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Thu 29 Oct
Heidi Talbot | Auditorium
20:00 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:30
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Thu 29 Oct
Heidi Talbot | Auditorium
20:00 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:30
Bert Jansch is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential guitarists of all time — a Glasgow-born musician whose complex synthesis of American blues, traditional English folk song, and jazz created a revolutionary fingerstyle language that left its mark on everyone from Jimmy Page to Neil Young to Nick Drake. This evening brings together four artists who carry that tradition in their bones, each finding their own way into Jansch's extraordinary world of songs.
Sam Grassie is a rising fingerstyle guitarist and songwriter whose debut album Where Two Hawks Fly (Broadside Hacks Records) has drawn praise from The Guardian, Mojo, UNCUT and The Quietus, and earned airplay across BBC Radio 2, 3 and 6 Music. A Bert Jansch Foundation associate artist, Sam performed alongside Robert Plant and Jacqui McShee at the Royal Festival Hall's tribute to Jansch — making him a natural steward for this music.
Mataio Austin Dean is an artist, musician, poet and activist from Portsmouth, best known as a member of Shovel Dance Collective — a group who have reinvigorated English folk song by dragging it into urgent conversation with politics, identity and the present day. He brings centuries-old folksongs and child ballads to life with a deep and warm voice that commands silence and the full attention of your ears.
Alfie Jones is the grandson of the late, great Wizz Jones — one of the most revered fingerstyle guitarists of the British folk revival and a direct peer of Jansch on the London and Edinburgh folk club circuit. Growing up with that music in his life gives Alfie a connection to this world that no amount of listening or study can replicate.
Ula Taylor-Reilly is a singer and folk researcher who performs traditional English folksong interpreted through a radical, decolonial, feminist lens, discussing her research on the songs as part of the performance.
Over the course of the evening, the four artists bring their own distinct sensibilities to Jansch's catalogue — from his early solo recordings and collaborations with Anne Briggs, to the jazz-inflected adventurism of Pentangle — music that has never stopped resonating.
We're thrilled to announce two additions to the lineup: Robin Adams and Simone Antigone.
Hailing from a rich Scottish musical heritage, singer-songwriter and finger style guitarist Robin Adams carries the torch passed on by his parents, Chris and Pauline Adams, the driving forces behind 1970s folk rock ensemble String Driven Thing. Drawing inspiration from the likes of John Martyn, Nick Drake and Bert Jansch, Adams has carved out a distinctive niche in the folk singer songwriter landscape. Robin played a beautiful set here at Birnam Arts back in 2024, and we’re delighted to have him return for this one.
Simone Antigone is a Glasgow-based guitarist and composer drawing inspiration from the rhythms of the temporal and the unknown. There’s a rawness to her playing that recalls Shirley Collins, and a strange, wandering quality that brings Vashti Bunyan to mind, but she’s carving out her own space entirely.
Box Office
Open periodically throughout the week | Book online 24/7
Cafe
Daily | 09:00 - 17:00
Perthshire is so lucky to benefit from such an amazing community, arts and performance venue. I have so many great memories of attending various performances and parties at Birnam Arts! Hoping to attend many more to come! Birnam Arts has a place in many peoples hearts and is an essential community resource.
Sarah Brown | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
Welcome to Birnam Arts, a boutique multi-purpose arts, conferencing and entertainment venue.
Pop in to the Foyer Cafe for breakfast, grab a delicious coffee with a selection of our homemade baking or enjoy a light lunch whilst browsing on the free WiFi. Wander upstairs to view the latest of our monthly art exhibitions before visiting the world of Beatrix Potter, or the Gift Shop to purchase a special gift for your loved ones or yourself!
Birnam Arts is at the heart of community life here.
Fiona Ritchie | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
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Birnam Arts is a unique venue, contributing enormously to many aspects of our lives - social, cultural, educational.
Linda Wolfe | Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020
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