Tuesday 27 May 2014

Review: Falkirk and District Art Club

Falkirk Art Club
49th Annual Exhibition
20th - 25th May
Howgate Shopping Centre

Aside from the theatre productions and folk music gigs, one of the most anticipated event at this years' Tryst Festival was the 49th Annual Exhibition by Falkirk and District Art Club, where members offer up their best examples of illustrations, oil and acrylic paintings and wood engravings.


Following in the footsteps of the pop up art space on Falkirk High Street, the Art Club are found residing the white, open, and very bright contemporary space of a vacant retail clothing outlet in the Howgate Shopping centre. The exhibition is presented in the classic salon style, in which the artwork on show appears to be hung in a first come first serve manner, paintings of wild animals are seen to be roaming through magnificent highland scenery and Mediterranean landscapes where 70's music icons David Bowie and Bryan Ferry can be seen to be relaxing. The work on show explores the vast interests of their memberships, studies of family pets in which the artist tries to capture a life like image on the canvas to thickly layered abstract oil paint compositions. As expected from an art group's exhibition there are a lot of different styles and ability on show, which forces the viewer to realise this exhibition is not declaring to the world, we are here, come see how awesome we are,but designed to simply raise the awareness of one of the few fine art based clubs in the District, which comes across as refreshing, fun and honest.

Moving out of the advertised location, Falkirk Town Hall, suggests the main motivation of this exhibition is to get as many people through the door regardless to whom they may be or their interests, the more eyes on the work the better, the impression is given that group will judge this exhibition solely by how many turned up. Conflicting with the venue stated in the Tryst Festival brochure the group have fallen on a double edged sword, rejecting the advertising and promotion that comes with being featured in a catalogue and the professional venue and dedicated audience that the Town Hall boasts, in order to attract a wider audience of shoppers who have not come out for the purpose of visiting Falkirk Art and District Art Club. The true success of this exhibition shall be seen in how many of the numbers are transformed into new members the club attracts and not how many people attended or entered a prize draw. 

Over all the work on show at the old Republic shop was one of a high quality, the mix of styles and media used demonstrates how diverse the Art Club is and it's ability to nurture it's members. Although the focus on attendance is a little off putting the venue has shown to be a perfect suit in the exhibition of paintings and drawings as the spacious and airy location showed the work off in the best light.

Monday 26 May 2014

Saturday 24 May 2014

Review: Flossie Malavialle

Folk at the Tryst presents: 
Flossie Malavialle


After a decade of touring the world promoting her prolific achievement of releasing one album per year Flossie Malavialle made a much welcomed and anticipated return to the Falkirk Folk Club as part of their Tryst Festival line up. Melodic renditions of classic French tunes, American folk songs and her own personal favourite songs, were well received by an enthusiastic audience who clapped and sang along with the chorus in traditional Falkirk Folk Club fashion. Malavialle possesses an accomplished guitar style that compliments her versatile voice and a strong stage presence all of which are uniquely enhanced by an accent that's a surprising blend of Geordie and Southern French.

Her set boasted an eclectic mix of styles and genres, opening with Dark Horses Dancing by her close friend Keith Donnelly, with whom recently she toured around Europe and Australia. Malavialle's vocal range is most evident with her cover of Edith Piaf's seminal hit La Vie En Rose. The crowd in the sold out Tolbooth Tavern sat eagerly with anticipation and sang along with most songs, some even attempted to murmur those lyrics in French and Spanish resulting in a boisterous atmosphere. A cover of Jacque Brel's Port Amsterdam brought a certain je nais sais quoi to a club that mostly plays Irish and Scottish Folk Song. Flossie's charm and sense of humour ensured this unusual concert, (it's not often French is heard lyrically blaring out a town centre boozer) was extremely entertaining from start to finish.

Set list:
Dark Horses Dancing.
Teddy O'Neil
La Vie En Rose
On The Road Again
I Know You By Heart
My Love He Is On Board
From Funny Cross
Port Amsterdam
Go Leave
Killing Me Softly
Road Is My Middle Name
Almost A Year
Wonderful World


Me And Bobby McGee
Non Je Ne Regrette Rien
Mercedez Benz


Tuesday 20 May 2014

Review: Words and Music

Falkirk Writers Circle
Words and Music
Falkirk Town Hall Studio
13th of May 2014


One of the best things about poetry and prose in Falkirk is that it's mostly self motivated, events pop up in the area because groups of writers are in love with; jotting down stories and poems, creating a literary scene and the diverse talent in the District that they decide to put it out there.

For 25 years Falkirk Writers Circle have been providing spoken word events throughout Falkirk to great acclaim, this year with the help of the Glasgow based bluegrass quartet The Daddy Naggins they took over Falkirk Town Hall Studio to celebrate Words and Music.

