 student members and at least as many non-student members. There is the occasional older member as well as all the younger students and ex-students. Non-students include staff members and those who are otherwise connected to the university, including a proportion who are former students or who tutor students.
The club meet every Tuesday at 9.00pm at 48a The Pleasance in Edinburgh. Meetings are notoriously informal and involve music, chat, crisps, sweets, beer and the occasional home baking! All instrumentalists, singers and listeners are welcome.
For more information email: eufolksoc@yahoo.co.uk
|
| Marieke Smegen finds the best places for a traditional tune.
Scotland is famous for its traditional music. Wherever you go, you have a good chance of coming across some local musicians having a tune. The musical tradition goes back hundreds of years. At first, people gathered in their houses for so-called ‘ceilidhs’: an event with music, dance and poetry. Nowadays you are more likely to find this tradition lives on in the local pub.
Music can happen anywhere and the best sessions often take place in the most unexpected locations. However, some places in Scotland are particularly well known for their music. It is impossible to mention them all, but in this article we will try and give you some places to start.
All pubs mentioned below have music several nights a week. They are open to anyone having a tune, so if you fancy it, bring an instrument and join the fun.
Edinburgh
1. Sandy Bells
25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QH
Tel. 0131 225 1156
This pub is famous for its daily traditional sessions. Musicians from all over the world head for Sandy Bells when they are in town. The pub is small, but musicians always manage to squeeze into a back corner of the bar. The late songwriter and collector Hamish Henderson was a frequent visitor to this bar. Nowadays you can find musicians from bands such as Boys of the Lough, Shooglenifty, Tannahill Weavers and Fine Friday joining the sessions. Best times to visit are daily between 9pm and 1am and Saturdays and Sundays also between 4pm and 7pm.
2. Royal Oak
1 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT
Tel. 0131 557 2976
http://www.royal-oak-folk.com/
The Royal Oak is another well-known place in Edinburgh. It is open until 2am, which can result in some great late-night sessions after the neighbouring pubs have shut. The Royal Oak has a lounge bar and a public bar. Live music happens every night between 9.30 and 1.30, but, according to the bar, music can start “whenever a visiting musician feels like playing. This can be at anytime during opening hours - sometimes a 'Wandering Minstrel' and sometimes a 'Famous Face' - the music can start at any time.”
Glasgow
3. The Lismore Bar
206 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6UN
Tel. 0141 576 0102
The Lismore Bar in Glasgow is a stylish designed bar in Glasgow’s West End. It is named after the Hebridean Isle Lismore. Within the pub there are many references to the Highland Clearances. Special themed stained glass windows depict the story. Traditional sessions take place twice a week (each Tuesday and Thursday, 9pm). The pub is also host to McEwans Sessions (see below). If you fancy a dram, do not forget to check out their extensive whisky collection.
4. Lauries Bar
34 King Street, Glasgow, G1 5QT
Tel. 0141 552 7123
This relatively new bar has already built up a reputation in live music. Currently the bar has live music about three nights a week, but it is aiming to get live music daily by the end of the year. The pub consists of the main bar and a backroom that is used for concerts and open mic nights. Traditional Scottish food is served every day until 8pm. A statue of the Scottish national poet Robert Burns stands prominently in the bar. It is a photo opportunity not to be missed.
Scottish Borders
5. Alister’s Vintage Bar
4 Ednam Road, Stichill, TD5 7TD
Tel. 01573 470 376
This is probably the most remarkable music bar in Scotland. First of all, it is unlicensed, so you will need to bring your own alcohol. 79-year-old Alister Blackie runs the bar, which is situated in the back room of his own house. The space is small, and the maximum number of people Alister has seen inside is 29. The place welcomes anyone who wants to come in for a tune or a chat. Over the years it has become famous amongst many Scottish musicians. As a result, piper Finlay MacDonald and fiddle player Chris Stout wrote a tune for the bar. They naturally named it ‘Alister’s Vintage Bar’.
