The Tolbooth in Stirling is set to host an exciting array of events that will bring together an eclectic mix of music and arts. From showcasing fresh local talent to hosting Grammy-nominated artists, this cultural hub will be alive with creativity and expression. The lineup includes diverse events such as Fresh Frequencies featuring new bands, the VACMA awards for artists, and performances by renowned musicians like Kim Richey and Jill Lorean. This rich tapestry of events promises to captivate audiences and celebrate the vibrant arts scene in Stirling.

Stirling's Cultural Extravaganza: A Celebration of Music and Arts at The Tolbooth

March 2025 at The Tolbooth in Stirling is set to be a dynamic month filled with incredible performances from celebrated artists such as Darren Kiely, Brandon McPhee, and more. From folk-infused pop to classic rock, and interactive comedy to elements of traditional Scottish music, the lineup promises a wide array of sounds and experiences. Music enthusiasts and art lovers alike have much to anticipate, as these events weave a rich tapestry of cultural and musical expressions, offering something unique for every taste.

A March to Remember: Stellar Performances at The Tolbooth

The Tolbooth in Stirling is set to become a hub for musical enthusiasts with a spectacular lineup of events. The stage will be graced by the award-winning Scottish singer Kim Carnie, the bold and innovative Irish folk artist Junior Brother, and the dynamic CODA tribute band that brings the legendary Led Zeppelin back to life. Each event promises to offer a unique musical experience, captivating audiences with diverse sounds ranging from the soulful melodies of Scotland to the electrifying echoes of classic rock.

A Musical Journey at The Tolbooth: Kim Carnie, Junior Brother, and CODA's Led Zeppelin Tribute

This summer, the Tolbooth in Stirling is buzzing with a series of captivating musical events, drawing audiences to an eclectic mix of folk, rock, and timeless tunes. Featuring renowned acts such as Gnoss, Peggy Seeger, Kim Carnie, Junior Brother, and a Led Zeppelin tribute by CODA, this lineup celebrates diverse genres and storied careers. Whether it’s the emotive layers of Scottish traditional music, the heartfelt farewell tour of an American folk legend, or the rocking echoes of Zeppelin, each event offers a unique musical experience.

The Tolbooth's Summer Serenades: A Journey Through Folk, Rock, and Nostalgia

The Tolbooth in Stirling is set to host a vibrant series of musical events, showcasing the captivating voices and diverse genres of three unique acts. From the ethereal sounds of Kim Carnie's modern Scottish melodies to Junior Brother's innovative Irish folk, and the electrifying tribute to Led Zeppelin by CODA, this line-up promises to captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of sounds. These events not only celebrate the artists' creative contributions but also highlight the Tolbooth's role as a cultural beacon in music.

Tolbooth's Musical Extravaganza: A Celebration of Diverse Soundscapes

CODA  are the only proper four-piece Zep tribute band in Europe that looks and sounds as close to the real thing as possible, featuring authentic-looking and sounding instruments as well as incredible, hand- made replica costumes that will take you back to the time when the Gods of Rock ruled the world! Every show features a fantastic selection from classic Led Zeppelin songs such as Whole Lotta Love, Stairway to Heaven, Rock and Roll, Black Dog, as well as Led Zeppelin live rarities such as When the Levee Breaks, Ramble On, Wanton Song and much more.

CODA – A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

The Tolbooth

Carefully pushing the boundaries of what modern Irish folk can look and  sound like, Junior Brother is an idiosyncratic, challenging and richly  lyrical singer/ songwriter from Co. Kerry, Ireland. With Junior Brother’s  newest single, “Take Guilt”, the fearless artistry for which he is admired reaches exciting new heights, with thrilling clarity and shattering power.

Junior Brother

Award-winning singer and composer, Kim Carnie, has featured not only on some of the UK’s biggest stages, but across the world via film and computer game soundtracks, including Netflix’s Outlaw King, Black Mirror and The Bard’s Tale. Since launching her solo career in 2018, Kim has become one of the most sought-after singers and session vocalists that Scotland has to offer, having worked with producers including Jim Sutherland (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), Donald Shaw (Capercaillie) and Ged Grimes (Simple Minds). In 2019 and 2020, she also joined bands Mànran and Staran, respectively, as lead singer.