Opening the event with their own brand of Scottish and Irish folk songs Daddy Naggins warmed the audience into a good mood with their foot tapping bluegrass renditions of well known and original folk songs. The Writers Circle were more than a match for the jangly banjo rifts as they presented an evening of well written and perfectly dictated poems and short stories, magically weaved together by the welcoming hosting skills of the groups' chairman Colin McNeil. On show was a broad range of poetry styles and subjects ranging from growing up in Stenhousemuir to Memento Mori. As well as hearing the work of the group's more established and acclaimed writers the event provided a platform for the circle's new talent to take centre stage, a highlight was the emotional poems of Ian Todd, as he eloquently described his unforgettable experience of serving in the armed forces.




The set up was simple, the group stick to the same routine each year and why not as it is effective, inviting and proven to work every time in delivering a professional and well presented spoken word event. Words and Music acts more of a yearly celebration of the group than a gig as the audience is mostly made of the group's members, this is evident by the lack of hand out material providing links to websites, social media or even an email address, as a result there is no way to follow up on the work of the group for first time visitors. As the group boasts a large membership it can afford to fill the Town Hall Studio and provide enough speakers that each act only has three minutes, ensuring Words and Music was fresh and engaging from start to finish.



As a whole the works of poetry and fiction presented by the Falkirk Writers Circle were extremely entertaining, well read, rich in detail and in places sensitive and surprising imagery was created. Resulting in a friendly, wide ranging and high quality spoken word event held in the centre of Falkirk, created for the love of it.  

Review by
Craig Allan for [Untitled]

Saturday 10 May 2014

Falkirk Tryst Orchestra

Spring Concert with Laura Sergent
Falkirk Tryst Orchestra

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 25th of May 2014

This annual evening of classical and light music played by Falkirk’s own symphony orchestra, conducted by Robert Tait, is delighted to welcome Laura Sergeant as this year’s soloist.

The main work of the concert is the ‘1st Cello Concerto’ by Saint-Saens, featuring Laura as the soloist.

Larbert-born Laura is a freelance cellist and chamber musician who has studied at the RSAMD and in Germany.

The Spring concert brings our 2014 Festival to a close


All information courtesy of Tryst Festival





http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
Westbridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Tricks at the Tryst

Tricks at the Tryst:
An evening of Magic
Forth Valley Magic Circle

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 24th of May

An evening of magic showcasing the talents of members of the Forth Valley Magic Circle.







With a variety of magic from stage, to close-up, and table, this cabaret style performance is a great night out for anyone who loves magic!

Find out more at www.forthvalleymagic.co.uk


All information is courtesy of the Tryst Festival.

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
Westbridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Falkirk Writer's Circle - Seminar

Seminar
Falkirk Writer's Circle

Where: Park Hotel
When: 24th of May 2014

Falkirk Writers' Circle is an association of writers for the common benefit of all and the encouragement of writing that provides an opportunity to meet other writers to discuss and share your interest.

This full day event, with four guest speakers, is an opportunity for those with a passion for writing to explore and develop their own skills and knowledge, and culminates with the awarding of the competition winners.


For more information on the seminar speakers or how to enter the competition, visit: www.falkirkwriters.org.uk

Tickets £30 (lunch included) plus £1 per competition entry


All information courtesy of the Tryst Festival

An evening of Fairytales

An evening of Fairytales
Sunny Stars 

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 22nd of May 2014

Audiences can expect a magical evening of entertainment from the children of Sunny Stars, who is this year presenting their 12th annual summer show.

The young stars, aged four to sixteen, will perform three plays: ‘Pinocchio’, ‘Peter Pan’, and ‘Beauty IS a Beast’ - a hilarious twist on a classic tale.

Packed with music and fun, this is sure to be a fabulous evening for all the family.

Tickets £6.50 / £5 concession


All information courtesy of the Tryst Festival

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
Westbridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Going for Gold

Going for Gold

The Ballochleam Dancers

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 20th of May 2014

The Ballochleam Dancers present Highland Dancing as it’s never been seen before!

This exciting and energetic show sees the team take part in the ‘Ballochleam Games’: running, jumping, boxing, or gymnastics, the stunning choreography captures their journey through Scotland and its famous attractions as they go for the games gold.

Tickets £6 / £4 concession / under 5s free

All information courtesy of the Tryst Festival


http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
Westbridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Falkirk District Art Club: 49th Annual Exhibition


Bobby Rennie
49th Annual Exhibition 
Falkirk District Art Club: 

Where: Howgate Shopping Centre
When: 20th-25th of May 2014

The Art Club hosts it's annual exhibition of work by club members, and the opportunity to purchase locally produced art.

Come along and browse and enjoy!

Open Tuesday 20-Saturday 24 11am-8pm
Open Sunday 25 11am-3pm

FREE entry



Forth Bridges Accordion Band

Forth Bridges Accordion Band

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 19th of May 2014

This Bo’ness based band is back at the Tryst with their invigorating accordion music ranging from Scottish Traditional to old-time favourites.

