Who: GRAND OPENING NIGHT!

Two concerts for the price of one...

Having taken the town by storm last year with their riotous high energy performance – they’re back! Orkestra del Sol will astonish, amuse and thrill in equal measure with their Balkan musical mayhem. Dancing is absolutely compulsory!

Followed in classy style by the gorgeous Irish chantuese Melanie O’Reilly. Now based in California, this international jazz singer has chosen Fringe by the Sea to launch her new CD. With her superb band, she will perform her unique brand of Celtic jazz and make our launch evening a real night to remember.

In years to come, you will be able to say "I was there..."

Who: Ewan McVicar's stories range from Scottish and African accounts of fairies, giants, birds and beasts, through the retelling of Scots Ballads as stories, to tales of historical events and absurdities, and of Scottish coalminers and fishermen. His performance style is so warm and engaging that small children often enquire if he is Santa Claus!

Who: Every Christmas the local kids sing their hearts out in the North Berwick Panto to raise money for charity, as well as having a great time. We thought we'd let them do it all again, bringing together the best loved songs from the last few years. Enjoyable mayhem! Half the door proceeds go to charity. Songsheets provided!

Who: Writer and broadcaster Alison Craig in conversation with writers Mary Turner Thomson and Donna Ford.
Enthralling and intimate. Kelsey's bookshop will have a stand, book signings afterwards, and questions from the floor. Bringing the Book Festival to North Berwick!

On a damp, grey April morning in 2006, Mary Turner Thomson received a call that was to blow her life apart. The woman on the other end of the line calmly told her that she and Will Jordan, Mary’s husband and the father of her two younger children, had been married for fourteen years and had five children together.

THE BIGAMIST (Mainstream) is Mary’s shocking true story of how one man manipulated and deceived an intelligent, independent woman, conning her out of around £200,000 and leaving her near bankrupt to bring up the children he claimed he was physically incapable of fathering. It is also the story of Mary’s refusal to be beaten and her positive fight to reclaim her life by choosing not to be a victim.

Mary Turner Thomson was brought up in Edinburgh and has worked as a marketing consultant, business adviser and motivational trainer. A proud mother of three children, she is now rebuilding her life.

www.maryturnerthomson.com/

The story of Donna Ford's traumatic abusive childhood in Edinburgh has been told in her bestselling book THE STEPCHILD (Vermilion, 2007) and its sequel WHAT DADDY DID (2008). She is now as a successful artist and is the mother of three children. She lives in North Berwick. Her deeply moving story is an inspiring tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

www.donnamford.com

Who: A Dublin-based busker and vacuum-cleaner repairman enters into a fruitful relationship with a piano playing florist in a toe-tapping "video album" directed by John Carney and featuring a cast comprised entirely of professional musicians. Glen Hansar and Marketa Irglova star in this charming feelgood film.

Who: Ged Brockie is quarter of the Scottish Guitar Quartet, and brings his top notch guitar skills to North Berwick, tonight with top bass player Kenny Ellis. If you like guitar music, this is the gig for you, covering jazz, fusion and celtic in his own inimitable style.

Who: Dougie returns to do a solo concert this year, folowing last years success in North Berwick with his band. Dougie is Scotland's foremost folk singer and songwriter, the voice of Homecoming Scotland and a hugely talented guitar player and fiddler. A rare visit to East Lothian, book early !

Who: GiveWay are four Edinburgh sisters,whose musical diversity encompasses Scottish traditional and folk music, haunting airs and lively jigs, energetic blends of folk-jazz, vocals, harmonies and bold tunes. GiveWay has won awards at Celtic Connections, BBC Radio 2 Young Folk awards, performed on numerous radio and television shows and are in between US tours. Spellbinding singing and playing.

Who: The evergreen, ever popular Mr. Boom will come down in his spaceship and keep kids mesmerised and happy with his mix of dance and song and his gently educational manner. Great fun for kids of all ages!