Kim Carnie

Peggy Seeger, the grande dame of American and British Folk music, embarks on her last ever concert tour alongside her sons, Neill and Calum MacColl, in celebration of her 90th Birthday in June 2025.

Peggy Seeger

Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character. Triple Scots Trad Music Awards nominees, the band have built an invested following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows. This has been proven through three consecutive sellout appearances at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival. Their 2019 release, Drawn From Deep Water was met with widespread praise (“a refreshing blast” – RnR) for its exemplary interplay, naked lye motional playing, and well chosen material. The 11-track album brought Gnoss to entranced audiences across France, Italy and Denmark, not to mention the length and breadth of the UK. Their follow up album, The Light of The Moon continued to demonstrate Gnoss’ dedication to their craft that places them firmly at the fore of what’s happening in Scottish folk and earned them a nomination for Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. Described as “an invigorating new direction for the Gnoss boys” by Songlines, this album took Gnoss’ online fanbase by storm gaining over one million streams in 2022

Gnoss

As the singer in I Am Kloot from 1999 to 2014, John Bramwell achieved a Mercury Prize nomination for 2010’s The Sky At Night, a Top 10 chart position for 2013’s Let It All In, numerous UK and European tours and a triumphant farewell at the Queen Elizabeth Hall with an orchestra in 2014. Now, as a solo artist, he’s travelling a very different path, his stunning new album The Light Fantastic is almost a complete U-turn from his Kloot-days. Darker clouds have been banished, there are strings and four-part harmonies (a warming development, since Kloot never had any backing vocals) and a dozen gloriously exhilarating, beautifully crafted and observed songs about life, humanity, the universe and everything. As John puts it, “It’s been great to find the joy of making music once again. These are the most uplifting songs of my career.”

John Bramwell (I Am Kloot)

The band had 7 Top 50 singles between 1996 and 1999. The band’s third album, the Beach boys influenced electronica of “What We Did Last Summer” was released in 2002 on Universal records, after which the band went on a long overdue break.

The Supernaturals

Broken Chanter can be MacGregor on his own or, more often than not, with an array of extremely talented musicians joining him. He spent 2007-2017 as the principal songwriter of Scottish Alt-Pop darlings Kid Canaveral – a band that could get you to dance, laugh, and weep all in the space of the same set. Their Debut LP Shouting at Wildlife was described by The Herald as “a Scottish pop classic that should be mandatory in every record collection in the country”, and saw the band perform across a large chunk of the western hemisphere, with similarly well-received follow-up Now That You Are a Dancer being long-listed for the Scottish Album of the Year Award in 2014.

Broken Chanter

4.0 is my fourth tour, come and join me for a night of interactive stand-up madness. I’ve been blessed with such a good crowd and I can’t wait for you to hear my brand-new show or even see me for a first time. Thank you for the support and for making this dream a reality.

Gary Faulds Live 4.0

Folk music’s legendary triumvirate of musical magpies Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle are on tour again in 2025, bringing you their own blend of top -class folk songs, tunes and charming bonhomie.

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle

Tolbooth, in partnership with SAY Award, present a series celebrating some of the finest Scottish albums of all time– SAY nominated and winning albums, performed in full.

Tolbooth & SAY presents: Admiral Fallow performing ‘Tree Bursts in Snow’

First, an hour of songs and stories about why we are (or are not) happy; followed by a work-in-progress of our next show. What will it be? Well, a charming double act with a penchant for political humor and musical comedy of course, what else do you need to know?

Jonny & The Baptists

It’s over twenty years since The Wave Pictures formed in Wymeswold, Leicestershire as teenagers. The trio of Jonny Helm (drums), Dave Tattersall (guitar & vocals) and Franic Rozycki (bass) have gone on to be one of the UK’s most prolific and beloved bands. Fond of classic rock, jazz and blues, they are also one of the most accomplished, with Tattersall’s guitar solos becoming the stuff of legend. They have collaborated with varying bright stars of the musical firmament, from their ongoing partnership with ex-Herman Dune member Stanley Brinks, or the very close partnership with Billy Childish for 2015’s ‘Great Big Flamingo Burning Moon’.

