Cultural life exists outside EH1

Written by Helen Fowler

Last year's renovation of Edinburgh's largest concert hall threatened to eclipse the city's smaller musical venues. But cultural life persists outside the city centre's Usher Hall. With the prosaic advantage of better parking.

Located on the Southside, near Edinburgh University, Queen's Hall is a twenty-minute walk from Princes Street. It is offering an interesting line-up of acts over coming months, including classical, jazz, rock, folk and comedy.

Attracting big names

The venue is a converted church, maybe not ideal as a venue for live music. But it has succeeded in attracting some big names. Next Wednesday (28 April) iconic singer Joan Armatrading appears at the hall. Tickets are sold out.

Another female vocalist performing at Queen's Hall is Rickie Lee Jones. She appears at the converted church on 7 July. Some tickets are still available.

Seductive jazz vibe

On 1 July jazz band Dr John and the Lower 911 (pronounced 'nine, eleven') perform. Have a listen to this iTunes video of the boys in action. You'll have to agree the seductive Louisiana jazz vibe is irresistible.

On a more traditional note, the Queen's Hall is permanent home to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The group frequently performs concerts there.

And every summer it's a host venue for the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. See? There is culture outside EH1.

Queen's Hall, 85-89 Clerk Street, EH8 9JG, Tel: 0131 668 2019