celebrating women in arts society and culture

Thursday 26th April - Saturday 31st May...and beyond
Pencuik
Cost: Free
Women need space in our modern world to take time to connect with the earth and each other in a setting that draws on our ancient instincts connecting through basic activities of fire building, walking, and slow cooking/eating. Our group works with women from all walks of life and aims to create a space for true liberation of ideas away from modern society. This is an ongoing projects, meeting every Thursday from 26th April at the Flotterstone Inn (catch the McEwan 101 bus from Edinburgh bus station at 12:55pm) and the weekend 17th and 18th May.
For more info email : fieldwanderer [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk or phone kate 07736 564 657

Monday 5th May - Saturday 31st May
YEAH! Bloody Love To
Karen Constance and Mary Trodden
The Southern Bar, South Clerk St, Edinburgh
Opening: 9 pm Monday 5th May
Cost: free
An exhibition of new work by Edinburgh artists Mary Trodden and Brighton based painter Karen Constance.

Thursday 29th May
Bannermans, The Cowgate, Edinburgh 0131 556 3254
Time: 9 pm
Cost: £4
The Beggar Girls play French, English, East European folk with haunting melodies. Jake Cogan songs are raw and powerful and at others times witty and humorous. She is quietly becoming one of Folk Music’s most exciting new voices. Langholm Folk’re honest and wholehearted traditional folk singers that make your heart smile. Viara Ivanova’s strong vocals and passionate performance keeps you wanting more!

Friday 30th May
NEW DATE
'Ladyfest @ the Reid
The Reid Hall, Bristo Square, Edinburgh 0131 650 2427
Time: 7 pm
Cost: £5
Expect a cultural mash-up of music from all over the world!

Including…Indian dancing, Baroque Organ music, music from local Scottish singer songwriter Rachael Cormack,Viola da Gamba and medieval song, Jazz trumpet, classical indian music, contemporary piano, Bulgarian singer/songwriter Viara Ivonova and her band, ‘Who’s your mama NOW?’.
There will be a free glass of wine/juice with every ticket during the interval.
Tickets £5, available at door – arrive early to avoid disappointment.
All proceeds will be going to the annual camp held by Edinburgh University Music dept. in the Balkans for children and young adults living in the aftermath of war.

Saturday 31st May
Arts & Creativity Workshop
Penicuilk Arts Centre, Penicuik
Time: 1 pm - 5pm
Cost: Suggested donations £10 - £25
Learn to connect with your creative self with compassion, clarifying and expressing what's important to you. Bring photos musical instruments or just yourself. Limited to 14 places

Saturday 31st May
Henry's Cellar Bar, Morrison St, Edinburgh
Time: 8 pm - 3am
Cost: £4
A hell of a party to close the month of May 2008 that was Ladyfest Edinburgh. Featuring a range of music, from the scuzzy girl/boy trade off rock of Fool For A Pretty Face to the uber fun indiepop of Futuristic Retro Champions, the riot grrl channelling post punk of The Fnords and The Duloks infectious and often hilarious brand of new wave indie. All this will be held together by a super awesome dj set by Glasgow's Dolly Mixture.

Sunday 1st June
Avant garde film afternoon
Leith Co-Operative ACE Cinema, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh 0131 557 6242
Time: 12 noon
Cost: Free
Screen Banditas present an evening of film & music. Featuring works by American director Maya Deren and Scottish filmmaker and poet Margaret Tait. Screen Banditas Blog



PAST EVENTS


Sunday 4th May
PM Tea
Out of The Blue Cafe, Dalmeny Street , Edinburgh
Time: 1 pm - 4 pm
Tickets £5 in advance from Out of the Blue 0131 555 7101
PM Tea was born out of the imagination of Robyn Hambrook and Feet Theatre. The concept puts a contemporary, feminist face on the idea of the 1950's domestic goddess, and adds more than an eggcup of humour to the traditional 'performance' of high tea. Musical entertainment and tea dancing will sandwich a discussion hosted by Edinburgh Feminist Network on our changing views of feminism with references to our history through storytelling and future activism. To aid discussion we will be curating a photographic exhibition on the day with collected photographs of participants mothers, grandmothers, daughters etc. Price includes refreshments and a make over at the Avon counter....

