A guitarist who plays bass lines, rhythm and melodies all at once.

For the last 10 years, Nico G has been composing and arranging songs, performing as his own band at venues and festivals across the UK, Europe and Canada.

Mixing fingerstyle guitar and looping technics in sets which include his own songs alongside crowd favourites, Nico G’s performances showcase just how fun instrumental music can be!

Guitar duo playing everything from jazz to blues, rock and some more modern surprises. Each song giving us space for a creative arrangement and some improvisation.

Newly formed 5 piece band playing a variety of rock and blues as well as some original songs. They will, they will rock you!!

Roy Moller was born in Edinburgh, grew up in Leith and now lives in Dunbar.

A member of Peel favourites Meth OD and instrumental outfit The Wow Kafe, whose debut single Who Will Apologise to the Emperor (*utterly ace”- NME) featured his lead guitar work. Roy released his first solo single in 2003 and collaborated with guitarist Stevie Jackson on several of the latter’s songs for Belle & Sebastian.

“A week ago I’d never heard of him, now I’m his biggest fan,” enthused BBC 6Music’s Marc Riley, prior to featuring Roy in sessions in his own right and as a member of Scottish supergroup Jesus, Baby! fronted by Dunbar’s own Davy Henderson.

Ottawa pop label The Beautiful Music has just released Roy’s ninth solo album, 'Hindsight', and Roy will be performing a career-spanning selection of originals
along with a generous helping of folk-tinged tunes by the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Gene Clark and the Faces.

A thrill ride mix of raucous jazz and metal flavours with thumping drums, driving bass guitar and guttural bass sax.

Collateral Dramage are the ceilidh band your parents warned you about.

The three piece features Helen Le-Mar (flute/caller), Lewis Williamson (fiddle) and Gary Rafferty (guitar), three established players from Edinburgh's burgeoning folk scene, and veteran ceilidh band performers.

Some people say they're on the run from the law, wanted for a crime they didn't commit.

Some say they're the sole survivors of a distillery heist gone wrong.

All that's known for sure is that their love for quality single malt is matched only by their dedication to belting out your favourite ceilidh classics and filling dancefloors.

"Synth pop Record Of The Week” Piccadilly Records, Manchester (22.4.24)

“Woozy pop" NEMONE (playing Dust Tears on Mary Anne Hobbs Morning Show, BBC 6Music)

"I like that and the whole EP is really good. I could hear that (Dust Tears) in a TV show or film soundtrack" VIC GALLOWAY (BBC Radio
Scotland)

“Starbed is folky, flavoured by pedal steel, cello, and brass. Dust Tears, in stark contrast, is a mini synth-pop rave epic. Part Bicep. Part HumanLeague. Keep Your Eyes Closed summons a mood that’s romantic, but also dark and potentially doomed – like David Lynch’s Twin Peaks meets Cliff Martinez’s Drive score. My pick though is It’s True What They Say, whose interwoven jangle and picking recalls New Order’s more introspective moments (Love Vigilantes, Love Less… ). Drums crashing, cathartic. Guitar raising dramatic arcs. Its chorus a rush, like a reprise of Pains Of Being Pure Of Heart’s ‘Higher Than The Stars’.” BAN BAN TON TON

"An accomplished and dreamy debut" THE SKINNY

"Dust Tears sees them sharing vocal duties over a synth foundation reminiscent of Moby’s Go - Artist Of The Week” THE SCOTSMAN

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.

Gaze is Ghost is the pseudonym of Irish composer and singer-songwriter Laura McGarrigle.

Her music has been compared to that of Chelsea Wolfe, Kate Bush and Julia Holter.

She has supported acts such as Karine Polwart, Kathryn Joseph, Joan as Policewoman and James Yorkston and had her music played extensively on RTE Lyric FM and BBC Radio.

She currently resides in Scotland and is working on her third album which will be released early in 2026.

