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Name: Latest news – Live events at last
Start: 2016-02-03T17:00:00+00:00
End: 2017-02-03T21:00:00+00:00

Latest news – Live events at last
HALL LATEST

We are delighted to announce a full season of live events and films for the Autumn. Please note that there will be no social distancing in upcoming concerts at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the concert unless you are exempt. We will, of course, respond to any changes in the Covid rules issued by the Scottish Government in the coming period.

Universal Hall Team, September 2021

First Cow (film) Sat 2nd Oct, 7.30pm

Two travellers, on the run from a band of vengeful hunters in the 1820s Northwest, dream of striking it rich -- but their tenuous plan to make their fortune on the frontier comes to rely on the secret use of a landowner's prized dairy cow. Celebrating the milk of human kindness Kelly Reichardt’s offbeat gem about an unlikely friendship founded on biscuits is a satisfying fable of America’s past and present.

"It is touching, tender, original, entrancing" The Spectator

"Reichardt, also the co-writer, delivers a patient and earnest parable about environmentalism, American destiny and the value of friendship." The Times

Rating 12a 124 mins. English with Subtitles.

Please note that masks must be worn throughout the film unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water. If Scottish guidance changes this listing may be updated.

Film trailer here

Tickets £6 plus booking fee (£6.60 total)

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) Click here
Breabach (music) Wed 6th Oct, 7.30pm

Scottish firebrands Breabach are one of the most talked about bands on the folk scene. Their innovative celtic style, blending double bagpipes, flute, fiddle, song and Scottish stepdance brings to the stage flare, excitement and diversity. They have previously been voted 'Live Act of the Year', 'Folk Band of the Year' and most recently, 'Album of the Year' at the MG Alba Scots Trad Awards, and this promises to be a fantastic night!

Breabach are in an electrifying new phase – one that illustrates the band’s strength and interest in experimentation. Exhilarating, energetic and accomplished…” Songlines ★★★★

Tickets £16 Full / £14 Conc / £12 U16's

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) click here

To see a video of the band click here

There will be no social distancing in upcoming concerts at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the concert unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water.
Judas & the Black Messiah (film) Fri 8th Oct, 7.30pm

An electrifying dramatisation of historical events, Judas and the Black Messiah is a forceful condemnation of racial injustice -- and a major triumph for its director and stars. FBI informant William O'Neal infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton. A career thief, O'Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell. Hampton's political prowess grows just as he's falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson. Meanwhile, a battle wages for O'Neal's soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover commands?

"As a political statement, Judas is powerful, a quite relevant revisiting of an American past that, as William Faulkner would have observed, isn't even past." America Magazine

Rating 15. 126 mins. English with Subtitles.

Please note that masks must be worn throughout the film unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water. If Scottish guidance changes this listing may be updated.

Film trailer here

Tickets £6 plus booking fee (£6.60 total)

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) Click here
The Grandmothers Grimm (theatre) Wed 13th Oct, 7.30pm

Some Kind of Theatre present this critically-acclaimed production exploring women’s role in the creation of the Brothers Grimm’s famous anthology. Cannibalism, werewolf trials, deceit, and murder: Marie Hassenpflug and the Brothers Grimm are trying to edit the darkness out of old stories. But as they do so, the voices of the women who created these tales are lost... What will be saved and what will be forgotten? Discover a night of folk and fairy tales as you've never heard them before.

Suitable for audiences 14+

"The Grandmothers Grimm is an involving, thought-provoking and extremely enjoyable hour." All Edinburgh Theatre

Tickets £10 Full / £8 Conc / £6 U16’s

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) click here

There will be no social distancing in upcoming events at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the show unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water.
Alexander Chapman Campbell – For the Love of Life (music) Sat 16th Oct, 7.30pm

Please join us to celebrate the worldwide release of 'For the Love of Life', the new album for piano, strings and voice by one of Scotland's most captivating young composers. Alexander will be joined at the piano by four members of the highly acclaimed Scottish chamber group, Mr McFall's Chamber, and the soul stirring voice of Hannah Rarity, BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year. The new album is an emotive and touching 'celebration of the essential beauty of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity.'

