The Festival Club

Reaming swats O'nappy, jigs and reels, jinkers and swankers

The famous Spiegeltent, Wellington Square, Ayr
Thurs 2nd May to Sun 5th May

The Famous Spiegeltent is the very essence of a festival club and `kabaret salon'. Intimate booths, an ornate bar, a teak dance floor and bevelled mirror columns are the flamboyant setting for the Festival Club. Here you'll find a vibrant mix of music, poetry, debate and dancing. This is where Burns would hang out if he were around today.

Thurs 2 May 7.30pm - 10.30pm

OPENING N I G H T
Jean Redpath
Rod Paterson
& Pete Clark
Daimh, , MacAlias

The internationally acclaimed Jean Redpath returns home for her first Scottish show in many years. Rod Paterson, one of Scotland's finest voices is joined by the fiddle of Pete Clark. MacAlias combine their bold vocal harmonies with intricate guitar work, and the Highlands' hottest new ceilidh and Daimh complete the evening.

Fri 3 May 7.30pm - 10.30pm
THE RADICAL TRADITION

Michael Marra
Tam Dean Burn
Croft #5
Patrick Scott Hogg

Michael Marra's couthy observational songs have rightly earned him a reputation as one of Scotland's finest songwriters. He is joined by the young CelticHouse team, Croft #5. Tam Dean Burn, an actor in the radical tradition interprets the work of Irvine Welsh. Patrick Scott Hogg, co-editor of the contrversial Canongate Burns will also contribute.

SONGS & CLATTER
11 pm
Daimh+Dolphinboy (DJ)

the late show, dance till you drop

Sat 4 May times as listed

11 am The Happy Gang

12.45pm
A DRAP O BARLEY BREE

Isle of Arran Distillers, makers of the official Robert Burns World Federation whisky present a whisky tasting hosted by acclaimed whisky writer Malcolm Greenwood. Tickets strictly limited, over 18s only

4.30pm
Toasting the Lassies

Gill Bowman tells the story of Burns' fascinating love life in words and song.

7.30pm
THE LYRICAL TRADITION

Eddi Reader
James Grant
Liz Niven
3rd Degree Burns

Eddi Reader presents brand new interpretations of Burns while James Grant plays material from his new poetry album. Contemporary poetry read by Liz Niven and local flavour by 3rd Degree Burns.

11 pm
SONGS & CLATTER
Croft#5 + Dolphinboy (DJ)

Sunday 5 May times as listed

2.00pm
TO A MOUTH

World-renowned pianist Brian Kellock and his trio introduce BBC Scotland's Brian Morton and politicat friends such as Margo MacDonald, Tommy Sheridan, Robin Harper and David Mundell reading and discussing the contemporary relevance of Burns' poems. Not to be missed.

7.30pm
THE LIVING TRADITION

Looking to the future, Dr Fred Freeman
and his guests John Morran and Marc
Duff present selections from the Burns
songbook. The legendry Dick Gaughan,
Scotland's radical song riter and musician.