Music Encounters in the Parks
In line with the 20-Minute Neighbourhood Model, Edinburgh Parks Events Manifesto 2014 as well as the Citywide Culture Strategy 2023-2030, the activities designed in this proposal are to provide regular access to arts and culture activities for residents in local parks. The parks considered in this proposal include City Parks, Community Parks and Premium Parks located across Edinburgh’s residential areas. The planned events are to resource a programme of regular live music activity as part of a pilot initiative developed to test models to be incorporated into the Citywide Music Strategy. Following a number of community initiatives taking places across our parks, this programme is to complement existing provision and offer local communities regular opportunities to enjoy free-of-charge access to music across cultures and genres while supporting local musicians with paid engagements and increasing their audience reach.
All pop-up events are free and un-ticketed.
Music Encounters: Summer Season
27 July, 1-3pm, Montgomery Street Park, Leith (EH7 5ET)
Giulia Drummond is a singer-songwriter from Brazil now based in Edinburgh. Giulia takes her audience through an eclectic musical journey through different cultures and languages, exploring themes such as nature, love, all that connects us as fellow humans on this Earth.
Fingertraps Duo are a Samba, Neo Soul, Latin Jazz fusion band that loves to share their passion for Latin America and World music.
FaVaBeats takes you around the world in an all acoustic voyage of groove music from all corners of the planet, from Afrobeat to Latin Cumbia, Balkan Gypsy Beats to Middle Eastern Hafla. FaVaBeats are a one stop global and multi cultural experience like no other!
20 July, 1-3pm, St Margaret's Park, Corstorphine (EH12 7SZ)
Oriana Setz, Duo Alma and Lone Bear Trio
Oriana Setz - Forbes Mexico described singer-songwriter Oriana Setz as an "exponent of the AlterLatino music movement". Her solo performances include soulful and wide-ranging vocals as well as a dynamic acoustic guitar. Oriana’s blend of Latin rhythms with Alternative Pop, accompanied by insightful lyrics in Spanish and English creates a performance described by many as ‘hipnotizing’.
Duo Alma - Duo Alma is a musical act comprised by Tere Bertucci and Jorge Sandoval, two artists from Chile. We offer various Latin American rhythms such as Bolero, Vals, Bossa, Zamba, Ballads and many more, which you will be able to enjoy in the guitar, vocals, ukulele and other acoustic instruments. We aim to bring the joy, depth, and passion of Latin America to your ears and hearts.
Lone Bear - Lone Bear plays Early Blues and Country Rags on resonator guitar, banjo, blues harp and kazoo, with classics from the '20s to the '40s and his originals, which showcase his unique finger-picking and bottleneck slide technique. He has toured in seventeen countries across five continents performing at countless venues and recorded internationally with five albums and a live DVD produced in Brazil. Lone Bear's latest album was recorded live in Clarksdale, Mississippi at the renowned Juke Joint Festival and across his discography more than 10,000 CDs have been sold worldwide. Performing live, the multi-instrumentalist is a captivating story-teller as he shares an authentic repertoire of spirited songs and rogue tales from the Deep South.
13 July, 1-3pm, Portobello Promenade Terrace (EH15 1BT)
Free Palace, The Kennedy's Project and Liam Baker
Free Palace is the dynamic musical collaboration between Scottish artists Billy Got Waves and Leon Power. By merging Billy’s cutting-edge hip-hop flair and melodies with Leon’s polished vocals and sophisticated production they create a distinct sound that effortlessly transcends genres and leaves an earworm in listeners ears. With a back catalogue of live performance experience, Billy brings a raw, energetic stage presence, whilst Leon, formerly signed to Universal Records as Leon T Pearl, contributes his refined artistry, production and industry insight. Together, they form Free Palace, a project that uniquely defines their artistic vision and pushes the boundaries of Scottish contemporary music.
Liam Baker is a singer-songwriter, poet, filmmaker and photographer. Watching him perform we are enticed into a dream-like world, made of strange landscapes, and populated by an array of characters born from the artists various alter-egos. Liam is advocate of art-as-therapy, and the positive effect of giving life to one's inner landscapes and inner voices. His main stylistic influences include late 20th century pop and rock, music from the folk revival, Jazz standards, west end musicals, and modern classical music. Think: David Bowie meets Divine Comedy with a dose of Philip Glass. Liam has performed his own music in the UK and Europe, written and appeared in theatre and composed music for film, dance and theatre.
The Kennedy's Project are an energetic, dynamic group of musicians who take their audiences on a journey of rock, blues and soul. Their sound has been described as a unique combination of high energy and mellow vibes. During their live performances, they deliver a captivating performance that leaves the audience energized and wanting more. With a range of influences from classic rock to gritty blues, some Americana, with a dash of traditional goodness & a little bit dance here & there too.
Music Encounters Spring Programme
Saturday, 2 March 2024, 1-3PM – Straiton Place Park/Portobello Promenade
Music Encounters featuring Fay Guiffo & Edyta Mydłowska, Oriana Setz, and Navegantes
Saturday, 9 March 2024, 1-3PM – Nicolson Square
Music Encounters featuring Marco Sollazzo, Aşk-Ask, and Bado Reti Group
Saturday, 16 March 2024, 1-3PM – Leith Links
Music Encounters featuring Firelight Trio, Ché Caré, and Tom Oakes Trio
Saturday, 23 March 2024, 1-3PM – Saughton Bandstand *** POSTPONED to 6th April ***
Music Encounters featuring Freya Rae & Siannie Moodie, TuFlamenco Duo, and Hermafrobeat
Saturday, 30 March 2024, 1-3PM – Lauriston Castle, Japanese Garden
Music Encounters featuring Elinor Evans, Ali Affleck & Bedlam Swing, and Full Fat
Saturday, 6 April 2024, 1-3PM – Saughton Bandstand
Music Encounters featuring Freya Rae & Siannie Moodie and Hermafrobeat