The Wave Pictures

Tolbooth & SAY presents: Kathryn Joseph performing ‘bones you have thrown me and blood I have spilled’

One evening at the Jazz Cafe, Camden in 2018, six artists came together in celebration of John Martyn’s music. It was an evening of deep connection, not just to John’s music, but also with a unique community of John Martyn fans. That night saw the sparks of what was to become ‘The John Martyn Project’ – an ongoing homage to a truly pioneering and unique musical soul.

The John Martyn Project

Multi-award-winning Brandon McPhee has just completed a series of shows across the length and breadth of Scotland, concluding at Eden Court Empire Theatre Inverness, February 2024.  While touring Brandon’s version of the Johnny Cash standard “Ring of Fire” in a matter of weeks reached over 1 and a half million views on the internet.  Brandon McPhee and his relationship with his audience.  A quiet, pleasant, unassuming young man off-stage, when he steps in front of his audience he is instantly surrounded by a charismatic “ring of fire.”  Whether dazzling on the accordion or singing Brandon radiates fire, a warmth instantly felt and reflected back by his audience.  Is this the connection, the shared experience that has his fans not just enjoying the show but participating by dancing in the aisles?  We expect, indeed take it for granted, that Brandon will deliver great performances both on the button box and singing country.  This show was different.  He gave the audience what they expect off him, but Brandon not only demonstrated his increasing catalogue of self-penned tunes and songs, but this time he delivered a much more versatile range of material, moving effortlessly through the deep tones of Johnny Cash songs to early 1900s Irish tenor John McCormack then back to Elvis – a widening repertoire underpinned by an increasing vocal range and ability.  Brandon McPhee is not just touring; he is on a journey fired by his love of music and performance.  It is a delight to observe and join Brandon on his journey.  Brandon’s latest CD released October 2024 titled ‘Diversity’ says it all.  Also guesting on the show is Manson Grant from Manson Grant and the Dynamos fame as well as part of the Brandon McPhee band.

The Brandon McPhee Show 2025

Hailing from a quaint town in Co. Cork, Ireland, Darren Kiely’s folk-infused pop sound originates from his inherited love of traditional Irish music, intertwined with modern influences such as The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, and Noah Kahan. At just five years old, Darren learned the tin whistle, and at eight years old he picked up the fiddle, eventually teaching himself to play guitar as well. Darren began singing in 2019, quickly garnering attention for his raw and fervent vocals and emotive delivery. After winning numerous honors at a national level in Irish traditional music, Darren found his way to NYC in 2022 to continue developing his own music and sound, and soon after headed to the songwriting hub of Nashville. Darren’s unique presentation of folk-infused pop and lush storytelling, which echoes the backdrop of the Irish countryside where he was raised, is the forefront of his debut EP, Lost, which arrived last fall. The seven-track project explores the triumphant war of overcoming self-doubt, struggling to find himself, questioning emotions and seeking answers. Lost features new track “Mom & Dad,” which debuted in the Top 40 on the Irish Singles Chart and also landed him in the Top 5 on the Irish Homegrown chart, as well as fan-favorite, No. 1 hit, “Sunrise.” Kiely took his new music on the road in the fall with his headline THE ROAD HOME TOUR, where he sold out shows across his home country of Ireland. Following his headline tour, Kiely toured across Europe with the 502s. The singer is currently on his international headline tour, THE LOST TOUR, wrapping in Ireland in May.

Darren Kiely – The Never Been Here Before Tour

BC Camplight is the moniker of maverick songsmith Brian Christinzio. The Philadelphian turned Mancunian is considered one of indie music’s most forward-thinking artists with a discography which acts as a soundtrack to a life rife with bad fortune, mental illness, running afoul of the law, and ultimately absolute redemption. Whilst living in Philadelphia Christinzio performed live with The War On Drugs in between releasing two critically successful, yet commercially ignored records. He was also a coveted session pianist lending his talents to scores of albums, perhaps most notably Sharon Van Etten’s ‘Epic’. After a period of homelessness and running on fumes creatively Christinzio made a move across the Atlantic to Manchester, UK in an effort take control of his life and reshuffle his musical deck. The result was the recording of 2015’s ode to Manchester and baroque pop tour de force ‘How To Die In The North’. The recordings resulted in a record deal with Bella Union and placed Christinzio on a path towards artistic fulfilment.