Sunday 4th May
Ladyfest Edinburgh Launch Gig
Sellotape, Blud Slugs, Jake Cogan plus DJ Sanradio
The Ark, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh 0131 556 7597
Time: 8 pm - 1 am
Cost: £4
Live performances from Sellotape, Edinburgh‘s answer to X-Ray Spec, with support from Blud Slugs and Scottish bluegrass singer Jake Cogan. Live performance from Yasmin Bushby and The PM Tea trio. DJing will be Sandradio, who runs Glasgow's only strictly ladies only night “Bang!bang!” playing a wonderfully eclectic mix of music.

Monday 5th May
Birthing Workshop
Birth Resource Centre, St Peter's Place, Edinburgh 0131 229 3667
Time: 2.30 pm - 4 pm
Cost: donation
Interactive session ideally with women either pregnant or planning a baby to try and explore some of the common misconceptions about pregnancy and childbirth.

Tuesday 6th May
The Pigment Freedom Workshop with Sara Anahory
North Edinburgh Arts Centre, Pennywell Court, Edinburgh 0131 315 2151
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Cost: donation
Come and be creative in our music and art workshop. A simple and positive approach to drawing and painting beginning with a music session to enhance your childs natural and inventive artistic abilities. For more info contact Marylou on 0131 466 2009

Tuesday 6th May
The Stand Comedy Club, York Place, Edinburgh 0131 558 7272
Time: 7 pm
Cost: £6
When did you last see an all-female bill at a comedy club? Exactly. Women have been getting laughs since the days of music hall, but somehow they're still seen as a "novelty" act. With WICKED WENCHES we at The Stand bring together the pick of new and established XX chromosome comedians for an evening that's fun, frenetic and female. Laugh along with resident compare Susan Calman, resident grouch A.L.Kennedy and headliners and newcomers from around the UK. Expect the unexpected, expect the expected , expect a great night out - and

Thursday 8th May
The Pigment Freedom Workshop with Sara Anahory
North Edinburgh Arts Centre, Pennywell Court, Edinburgh 0131 315 2151
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Cost: donation
Come and be creative in our music and art workshop. A simple and positive approach to drawing and painting beginning with a music session to enhance your childs natural and inventive artistic abilities. This workshop is aimed at children with learning difficulties. For more info contact Marylou on 0131 466 2009

Friday 9th May
Henry's Cellar Bar, Morrison Street, Edinburgh
Time: 7 pm - 10 pm
Cost: £4
A host of Glaswegian delights with post-punk heroes Miss The Occupier, Vendors' rocking girl harmonies and the early post-punk channeling of The Fnords. (Unfortunantly Kara Sea are now unable to play this gig - The Fnords have kindly stepped in)

Friday 9th May
Clarelynn Rose
The Forest Cafe, Briso Place, Edinburgh 0131 220 4538
Time: 7 pm
Cost: Free
Light, liverly and loverly -- nourish your soul and open your heart with the fine fingerstyle guitar playing of this lady who plays straight from the heart. Solo guitar, instrumental.

Saturday 10th May
Introduction to compassionate communication Workshop
Christchurch Hall, 6a Morningside Road, Holy Corner NEW VENUE
Time: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Cost: Suggested donations £5-£10
http://www.theonion.com/content/index
Learn ways to stay connected even in pressured situations, offering compassion and empathy to yourself and others. We'll explore the "language of the heart" Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and how it can bring compassion to yourself and others. With Clarelynn Rose.

Sunday 11th May
I make milk - what’s your superpower?
The Forest Cafe, Briso Place, Edinburgh 0131 220 4538
Time: 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm
Cost: donation
A workshop on issues surrounding breastfeeding. The afternoon will include a discussion on "How to fight the baby milk formula companies", an analysis of why breastfeeding doesn’t make a profit for the system and some practical tips and ideas. Followed by some guerrilla stickering!

