Head to the Tolbooth Stirling for great fiddle music in February
They say that ‘January is the cruellest month’, in which the combined force of cold weather and credit card bills can dismay even the most positive among us. But the New Year is also a blank canvas for trying something new, and in this blog, we’re making a suggestion that could lift your spirits through to spring – it’s time for live music! Stirling and Perthshire are blessed with some brilliant live music venues. Here are just a few – do let us hear your recommendations too.
The Tolbooth, Stirling: Stirling’s venue for Music and the Arts kicks off its musical year on 6 February, with ‘Think Thoughts’, its unique monthly platform for intimate singer-songwriter performances. Just a week later, four of Scotland’s finest female fiddle players will perform from their album ‘Rant’. Thursday 26 Feb brings McGoldrick, Cusker and Doyle, bringing together the traditional instruments of flute, fiddle, pipes and whistles with guitar and vocals. More information: http://tolbooth.stirling.gov.uk/
The Albert Halls, Stirling: This imposing venue has been at the heart of Stirling’s Civic life for more than 150 years. Its first live music event is the Simon and Garfunkel Story on 18 February. If that appeals, make a note in your diary for the Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular too – that’s in June. For details: http://alberthalls.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls/albert-whats-on
The Guildhall Music Club brings together musicians of all genres and ability
Guildhall Music Club, Stirling: Stirling’s newest music venue meets monthly in the 17th century Cowane’s Hospital, in Stirling’s historic Old Town. These informal evenings combine music, craft beer, wine, food and chat, bringing together musicians from across Scotland in an informal, intimate setting. From professional to keen amateur, musicians of all genres are invited to come along and join the open session which runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Next meeting is 24 January, with a Burns theme. More information: http://www.cowanes.org.uk/guildhall-music-club-cowanes-hospital/
The Macrobert, Stirling: Celebrated as one of Britain’s foremost chamber ensembles, performing over fifty concerts throughout Scotland and beyond each year, the Macrobert welcomes the Edinburgh Quartet on 23 January, when they will be performing from Haydn, Mendelssohn and Elgar. For bookings: http://www.macrobert.org/event/edinburgh-quartet/
Perth Piano Sundays feature the Dvorak Piano Quintet in January
Perth Concert Hall, Perth: If you’re staying in one of our Perthshire properties, this venue has a packed schedule even in the winter months. Choose from 150th birthday celebrations for composers Carl Nielsen and Jean Sibelius, the Dvorak Piano Quintet performed as part of the successful ‘Perth Piano Sundays’ series, a semi-staged performance of The Marriage of Figaro, and A Celebration of American Voices. And that’s just January! For full listings: http://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on
Pub Venues: If you like your music informal and enjoyed over a pint, pull up a bar stool in one of Stirling’s pub music venues. The Allanwater Brewhouse (http://bridgeofallan.co.uk/) combines both traditional pub and brewhouse, and has regular music events thrown in too. It’s tucked away in picturesque Bridge of Allan, and well worth a visit. Head to No2 Baker Street, Stirling for regular live acts, jam nights, and a Burns Special on 25 January. Details here: http://www.no2bakerstreet-stirling.co.uk/whats-on. As well as its famed ghosts, Nicky Tams Bar and Bothy in Stirling is home to some great live music. Wednesday night is ‘jam night’ for local musicians and Saturday’s live acts perform from 4pm til 6pm. Check the Nicky Tams Facebook page for up to date listings: https://www.facebook.com/nickytams123