"Beautiful" BBC Radio Scotland

Tickets £14 / £12 Conc / £10 U16’s

To book tickets (10% booking fee) click here

To book tickets for the live stream of the show click here

Please note: there will be no social distancing in upcoming concerts at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the concert unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water.
Peatbog Faeries (music) Thu 21st Oct, 8pm
Based on the Isle of Skye, the Peatbog Faeries bring Celtic Dance music into the 21st century by incorporating many influences which take them from traditional jigs and reels through jazz, hip hop, reggae and more. From the moment they take to the stage, the mood is set for a no-nonsense feel-good atmosphere – each number sounding like an encore itself. The Peatbogs have released seven studio albums, have played to audiences all over the world, and won the award for ‘Best Live Act’ at the prestigious Scottish Traditional Music Awards. Please note: we intend to have dancing at this event and it is quite likely to be loud. However we will follow the government Covid guidelines at that time.

“Powerful melodies …pumped out with a smart degree of techno attitude...” The Scotsman

£16/£14 concs click here to buy tickets online (10% booking fee)

To see a video click here

There will be no social distancing in upcoming concerts at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the concert unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water.

The show includes strobe/flashing lighting effects
Two of Us (film) Fri 22nd Oct, 7.30pm

Two retired women, Nina and Madeleine, have been secretly in love for decades. Everybody, including Madeleine’s family, thinks they are simply neighbors, sharing the top floor of their building. They come and go between their two apartments, enjoying the affection and pleasures of daily life together, until an unforeseen event turns their relationship upside down and leads Madeleine’s daughter to gradually unravel the truth about them. How refreshing to watch a film in which the sexuality and desire of women in their 70s is portrayed not as a novelty but simply part and parcel of their lives; and since this French movie is a lesbian drama, there’s two of them – even better.

"Delicate but daring, adding dimension to its older lesbian characters and allowing their desire to blossom, Two of Us is a stirring portrait of love that wears its heart on its sleeve." Emily Maskell. WeLoveCinema

Rating 12. 99 mins. French with English Subtitles.

Please note that masks must be worn throughout the film unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water. If Scottish guidance changes this listing may be updated.

Film trailer here

Tickets £6 plus booking fee (£6.60 total)

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) Click here
The Langan Band (music) Fri 5th Nov, 7.30pm

Unhinged and musically extravagant, The Langan Band have become famous for performing an invigorating yet tight and precisely executed show. Their material draws from progressive folk, jazz influences and world music combine to create a modern and exhilarating sound very much rooted in modern traditions. It's hard to pigeonhole but one thing is sure; the band always manages to combine brilliant musicianship, catchy tunes and beautiful lyrics.

Tickets £16 Full / £14 Conc / £12 U16's

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) click here

To see a video of the band click here

There will be no social distancing in upcoming concerts at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the concert unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water.
Adam Ross with support, Man of the Minch (music) Fri 12th Nov, 8pm

Randolph’s Leap frontman, Adam Ross, makes a welcome return to the Universal Hall to perform solo, showcasing his new album Staring at Mountains. Expect his stripped-back, delicate and catchy songwriting shaped by a lot of inspiration from the Scottish landscape and from observational songwriters like John Prine and Loudon Wainright III.

Man of the Minch is the alias of queer, folk pop act and multi-instrumentalist, Pedro Cameron. His sound blends sparkling electronic elements with rootsy Americana and traditional Celtic sounds. This promises to be a rich night of original and varied music.

Tickets £14 Full / £12 Conc / £10 U16's

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) click here

There will be no social distancing in upcoming concerts at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the concert unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water.
The East Pointers (music) Thu 18th Nov, 7.30pm

Canadian band and JUNO Award-winners, The East Pointers, make this, their first and very welcome visit to the Universal Hall.

They are redefining the ever-evolving genre – modern folk – with their pop hooks, deep acoustic groove, trance-like trad breakdowns and three-part harmonies. Already internationally acknowledged as musical trailblazers, their latest album Yours To Break captures the furious energy of their live shows while lighting a path for a new generation of music lovers. Their debut album Secret Victory won the 2017 JUNO Award for ‘Traditional Album of the Year.’

The band consists of Tim Chaisson (vocals/fiddle/percussion), Koady Chaisson (banjo/tenor guitar/moog) and Jake Charron (guitar/keyboard)

Tickets £16 Full / £14 Conc / £12 U16's

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) click here

To watch a video of the band please click here

There will be no social distancing in upcoming concerts at Universal Hall but masks must still be worn throughout the concert unless you are exempt. Masks can only be removed when drinking water.
Jenny Sturgeon – The Living Mountain (live performance with audio-visual) Sat 20th Nov, 8pm
The Living Mountain is an evocative, uplifting and compelling audio-visual performance inspired by the celebrated book of the same name, written by Aberdonian Nan Shepherd in the 1940s and still hugely relevant today.