Sunday 11th May
Poetry afternoon
Christchurch, Morningside Road, Edinburgh 0131 229 0090
Time: 5pm - 6pm UPDATED TIME
Cost: donation
Full details coming soon.....

Sunday 11th May
Sacred Songs
Seton Collegiate, Seton Sand,
Time: 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: donation
Baroque Lute and Voice. Join Clarelyn in singing sacred songs in Latin, French and more. Bring your own seating for this informal event.

Monday 12th May
Lady Eve Balfour Talk
Inverleith House, Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
Time: 3 pm - 5 pm UPDATED TIME
Cost: donation
Margaret Raven discusses the life of Lady Eve Balfour, farmer, educator, organic farming pioneer, and a founding figure in the organic movement. She was one of the first women to study argiculture at a British university, and in 1946, she was co-founder and became the first president of the Soil Association.

Monday 12th May
This event is now on 20th May
A Dialogue on the Sex Industry

Tuesday 13th May
Ladyfest Bookclub Discussion
The Waverly Pub, St Mary's Street, Edinburgh 0131 466 2009
Time: 8 pm
Cost: free
The focus of this group will be the novel “The heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers plus a discussion entitled ‘How do you treat your books?’

Wednesday 14th May
Faith in Feminism Workshop
YWCA Roundabout Centre, 4b gayfield place, Edinburgh CHANGE OF VENUE
Time: 7 pm
Cost: donation
Women of different faiths come together to reflect on how their religion and feminism influence one another. Hosted by the Edinburgh Feminist Network

Thursday 15th May
Hoose and Hame
Edinburgh, Media Education Studios, 183 Dalry Road, Edinburgh 07812 716 714
Time: 7.30 pm (45 mins)
Cost: £6 or £4 concession, available on 07812 716 714 or through hcuinn [at] hotmail [dot] com
When is a home not a house? In a society which is pricing people off the property ladder and most people have a little piece of Sweden in some corner of their property; have we become lost in our quest for a home of our own? I've moved house twelve times in seven years. If you ask me where I'm from I'll tell you a story. If I'm tired, I might say 'Here'. This witty, absurd and occasionally poignant solo goes beyond Helen Cuinn’s own exploration of Scottish identity and the search for belonging, sweeping her audience along with questions of parentage, borders and where one buys one’s furniture. Designed to get your toes tapping, your hackles rising and your internal compass spinning, no matter where you’re from. Cuinn is an emerging performer and writer. Hoose and Hame was originally shown at Tramway as part of Into the New festival for the RSAMD and is currently touring venues across the Central Belt.

Friday 16th May
Hoose and Hame
Edinburgh, Media Education Studios, 183 Dalry Road, Edinburgh 07812 716 714
Time: 7.30 pm (45 mins)
Cost: £6 or £4 concession, available on 07812 716 714 or through hcuinn [at] hotmail [dot] com
When is a home not a house? In a society which is pricing people off the property ladder and most people have a little piece of Sweden in some corner of their property; have we become lost in our quest for a home of our own? I've moved house twelve times in seven years. If you ask me where I'm from I'll tell you a story. If I'm tired, I might say 'Here'. This witty, absurd and occasionally poignant solo goes beyond Helen Cuinn’s own exploration of Scottish identity and the search for belonging, sweeping her audience along with questions of parentage, borders and where one buys one’s furniture. Designed to get your toes tapping, your hackles rising and your internal compass spinning, no matter where you’re from. Cuinn is an emerging performer and writer. Hoose and Hame was originally shown at Tramway as part of Into the New festival for the RSAMD and is currently touring venues across the Central Belt.

Friday 16th May
The Forest Cafe (upstairs), Bristo Place, Edinburgh 0131 220 4538
Time: 8pm – 11pm
Cost: free. All ages welcome! BYOB.
Multi instrumental and incredibly sincere lo-fi bedroom pop by Ray Rumours with support from loop sampling singer-songwriter Lyndsey Cockwell and guest..

