The Pisa Book Festival will begin a week today with the sound of pipes and drums because Scotland is the featured country in the historic Italian city this year. Leading the delegation of Scots writers appearing either in person or via the wonders of technology is Dr Joseph Farrell, Emeritus Professor of Italian Literature at Strathclyde University, and his overview of the Scottish scene will be complemented by the contributions of Nick Barley, director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Aly Barr from Creative Scotland.
Authors taking part include Kirsty Logan, Ewan Morrison, Jenni Fagan, Alan Massie, James Robertson, Donald Murray and William McIlvanney, in what is a packed three-day immersive programme.
pisabookfestival.com
Bassist Kyle Eastwood returns to Scotland next month to make his debut at Dundee Jazz Festival. Eastwood, pictured, who has collaborated with his father Clint on the soundtracks to a number of movies as well as pursuing his playing career, brings his band to the Gardyne Theatre on November 18, for the opening concert of the 2015 programme.
The Festival also includes appearances by two great British guitarists, with John Etheridge being joined by violinist Chris Garrick to play music in the spirit of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli and Jim Mullen's funky trio being joined by Average White Band saxman Molly Duncan on the Frigate Unicorn. That is also the venue for an afternoon programme on Sunday November 22 that brings the festival to a close with John Burgess Trio Creole, Ken Mathieson's Classic Jazz Orchestra, Lorna Reid and Ali Affleck.
jazzdundee.co.uk
Applications are now open to be part of the Made in Scotland showcase at next year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The curated programme of music, theatre and dance is supported by Creative Scotland and presented to delegates from festivals and venue across the UK and overseas, which can then win support from the agency's interational touring fund. Since 2009 139 shows have taken part in the scheme and gone on to visit 15 countries across five continents.
Laura Mackenzie Stuart of Creative Scotland said: "We are looking for work that challenges, that excites; work that pushes boundaries, and that brings artists together in new partnerships."
The deadline for applications is Monday November 23.
creativescotland.com
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