The community marching band boasts over 40 members, with ages ranging from three to seventy, who regularly tour the length and breadth of the country taking part in events from Gala Day processions, Fair Days, and the Riding of the Marches, and who have exciting appearances coming up this year at Homecoming and the Commonwealth Games.

Get your toes tapping and prepare to join in and sing along with these popular classics: books will be available for those keen to join in with the singing.

Tickets £6 / £4 concession


All information courtesy of the Tryst Festival

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
Westbridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Folk at the Tryst: Archie Fisher, Barluath, Carroncast

Folk at the Tryst: Archie Fisher, Barluath, Carroncast
Falkirk Folk Club

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 17th of May 2014









Part of the popular 'Folk at the Tryst' series with Falkirk Folk Club... Carroncast and Barluath will perform in this special show welcoming renowned folk musician Archie Fisher MBE.

NOTE: This event will be held in the FTH Studio

Tickets £12

All information provided by the Tryst Festival.

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
Westbridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Children's Music and Dance Workshop

Children's Music and Dance Workshop
Falkirk Folk Club

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 17th of May 2014

Falkirk Folk Club is teaming up with Impression Arts to present a fun filled 2 hour dance session for children aged 6-11. Enjoy experimenting with traditional Scottish instruments and songs, combining the music with your own choreographed Scottish Dance!

NOTE: This event will be held in the FTH Studio

Tickets £5

All information is courtesy of Tryst Festival

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
Westbridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Folk At The Tryst

Folk At The Tryst: The John Muir Way Session Trail.
Falkirk Folk Club

Where: Tolbooth Tavern
When: 16th of May

Celebrating this year's opening of the John Muir Way with a series of sessions throughout the Falkirk area, tonight's stop is the Tolbooth Tavern!

All are welcome to come along and bring instruments to be a part of the music.

FREE

Booking: info@falkirkfolkclub.co.uk

All information is courtesy of the Tryst Festival

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue: 
The Tolbooth Tavern
Tolbooth Street
FK1 1NL

Friday 9 May 2014

Aladdin Jnr

Image courtesy of Project Theatre
Project Theatre presents:
Disney's Aladdin Jnr

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 16-17th of May 2014


In their third production at the Tryst Festival, Project Theatre invite you on a magic carpet ride to the dazzling Disney's Aladdin!

Based on the award winning Disney musical film, this is a great show for all the family!

Performances:
7.30pm on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 May
2pm on Saturday 17 May

Tickets £8 / £6 concession / £25 family ticket


All information courtesy of the Tryst Festival

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
West Bridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Folk at the Tryst

Photo courtesy of Falkirk Folk Club
Folk at the Tryst presents:
Flossie Malavialle

The first in the popular 'Folk at the Tryst' series... Flossie's dual linguistics of French and Geordie is a delight in itself but it is the purity of her voice that mesmerises audiences across Europe.

She is an extraordinary and engaging performer with an eclectic repertoire and not to be missed!

Tickets £8 from info@falkirkfolkclub.co.uk


All information courtesy of Tryst Festival







http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/

Venue:
Tolbooth Tavern
Tolbooth Street
FK1 1NL

Words and Music

Words and Music
Falkirk Writer's Circle

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 13th of May 2014

A evening celebratinbg the written word with Falkirk Writer's Circle and Glasgow band, 'The Daddy Naggins'. Readings of prose and poetry will be interspersed with Celtic and blue-grass music in this entertaining evening.

Tickets £6 / £5 concession. 

NOTE: This event will be staged in the FTH Studio


All information and imagery courtesy of the Tryst Festival

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
West Bridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

An evening with...Sweet Harmony Barbershop Chorus

An evening with....
Sweet Harmony Barbershop Chorus

Where: Falkirk Town Hall
When: 13th of May 2014

Enjoy a wonderful evening of barbershop music from this relatively new chorus in it's Tryst Festival debut.

The evening will include well known songs you can hum, sing along and tap your toes to!

Tickets are £7 / £5 concession


All information courtesy of the Tryst Festival

http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
West Bridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS

Falkirk Festival Chorus Annual Concert

Falkirk Festival Chorus
Annual Concert

When: 11th of May 2014

The Annual Concert marks the 40th anniversary of the Falkirk Festival Chorus

The main work is Hadyn's 'Nelson Mass' followed by a selection of well loved opera choruses including the 'Anvil Chorus' by Verdi and the Waltz Scene form Tchaikovsky's 'Eugene Onegin'.

Professional soloists Jessica Leary (Soprano), Lynda-Jane Nelson (Mezzo Soprano), Luperci de Souza (Tenor) and Arshak Kuzikayan (Bass) will join conductor Robert Tait and the Scottish Concert Orchestra.

Conductor Robert Tait will give a pre-concert talk at 6pm... Well worth arriving early!


http://artmapfalkirk.blogspot.co.uk/
Venue:
Falkirk Town Hall
West Bridge Street
Falkirk
FK1 5RS