A jazz first

A jazz first

Monymusk becomes the latest addition to Scotland's jazz touring network when popular Edinburgh-based Hot Club Of France-styled quartet Swing 2013 play the Aberdeenshire village's first-ever jazz session on November 24.

The Monymusk Arts Trust is hoping this will be the beginning of a regular series of jazz concerts in the arts centre and is offering free tickets to children accompanied by an adult (adult tickets cost £12). The music begins at 3pm.

l swingology.co.uk

Frenetic folkie

After spending four months touring Europe and America with Mark Knopfler, Scottish folk musician John McCusker, above, is refusing to take it easy in the run-up to the end of the year.

Next week, he's out on the road with his partner Heidi Talbot (culminating in gigs at St Andrews in the Square, Glasgow, on November 24 and the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, on December 5) then, for six dates in December, he makes his contribution to Phil Cunningham's Christmas Songbook shows. He'll also take his regular place on our TV screens as the bells ring out on BBC Scotland's Hogmanay show.

And then a rest … No, not likely as McCusker's role in the Transatlantic Sessions takes him to Celtic Connections and beyond in January and February, before an early spring tour with John Doyle and Michael McGoldrick.

l johnmccusker.co.uk

Key change

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland is changing the way it selects musicians. In 2014 applicants will be able to take part in a group workshop in their chosen location with NYJOS directors Malcolm Edmonstone and Andrew Bain. The format is designed to help ease nerves and bring the best out of young musicians so they benefit from working with and learning from professionals as well as their peers.

Meanwhile, Edmonstone (piano) and Bain (drums) tour with bassist Jules Jackson as the Directors' Cut, playing dates in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness from December 13-16.

l nyos.co.uk

Last hurrah

Perth Theatre's pantomime Cinderella will be the venue's last production before it closes for two years during which the auditorium will be restored and new spaces and public areas created.

Cinderella, which runs from December 6 until January 4, comes from the same production stable as last year's Mother Goose. The show is written by Alan McHugh and directed by Rachel O'Riordan, with Helen Mackay in the title role and Barrie Hunter as one of the Ugly Sisters alongside Michael Moreland. Tickets from 01738 621031 and the Horsecross website.

l horsecross.co.uk