South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture

 

Matt McGinn wasn’t actually born in Rutherglen. He was born just ‘down the road’ in the Calton and was one of a family of nine. However, him, his wife Jeanette and their four children, Anna, Matt, Eleanor and Shonagh lived in Rutherglen.

Jimmie MacGregor described him as ‘the archetypal Glaswegian of his class and generation: short, stocky, robust with a ruddy complexion and rough-hewn features surmounted by a tartan bunnet.”    

He was a genius sometimes writing several songs in one day. Also, his subjects varied from Wee Kirkcudbright Centipedes to Red Yo-Yo’, from Miners Lullabies to Rolling Hills of the Border, from Horse Manure to Bananas. If he got a subject in his mind he had to write a song about it.

Initially he worked in the shipyards and eventually became a shop-steward. He was very political which often caused problems for him. At the age of 31 he won a Trade Union Scholarship to Ruskin College in Oxford. He gained a diploma in Economics and Political Science and then on to Huddersfield Teacher Training College.

When there he entered a newspaper song writing competition and won. His song was about a factory worker who drowned his foreman by holding his head down a toilet. One of the judges was Peggy Seeger and this is where the McGinn/Seeger relationship began. Cutting it short, Peggy’s brother Pete was so taken by Matts work that he got him a concert in New York’s Carnegie Hall with Bob Dylan as one of the support acts.

Having returned to Glasgow after College as a teacher but soon became known as ‘this new songwriting phenomenon’, and he was.

This show in Rutherglen will be presented by several singers singing at least 24 of Matts songs and you will probably recognise them all!

Available to book online or by calling Rutherglen Town Hall on 0141 613 5700.

Cost: £15 / £12 (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

Get ready to scream like it’s 1999! Boyband in the Buff is the ultimate throwback concert - starring pop heartthrob Gareth Gates and a cast of ripped and ridiculously talented performers. With nothing but harmonies, dance moves, and a whole lot of skin, the boys belt out the biggest hits of the ‘90s and ‘00s - from Backstreet Boys to NSYNC, Blue to Take That - in a show that’s as nostalgic as it is naughty.

It’s a celebration of pop, passion, and pecs, where the clothes come off and the heat turns up. This is the ultimate night out for anyone who’s ever swooned over a boyband.

Warning: Contains tight harmonies and tighter pants. (At least, for the first few numbers.)

Over 18's only.

Available to book online or by calling The Town House Hamilton 01698 452299.

Cost: £32.00 (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

Hotel California, a six-piece ensemble of musicians will perform their spectacular new critically acclaimed show that gives you a concert experience of 100 minutes of pure Eagles nostalgia.

You’ll return to a dark desert highway, cool wind in your hair, or stand on that street corner in Winslow, Arizona when you join Hotel California as they faithfully re-create The Eagles and their Californian Sunshine Rock sound.

Expect a set that includes tracks from the outstanding Long Road Out Of Eden album. The Eagles’ music is timeless, appealing to audiences of every age, bringing back memories and touching the hearts and souls of each new generation.

This concert promises to be a fantastic night to remember for all Eagles fans, young and old, new or long-standing.

Available to book online or by calling East Kilbride Arts Centre on 01355 261000.

Cost: £25.50 (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

Gregor Fisher is taking to the road with the first leg of his UK tour, and we’re delighted that he’s stopping off at Lanark Memorial Hall.

Join the Scottish stage and screen legend for a laughter-filled evening in conversation, as he shares stories and anecdotes from his life and career, which has seen him bring iconic characters to life in such classic titles as the multi BAFTA Award winning Rab C Nesbitt (BBC2), Naked Video (BBC2), The Baldy Man (ITV), Love Actually, and most recently BBC1’s hit sitcom Only Child.

Joined by his friend and colleague Nigel West, the show promises to be an evening with plenty of laughs, a few surprises, and a bit of honesty about the ‘daft and wonderful journey’ Gregor has had over the decades.

Age Restriction: 18years+

Available to book online or by calling Lanark Memorial Hall on 01555 673199.

Cost: £27.00 (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)

 

The Ups & Downs Theatre Group present Neon Lights and Summer Nights.

The award-winning cast of the Ups & Downs Theatre Group are back with a brand new show bursting with energy, music talent, laughter, inspiration & plenty of feel-good fun for the whole family.

Act 1: Back to the 80s!

Get ready to be taken on a throwback journey to the era of big hair, neon lights & nostalgic hits as we celebrate the sounds of the 80s.  From pop anthems to power ballads, this act is packed with high-energy performances that will have you singing & dancing along.

Act 2: Grease is the Word

Step into Rydell High School & experience the timeless classic brought to life Ups & Downs style....with iconic songs, slick moves and plenty of fun. It is a hand-jiving show you won’t want to miss.

Book your tickets now.......it’s going to be electrifying!!!!

Available to book online or by calling The Town House Hamilton on 01698 452299.

Cost: £16.00 / £13.00 concession (subject to £1.50 transaction fee)