Saturday 17th May
Meet at Flotterstone Inn, Pencuik
Time: 1pm Cost: Free
Women need space in our modern world to take time to connect with the earth and each other in a setting that draws on our ancient instincts connecting through basic activities of fire building, walking, and slow cooking/eating. Our group works with women from all walks of life and aims to create a space for true liberation of ideas away from modern society. This project is ongoing through-out the month. As well as meeting every Thursday the group will be meeting over this weekend, feel free to join them. For more info email : fieldwanderer [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk or phone kate 07736 564 657

Saturday 17th May
Poetry and literature
Elvis Shakespeare Bookstore, Leith Walk, Edinburgh 0131 561 1363
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Cost: free
An afternoon of readings drawing links between women writers of the past and present..

Sunday 18th May
Meet at Flotterstone Inn, Pencuik
Time: 1pm Cost: Free
Women need space in our modern world to take time to connect with the earth and each other in a setting that draws on our ancient instincts connecting through basic activities of fire building, walking, and slow cooking/eating. Our group works with women from all walks of life and aims to create a space for true liberation of ideas away from modern society. This project is ongoing through-out the month. As well as meeting every Thursday the group will be meeting over this weekend, feel free to join them. For more info email : fieldwanderer [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk or phone kate 07736 564 657

Sunday 18th May
Kaela Rowan / Emily Scott / Sharon King / Blueflint / Kim Edgar / Who's Your Mama Now
Elvis Shakespeare Bookstore, Leith Walk, Edinburgh 0131 561 1363
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Cost: free
An afternoon of acoustic folk music from Edinburgh’s finest in the intimate settings of Leith’s favourite record store.

Sunday 18th May
An Evening about women in Afghanistan
The Forest Cafe, Bristo Place, Edinburgh 0131 220 4538
Time: 7 pm
Cost: free
A Film, Talk and Afghan Schools trust information stall, Afghanistan crafts and free Green Tea! We’ll be showing a film about Malalai Joya, one of the most popular Members of Parliament in Afghanistan who often takes a stand against the warlords who feature strongly in the country’s new assembly. This will be followed by a discussion.

Sunday 18th May
Film Night, Thelma and Louise
The Brass Monkey, Drummond St
Time: 6 pm
Cost: free
A screening of the classic film about strong women sticking together in the face of adversity, hosted by Edinburgh Feminist Network

NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN PPOSPONED. EMAIL marylouanderson [at] hotmail [dot] co [dot] uk OR CHECK THIS SITE FOR LATEST DETAILS.
DIY Stories
The Waverly Pub, St Mary's Street, Edinburgh 0131 466 2009
Time: 8 pm
Cost: free
Ladyfest Edinburgh is all about telling stories. Everyone’s welcome to this informal storytelling group, being your own tales, the theme is “In The Lasy Year”. As part of the session we’ll be making a pamphlet.

Monday 19th May
NEW EVENT
Daughters of Eve
The Forest Cafe (upstairs), 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh 0131 220 4538
Time: 7:30 pm - 11 pm
Cost: free
A womens only open stage featuring Susanne Orr-Holland and hosted by Abigail Beeley. Performers : Be there at 7:30pm to book a performance slot.

Tuesday 20th May
NEW DATE
A Dialogue on the Sex Industry
The Forest Cafe (upstairs), 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh 0131 220 4538
Time: 7 pm
Cost: free
Are those working in the sex industry exercising a right to work and to choose their job? Are they victims of violence, coercion or exploitation? Are they sex-workers or prostituted individuals? What do they have to say about it? Is work in the sex industry different to other work? What is so special about sex? What role does criminalisation play? Who gets to decide what's best for those working in the sex industry? Why do so many different feminists have so many different things to say? Is there common ground? The aim of this event is to create a safe space for discussion on this divisive issue and to grapple with some of the underlying questions and themes that frame it. All people, perspectives, uncertainties and contributions welcome.

Wednesday 21st May
The Southern Bar, South Clerk St, Edinburgh 0131 667 2288
Time: 8 pm – 11 pm
Cost: free
Sublime acoustic night with the dreamy Katie Stewart, Emily Scott's country twinged folk stylings and Fence Collectives favourite Jo Foster.

