Joan plans solo shows to say farewell to fans

Joan plans solo shows to say farewell to fans

Joan Armatrading is undertaking a major tour and will perform for the first time alone on stage. On what is described as her last major tour, she has announced she will be solo on stage with guitar and piano.

The three times Grammy nominated, Brit Award nominee and Ivor Novella winner, producer and musician will appear at Edinburgh's Queens Hall on March 19 and Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall on March 20 in 2015.

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Free tickets for Drumhead event

A thousand free places are on offer for Scotland's Drumhead Service on August 10, Scotland's national commemoration marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Signalling the start of the five-year Scottish Commemorations Programme, the Drumhead Service will be held at Edinburgh Castle on August 10 before a congregation of almost 9,000 people.

The multi-faith service on the castle esplanade will replicate those held on the front line 100 years ago when, in a long-held military tradition, neatly piled drums with draped Colours were used in place of an altar.

Representatives of the armed services, veterans' groups, charities and civic leaders from across Scotland have also been invited. Tickets for the Drumhead Service can be requested online from www.WW100Scotland.com

l scotland.ort

Jazz Playtime for Fringe fans

The Playtime team, who stage weekly jazz sessions at the Outhouse in Edinburgh, have announced an expansion of activities during the Fringe. Beginning with pianist Dave Milligan on Monday August 4, guests, including saxophonist Julian Arguelles, organist Pete Johnstone and bassist Brodie Jarvie will feature in a programme that runs until August 21.

It will include new live soundtracks to silent films Nosferatu and Faust by guitarist Graeme Stephen, keyboards player Paul Harrison and drummer Stuart Brown's jazz-electronica project Herschel 36, and Led Zeppelin classics given a jazz treatment.

l playtime-music.com