"McGarrigle's compositions are elegant yet complex, her tender yet pointed vocals glide through valleys of melody and percussion... Without any need for grand gestures, 'Lapis Cobalt Indigo Blue's gorgeous songs linger on in the mind"
The Quietus

“In Parentheses” is a piano ballad of real beauty, in which some exceptional synth and string augmentations serve to emphasize the power of the lyrics and vocal performance.” Under the Radar

Dunbar's very own King of the Open Mic will lead our session. Expect a wide range of local talent stepping up for a song or two, often backed by Wes' wonderful guitar.

If you've got a song to share, or just fancy a laid-back afternoon of unrehearsed delights, this is for you.

Rab Armour is a well established singer songwriter, and exceptional guitarist, from Biggar, who has performed at folk venues across Scotland including the Clydesdale Folk Club, The Stonehouse Folk Club, Biggar Little Festival, Strathhaven Music Festival, Cumberland Theatre, Airdrie Town Hall to name but a few!

He has also contributed his own songs to a wide range of CDs produced by Lanarkshire Songwriters, including songs about the Spanish Civil War, Coal Mining and The Scottish 1820 Radical War.

He is also a member of The Alt Country band The Hellfire Club, and has contributed many songs to their 3 album releases.

Expect a relaxing, reflective gig, with open tunings, harmonica and possibly some mandolin and banjo!

East Lothian based Scott Wallace has played in bands over the years. But he now brings his solo guitar and singing performance in the form of ‘Scotty Boy’s Song Sessions’.

Featuring classic and contemporary pop & rock covers - with an individual twist!

Dara and Harry have joined forces to create a unique combination inspired by their love of contemporary, jazz and folk music.

Bringing guitar and harp together Dara and Harry are both full time artists.

Jack is a Dunbar-based solo performer, playing upbeat songs and classics - an act that will have a crowd singing and dancing along.

Hailing from the East Coast of Scotland, Dropkick have carved out a reputation for their lush, harmony-driven power pop, drawing comparisons to the likes of Wilco, The Jayhawks, Teenage Fanclub and Tom Petty.

Their music effortlessly blends melody and introspection, making them a mainstay in the indie music scene for well over a decade.

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.

Psychedelic jazz-rock meets the blues.

Formed by saxophonist Steve Kettley in 2011, the Edinburgh 4 piece promise a stomping night of mostly instrumental re-interpretations of the music of Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band.

Hailing from East Lothian and Edinburgh, Aberlady Sessions are a 7-piece covers band playing all the big party tunes from the 70s and 80s through to current day bangers.

Definitely not to be missed!

Join us for a special event showcasing of some of the finest youth bands from across East Lothian.

EL Jam presents a fantastic mix of youth band performances from a variety of genres all brought to you with energy and enthusiasm. Come and see them before they're famous!

Sat 27 September, 11am-3pm
Royal British Legion

• First Strike

• Blizzard

• Atometal

• Sixteen again

• Magnitude

• About ‘08

• Melophiles

• Shifter

First Strike (Battle of the Bands - Newcomer prize winners) will headline.
Please note that the order of bands will be confirmed closer to the event date.

Event supported by East Lothian Youth Music Forum

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.

Met Office are a cool jazz quartet, playing compositions from the 1950s,'60s and '70's, with a couple of compositions created by the band - featuring tunes the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Karl Jenkins, and John Coltrane.With Fliss Elsom-Cook (Soprano and Alto saxophones), Caitlin Todd (drums and percussion), David Mcleish (keyboards), and Tim Skelton(electric bass), the band has been gigging regularly around North Northumberland for two years and will play its first Newcastle gig in early August.

Both established Edinburgh-based singers and bandleaders, Nicole Smit and Jed Potts take you on a genre-hopping musical journey.

These duo performances are a musical conversation; they trade lead vocal duties, sing harmony and see where the music takes them.

Each show is unique and unplanned, but you can probably expect some blues, country, old style R’n’B, and maybe even some jazz standards…

With a guitar in his holster and a full clip of songwriting ammunition at his disposal, Carl Marah is answering the beckoning call of the wandering troubadours before him; stepping out to bring his own distinct hue of musicianship to stages far and wide across the land - on his own terms.