Devised and performed live by musician Jenny Sturgeon, The Living Mountain considers human connections with wild places through lyrical and melodic interpretation of the novel, and interweaves song with visuals from the Cairngorm Mountains National Park; filmed by videographer Robyn Spice, rewilding advocacy group Scotland The Big Picture and with archive imagery from the National Library of Scotland.

The meditative qualities of the combined audio and imagery provide a soothing and poignant exploration of what it means to connect with a landscape, and to find a sense of place. It marks a bold and significant step in Jenny Sturgeon's development as one of Scotland's finest singer-songwriters.

Sturgeon's songcraft is at the centre of her engaging and honest performance. She accompanies her lyrics with a specially built guitar 'The Nan Taran' (made entirely from reclaimed Scottish wood and built by Rory Dowling of Taran Guitars), piano, shruti box and dulcimer and with her own field recordings from within the Cairngorms.

Sturgeon is "a wonderful singer who can change the atmosphere in the room with her affecting delivery" (Boo Hewerdine).

Music - Jenny Sturgeon

Film projection - Shona Thomson

Featuring field recordings by Jenny Sturgeon, Jez Riley-French and Magnus Robb, and footage of the Cairngorms by Robyn Spice and Scotland: The Big Picture.

Supported by Help Musicians UK

Tickets £14 full, £12 conc, £10 U16's

To buy tickets online (10% booking fee) click here
Salsa Celtica – Gran Reserva 25 Tour (music) Event CANCELLED (Thu 25th Nov, 7.30pm)
Event now cancelled. Unfortunately due to the ongoing difficulties in travel and touring, Salsa Celtica have regretfully made the decision to cancel their November 2021 dates. Ticket holders will be refunded to the card used to purchase tickets.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Fara (music) Wed 8th Dec, 7.30pm

Fara is four musicians at the forefront of today’s Scottish folk scene. Their fiery Orkney sound has won them acclaim, including a nomination for Folk Band of the Year at the 2019 Scots Trad Music awards. Recently joined by Assynt pianist Rory Matheson, the band's sound is as exciting as ever. This December they return to Findhorn to present a unique night of Christmas cheer. A medley of Christmas music, and some original song and tunes with a Christmas twist will provide you with lots to celebrate this coming festival season.

‘Bring contemporary fiddle music to new heights. . . enthralling vocal arrangements’ Scotsman

Tickets £15 full / £13 concs / £11 U16's

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) click here

To watch a video of the band please click here
A Fistful of Spookies (music) Fri 10th Dec, 8pm

The Spookies are a choral singing sensation and they make a welcome return to the Universal Hall with this, their smaller line up. Their singing features the sensational stylings of Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, The Beach Boys, and thousand year old Georgian songs, guaranteed to woo, charm, cheer & delight. Like a tide-mark in the enamel bath of song, this rambling, rambunctious collection of UK Spooks keep alive the flame of Spookiness in Britain by reprising classics from the Spooky canon of testosterone-fuelled tunes and tomfoolery. Magnificent fun! A cappella but not as we know it.

The evening will be opened by a short set from the popular Forres Big Choir. Led by Bill Henderson, this is our local mixed community choir established back in 2004.

“a fun-sized version of The Spooky Men’s Chorale” Mark Radcliffe, 6 Music

Tickets £14 full, £12 conc, £10 U16's

To book tickets online (10% booking fee) click here

To hear them head over to Soundcloud here
Elephant Sessions (music) Thu 16th Dec, 7.30pm
This show has been rescheduled from 2020

Please note that the band will be playing straight-through with no interval, and at this time we do not yet know if there will be a support act. Please keep your eye on our website and we will update as and when we have the information.

Hailing from the Highlands of Scotland, Elephant Sessions exploded onto the indie folk scene to unparalleled effect with their last album “All We Have Is Now.” The band have since gone on to be finalists as Best Group at the BBC Radio 2 awards and are already winners of the 2018 Scots Trad Live Act of the Year. A truly great band to see live in an intimate venue like the Universal Hall.

‘Elephant Sessions … are using their instruments like weapons to destroy clichés...We love them’ Rolling Stone Magazine

£16/£14 concs/£12 U16s/£14 dancing/non-seated wristband

To buy a ticket click here (10% booking fee)

To see a video of the band click here

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