Central Scotland
6. The Taybank Inn
Tay Terrace, Dunkeld, PH8 0AQ
Tel. 01350 72 734
http://www.thetaybank.com/
This hotel and bar was previously owned by Scottish singer/songwriter Dougie MacLean. He made the Taybank Inn into what it is now: a meeting place for musicians. The bar often has spontaneous traditional sessions. It also hosts folk concerts several times a year. The upstairs ‘Acoustic Music Gallery’ is used for music classes. The hotel is situated on the banks of the river Tay, and looks out over Birnam Hill. This is the site of the ruins of King Duncan’s Castle, made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
West Coast
7. The Ceilidh Place
West Argyle Street, Ullapool, IV26 2TY
Tel. 01854 612 103
http://www.theceilidhplace.com
The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool exists of a bar, restaurant, hotel and bunkhouse. It is a big place that even caters for conferences. There are no set nights for live music, but folk concerts take place throughout the year and more regularly in the summer. The owners and some bar staff play instruments themselves, so music is never far away. The bar is the local hangout for musicians. Do not be surprised if you hear them speak Gaelic instead of Scottish.
8. The Old Forge
Inverie, Knoydart, PH41 4PL
Tel. 01687 462 267
http://www.theoldforge.co.uk/
The Guinness Book of Records has named the Old Forge the mainland Britain’s Remotest Pub. You can only access it by boat (from Mallaig), but it’s worth it. You get magnificent views over Loch Nevis and the surrounding mountains. The Old Forge has no set nights for music, but locals are known to drop in for a few tunes on a regular basis. Travellers can borrow instruments from the bar. Traditional Scottish (sea)food is served, together with a good selection of real ales. Their website indicates the dress code: wellies, waterproofs and midge cream!
North East Coast
9. Hootannany Ceilidh Café Bar
67 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1ES
Tel. 01463 233 651
http://www.hootananny.com
Hootannany hosts traditional music sessions every Sunday to Wednesday. From Thursday to Saturday there are live concerts with some of Scotland’s most famous musicians. In December 2004, Hootannany received the 2004 Scot Trad Music Award for best folk club. If you fancy some more contemporary music, visit upstairs at Hootannany. There is live rock music there every Wednesday to Saturday. This is a venue not to miss when you are in the area.
Shetland Islands
10. The Lounge
4 Mounthooly Street, Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Shetland, ZE1 0BJ
Tel. 01595 692 231
The Lounge is the centre of traditional music in Lerwick. Musicians like fiddler Aly Bain and legendary guitarist Peerie Willie have been known to drop in from time to time and music happens whenever people feel like playing. Wednesday night is especially allocated for sessions, but musicians are welcome at any time. The bar has a big supply of instruments, from double bass to accordion and from piano to fiddle. One local actually bequeathed his fiddle to The Lounge in his will. There is a session for young fiddlers (under 18) every first Tuesday of the month.
Wanting more?
In order to find more music pubs, pick up a copy of the ‘gigguide’, available in all bigger towns of Scotland. Gigguide is also online at http://www.gigguide.co.uk/.
‘McEwans Sessions’ take place all over the country. For more information on these free traditional music events, look at http://visitscotland.com/mcewanssessions or phone Visit Scotland on 0845 22 55 121.
©2005 Marieke Smegen
Marieke Smegen was born in Orvelte, The Netherlands, but moved to Scotland in 2001 due to her love of traditional Scottish music. She has been an active participant in the Edinburgh session scene and leads sessions each week in the capital. She also works as a freelance journalist, studies photography and writes for an internet folk magazine in the Netherlands. Marieke is a member of the band Rallion
Foot Stompin' Celtic Music would like to thank Marieke for giving them this article (originally published in Scotland Magazine) to use on their website.
|
| Hootananny Ceilidh Café Bar, Shop and Highland Exhibition is a great place to hear traditional music. Situated in the heart of Inverness (67 Church Street) and open since July 2002, it has quickly become ‘the’ gathering place for celtic musicians and bands both local and touring filling a gap left by the late and much lamented Balnain House. TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSIONS - Every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9pm (unless advertised otherwise). All welcome.