Originally from Dunbar, and having cut his teeth in the Edinburgh music scene for the past ten years, most notably co-leading psychedelic pop outfit Logan’s Close across the nation and throughout Europe, he is now cultivating his own solo venture, using it as a vehicle to realise treasured compositions he has amassed during this tenure.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Sixto Rodriguez, Donovan and Paul Simon, his songbook ranges from tender acoustic ballads to haunting electrified anthems. Exploring all possibilities and channelling whatever he sees fit into his music, this is a performer who demands to be heard.

Brass, reeds & rhythm section on a big scale!

Shunpike Social Club is a loose collective of 30-odd players bringing Cumbia, Brazilian and Cuban music alive with big band flair.

Directed by Oi Musica's Marcus Britton, with a growing team of professional tutors including percussion directors Sam Ward-Hardy (Jack Drum Arts) and José Rojas (El Taller), brass expert Rich Merchant (Brass, Aye?) and Laura McKay (reeds).

They bring celebratory sounds to parties and street festivals across the city, while providing opportunities for players at all stages to get involved in fun, non-formal music making that is seriously joyful to witness!

Barnstorm is a popular four-piece folk band from Dunbar, and are regulars to DMF.

They play various Scottish, Irish, Country, Americana and original folk songs which proves ever popular with their audiences.

Andrew sings a wide variety folk songs from fun clap alongs to soulful ballads.

Andrew Gordon has been a “folkie” for as long as he can remember. Brought up listening to the music of The Corries, Andrew developed a deep love of Traditional (and not so traditional) folk music. He started playing when he was 13 and had his first solo performance at 17 supporting Gaberlunzie in The Kings Arms, Perth in 1994.

Andrews’ music features a rich mix of traditional and contemporary Scottish songs. Some Irish, Canadian and English tunes also make it into the set.

Andrew believes that one of the reasons audiences get behind his music is that he “gives it some welly”!

Trad-tunes, original folk songs, lyrics about the pub, the sea, and the end of the world. You'll get all this and more from Dunbar-locals The Battery Band.

Formed out of the world-famous Volunteer Arms open folk session, expect whistles, fiddle, surprising covers, top-tier tunes and mid-tier banter all from Dunbar's newest folk collective.

“The Best Dressed Blues Band is a 5-piece based in Edinburgh. The band is in increasing demand across Scotland and in the North East of England, and also at festivals with this year a return to the Callander Jazz and Blues Festival and Largo Arts Week.
Their sound of blistering lead guitar, wailing harmonica and soulful slide aspires to capture the essence of early electric blues".

Reviewed in Blues Matters, 2025

Tim Cross is an electronic musician exploring sound through improvisational performance, investigating the boundaries between control and chaos, nature and the “un-natural”, and dissonance and harmony.

Seeking out beauty in minute details and forgotten corners, letting the sound guide him in intuitive directions on a journey into the unknown.

Through rippling drones, hypnotic rhythms, haunting vocals and earth-shaking bass, he pushes the sonic limits for both himself and the audience, seeking something unexplained yet familiar.

A unique sound combining rocky accordion and guitars with harmony vocals, all driven by bass and drums—with the occasional flute fluttering overhead.

Add in strong original songs, and you’re in for something refreshingly different.

Now songwriter and leader of his own band "Dougie Burns & The Cadillacs" Dougie was one half of the Acoustic Blues Duo Bluebelly for around 15 years.

Bluebelly played the Dunbar Festival for many years. He has toured with Seasick Steve and supported many artists including Albert Lee, Iain McNabb, Nine Below Zero, Dona Oxford and many others.

Einstein’s Wardrobe have been playing together for pver 10 years, playing original acoustic country/folk music.

If you like songs that tell stories inspired by folklore, ghost stories, sentinental songs about human relationships, as well as happy sounding sad songs, there is something for you in our collection of songs.

Cairnsie (Melissa & Graham Cairns) are delighted to be back at DMF. Ear catching blend of daughter & dad harmonies coupled with guitar, mandolin & banjo playing a surprising blend of original songs and eclectic covers from their wide array of influences across alt-acoustic, folk and country.

Come and have some craic with Cairnsie.