Thursday 22nd May
Anti porn seminar
Scottish Womens Aid training room, 132 Rose Street, Edinburgh 0131 226 6606
Time: 12 pm - 2 pm
Cost: free (ltd numbers tickets in adv from Zero Tolerance 0131 624 8955)
Zero Tolerance and Scottish Womens Aid jointly host a seminar in which they will present a feminist analysis of pornography and of the increasingly "pornified" culture in which we live. Through a presentation and discussion they will provide a critical analysis of the sexist and racist images that are so harmful to children, women, and men.

Friday 23rd May
Henry's Cellar Bar, Morrison St, Edinburgh
Time: 7pm
Cost: £4
Indiepop comes to Ladyfest through the always intriguing and exciting Brummie group KateGoes, backed up by Edinburgh's new poppy post-punk starlets Come On Gang. Saint Jude's Infirmary play an acoustic set of songs of sad eyed remorse sung by throats cried hoarse.

Saturday 24th May
Human Trafficking Workshop
Friends Meeting House, Victoria Terrance, Edinburgh 0131 225 4825
Time: 12 pm – 2 pm
Cost: Donation
The workshop looks at the issue of people trafficking - a modern day trade in human beings that is growing in Scotland and around the world - and aims to leave the audience more informed about trafficking while allowing them to discuss the complex issues surrounding it. Hosted by Amnesty International

Saturday 24th May
More T Vicar
Drill Hall, Out of the Blue, Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh 0131 555 7101
Time: 2 pm – 6 pm
Cost: Donation
A queer drag tea dance with ballroom dancing. we'll initiate you in the steps. cake and punch. the perfect warm up for Eurovision 2008!

Saturday 24th May
The Forest Cafe (upstairs), Bristo Place, Edinburgh 0131 220 4538
Time: 9 pm - 2 pm
Cost: free
Queer Mutiny is a DIY collective dedicated to creating an alternative to Edinburgh's commercial gay scene. This month Queer Mutiny meets Ladyfest and brings you an evening of local female musicians, along with the usual free food, chaos and DJs.

Sunday 25th May
Film Double Bill “Ratcatcher” & “Red Road”
NOTE: CHANGE TO ORIGINAL BILL
The Cameo Cinema, Home Street
Time: 1:30 pm
Cost: £5.50/£4.20

Sunday 25th May
Get Racy!!
Pavilion Café, The Meadow, Edinburgh
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm
Cost: £5 (inc curry)
Come and join our hot n' spicy evening, with sizzling discussions on race, culture and sub- cultures. Includes dramatisation, poetry and delicious home made curry, music and dance from around the world!

Monday 26th May
Hockyfrilla / Kirsten Norrie / Mills & Boon
Henrys Cellar Bar, Morrison St, Edinburgh
Time: 7pm
Cost: £4
Noise merchants Hockyfrilla (Rhian/ckdh, long time Giant Tanker in the ‘burgh & spaz noise with the boyz Dora Doll, founder member of noise gurus Decaer Pinga) are joined by Kirsten Norrie whose work is based on the Scots tradition of lining out and Mouth Music and Mills and Boon supplying noise, mayhem and the sound of purgatory. Not a night for the faint hearted. (Unfortunantly Karen from SmackMusic7 who were going to be playing is unable to make this gig - you can see her artwork in the "YEAH! Bloody Love To" exhibition at The Southern Bar throughtout May)

Tuesday 27th May
Ladyfest Shorts
Cameo Cinema, Home Street
Time: tbc
Cost: tbc
Screen Banditas present an evening an evening of short films by emerging female directors Screen Banditas Blog

Wednesday 28th May
Reflections on Ladyfest
YWCA Roundabout Centre, 4b gayfield place, Edinburgh CHANGE OF VENUE
Time: 7pm
Cost: Free
Edinburgh Feminist Network are hosting an open meeting for all women interested in building on the energy and community generated by Ladyfest Edinburgh. The sky is the limit!