There is ‘live’ music available every night during spring, summer and autumn and Wednesdays through to Sundays in the winter. Hootenanny’s programme features traditional musicians and concerts of the highest calibre ( bands like Shooglenifty, Croft No. 5, Dochas, Julie Felix, Holmes Brothers, Fine Friday and Blazin' Fiddles have all had recent concerts). In addition there are also music workshops and classes across a range of traditional instruments held upstairs in Hootenanny’s throughout the week and on Saturdays from beginners upwards at very reasonable costs.
For concerts, sessions ceilidh’s etc Tel: 01463 233 651
http://www.hootananny.co.uk For music workshops and classes: Tel: 01463 724314
|
| Not a music session- more a singsong & village event, but very much in the tradition. Not regular either but worth a phone to see what's happening. House o Hill Hotel every 3rd Saturday at 8.30pm
The House o Hill Hotel is at Bargrennan, 4 miles south of the Galloway/Ayrshire border, just off the Girvan- Newton Stewart road. Tel: Jim Bainbridge - 01671 840262
E-mail: jimfranb@btinternet.com
|
| Every 4th Monday of the month, Market Inn, 2 Castlehill Rd, Ayr, KA7 2HT at 8pm. All welcome. Pub tel: 01292 280391
Contact: Tel: 07740 782404
|
| North Edinburgh Arts Centre is a £3 million new build arts centre made possible by SAC Lottery and City of Edinburgh Council capital funds. Open since November 2002 North Edinburgh Arts Centre presents in its 96- 150 seat studio theatre a diverse programme of small scale UK and International touring theatre, dance, film and live music. The arts centre also programmes a range of multi arts activities in its studio spaces, gallery, recording studio/live rooms, café bar and garden.
Web Site: http://www.northedinburgharts.co.uk
15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh, EH4 4TZ. Box Office: 0131 315 2151
|
| At the Rock, High Street Dingwall Ross-shire, one Sunday each month, Medicine Music stage shows featuring the best in Roots music.
Further details: Rob Ellen, e.mail: rob.ellen@btinternet.com
|
| Sandy Bell’s bar is Edinburgh’s best known gathering place for folk musicians both visiting and resident looking for a “tune”. It’s not a big place, but there always seems to be enough room for the musicians and their instruments to squeeze in. On a recent Friday night there were five mandolin players, a fiddler, a cittern and guitarist. In the late 60’s the Forrest Hill Bar as Sandy Bell’s was was then known was a melting pot of writers, poets, artists, singers and musicians, and its proximity to Edinburgh University and the School of Scottish Studies meant that it was a regular stomping ground for the likes of international poet and peerless collector of folksongs Hamish Henderson. Today's pub sessions, tend to be dominated by instrumentalists but at that time, singers lke Ian McCalman, Tich Frier, Derek Moffat, were to the fore. Emerging from this fertile scene in the 70’s were bands like Jock Tamson’s Bairns, Boys of the Lough, The Easy Club fed by musicians such as Dick Gaughan, Cathal McConnell, Aly Bain, Rob Paterson, Derek Hoy, Tony Cuffe, John Martin, Davy Steele, Ian Hardie, Norman Chalmers. Management changes saw Sandy Bells star fade for a while and the action moved to pubs like the Tron Tavern and Whistlebinkies, but today, under the stewardship of Charlie Wooley it’s as vibrant as ever. Amongst those five mandolin players were musicians from bands Shooglenifty, Fine Friday to be joined later by a fiddler from Asturian band Llan de Cubel. Hamish Henderson whose life is commemorated each year in The Carrying Stream Festival presented by Edinburgh Folk Club, is remembered at that time in Sandy Bells with a ”Toast to Hamish” .