Edinburgh based five piece guitar band playing original music to your liking. Indie, power-pop, garage, blues. The band are made up from guys hailing from Scotland, Poland and Australia which brings a diverse musical mix.

"Bringing a no-nonsense maturity to the Scottish Indie Scene."

“Robin Adams is the best kind of songwriter. He draws you in to his music and once you’re in, you’ll never want to leave.” – Ricky Ross, BBC Radio Scotland

Hailing from a rich Scottish musical heritage, singer-songwriter and guitarist Robin Adams, carries the torch passed on by his parents, Chris and Pauline Adams, the driving forces behind 1970s folk rock ensemble String Driven Thing.

Since 2009, Adams has released seven full-length albums, ranging from his evocative debut “Down to Reverie” to his 2021 foray into American Country and Blues, “Wrong Road Home”

The house band of the Department of Interplanetary Musicology. Cosmic grooves and psychedelic guitar, taking inspiration from music scenes throughout the solar system.

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.

Occupying a truly unique realm somewhere between gothic country and lo-fi alt rock, the sonic landscape of Edinburgh’s Scarred Lip frequently defies easy categorisation.

The first EP 'Fair Head' featured songs written throughout vocalist and guitarist Matthew Bakewell's life, from an adolescence in Belfast’s vibrant DIY music scene absorbing the influences of American alternative music in the shadow of seismic political and cultural upheaval, to the best part of two decades spent embedded in Edinburgh as part of bands such as Half Formed Things and A Fight You Can’t Win.

Joined by Donál MacCarthy on bass and Ciara Webb on piano, strings and vocals, the band have now written a full album and progressed recording in the latter half of 2024, funded by Creative Scotland.

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.

Beach Crows is a Scottish duo formed by Al Nicholas and Tom Anderson, whose musical partnership is born of shared passion for folk-nuanced rock, jazz, and alternative guitar tunings.

Influenced by, among others, the intricate song-writing of John Martyn and the dynamic sounds of Led Zeppelin, their connection is rooted in a love for complex guitar arrangements and evocative melodies.

Their debut EP, launched to a sell-out crowd at the Biggar Little Festival, and they are now are taking their unique sound on tour across Scotland, bringing their blend of groove, introspection, and musical craftsmanship to intimate venues and festivals. The album, 'Fight or Flight' was released in February.

Michael McGovern is a genre-defining artist, blending elements of folk, rock, jazz, and blues to create a distinctive sound. For fans of Paul Simon, Laura Marling, Fleet Foxes, and Kris Drever, his music offers a captivating fusion of heartfelt storytelling and intricate instrumentation.

Michael’s 2021 debut, Highfield Suite, was a standout release. A bedroom lockdown project produced by the renowned guitarist Bill Shanley. The album received widespread acclaim across Scotland and beyond, establishing Michael as a rising talent.

This September, he’s set to release his highly anticipated new album, Thin White Road. Featuring tracks like ‘Evelyn’, a song that has already captured the hearts of listeners with over 100k streams and numerous covers.

On Thin White Road, Michael’s signature mix of fingerpicked guitars, warm vocals, lush harmonies, and strings is complemented by full band arrangements for a fuller, richer sound.

“I love it! What an unexpected gem!” - Paul Brady

“nothing short of astonishing” -Resonate Scotland

“a real talent arriving among us” - Jackie Hayden, Hot Press Magazine

“I'd place Michael squarely with the likes of Leonard Cohen, John Hiatt and Ron Sexsmith. He's that good!” - Doug Cox, Vancouver Island Music Festival

“His joy-filled performance was so irresistible, he had everyone singing along with him.” - Lisa Schwartz, Cambridge Folk Festival

“I’m totally besotted with him!” - Marty Whelan, RTE Radio

The Tracks formed in Glasgow in 2001 and played across the UK and internationally following the release of their eponymous album in 2006.

More releases and national radio airplay followed, and the band’s back catalogue is now available wherever you get your music.

Following rave reviews for their set at the Dunbar Music Festival in 2023, they were invited back to play a stripped down set this year as a duo. Early entry is advised!

