breathe a sigh of relief...

January is nearly over, thank god!As I guess most of you are in a fairly similar boat to my good self, you've been counting down the days until pay day, whilst avoiding checking your bank balance. Or perhaps that's just me. Next weekend should prove to be a relief to most of you, finally you're going to be able actually afford to do something fun with your weekend. Thankfully next weekend sees an abundance of events taking place for you to go and sample some fine music whilst enjoying a couple of shandies (you've earned it).

First up is the Hidden Door Festival in Edinburgh, a new venture aimed at bringing together innovative artists from all disciplines to create an exciting multi-sensory snapshot and celebration of the incredible creativity in the arts, all under one roof for a whole weekend.

Basically it's a mini festival at the Roxy Art House and The Bowery, which will feature 40 artists, 30 bands, 10 poets and 10 film makers. Bands taking part include Broken Records, North Atlantic Oscillation and Panda Su. Tickets for each day are £10, with the added bonus of a free download from Ten Tracks with each ticket purchased. For more more information check out their Homepage, then buy your tickets here.

If you fancy doing your bit for charity whilst also having a fun day out then Sick Kids Sunday 2 at the GRV in Edinburgh might be more up your street. After the success of the event in May last year, the event is back again with a line up which boasts a line up including Zoey Van Goey, Martin John Henry and Meurasult. Considering it's only £8 a ticket and all proceeds go to charity this should be a must for all you Edinburgh folk (unless you're going to the Hidden Door Festival that is. Tickets are available to buy here, some may be available on the day but it might be best to get them bought now to avoid disappointment. Further details can be found on the Sick Kids Sunday Myspace.

Please not that contrary to what the poster above shows Alasdair Roberts has had to pull out, however, Broken Records have stepped in to fill the gap playing an acoustic set. Seriously can an event in Edinburgh go by with them not taking part?!


Lastly, we have Chemikal Undergrounds 15th birthday party at the ABC in Glasgow, which is the closing even for this years Celtic Connections Festival. The line up boasts the cream of the crop when it comes to Chemikal's roster, each act will play a twenty five minute set. It's worth the entry fee alone just to see the Phantom Band in action, plus it will be the first live outing of The Unwinding Hours. I'm really looking forward to it already, if you fancy it then you can find out more details/buy tickets here.

Sick Kids Sunday 2 - Edinburgh, 31st of January

After a success of the first event back in May Sick Kids Sunday have announced a second outing in Edinburgh on the 31st of January (same night as the Chemikla Underground night in Glasgow). The one day mini music festival, takes place at the GRV in Edinburgh, if you don't already know and can't work it out from the title, Sick Kids Sunday is a charitable event that aims to raise funds and awareness for the charity Sick Kids Friends Foundation. The Sick Kids Friends Foundation was formed in late 1992 and in the past 16 years has raised well over £12 million and helped over 1.5 million children who have attended the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. The Hospital receives over 100,000 children through its doors every year, from all over the East of Scotland.

The Line-up for next years event looks something like this.....

Meursault.
James Yorkston & Adrian Crowley (playing the songs of Daniel Johnson).
Alasidair Roberts.
Sparrow and the Workshop.
Men Diamler.
Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers.
Zoey Van Goey.
Eagleowl.
Martin John Henry.
The Stormy Seas.


Tickets are £8 in advance and £10 on the door, they can be bought at TicketScotland. (sans booking fee). For more information you might be better checking out their Myspace