Edinburgh Fringe is about lots of things; bringing art to unexpected places and giving a platform to rising grassroots talent being two of the most important. Nooks, crannies, historic landmarks, and other assorted spaces are routinely reimagined for the month of August. But, located in the physical heart of the city, the Quarter isn’t just any out-of-the-ordinary space reimagined as an arts venue. Subsequently, and with an indelible commitment to quality grassroots music, the St James Quarter Sessions isn’t just any festival.
Designed to celebrate live music and spotlight a diverse range of artists and genres, there is a bit of everything for everyone. Better yet, it’s also free. The Quarter is playing host to a total of 80 acts, big and small, across all six floors; it’s a good thing they’ve got plenty of escalators.
Making its debut is the Castle View Stage which, as the name suggests, will provide jaw-dropping views of Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill. Picture that for a moment. It’s going to be something special; something to store safe in the old memory box.
The rooftop stage will see a jam-packed opening night featuring some SNACK favourites, including alt-pop artist Katherine Aly, indiepop singer-songwriter Zoe Graham (always a treat), indie-electronic act The Joshua Hotel, and indie rock quintet Shambolics.
Taking over the Castle View Stage on the Saturday is Katie Gregson-MacLeod and multiinstrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Leif Coffield.
Sunday sees the Yellow Stage host a jazz takeover, with psychedelic jazz and hip-hop ensemble Kai Reesu, jazz soul from Mama Terra, and lauded (Mercury Prize nominee) Scottish jazz pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie.
If you thought that was jam-packed, that’s only the beginning (after all the festival runs from Friday 16th August till Sunday 25th August).
Besides the big stages, a variety of the Quarter’s venues are joining the Quarter to celebrate live music. If you fancy a cocktail and a show, The Alchemist has you covered. Better yet, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger will also be hosting performances throughout the festival.
Ushering in the St James Quarter Sessions, 2nd August kicks off a partnership between SNACK and the Quarter. Running till the end of the month, a variety of busking stations will be set up throughout the Galleria. Shining a light on up-and-coming Scottish artists, the Quarter is once again opening their doors to grassroots talent. We’re honoured to have been asked to curate their busking Sessions and boy do we have some treats lined up.
Closing the festival with a bang, Sunday the 25th will see an afternoon of DJs curated by EHFM at Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and a closing party in the evening, with more top DJs.
Playing host to more than just cars, Level B3 of the Quarter’s car park – recently inhabited by the ever brilliant Hidden Door festival – will feature sets by Jolene Live, Danse Atmos, Domenic Cappello (Subculture), and Hayley Zalassi.
Susan Hewlett, St James Quarter Brand and Marketing Director, says that the Quarter ‘supports a range of musical talent’ and is excited to be ‘putting on a diverse free festival with no mud’. Well, you can’t say much fairer than that.
She goes on to say: ‘In a year which has seen many small and community festivals cancelled, we are delighted to be able to provide a free platform during one of the busiest periods for the arts in Edinburgh.’
Zoe Graham, who will be taking to the stage for opening night, says: ‘I think it’s great there are more opportunities for musicians to have a place during the biggest festival in the world. I’m really looking forward to it!’ And so say all of us.
St James Quarter Sessions 2024 runs from Friday 16th to Sunday 25th August
The SNACK x St James Quarter Busking Sessions will run from Friday 2nd till Sunday 25th August
All photos: Ian Georgeson
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