Internationally acclaimed Lone Bear plays early Delta Blues and Ragtime Music on steel resonator guitar, harmonica and soulful vocals.

His repertoire features classics from the early acoustic blues artists of the 1920s & '30s, infectious hill country blues numbers, upbeat ragtime tunes along with several originals with strong fingerpicking and the iconic bottleneck slide.

Growing up in Brazil and now based in Scotland, he has toured across five continents in a career spanning the past ten years, recording five albums and a live DVD with 10,000 discs sold worldwide.

His latest album “Live in Clarksdale” was recorded in the “Birthplace of the Blues” in Mississippi, USA during the renowned Juke Joint Festival 2018. Lone Bear is a fine story-teller, sharing an authentic songlist of spirited tunes and rogue tales from the Deep South.

Following the release of their debut album, alt folk ensemble, Seán R. McLaughlin and the Wind-Up Crows are gathering serious momentum in the alt folk scene.

With headline shows in Edinburgh and Dublin within three months of the album release, their unique blend of indie rock and trad folk is already finding international audiences.

McLaughlin's songwriting style is also attracting critical acclaim from the likes of Earmilk ("incredible songwriting skills"), and BBC Radio 6 Music ("Great songwriting!"), whilst the Scotsman called their track, Wishing Well, a "folk-tinged masterpiece".

Racecar lean into their retro-reverent, forward facing musical sensibilities to create emotionally impactful, frisson-inducing pop met with playful, genre-bending sophistication.

Their debut album Orange Car turned heads with its sheer ambition and eclecticism, earning two BBC Introducing ‘Track of the Week’ accolades with singles Flood and Better Than You Know. Now, backed by Creative Scotland and a successful crowdfunding campaign, racecar released their second album, Pink Car, on March 7th (2025).

A dynamic evolution of their signature sound, the album tells a compelling coming-of-age love story, weaving together themes of nostalgia, heartbreak, and self-discovery through an eclectic mix of alt-pop, rock, and euphoric electronic influences.

Now boasting an extended line-up and an intoxicating live show, racecar promise an eclectic and engaging live sound, ranging from singalong pop to heavy-hitting dance tracks, with rich harmony, tight rhythm and plenty of raw energy.

The new and improved live act have spent the Summer touring the Scottish festival circuit, gracing stages at the likes of Knockengorroch, Kelburn and Hidden Door, to name a few.

Their most recent outing at Belladrum saw them broadcasted on BBC Alba (via the BBC iPlayer), performing a few stripped back versions of their music, alongside a great interview with frontperson Izzy Flower, who spoke entirely in Gaelic!

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.

EL Jam presents a fantastic mix of youth band performances from a variety of genres all brought to you with energy and enthusiasm. Come and see them before they're famous!

Joint headliners:

• Off Grid – 30mins max

• The Common Room – 30mins max

Supported by:

• Summer Ramsay: 15-20mins

• Dylan and Roby: 15-20mins

Event supported by East Lothian Youth Music Forum

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.

Dunbar Sings was established in 2008 by the inspirational Karen Deitz, as a community choir and remains open to everyone in Dunbar and surrounding area.

The group continue to sing folk, pop, Scottish, world music and much more with our wonderful current leader Polly Phillips.

Dunbar Sings have received several awards for our contribution to the community, including performing and fund raising in a variety of settings.The choir has worked closely with a number, of well-respected choir leaders.

They are best known for their enthusiasm and heart.

East Coast Vibes are a group of musicians who met through ceilidh sessions at Gullane Village Hall and now perform together independently.

Blending traditional Scottish folk with a relaxed coastal energy, they formed last year while playing at the North Berwick Fringe.

Dunbar's regular meet up of traditional musicians come together for an extended session especially for the Festival.

Expect an array of mainly Scots and Irish tunes, with a hint of bluegrass and occasional folk song, from an eclectic range of musicians ably led by Barry Stalker.

If you're a traditional music player, bring your instrument and join in. Or just enjoy a drink or two and some fabulous music.

