Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On
Join us for this special hour of chat (and the odd tune) in the company of two people who have, in their own ways, made sure that Martyn Bennett’s music lives on.
About Edinburgh Tradfest: Martyn Bennett: The Music Lives On
Martyn Bennett was an artist ahead of his time.
Piper, violinist, composer, producer, DJ – his radical blend of tradition and technology created an audacious new sound that was uniquely his own.
When he died tragically young at just 33 his professional career was little over a decade long, and he fought serious illness for half of it. Despite this Martyn left a remarkable body of work which continues to inspire the musicians who knew and worked with him, and the younger generation of artists growing up in awe of his genius.
But this kind of legacy does not survive without others to take up the baton, those who encourage others to listen, to learn, to play and take the music further.
Join us for this special hour of chat (and the odd tune) in the company of two people who have, in their own ways, made sure that Martyn Bennett’s music lives on. They are Gary West, author of Brave New Music – The Martyn Bennett Story, and BJ Stewart trustee of the Martyn Bennett Trust.
It is testament to their work that Martyn’s art continues to win awards and fills concert halls two decades after his death.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Traverse Theatre or Edinburgh Tradfest
Jakub Klimiuk Quintet
An accomplished London-based guitarist and composer, Jakub Klimiuk takes his quintet on tour with a brand new set of material, with a date at the Traverse Theatre on 12th January!
READ MORE
Laura Jurd - Rites & Revelations
One of the most distinctive voices in jazz and improvised music, Laura Jurd's unique approach to the trumpet is celebrated in the work that she creates.
READ MORE
Soundhouse: Foghorn Stringband
After a barnstorming performance at Edinburgh Tradfest in May 23, we’re delighted to welcome back the Foghorn Stringband on Sunday 1st February.
READ MORE
Tony McManus and Julia Toaspern
Tony McManus and Julia Toaspern's guitar treatments of traditional music is unique, exploring the harmonic possibilities of these old, and sometimes not so old, tunes.
READ MORE
Manipulate Festival: Coffee With Sugar?
Using thousands of coffee beans, flying candyfloss, biographical fragments, historical sources, video art and live music, ‘Coffee with Sugar?’ is a visually striking performance!
READ MORE
Manipulate Festival: Size Matters
Blending puppetry, science, and surrealist theatre, Julia and Mamoru and their puppet doubles explore how time and perception shift with size.
READ MORE
Manipulate Festival: Don Quixote (is a Very Big Book)
In his new one-man show, Dik Downey (Green Ginger, Pickled Image, Opposable Thumb) weaves together the crazed delusions of Don Quixote with his own struggle against reality.
READ MORE
Manipulate Festival: The Wood Paths
Wood Paths is a celebration of humanity’s endless creativity and our desire to understand, to shape, and to find beauty in the mess.
READ MORE
The Flames
A striking and innovative mix of film, music and performance to explore stories about life after fifty, presenting a fresh look at how we approach ageing.
READ MORE
Head. Heart. Hand.
Head. Heart. Hand. is a powerful new play by Stef Smith, created to mark the 150th anniversary of the institution that is known today as Queen Margaret University (QMU).
READ MORE
Quilici Tessa
Carlos Quilici and Martín Tessa perform an instrumental repertoire that includes works by the main composers of the genre as well as their own compositions.
READ MORE
Soundhouse: Espen Erilsen Trio
The Espen Eriksen Trio is one of the most popular piano trios in Europe – not at least in UK and you can catch them at Traverse Theatre on 25th February!
READ MORE
The Events
When Claire, a priest and choir leader, survives a mass shooting in her church, she embarks on a desperate search for answers that will ultimately bring her face to face with the attacker.
READ MORE
A Play, A Pie and A Pint
A popular feature of the Traverse programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Òran Mór returns this Spring!
READ MORE
Class Act Edinburgh Showcase 2026
The Traverse is delighted to be presenting the Class Act Edinburgh Showcase 2026 on 4th & 5th March!
READ MORE
Soundhouse: Martin Taylor
Multi-award-winning guitarist Martin Taylor is recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing. Don't miss him at the Traverse Theatre on 9th March!
READ MORE
A Grain of Sand
A Grain of Sand is a one-woman show that takes an intimate look at war through the eyes of a child, blending Palestinian folklore with real-life testimonies from children in contemporary Gaza.