Sandy Bell’s is situated at 25 Forrest Road (named for Sir James Forrest of Comiston, Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1837-43), The original street was created in 1618 as an access to Greyfriars Priory and the building was part of an old charity poorhouse. It is now a busy thoroughfare leading on to George the 1V Bridge and then to The Royal Mile. The bar is closeby the new Scottish Musem and historic Greyfriars Kirk. The Kirk has Edinburgh’s oldest graveyard, and it has numerous associations with the history of the town and, indeed, of Scotland. Immediately outside the churchyard gates, at the crest of Candlemaker Row, stands the celebrated bronze likeness of Greyfriars Bobby. This is perhaps the most famous memorial to a dog to be found anywhere. Sandy Bells is open 12 noon until 1am Monday to Saturday (11pm Sunday) and sessions start at 9pm weekdays and 3.pm at weekends.
|
| LESLIE FOLK CLUB
Burns Tavern, Leslie at 8.30pm
Contact: George Fisher 07813-987519
Sessions every Wednesday – all welcome
THE 19TH ACOUSTIC MUSIC CLUB
1st and 3rd Thursday each month at the Staghead Hotel, Largoward, Fife.
Contact: Tom Hall 01333-330092 E-mail: the19thamc@btinternet.com
FOREST HILLS HOTEL
Thursdays from 31 Aug 06 in The Forest Hills Hotel
Auchtermuchty, from 9pm.
Hotel phone is 01337 828318.
Or Peter Cochrane: 07973 352934
STAG INN
Falkland from 9.30pm
Session every Wednesday
SANDS HOTEL
Burntisland from 8pm
Open session on last Tuesday of the month
THUNDERROAD BAR
Hunter Street, Kirkcaldy
Acoustic session every Tuesday from 5th July
|
| Here are some places to play or hear traditional music in Glasgow as recommended by our Foot Stompin' Forum users and readers:
Green writes: "There's a new session starting in Glasgow at Failte on St Vincent Street this Tuesday (12th June 2007) at 9:30. Come along for good tunes and very reasonably priced drink." Failte, Telephone: 0141 248 4989
Address: St Vincent Street Postcode: G2 5TF
Brian writes "The Victoria Bar* on a Friday night is always a popular session, I occasionally travel through from Edinburgh to play in it. There is also, I believe, a session on a Wednesday night in the Ben Nevis on Argyle Street." * Please Note: As from April 2007 the Victoria Bar Friday night session is no longer happening.
Purezouk writes: "Friday session will be in the Chrystal Bell on the corner of the Gallowgate & Watson St., We are having a trial period there to make sure it's right for both us and the pub, and is starting this Friday (27.4.07) at 9.00pm."
Steven writes "Babbity Bowster in the Merchant City on a Saturday
Lauries at King St and Parnie St any night, but also Saturday
Cafe Source at St Andrew's In The Square on Wednesday evening - singing session
Tue and Sun evenings at Uisge Beatha on Woodlands road for mixed tunes and singing seshes.
I think the Clutha Vaults is doing stuff one evening. Not sure which."
Hughie writes "In the city centre go to Ye Olde Scotia Inn (pictured) in Stockwell street , this place has an amazing folk history. Walk down Byres road, and discover whats available, in the little lanes tucked away here and there you will find great pubs with an even greater atmosphere. Just outside Glasgow discover the great acoustic sessions at The Howwood Inn, Howwood near Johnstone this is an amazing venue".
Jennifer writes "There is a session from 9pm on Wednesdays and Sundays in the Ben Nevis Bar on Argyll St. The Park Bar some Thurs, and Sundays. The session in Babbitys on a Saturday is from about 4.30ish".
Green writes " Park Bar on a Thursday"
Rank writes "There is a good regular session at Cafe Source in St Andrews in the Square in Glasgow on a Wednesday night."
EH writes "live Irish sessions every Sunday at Waxy O'Connors Every Sunday 4pm - 7pm. 44 West George Street
Glasgow G2
Teesh Teesh posed the question: Where can I hear Irish music in Scotland?. Glasgow figured largely in the replies.
