Musical treats in extended programme

Musical treats in extended programme

Lyth Arts Centre in Caithness has added two extra events to its weekend programme today. Adventurous chamber group Kosmos Ensemble, who are currently in residence at the venue, lead an afternoon presentation of Giraffes Can't Dance, a musical narration of Giles Andreae's popular children's story, at 2.30pm, and folk duo Rona Wilkie and Marit Falt give a workshop in Scandinavian and Gaelic song at 4.30pm. Both events are free but booking is essential.

l lytharts.org.uk

A touch of animal magic

Former Free and Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers is bringing the Memphis musicians who played on his latest album, the Royal Sessions Live, to the Royal Albert Hall in London to play a concert in aid of the Aberdeenshire animal sanctuary that he and his wife have adopted.

Rodgers travelled to Memphis to realise a lifelong ambition of recording with the house band of legendary soul label Hi Records and he has persuaded these musicians, who seldom work outside the studio, to accompany him to the UK for a cause that's close to his heart.

They'll play the famous London venue on November 3 with all proceeds going to the Willows Animal Sanctuary and Animal Assisted Therapy Unit near Fraserburgh.

l willowsanimals.com