The annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe may be known as starting point for young hopefuls with burgeoning careers, but among them are veterans of the August bonanza. Not least is local legendary musician John Sampson who marks 50 years of performing in the Festival with his extraordinary skills with wind instruments of all shapes and sizes. John, along with an array of performer chums, not least former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy with whom he has collaborated for 22 years, appears in 4 different shows at Fringe Venue 25.
Earth Prayers
Bringing poems curated by Carol Ann Duffy that span time as well as showing a concern for the planet. The wonders of nature have inspired poets for centuries, and Duffy brings these early eco-poems into conversation with contemporary voices writing into the environmental crisis, and through this dialogue sounds a clarion call to cherish and defend the planet. From John Clare and Lucille Clifton to Kathleen Jamie, the poets collected in Earth Prayers speak at times as stewards of the earth, and at others in anger at those who would exploit nature, or question their own part in its decline.
Dates: 3rd-6th August 2025
Time: 14.30
Brass Tracks Quintet
Experience the vibrant energy of dance through the centuries in an extraordinary brass ensemble concert from Brass Tracks Quintet when for one performance only, the players take us on a musical journey across 400 years showcasing the evolution of the music from Baroque elegance to lively jazz and modern grooves. Whether you’re a fan of classical masterpieces or contemporary rhythms, this event promises an eclectic blend of styles and eras from Baroque elegance to jazz and modern grooves, Brass Tracks bring minuets, waltzes, tangos and more.
Date: 17th August 2025
Time: 16.30
Bruntsfield Baroque
Chosen to reflect the tastes of the celebrated Musical Society of Edinburgh, the programme presents music from the period of the Scottish Enlightenment when Edinburgh attracted musicians from throughout Europe to mix with renowned Scots composers. Step back in time for a concert featuring native songs and tunes from when Edinburgh was a melting pot of talent as Malcolm Garden (Cello), Sheena Jardine (violin), John Sampson (recorders) and Frances Scott (keyboard) introduce a programme of 18th-century trio sonatas when you will hear how European musicians were drawn to make Edinburgh their home, mixing with Scots composers such as William McGibbon and James Oswald.
Dates: 19th August 2025
Time: 16.30
Mrs Weatherby’s Concert Party
Join Wendy Weatherby (cello, vocals), John Sampson (trumpet, crumhorn, recorders), Sandy Brechin (accordion), Andy Cannon (storyteller), Allan and Rosemary McMillan (vocals, guitar), Pete Baynes (ukulele, vocals) and Lawrence Dunn (fiddle) for a jaunt through favourite songs, tunes and stories in an evening of good, old-fashioned Scottish entertainment.
Date: 24th August 2025
Time: 19.30
Venue 125: St Mark`s Church 7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 