BC Camplight (solo piano show)

Introducing Spirit Ridge, Dean’s new album (recorded at Crinale, Italy (the land of his lion tamer ancestor) with producer Don Antonio). Following directly on from his highly acclaimed collaborations with Calexico, the songs on Spirit Ridge are both monumental and deeply personal, rooted in a liminal hinterland which connects the lush Italian hills, the US desert states and post industrial Scotland.  A thrilling, unique blend of Scottish roots and rocky Americana, with added desert noir.

Dean Owens & The Sinners

105 Iron Man competitions in 105 days, the first to swim the length of Britain, the fastest unsupported cycle across Europe and a 4200 mile continuous triathlon later, Sean is one of the most accomplished ultra-endurance athletes on the planet!

Speakers from the Edge presents: Sean Conway – Endurance

Kim Richey Bio Two-time Grammy nominated Kim Richey is a storyteller with a voice so pure, arresting and honest, it literally aches with life’s truths. She transports the listener to a world where words paint pictures and melodies touch the soul, her voice is pure arresting and honest.

Kim Richey

With more albums and shows to be announced over the coming weeks, this is just the start of an exciting series celebrating the best in Scottish music.

Tolbooth & SAY presents: Sacred Paws performing ‘Strike A Match’

Jill Lorean is Glasgow-based songwriter Jill O’Sullivan (Sparrow And The Workshop) in collaboration with musician and producer Andy Monaghan (Frightened Rabbit) and drummer Peter Kelly. Jill muses on the profound, the mundane, the universe, impending doom and everything in-between over frenetic, hypnotic drum beats and playful, subversive bass and guitar lines.

Jill Lorean + guests

Over recent years, Hannah Read and Michael Starkey have fast become one of the most sought-after fiddle-banjo duos on the UK acoustic music scene. Their richly dynamic take on Appalachian old-time music has seen them enthrall audiences up and down the country, both during their live shows and on their critically acclaimed debut duo album ‘Cross The Rolling Water’, released on Hudson Records. They bring a unique depth of expression to traditional music, looking forwards and reaching out whilst still finding an anchor in its timeless language. At the heart of their sound is the complex and driving rhythmic interplay between fiddle and banjo, which draws the listener in “the way lungs draw in air” (Songlines), as they shine a light on “the powerful essence of the music” (RNR Magazine). To complete their sound, they bring a range of old, contemporary and original folk songs, sung with charismatic voices that are “destined to be appreciated for a very long time” (Old Time News).

Hannah Read, Cahalen Morrison & Michael Starkey

The Visual Artist and Craft Makers Awards (VACMA) scheme offers small grants to visual artists and craft makers for their creative development at all stages of their career. These awards are supported by Creative Scotland through funding from the National Lottery in partnership with Stirling Council, and Falkirk Community Trust.  The Forth Valley VACMA awards will include Stirling and Falkirk.  This year we will continue to offer fixed bursaries in recognition of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on individual artists and makers. The VACMA scheme offers two levels of bursaries:

Vacma 2024/25

Fresh Frequencies is a night hosted by Air3Radio to showcase new bands and talent, and to invite students and beyond in Stirling to enjoy the culture and arts venues the city has to offer.

Air3 Radio & Tolbooth presents Fresh Frequencies, featuring Santeria, Vanderlye and Human Renegade

Jessica “Jesca” Ada Hoop is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, who writes and performs in diverse musical styles. She has released six studio albums of her own, as well as live, acoustic and dual albums with others. Don’t miss her as she performs a solo show live in Tolbooth.

Tolbooth

Aug 7, 2025

CODA – A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

Jun 7, 2025

Junior Brother

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