Who: Writer and broadcaster Alison Craig in conversation with best selling writer Lin Anderson. Enthralling and intimate. Kelsey's bookshop will have a stand, book signings afterwards, and questions from the floor. Bringing the Book Festival to North Berwick!

Lin Anderson was born in Greenock of Scottish and Irish parents. A graduate of both Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities, she has lived in many parts of Scotland, and spent five years working in the African bush. A teacher of computing, she began her writing career six years ago. The script of her first film, Small Love earned her a TAPS Writer of the Year Award 2001 nomination and last year her film RIVER CHILD won Best Short Drama at the Celtic Media Festival and a BAFTA Scotland prize. FINAL CUT (Hodder), the sixth in her series of crime novels featuring forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod has just been published.

Lin Anderson is one of Scotland’s natural treasures - don't be fooled by comparisons, her writing is unique, bringing warmth and depth to even the seediest parts of Glasgow. Lin's Rhona MacLeod is a complex and compelling heroine who just gets better with every outing.

www.lin-anderson.com

Who: The third part of the hugely successful series. As seniors in high school, Troy and Gabriella struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future. Great fun for the family.

Who: The present band was formed in 1892, and in the last 20 years has established itself firmly as one of Scotland’s finest - and amongst the top in the UK!
They have appeared on national TV and radio on a number of occasions, including broadcasts for the popular BBC Radio 2 programme 'Listen to the Band'.
It is one of the busiest bands in Scotland with a full calendar of engagements at festivals and events. They are seen and heard by many thousands of people each year, touring in Germany, France and Hungary as well as all over Britain.

Who: Take the finest exponents of Scotland's jazz tradition, add the leading lights of the new golden age of jazz – and the result is the SCOTTISH JAZZ ALL STARS! This Scottish version of the Buena Vista Club are joined by the finest of the young lions to make great music. The band, comprising eight virtuoso musicians who work in many other groups and formats, is assembled for specific pre-planned occasions to play Dixieland-based jazz. The focus is on reviving material performed and composed by renowned Scottish jazz musicians of the 50s and 60s, like Sandy Brown, Al Fairweather, Alex Welsh and the Clyde Valley Stompers.
Tonight also featuring Scotland's finest veteran bluesman, the amazing and legendary Tam White, aided and abetted by his sparring partner on piano, the world class Brian Kellock.
We're lucky to have them!

Who:

a passionate, perceptive songwriter

Scots songwriter Karine Polwart combines the economy and universality of the folk storytelling tradition with a probing intellect and compassionate lyricism. Twice winner of Best Original Song at the UK-wide BBC Folk Awards, she's collaborated with alt folk balladeer King Creosote, the intellectual maverick of English folk song Chris Wood, Idlewild front man Roddy Woomble, bluegrass ace Tim O'Brien and even the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Definitely not to be missed!

takes the heart to places few singers even know exist

Who: With Jarlath Regan, Ginger and Black, John Gavin. Probably. A night of comedy and crisps, if we remember to stock the crisps, and if we can prise these top comics away from the Gilded Balloon for the night. Cabaret seating, great comedy, a bar, and probably crisps.

Who: Fischy, led by Stephen Fischbacher, have an amazing gift to get alongside children on their level. Someone said "Rock meets pop meets folk meets football terraces." And all for kids! An active, enjoyable singalong for children of all ages.

Who: Writer and broadcaster Alison Craig in conversation with best-selling food writer and Masterchef Sue Lawrence. Enthralling and intimate. Kelsey's bookshop will have a stand, book signings afterwards, and questions from the floor. Bringing the Book Festival to North Berwick!

Sue Lawrence is one of the UK’s leading food writers. She is a regular contributor to a range of publications, including The Sunday Times and Sainsbury’s magazine. She is a past president of the UK Guild of Food Writers. Sue lives in Edinburgh. In her brand new book TASTE YE BACK (Hachette Books Scotland), Sue Lawrence has interviewed 70 prominent Scots and unlocked their beloved memories of food and what it was like for them growing up. She talks to them about their families, their home and their relationship with food. Most of the childhoods of the twentieth century are represented here, and include celebrities as diverse as Ewan McGregor, Gordon Brown, Hardeep Singh Koli, AL Kennedy, Andy Murray, Sharleen Spiteri and Gordon Ramsay.

