Festival Music list.co.uk/festival
POKEY LAFARGE Being totally honest, it was the tremendous name that first caught our eye with Mr LaFarge, but when you hear the ragged glories he knocks out on his acoustic six-string you know there’s more than just showbiz glitz to this critter. Like all genii, there a little bit of madness in there too, and when the Missouri Riverfront Times said he sung like ‘a transgendered punk Bessie Smith’ it only told half the story. LaFarge is a sweet singer, sure, but he’s also a dextrous instrumentalist – harmonica, guitar, banjo and kazoo all take a beating – and throws out a timeless sound that could date from any time in the last 80 years. ■ Acoustic Music Centre@St Bride’s, 346 1405, 28 & 29 Aug, 5pm, £10 (£8).
5QUESTIONS 86 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 27 Aug–10 Sep 2009
Antonio Forcione can turn a guitar into an orchestra with his nimble virtuosity, and here he tackles our probing with similar good humour and skill 5 words to describe your show Funky, evocative, personal, dynamic and humorous. 4 shows you’re looking forward to during August Boothby Graffoe (even when he is not here) Adriano Adewale, Stewart Lee and Nick Pynn. 3 things you love about Edinburgh in August The buzz on the streets, the audiences at my show, a walk to Arthur’s Seat. 2 things you hate about Edinburgh in August The rain, the rain. 1 word that sums up how you feel about performing Ecstatic. ■ Antonio Forcione – Al Dente! Assembly Hall, 623 3030, until 31 Aug, 6pm, £12–£13 (£11–£12).
Hitlist FESTIVAL MUSIC *
✽✽ Malinky Long-time members of the Scottish folk scene, the quintet celebrated their tenth anniversary with the release of their fourth album Flower and Iron. Tradition combines with modernity in this instrumental set. See preview, page 90. Acoustic Music Centre@St Bride’s, 346 1405, 27 Aug, 9pm, £10 (£8). ✽✽ Pokey La Farge See preview, left. Acoustic Music Centre@St Bride’s, 346 1405, 28 & 29 Aug, £10 (£8). ✽✽ Actus Tragicus A danse macabre opera set to the music of Bach, this is by no means a light hearted tale: expect a deeply affecting dramatisation focusing on death, vanity and life. See preview, page 88. Festival Theatre, 473 2000, 4 & 5 Sep, 7.15pm, £14–£64. ✽✽ Magazine The band that revolutionised the punk scene in the 70s, influencing everyone from Radiohead to the Klaxons with their avant-garde style. Reforming last year for a comeback tour, their set will please both old and new fans. See preview, right. Picture House, 0844 499 9990, 30 Aug, 7.30pm, £25. ✽✽ Maria Tecce Her theatrical music production Viva! reaches a crescendo with a steamy night of drama set to the sound of the Argentinian tango and Frank Sinatra songs. See review, page 88. Assembly Rooms, 623 3030, 27–30 Aug, £11–£12 (£10–£11). ✽✽ Camille O’Sullivan Previously a circus performer, the slinky, sultry songstress now has an international reputation as a gifted storyteller, interpreting songs from the likes of Jacques Brel and Nick Cave. See preview, page 89. Assembly Hall, 623 3030, until 30 Aug, 10pm, £15–£17.50. ✽✽ Air Alba A warm welcome awaits in this intimate venue, with Scottish songs, stories and music from the band. Diverse topics including Burns, Scottish food and sex are all on the menu. The Royal Oak, 557 2976, 28–30 Aug, £7 (£5). For venue addresses see index page 112.