Simon writes "Sharkey's pub (not sure where it is) seems to me to be a hub of Irish music. Also St Rochs High School on a Tuesday night has Irish music teaching - led by Frank McArdle of 120 kids. They will also be able to point you in the right direction"
John writes "Try Sharkey's session behind Citizen's Theatre every Monday, it an Irish session. Also Babbity Bowsers on Saturday/Sundays, Scotia bar, Clutha and Victoria bar (last 3 all very close together), Park bar near Kelvingrove Art Gallery for highland music (great Scottish stuff)".
Maverick Angel writes "Probably the best place for decent tunes would be the decent session pubs in Glasgow. The Vicky bar on friday is great although very busy, The Ben Nevis in Argyl Street Finnieston is really good on a Wednesday. (Sundays can be more of a belter session, but it depends who is there!) Sharkeys is also reasonably good.
Hughie advises " Head to your local library, and pick up a copy of the Metro, it's a free newspaper , it gives a fairly good guide as to whats on and where in the music scene in the city.
There are a number of pubs that have open mic nites ,and live music most of them at least part of the time get a mention in the Metro".
|
| Singing Session at Cafe Source in Saint Andrews in the Square (SAinTs). Weekly on Tuesday evening, in the main event space upstairs. If you are a singer, this is a great room with a very distinct acoustic. If you want to come and participate, or simply to sit and listen, then you are very welcome.
Admission is free, and entry is through Cafe Source downstairs.... if you don't know where to go, ask at the Bar.
Beginning some time after 8pm - once enough people turn up....
Saint Andrews in the Square is a beautiful 18th Century restored church right in the heart of Glasgow. 1 St Andrews Square. Glasgow (off Saltmarket) Tel: 0141 559 5902
|
| Folk Session every Sunday.
3 West Richmond Street, Edinburgh Tel 0131 667 2003
|
| | A regular session in Stagg's Lounge (The Volunteer Arms) in Musselburgh(behind Brunton Hall) on the first Monday of each month between 8.30ish and 11pm. It is a fairly mixed session with about 50:50 singing and instrumentals. There are no restrictions on the genre of music, although it tends to be mostly traditional. Everyone is welcome to come and participate or just listen. |
| The historic and much-loved Strathpeffer Pavilion is now owned and has been restored by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT). The Pavilion has already hosted a great variety of very successful events. It is now a stunning new venue for the Arts as well as for functions, weddings, conferences and other events.
Strathpeffer Pavilion Association
The Pavilion
Strathpeffer IV14 9DL
Telephone: 01997 420124
Fax: 01997 421008
e-mail: enquiries@StrathpefferPavilion.org
|
| | The Antiquary, 72-78 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh. Telephone: 0131 225 2858 . Sessions Thursdays from 9pm |
| The Aros Centre is located in Portee Isle of Skye. Built onto the existing Heritage Centre in 1998, it is a beautiful venue promoting Gaelic Arts with an emphasis on traditional music. It also has a cinema and Conference centre and restaurant.
Aros Centre, Viewfield Road, Portree, Isle of SkyeIV51 9EU
Enquiries: 01478 613750
Box Office: 01478 613750
http://www.aros.co.uk
|
| | All sessions take place in the Black Bitch, 14 West Port, Linlithgow at 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month. Come along to join in or listen - singers and instrumentalists welcome. |
| | A good session pub (monday nights - with gigs at weekends) as well as being a regular haunt for musicians in the area. |
| Voted best hotel in the "Good for the Soul" category in 2005, the Ceilidh Place hotel in Ullapool grew out of Broomview Cottage and was started in 1970 by Robert Urquhart who was born there in 1921. He started a small café in the boatshed selling salmon, chips, tea, porridge, pitta (first outside London), soup and chewing gum, but had aspirations for a place where not only postcards but life histories could be written. A place for eating, meeting, talking and singing. It all came true.
Thirty six summers later and the facilities now include café/bar, bookshop, gallery, parlour bar, hotel (posh rooms), bunkhouse (sleeping rough!) and venue (wonderful musicians and artists). Most events start 8.30 or 9pm. For ticket information e.mail jock@theceilidhplace.com or telephone: 01854612103 website: http://ceilidhplace.com
|
| Live entertainment Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Irish, Celtic Scottish, Bluegrass. Buskers and session musicians welcome anytime.