Who: The Homecoming String Band are all about having a good time. Their mixture of Appalachian and Celtic Roots music has universal appeal and is ideal for bringing people of all ages and tastes together. They play at any sized event – from 10 to 1000, especially if it's close to home in Scotland!
At a time when there are so many questions being raised about the future and what it holds for us, they feel it is important to share time together within our communities to be positive.
They make a meaningful and dynamic contribution to any gathering and create a great atmosphere. Make sure you come along to experience their energy and optimism...

Who: Michael Marra, one of Dundee's favourite sons, is one of Scotland's most prolific songwriters, having worked extensively in theatre, radio and television.
In recent years he has performed both in Washington DC and Melbourne, Australia in the show 'In Flagrant Delicht' which was devised in collaboration with poet and playwright Liz Lochhead. His own operetta 'If The Moon Can Be Believed' was performed at Dundee Rep to sell out audiences. He has also recently performed original songs with the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scotish National Orchestra, Concerto Caledonia, Mr McFall's Chamber and his own Quintet.
Warwick says 'I wanted to write music for people like me, people who can’t relate to 'The X Factor' and who are tired of being dumbed down to!
Prior to song writing and recording, he played Trent in ITV's multi-award winning sitcom 'My Parents are Aliens'. He has toured the UK as an actor and also written several short films.

Who: Keith Hare brings his brand of Robert Burns to the Fringe,in a collection of Burns poems and anecdotes by a master raconteur. Ably assisted and supported by songs from Keith Barbour, George Craig and Colin Campbell. If you like Burns, you'll love this!

Who: Skiffle was the midwife of British Rock 'n Roll, and Seaside Skiffle take you back to that delivery room, combining their chubby good looks with the occasional wrong note, kazoos and songsheets, adding in a few surprises and generally ensuring everyone has a deeply satisfying life changing exp...... Who writes this stuff?

Who: This year we are bowing to public demand and introducing a "chill-down" session at the end of Frantic Friday and Souped-Up Saturday. For an hour after the final performances in the Spiegeltent, they will be some lazy music for you to wind down to, chill out and generally draw breath for tomorrow!

Who: Heather's traditional Scottish folktales and traveller tales are often accompanied by magic from the clarsach, often reflecting the mood of the tale or as an illustration of a scene, from humorous jigs of the wee folk to moving laments for a lost love. A lively and vivacious storyteller, Heather enjoys telling stories to children of all ages.

Who: Roddy Martine lives in Edinburgh and is the author of over twenty four books covering subjects ranging from Scottish Clan and Family Names and Single Malt Scotch to the History of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Supernatural Scotland. He is contributing editor of Scotland magazine, and is editor of The Keeper, the house magazine of the Keepers of the Quaich, In addition, he contributes to a wide range of magazines and newspapers throughout the United Kingdom.

In his latest book, This Too Shall Pass - Reflections on East Lothian, he has tapped into his family's East Lothian connections with an update of the three books written over one hundred years ago by his ancestor John Martine.

Who: Dave Berry, local worthy and historian (amongst other things!) will be leading a guided walk around the highways and byways of our beautiful seaside town. Starting at the Spiegeltent at 3pm on Saturday afternoon [15th August], Dave will unlock some of the Pandora's Box of the town's geography and social history. A fascinating peep behind the curtains...

Who: Edinburgh's original ska juggernaut!
Influences – all things ska; the specials, bad manners, desmond decker, the skatalites, toots and the maytals, prince buster, jimmy cliff plus; billy connelly, iron claw, beastie boys, ac/dc, frank zappa, mozart, soundgarden, kelly joe plelps, the sensational alex harvey band, femi kuti, yes, the small faces, jimi hendrix, R.A.T.M., red hot chillis, g love and special sauce, the beaties, frank sinatra, the reverend horton heat, leon russell, charles mingus, U2, janes addiction, ben harper, manu chao, lenny bruce, lee perry, socrates, free, RKS one, rimsky korsakov, spunge, mario lanza, jon stewart, primus, miles davis, judas priest, wynton marsalis, thin lizzy, NWA, deep purple, rory gallacher, tina turner, the who... and about 30 more [check out their website!]

