Keeping music alive in Edinburgh
First up, the excellent Adam Holmes and The Embers………..Presents! live showcase continues for a second evening at The Voodoo Rooms on Wednesday 4 April from 8.00pm in The Speakeasy. Tickets £6 on the door. Over 18’s only. Featured acts:
- Adam Holmes and The Embers – “roots pop with a hint of Scotland” they have recorded three critically acclaimed EPs in the last twelve months, and have played sell out gigs throughout the country, including a storming set at Celtic Connections 2012.
- The Deadly Winters – Scottish band of brothers who re-define the term ‘folk-rock’, and take us on musical travels through tales of love, pain, sorrow, joy and friendship, and show us all that sometimes, even whispers can deafen.
- Brigid Kaelin – comfortable on piano, accordion, guitar, or the musical saw “the Bette Midler of Alt-country” was recently voted “Best Singer/Songwriter” in Louisville for the third year in a row.
- White Wolf – New and amazing solo artist……….and not to be missed!
Secondly, Edinburgh Council are asking for responses to new licensing rules for free events –http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QTZMWXP – and the consultation closes on Friday 13 April 2012. It is really important that you and everyone you know who enjoys free live music and other free arts events in Edinburgh let the council know what you think of this proposed legislation, also known as the “tax on art”. As Irvine Welsh said in today’s Evening News “[the art tax is] a brilliant idea if the intention is to destroy grassroots culture in Scotland.”
Despite the gloom of the art tax and closing of key venues such as Forest Cafe, Roxy Art House, Bongo Club and Cabaret Voltaire (to live music at least), there remain many quality live music events in Edinburgh, such as:
- Out of the Bedroom – Edinburgh’s originals-only open mic night, OOTB is on every Saturday evening from 8.00pm at The Montague Bar.
- The Listening Room – 100% acoustic every Sunday evening from 8.00pm at The Blue Blazer. Like OOTB, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Legendary!
- Edinburgh Unlimited – second Wednesday of the month at the the Third Door. Next gig is on Wednesday 11 April at 8pm with featured acts The Dirty Demographic, Dan Whitehouse, and Stephen Langstaff. £3 entry on the door.
- Acoustic Edinburgh – first Tuesday of the month. Next gig is tomorrow(!) Tuesday 3 April at 7.30pm with Gecko 3, Paul Ryan, Rob Sproul-Cran and Hailey Beavis. For Free! Amazing local acts.
Finally, Secret CDs resident DJ King Horror has started his own club night for the discerning music fan called… Grown Ups. Currently for one night only at at The Meadows Hotel on Saturday 21 April it starts at 8pm and is £5 at the door. If you fancy a boogie after Out of the Bedroom this might just be the perfect place for you. As the GrownUps blurb says “We’re for grown ups who want a night out with cool vibes, great atmosphere and a friendly crowd… Expect rockabilly, soul, R’n’B, French pop, garage, teen beat, new wave, electro, indie and hip hop and everything in between. Think vintage vinyl for fully-fledged funksters – we’re more Bowie than TOWIE. ”
Keep loving the music!
James