What's On Scotland 24 Nov-1 Dec: Push the Boat Out & more
Push the Boat Out, Edinburgh's international poetry festival, returns this weekend with a gorgeous programme of spoken word and songwriting. Elsewhere, Queer East Festival plays in Summerhall and Nkem Okwechime has an exhibition in Dundee
Push the Boat Out, Edinburgh’s international poetry festival, regularly pushes the boundaries of what poetry is, finding lyricism across artistic genres and forms. Taking place in Summerhall this weekend from 24-26 November, this year's meticulously curated programme encompasses everything from spoken word and readings to hip-hop and songwriting.
It's a packed programme, with a chance to really get stuck in (workshops!) or sit back and enjoy (so! many! performances!). Some of our top highlights include music and jam sessions from Hamish Hawk and Leyla Josephine, a night of reactive poetry from playwright Inua Ellams (pictured), and a closing night party DJ’ed by Arusa Qureshi. You can buy tickets for individual events or go all out and get a festival pass.
Palestine Fundraiser Gig
The Glad Cafe, Glasgow. 29 Nov, 7:30pm
There's an incredible lineup of local artists at this The Glad Cafe gig held to raise funds for Medical Aid Palestine. Find Nigerian-Scottish audiovisual artist Chizu Nnamdi, Glasgow band Amara and indie folk musician Pippa Blundell (pictured) there on the night. Image: Rosie Sco.
Queer East Festival
Summerhall, Edinburgh. 28 Nov-2 Dec
Queer East Festival returns to Summerhall with a perfectly curated programme of features and shorts. Highlights from the programme include Taiwanese classic Rebels of the Neon God and 1963 Hong Kong musical The Love Eterne (pictured). Image: Queer East Festival.
UP TOO LATE
Lost in Leith, Edinburgh. 25 Nov, 5:30pm
Join Edinburgh art and music collective Chuun for the launch of their third zine featuring local emerging artists, with a night of excellently curated music. There's live music and sets from The Raeburn Brothers, Nikhita, bowlcut and Arusa Qureshi (pictured). Image: Alexander Smail.
Barry Can't Swim
The Bongo Club, Edinburgh. 25 Nov, 11pm
There's more dance-y vibes with Edinburgh lad Barry Can't Swim's show at The Bongo Club. Blending electronica riffs and synth sounds with the vocals and smooth moodiness of jazz, the rising star's music is a burst of fierce warmth and sunshine. Image: George Quann.
ADVERTISEMENT | In An Ellington Mood
Various venues, Scotland. 8-10 Dec, 7:30pm
Get in an Ellington mood this December with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and Lucy-Anne Daniels as they perform a selection of Duke and Ella Fitzgerald classics. With meticulous attention to period detail, including the stage set-up, the sartorial elegance, specially sourced period brass mutes and scores specially transcribed from Ellington concerts, In an Ellington Mood will be an unforgettable evening of swing, sophistication, and pure musical magic!
↪ Nkem Okwechime: Okolo
Generator Projects, Dundee. Until 17 Dec
The second solo exhibition by Scotland-based artist Nkem Okwechime this year, Okolo features tender photography depicting his South London community to Nigerian-inspired textile work and a lush 220 metres-worth of beautiful hand-printed wallpaper. Image: Ben Douglas.
→ Stereo's Sweet Sixteen
Stereo, Glasgow. 25 Nov, 8pm
Beloved venue Stereo turns 16 this month (old enough to vote! old enough to buy lottery tickets!) and they're throwing the cutest birthday bash. There's 2007-themed karaoke from Bum Notes and DJing from the likes of VAJ.Power, Indigo and slyn.
→ Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran: Idols of Mud and Water
Tramway, Glasgow. 25 Nov-21 Apr
Sri Lankan-born, Australian-based artist Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran creates vivid, totemic sculptures inspired by global histories and cultures, exploring ideas of idolatry, hybridity, and queer sensibilities.