From the Basque Lands to the Scottish Highlands, and wherever the wind blows. Laura Silverstone has spent her life perfecting the art of traveling and entertaining.

In 2023, her distinctive percussive lap guitar playing caught the attention of the Spanish franchise of the popular TV show Britain’s Got Talent, where she wowed the judges and was given the prestigious Golden Buzzer.

Silverstone ended up making it all the way through the live grand finals before narrowly missing out on the top prize.

This exposure introduced her to a whole new worldwide audience—an opportunity she didn’t watch go by.

In 2024, she crowdfunded her second studio album, Heartwood, and self-released it in July '24 to great critical acclaim.

Dreamy jazz and neosoul.

A fever-dream mix of downtempo lofi and high-energy dance, all infused with lush chords and sparkling vocals.

GOGS sing Folk, Americana and Shanties in three part harmony.

They sing a number of songs acapella and love the audience to join in as many songs as they know!

We are still finalising the details for this event. Check back soon.

Chiara Berardelli always knew she wanted to be a songwriter but didn't manage to convince her school guidance teacher.

She left her job as a doctor to follow her passion and self-released her first album at the tender age of 42.

Her songs are an evocative collision of her piano-led love of harmony and fiercely honest lyrics and have been featured on Radio Scotland's Afternoon Show.

Chiara's latest album, 'Archaeology', represents the discovery of her buried creativity after leaving her medical job for good. Slow in the making due to her having Long Covid, there has been a gentle maturing of the songs and the result is …'captivating'… Fatea Magazine

No strangers to DMF, local americana covers band MacFunkel are back to share their unique blend of country twang and murder ballads.

With a combined age of 233 and proudly ranked as Dunbar’s 19th favourite cover band, they’re older than they look—and slightly better than you’d expect.

Bluebell Swing is a captivating ensemble that expertly fuses the vibrant essence of traditional Gypsy Jazz with the timeless charm of the Great American Songbook.

Led by the enchanting vocalist Maria Townsley, this innovative group takes audiences on a delightful journey through sparkling Manouche renditions of classic show tunes and original compositions that pay homage to the swingin' sound of the 1940s.

Their music is not just a performance; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Get ready to sing along, dance, and enjoy timeless favourites as The Midnight Jam delivers a fresh and vibrant take on pop classics from ABBA to Fleetwood Mac, Sam Fender to George Ezra.

With two powerhouse female vocalists, a dynamic guitarist, rich harmonies, and backing, we’ll have you hooked from the first chord to the final note.

Blazing a trail all over Scotland, Wee Sara and the Texans have been featured in this year's Celtic Connections and Edinburgh's Meadows festival, as well as travelling all over Scotland to bring their unique show to towns and cities all over the country.

Rip roaring sassy vocals, alongside soaring saxophone and swing guitar, take you to a bygone era of outlaws and saloon girls.

Their album Running from the Noose was released last year and they are spreading the word folks.

Fronted by East Linton's own Sara Forshaw, she is joined by Edinburgh's top musicians... together they cook up one hell of a show!

Get ready for a showdown that will get you dancing and singing along. Not to be missed!

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.

The band behind Edinburgh's legendary late-night fiestas, Los Chichanos, formed in 2021 with a singular mission: to ignite dance floors with the hypnotic rhythms of Peruvian cumbia and "chicha." Their high-energy performances draw inspiration from the golden age of Peruvian music while adding their own contemporary and British sound.

Los Chichanos' shows regularly reach capacity, proving immensely popular among lovers of tropical parties, Latin music and dance hangouts.

Their infectious energy and immersive performances have solidified their reputation as one of the UK's most renowned live Latin acts; they have even been called Scotland's number 1 dance band! T

heir dynamic sound is fueled by a lineup of talented musicians wielding congas, timbales, bongos, electric guitar, keyboard, and bass.

Together, they create an irresistible wall of sound, spreading the raucous rhythms of cumbia, chicha, and guaracha to audiences across the UK.

Their ability to blend traditional Peruvian melodies with Scottish influences, which makes their music both nostalgic and innovative, appealing to listeners from all backgrounds.

Thanks the The Space for their support for this event.