Island double

Orkney bands The Chair and Saltfishforty will play Bogbain Farm near Inverness tomorrow night. The Chair are known for their lively brand of Orkney stomp music, while Saltfishforty specialise in traditional tunes with a contemporary twist. The bands will be supported by Gizzen Briggs.

August 18, www.bogbainfarm.com

Pop prayers

Up-and-coming band Churches will play a special late-night gig at Electric Circus in Edinburgh next Wednesday, August 22. They will be supported by We Are The Physics and The Twilight Sad DJs. The gig, hosted by Detour Scotland and the student radio station Fresh Air, comes at a time when Churches are generating buzz for their brand of dark synth-pop.

August 22,

www.theelectriccircus.biz

Burns night

The Eastgate Theatre in Peebles is hosting a lecture about Robert Burns on August 27. Titled The Two Roberts, the talk by Professor David Purdie examines the contrasting ways biographers have portrayed the bard since his death. It will be illustrated with images from Scotland's National Archives telling the story of Burns's life.

August 27, www.eastgatearts.com

Roots manoeuvres

The Glasgow Americana Festival, now in its sixth year, takes place from October 3 to 7. The festival will comprise six shows, with 10 acts performing at various venues across the city. Steve Forbert, Jason and The Scorchers, Sam Baker and Eliza Gilkyson are among those taking part this year.

October 3 to 7,

www.glasgowamericana.com