17 Market Street Edinburgh, Tel: 0131 220 4213
|
| The Lemon Tree Café Theatre is a premier arts venue situated in Aberdeen. Each year, in April, it hosts a fantastic Traditional music festival called “Rootin’ Aboot” which features an exciting programme of concerts, sessions, workshops, free events and a throbbin’ Festival club!
http://www.lemontree.org
|
| The Malt Shovel, 11-15 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh. Sessions Thursdays, from 9pm to 1am. Tel: 0131 225 6843 (These may have stopped)
|
| Old Pier Inn, Bath Street on Thursday evenings from 09.00pm until about 01.00am. The format here can vary depending on who turns up. Sometimes it can be mainly instrumental. At other times, it's mainly singing. Quite often, it's a nice mixture of both. The singing can be anything from Bob Dylan/Neil Young to traditional ballads.
A nice friendly atmosphere and worth a visit.
|
| The Queens Hall is one of Edinburgh's most popular venues for traditional music although it offers a wide range of events all year round - classical, jazz, blues, pop, rock, world, folk and comedy, and is also home to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
During the summer months it hosts events for the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival.
Web Site: http://www.thequeenshall.net
Tel: 0131 668 2019
|
| Great traditional and contemporary folk music and song. Live 7 days a week. Open until 2 am (4am during the Festival). Instrumental sessions on Wednesdays from 9.30pm and Sundays from 4pm. The Royal Oak is also the home of The Wee Folk Club which meets on Sundays at 8.30pm.
The Royal Oak, 1 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 557 2976
|
| | The Royal Scots Club, 29/31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, Telephone: 0131 554 1097. 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month - contact the club for details. |
| | The Shore Bar, 3-4 The Shore, Leith. Tel: 0131 553 5080. Sessions Wednesday from 9.30pm to 12..00 midnight |
| As of March 2007 the Southfield Inn in Blackwood, South Lanarkshire is under new ownership and there are plans to develop it (over the next months and years) as a home for Celtic and traditional music in the area along the lines of Johnny Fox's in Dublin. It is early days yet, but they will be looking for musicians, dancers and other performers providing them with a great venue and an appreciative audience.
The Southfield is an old coaching inn dating back some 200 years and used to belong to the Duke of Hamilton.
Contact: Allana Irving or Terence Milbourn, The Southfield Inn, 75 Carlisle Road, Blackwood ML11 9RZ
Tel: +44 (1555) 892233 or +44 (7939) 357080
|
| Some great sessions going on at the Tap Inn (part of the Birnam House Hotel) which are drawing in the crowds. The bar staff are trad musicians - Calum & Kenneth MacKenzie from Cape Breton and Susanne & Claire from Dublin so there's ALWAYS the potential session in the offing. The Sunday sesh starts around 3pm till whenever!
The address is: Birnam House Hotel, Dunkeld, Perthshire PH8 0BQ. Tel: 01350 727 462
|
| The Tass has weekday sessions, Monday (8.30pm-11pm). Sessions also on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9pm onwards.
Sundays in the Tass, from 3pm with An Comann Ceilteach (Edinburgh University Highland Society... the people who organise the Highland Annual). The society meet at the Tass to give people the opportunity to speak Gaelic (at all levels) but you don't have to be a Gaelic speaker to go along... anyone with an interest in Gaelic language and/or culture is very welcome.
The Tass,
1 Jeffrey Street,(Royal Mile)
Edinburgh
Tel 0131 556 6338
The Tass is on the corner of Jeffrey Street at the crossroads of the Royal Mile and St Mary's Street.
|
| | The Tolbooth itself is an A listed building with a fantastic history which you can still 'feel' today. As a parliament, court, jail and execution spot, the Tolbooth has had its fair share of gruesome tales and historical moments - James VI is said to have convened a parliamanet here too. Now,however, the building's radical redevelopment by Richard Murhpy architects, has turned the building into one of Scotland's newest award winning arts venues. The Tolbooth has two performing spaces, meeting and rehearsal space, a recording studio, shop, cafe / bar and restaurant. It is also home to The "Blend", Stirling's contemporary and Roots Music festival |
| First Friday in the month - 'Club Oidhche Gaidhlig' - Edinburgh's first Gaelic night club! Session band plus a guest or two. After the guest spots things become more informal with people giving songs, etc.
