|
with news of:
1. Beechbrae
2. Gigs with Dave Milligan - Bristol, Saffron Walden and Edinburgh
3. an online midwinter solo show
4. Celtic Connections is 30 years old
1.BEECHBRAE
Well, we’re officially into the darkening season now. I marked the turning Tuesday evening in gentle company in the most beautiful of places. Beechbrae is a community woodland and woodland centre just beyond Blackridge, in the hills of West Lothian. And what an absolute wonder it is. Brainchild of the very modest and gentle, Ally Graham, Saimhain marked ten years since the seed of the project was planted.
Beechbrae is founded in three simple, powerful truths:
- We all need connection
- We all are in need of healing
- We all grow and learn
It’s a 35-acre woodland, with an outdoor kitchen, a gorgeous pond (at which a heron is often seen), a community garden and a stunning indoor space with a cosy wood burner. It works with local children and young people, and with Nature Scot, and hosts Branching Out, a 12-week outdoor programme developed by Scottish Forestry to support mental health.
In short, it’s pretty special, and the spirit of generosity and gratitude of its creation is palpable when you’re there.
Over the past six months, I’ve sung in a suburban back green in Bonnyrigg, a hay barn in Dumfrieshire, a new patio in Galloway, a community garden in Govan and a derelict hall in Edinburgh. I’ve tiptoed back into offering singing workshops too.
I am very keen to prioritise this more intimate scale of offering, and especially in places that are embedded in, and beloved by, their local communities - even more so if I can work in the afternoons, build up longer term connections and/or get to my own bed!
If that sounds like where you are, let me know. I’m in a period of trying to work out how to live and work with more kindness, wellbeing and connection - and less motorways, late night drives and Travelodges - more laughter, conversation and sharing food - less bustle and adrenalin. Top tips most welcome!
2. GIGS WITH DAVE MILLIGAN
On Friday, I head on a very long drive for two southerly dates with Dave Milligan on piano. We land first at the beautiful Saffron Hall in Essex, where I’m touched to learn that many of my songs are already being sung in participative community settings. It’s always such a delight to know that they fly away and have their own independent lives.
On Saturday, we’re at St George’s in Bristol, a venue and audience that has been extremely kind to me in many guises over many years. Dave has his own solo piano recital at lunchtime that day, and I’m storytelling for kids and families on Sunday morning (though alas this has sold out already). I’m deeply grateful to St George’s for committing to build a relationship with me over the next year and a half. I’ll be back in 2023 with something that perhaps some of you can get involved in …
The following weekend, on Sunday 13th November, Dave and I play two gigs at the amazing Pianodrome, a moveable venue built entirely from repurposed pianos.
One of these shows is a fundraiser to support this beautiful Edinburgh based hub of music and arts, which now inhabits its latest residency, or resonancy, at the old Debenhams store lot in Ocean Terminal shopping centre in Leith.
The way in which the venue and the whole project brings life to disused buildings is one of its star qualities. It’s such a labour of love and craft. There are only a handful of tickets left for our gig!
3. MIDWINTER LIVE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM
Pencil the 21st December - Midwinter - into your diary if you fancy cosying up on your sofa at an online solo show via Live To Your Living Room. I’ll be telling some wintery stories, as well as singing songs to warm you up. More details in my next newsletter.
4. CELTIC CONNECTIONS
It’s the 30th anniversary of Celtic Connections Festival in January. I attended the first year whilst I was a philosophy student at Glasgow University. I saw Shooglenifty and Dick Gaughan, amongst others, and had no idea back then how much this festival would alter the course of my life. I’ve played at every festival since 1999, when the band Malinky, which I co-founded, won a Danny Kyle Open Stage award. It changed everything.
I’ll sing next year at the opening show, in a song circle with the legendary Mary Chapin Carpenter, the wondrous Julie Fowlis, and the excellent Rob Vincent. I’ll also be part of the Hen Hoose team at St Luke’s. Check out festival’s always fabulous programme.
Karine x
PERFORMANCES
NOV 04 : SAFFRON WALDEN HALL (+ Dave Milligan) TICKETS
NOV 05 : BRISTOL - ST GEORGE'S (+ Dave Milligan) TICKETS
NOV 05 : BRISTOL - ST GEORGE'S (Dave Milligan Solo) TICKETS
NOV 06 : BRISTOL - ST GEORGE'S (Storytelling) TICKETS
NOV 13 : EDINBURGH - PIANODROME (+ Dave Milligan) TICKETS
DEC 21 : LIVE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM - ZOOM (SOLO) TICKETS
JAN 27 : GLASGOW - MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER TICKETS
FEB 04 : GLASGOW - HEN HOOSE TICKETS
|
