PREVIEW
Big Hand
ECLECTICA PM IN THE MERCAT Sounds of the underground
of crimes against art/entertainment, but it also. in a good way. describes the line-up for PM in the Mercat. In the basement of a Haymarket sports bar. you might expect to find folksier bands. And indeed. you'll find evenings grouped into genres including acoustic. alt.c0untry. and even dub. But equally common in the venue are guitars that plug in. into amps that go up to 11: the Mercat's regular local band nights often mix up styles. putting death metal kids alongside possibly surprised acoustic performers. See. eclectic again.
For the fussy festival audience the groups are filed and ordered by style —- so Friday's line-up of Jiva. Big Hand and Bar9 is a decidedly more melodic night. mixing funk/pop and reggae. Some more (in)famous names are also lined up; Hugh Reed and the Velvet Underpants are perhaps unclassifiable but let's Just say that they've suppOrted Half Man Half BiSCuit in the past and their press release mentions 'cabaret‘ and ‘enigmatic'.
And with Imperial Racing Club and Mercury Tilt Switch among the acts booked for the final week, the blend should keep everyone happy. Yes. even the indie kids. (Stuart McHugh)
I The Mercat, 226 0000, until 24 Aug, 8pm, £4.
Tam White
THE GOOLES'I' DUDE IN THE WHOLE [DAMN TOWN
With Fraser Spears brilliant on mouthie and Neil Warder’s magical guitar
This is the blues
Influenced by: TAJ MAHAL. MUDDY WATERS. JOHN LEE HOOKER. “I play the blues. Tam White Is the blues". Paul jones. “Hey Man". Bob Dylan. "Wow" BB King. 18—25 Aug (not 22) 7.30 £8 (£6 concessions) Fringe Box Office: 0131 226 0000 Bridge Jazz Bar 0 82 South Bridge 0 Edinburgh
Sponsors: Designs On Cashmere. 98 High Street. Edinburgh (0131) 556 6394. iirlomlesirinsoncaslrmerecorn. Specialists in cashmere knitwear and accessories and stockist of DIANA. Princess of Wales Memorial Tartan scarves. skirts etc.
‘Eclectic'. especially when used in Edinburgh in August. can cover a multitude
From Champagne to classic cocktails,
sushi to sashimi and grills to ‘
new wave salads, seek and you will find affordable glamour at
North Bridge
BRASSERIE
RESTAURANT_RESERVATIONS
l5—22 Aug 2302 THE LIST FISTIVAL GUIDI 51