West End Hotel, Edinburgh
Live traditional Scottish entertainment every Friday and Saturday from 9pm.
35 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 225 3656
|
| | The Woodend Barn is a community-based arts venue situated on the outskirts of Banchory and surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Royal Deeside. An extremely versatile building, incorporating the Lang Byre Gallery, originally the cow byre, now an exhibition & workshop space, and a much larger space, originally the hay Barn, which can be used for anything from theatre, concerts or ceilidhs to fabulous wedding parties. This venue often has trad music gigs. The Barn is run by Woodend Arts Association. http://www.woodendbarn.co.uk |
| Cosy Corner pub, (near the rugby club) Chantinghall Road, Hamilton . Every Thursday at 8pm. All singers and musicians welcome, any type of music as long as it's played on acoustic instruments. It's a warm, friendly atmosphere, with a great smoking area out the back.
Cosy Corner 191 Mill Rd Hamilton Lanarkshire ML3 8PE Tel: 01698 283093
|
| Music Sessions at the Fordbank Hotel, Bladnoch, Wigtown, every Tuesday at 8.30 in the cellar bar.
More details: From: jim bainbridge (thesnaill200@yahoo.com)
Tel: 01671 840262
|
| Sessions all round the Isle of Arran. For details contact Arran Folk Club info@arranfolkclub.co.uk and their website http://www.arranfolkclub.co.uk for how to get there.
Brodick Ormidale Hotel - Every Sunday evening
Kildonan Kildonan Hotel Every Monday evening with Earthworks
Lamlash Pier Head Tavern Wednesday evening from June
|
| Lauries houses The Acoustic Music Centre! This is Glasgows home of live Traditional Folk music, World Music, Jazz and Bluegrass - right in the heart of old Glasgow,and part of the Merchant City. Lauries has been the originator and the mainstay of the Celtic Connections fringe, and a is strong supporter of Folk Festivals and Traditional Music generally.
Lauries Acoustic Music Bar
34 King Street
Glasgow
Scotland
G1 5QT
Tel: 0141 552 7123
E-mail: enquiries@lauriesacousticmusicbar.co.uk
|
| | Sunday Session running at O' Donoghue's, Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen, AB116EP, 9:30pm - 12:30am. Tel: 01224 575040 |
| Shower of Banjos is a weekly music night with music loosley in the trad scene, but with an emphasis on the slighly more off the wall acts about in the scene today. Taking place in Edinburgh's Octopus Diamond (Old Left Bank) at 37 Guthrie Street, just off Chalmers Street, it is being organised by local musicians.
9pm till 1am. Admission : £3 on door.
email: showerofbanjos@glowarts.co.uk
|
| If you are looking for trad music sessions in Orkney, our forum visitiors have suggested the following:
Frank C: Alternate weekly sessions in the Ferry Inn and the Stromness Hotel on Wednesday and Thursdays in Stromness.
Balzac and Lockerbie Bob: in Kirkwall, Matchmakers every Sunday night around 9 . Also in Kirkwall there's The Reel on Saturday nights (run by Hazel and Jennifer at the Wrigley Sisters Centre of Music.) There is normally a singer's session there on the first Friday of the month (Castle Street behind the TSB). Accordion and Fiddle runs on through the summer. Theres also the Harray Music Group in Harray Hall on Mondays.
Accordion and Fiddle runs on through the summer. Theres also the Harray Music Group in Harray Hall on Mondays.
http://www.footstompin.com/forum?threadid=57763
|
| Acoustic sessions in the Silverburn Hotel, Newarthill every Wendesday from 9th August 2006. It will run on an "open mic" basis starting around 7.30pm and running till 10.30pm. Everyone will be welcome.