A cross between Blues Brothers on speed and Madness on Prozac!

This is a real homecoming for Taking Chase, a local band who are constantly touring throughout the UK. They are fabby, noisy, exuberant and skilful [skilful? ... who writes this?] Just get along and hear one of the tightest bands on the scene.

Who: The irrepressible John Marshall guides his wonderful chorus in a thrilling programme including Zadok the Priest, Vivaldi Gloria, V'adoro pupille, and Handel's G minor Oboe Concerto. With added instrumentalists and guest soloist. Magical!

Who: Led by Hamish McGregor and his trademark white clariinet, Fat Sam's band returns by popular demand to show off their undisputed jazz talents. Always entertaining, their humorous approach hides a serious musical ability, and they are in great demand worldwide. It will be a sell-out!

Who: Anna was the winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2003 Award. A talented multi-instrumentalist, she excels in playing the fiddle, mandolin and tenor banjo. Though perhaps most impressive is her guitar playing – equally at home either accompanying in her unique rhythmic style of flatpicking tunes, Massie's dexterity shines through.
Her trio feature the impressive guitar and vocal talents of Jenn Butterworth and the outstanding accordion and border pipe playing of Mairearad Green. One of their biggest achievements to date was being named Best Folk Band at the 2006 Scots Trad Music Awards.

Who: This year we are bowing to public demand and introducing a "chill-down" session at the end of Frantic Friday and Souped-Up Saturday. For an hour after the final performances in the Spiegeltent, they will be some lazy music for you to wind down to, chill out and generally draw breath for tomorrow!

Who: Founded in 2001 by two St Andrews students, The Alleycats are now the oldest collegiate contemporary a cappella group in Scotland and one of the top mixed-voice groups in the UK.
In summer 2008, they hit the headlines by being semi finalists in BBC One's 'Last Choir Standing'.

A be-kilted shivers-down-your-spine a cappella outfit!

They mix their repertoire of standards with contemporary pop-rock music, and with lively and stylish choreography they 'perform' their high octane songs rather than simply sing them! Be happy – join the cats...

Who: Go back in time to a golden era with the FlyRights! Tea dancing for all ages with these fabulously talented dancers and teachers. Discover the Fred or Ginger within you and trip the light fantastic!

Who: ...What is there left to say about this pair! They’ve done it all, and they’ve done it everywhere!

Simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear

Aly is Scotland's supreme traditional style fiddler. His playing is unique – driving, impassioned and pure. He has a list of credits and collaborations that read like a who's who of world music. His teaming up, star collision, with brilliant accordionist/composer Phil Cunningham has added yet another dimension of appreciation for audiences everywhere.
Phil is a superb innovative instrumentalist, now a television and radio presenter, record producer, world-travelling ambassador for traditional music, winner of countless awards, Doctor of the University of Stirling and Member of the Order of the British Empire – but importantly the inspiring and witty partner of Aly!
They have toured and recorded together since 1988, and to date they have recorded 4 albums, released on Aly's own record label, Whirlie Records. The final and climactic concert of the FRINGE BY THE SEA. Very special!

Who: This year we are bowing to public demand and introducing a "chill-down" session at the end of Frantic Friday and Souped-Up Saturday. For an hour after the final performances in the Spiegeltent, they will be some lazy music for you to wind down to, chill out and generally reflect on what fun the day has been!

Who: We are honoured and delighted to have one of Scotland's finest exports return to these shore on this, his last ever UK tour. Eric has written some worldwide classics, including "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", a haunting tale of the Australian involvement in WWI. A world class talent, a night of utter magic not to be missed.