Still got the January blues? Get out and cheer yourself up with these fun events taking place across the north.
1. Get visual at Peacock Visual Arts
Tonight sees the opening of a new selection of works on display at Peacock Visual Arts (PVA) in Aberdeen. The venue will present works created by third-year students from the Contemporary Art Practice course at Gray’s School of Art.
The exhibition is on from Thursday, January 21 until Saturday, January 23, and provides a short but sweet opportunity to preview the range of ideas that this new wave of emerging artists are exploring in a wide variety of media.
Opening times for tonight’s (Thursday, January 21) pop-up show at the Castle Street venue are from 6-8pm. Phone 01224 639539.
2) Admire old photos of The Granite City
George Washington Wilson, one of the north-east’s most famous Victorian sons, once captured some beautiful photographs of Aberdeen.
Independent documentary maker and fine-art photographer John Perivolaris now pays homage to the pioneering photographer in a fascinating exhibition on show in Aberdeen.
The exhibition consists of a new suite of 15 commissioned photographs which pay homage to Wilson by not only seeking out comparable vistas, but through the use of an analogue camera and traditional techniques of production.
The gallery opening hours are 10am-5pm, Monday-Wednesday and Friday and Saturday, 10am-7pm on Thursdays and 10am-4pm on Sundays. Phone 01224 273049. The exhibition runs until February 21.
3) Have your say on The Music Hall in Aberdeen
This May, one of Aberdeen’s most iconic venues – the Music Hall – will close while it undergoes a major refurbishment project.
Stories are a huge part of the building’s heritage and so the team are busy collecting and researching its history. And to prepare for its transformation, Aberdeen Performing Arts wants to hear from you.
This Saturday, from 10am, members of the public are invited to drop in and share their memories, some of which will form part of a live music performance at the venue’s closing weekend.
You will also have the chance to share their hopes, dreams and wishes for the Music Hall and the work it will support, promote and showcase upon reopening.
A number of drop-in sessions are being held in the Music Hall cafe. All dates and times can be found at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com
If you can’t make it to the Music Hall in person, you can e-mail stories to yourstory@aberdeenperformingarts.com, phone 01224 337683 or even send a postcard.
4) Catch guitarist Micheal Schenker in Inverness
Award-winning and legendary guitarist Michael Schenker embarked on a nationwide tour of the UK yesterday and will play The Ironworks, in Inverness, on Saturday.
Michael will perform tracks from his current studio album, Spirit on a Mission, an explosive collection of brand-new rock-guitar-driven songs which includes the singles Vigilante Man and Live and Let Live.
Hailing from Germany, Michael, whose nickname is “blonde bomber”, first rose to fame as a member of The Scorpions before becoming lead guitarist with UFO. Since leaving UFO, he has led various incarnations of the Michael Schenker Group. And while his career and personal life has had numerous ups and downs, musically he’s regarded as being at the top of his game.
Doors open for Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock show at the Academy Street venue at 7pm and tickets priced at £22.50. It’s standing only and suitable for over-16s. Phone 0871 7894173 or visit the Ironworks website.
5) Get a taste of the blues
Founder members of The Blues Band Paul Jones and Dave Kelly will take to the stage at The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen on Saturday.
The Blues Band was formed in 1979 by Jones, former lead vocalist and harmonica player with Manfred Mann, and guitarist Kelly. Other members included bassist Gary Fletcher, guitarist Tom McGuinness (also of Manfred Mann) and drummer Hughie Flint.
Over the years, the pair have played with James Burton, Son House, Howlin’ Wolf and Buddy Guy and their acoustic set this weekend is one not to be missed.
Tickets, £17.60, are available from Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 641122 or www.aberdeenperformingarts.com
6) See French pianist Pacal Roge perform in Nairn
World-class French pianist Pascal Rogé is the special guest of honour at Music Nairn’s next concert this Sunday, at Nairn Community and Arts Centre. He exemplifies the finest in French pianism. By the age of 17, he had won several international piano competitions and become an exclusive Decca recording artist.
The concert, which promises to be one not to be missed, includes the dreamy Satie Gymnopédies, the Ravel Sonatine and Poulenc’s Les Soirées de Nazelles and preludes including well-known favourites such as The Girl with the Flaxen Hair, and The Sunken Cathedral.
The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available in advance and on the night from Nairn Community Centre.