READ MORE
Saint Joan
As today's world faces political unrest and war, Saint Joan speaks powerfully to a new generation challenging authority, reminding us of history's unlikely revolutionaries.
READ MORE
Hannah James & Toby Kuhn
If you’re looking for warmth, honesty and musical excellence, look no further than this evening with Hannah James & Toby Kuhn at the Traverse Theatre!
READ MORE
Kendal Mountain Tour 2026
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of adventure as the Kendal Mountain Tour 2026 comes to the Traverse Theatre on Tuesday 24th March!
READ MORE
PASS: Cyrana
A bold reimagining of a classic tale, Cyrana tells of the fight to be heard — and the courage to stand tall when the world tries to silence you.
READ MORE
PASS: Roll With it
Roll With It is a new coming of age comedy exploring friendship, identity, found family, and most importantly, dragon-slaying.
READ MORE
The Light House
Tender, funny and defiantly hopeful, The Light House is a real-life love story about holding on to each other, even in the darkest times. It’s a love letter to life.
READ MORE
Game of Crones
Funny, feral, and gloriously unapologetic, Game of Crones is a riotous celebration of women in their prime - warriors who will not go gentle into bingo night.
READ MORE
The Horsenecks
The two multi-instrumentalists bring together their backgrounds in Old Time, early Bluegrass, Gospel and Country music to deliver a sound that is both timeless and fiercely alive.
READ MORE
What I’m Here For
What I’m Here For is a fast-moving fusion of new European writing and visual imagination, which explores the tragi-comic collateral of hospitals and human choices.
READ MORE
Holly Clarke
Holly Clarke has made a name for herself as a powerful singer and accomplished guitar player. Catch her at the Traverse Theatre on Sunday 19th April!
READ MORE
Jack Docherty in The Chief - No Apologies
Jack Docherty, BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad, The Chief, and Absolutely, comes to the Traverse Theatre after packed-out Fringe runs in 2024 & 2025!
READ MORE
Sylvain Cossette Quintet – Second Cycle
Experience an unforgettable evening of jazz with the Sylvain Cossette Quintet, a Canadian ensemble that blends elegance, creativity, and pure energy.
READ MORE
Shotgunned
Equal parts hilarious and heart-breaking, Matt Anderson's Shotgunned is a relatable and intimate piece of theatre about how the people we lose can shape who we become.
READ MORE
Leila Navabi: Relay
Relay is a bold, joyful punk-musical one-person show about making a queer family on your own terms, written and performed by award-nominated comedian, writer and composer Leila Navabi.
READ MORE
Stand & Deliver: The Lee Jeans Sit-in
Played out to a live 80's soundtrack, this is the true story of the gallus Greenock girls who fought a battle against injustice that thrust them onto the world stage.
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Beneath the Surface: King’s Gallery Short Talks
Join our team at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for weekly gallery talks as part of the exhibition Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
READ MORE
Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening
A lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.
READ MORE
Drawing the Italian Renaissance: Curator’s Introduction
Join exhibition curator Lauren Porter at The King's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse as she discusses works from Drawing the Italian Renaissance!
READ MORE
Public Lecture by Sir Steven Cowley
Join the School of Physics and Astronomy at 50 George Square on Tuesday 6th January for a drinks reception followed by a lecture from Sir Steven Cowley!
READ MORE
Dan O’Neill: Snow Leopards In the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Follow Dan O'Neill as he leads an extreme conservation mission through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, exploring snow leopard behavioural and spatial ecology using video camera traps.
READ MORE
The Psychology of Horror Movies
Discover the fascinating connections between horror films and the human mind, exploring themes of psychoanalysis, gender, and more at Assembly Roxy on Wednesday 21st January. Followed by a Q&A.
READ MORE
Derek Fabel: Nuclear Fallout Exposes Fake ‘Antique’ Whisky
The Scotch whisky industry faces a growing problem: fake vintage whiskies. Some bottles sold as rare single malts from the 1800s or early 1900s are actually much younger.
READ MORE
Justin Hawkins Rides Again... Again
Justin Hawkins brings his YouTube show “Justin Hawkins Rides Again” to The Queen's Hall Edinburgh on Saturday 24th January!
READ MORE
Celebrating Burns
Come along to Edinburgh Castle on 25th January to find out more about the bard and some of his works!
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links