Newarthill is just off the M8 near Motherwell.
|
| | The Auld Hole in the Wall, High Street Linlithgow. Monthly session on Thursday nights starting 1st November 2007. Linlithgow Folk Festival Association is supporting the event and a warm welcome is extended to everyone interested in Folk and traditional music. Further details are available from the Auld Hole in the Wall, 108 High Street, Linlithgow. Tel. 01506 844591. |
| The Hairst is a fine festival which takes place throughout Angus during July and August each year. The Hairst traditional music sessions are an important part of the Festival.
VENUE DETAILS
CARNOUSTIE Aboukir Hotel, 38 Ireland St. Carnoustie Tel: 01241 852149
BRECHIN Caledonian Hotel, 43-47 Southesk St., Brechin Tel: 01356 624345
KIRRIEMUIR Three Bellies Brae, 3 Bellies Brae, Kirriemuir Tel: 01575 574889
MEIGLE Belmont Arms Hotel, by Meigle Tel: 01828 640232
FORFAR The Tolbooth, 37-43 West High Street, Forfar Tel: 01307 464350
MONTROSE George Hotel, 22 George St., Montrose Tel: 01674 675050
ARBROATH The Ship Inn, 21 Marketgate, Arbroath Tel: 01241 873059
GLENISLA Glenisla Hotel, Kirkton of Glenisla Tel: 01575 582223
GLEN CLOVA Glen Clova Hotel, Glen Clova Tel: 01575 550350
|
| The Ironworks (Live Music Venue) : Inverness
The Ironworks Live Music Venue is situated in the centre of Inverness. This is a new music project in 2006 with and the first concert taking place 2nd August. There's a mix of different types of music including folk and traditional. The venue has a licensed bar and cafe and an online booking facility.
The Ironworks Live Music Venue
122b Academy Street
Inverness, IV1 1LX
BOX OFFICE: 0871 7894 173
All shows - Doors 7.00pm
http://www.ironworksvenue.com
Email: info@ironworksvenue.com
Mailing Address: The Ironworks Live Music Venue, Suite II, 24 Station Square, Inverness. IV1 1LD
Tel: 07787 535306
|
| Situated in the lovely coastal town of Lossiemouth on the Moray Firth, The Warehouse Theatre is one of the very few venues hosting music, theatre & comedy in the North East of Scotland. Dedicated to promoting the arts at a local, national & international level.
Not only does this lovely little venue have a range of theatrical productions throughout the year, they also host live music events featuring a range of fantastic artists from the Gaelic, Celtic, Bluegrass, Country Rock or Latin Jazz scenes - the finest musicians from all over the world.
Not a licensed venue, but most of their events allow you to bring your own drink with you. They will even provide you with a plastic glass and a bottle opener! (more details from the venue website)
The Warehouse Theatre
Pitgaveny Quay
Lossiemouth
IV31 6TW
Tel: 01343 814004
|
| This is a new venue close to Huntly at Gartly Hall. Regular sessions on the 4th Thursday of the month with occasional guests in-between
Directions - from Huntly - head towards Rhynie - after 2 miles you'll come to a narrow bridge, turn right immediately after it and you'll see a community hall - that's the venue!
Tickets for 'Guest' nights: £5. Contact 01466 720247 BYOB
|
| A fortnightly session on Sundays starting 16th March 2008 from 8.30 to 10.30pm. All musicians and singers are welcome. Please come along to participate, sample a good beer or just to add to the craic and help it work.
Thomson's Bar 182 - 184 Morrison Street, Edinburgh. website: http://www.thomsonsbar.co.uk |
| Music sessions first Sunday of a month, starting at 2.30 p.m. Trad folk musicians welcome!
Free parking is available at the car park next to the Pier. The Pub is in walking distance from Pier and Bus Station
The Crown Court Café Bar
49 - 53 Argyll Street
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7HG |
|
|
|