Bonspiel [noun]: "A competition or tournament between curling clubs". Or, a series of live music events in Thomson's Tower - an historic curling tower in Dr Neil's Garden, on the shores of Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh.
Together with writer, musician and artist Ian Humberstone, I form part of Edinburgh-based duo Bonspiel, who organise music and performance events in Edinburgh.
Our first iteration of these events has focussed on Thomson’s Tower in Dr Neil’s Garden, Edinburgh, bringing this unique venue to life with live performances from various musicians and artists for a series of five events during 2017-2018.
Thomson's Tower (or 'The Curling Tower' as it is sometimes called) is a stout hexagonal folly in Dr Neil’s Garden, on the shores of Duddingston Loch, where it rests under the watchful eye of Arthur’s Seat. Artists and musicians who have performed as part of this series include:
Wee Rogue, Ian Humberstone and Malcolm Benzie (2 Sept 2017)
David Chatton Barker and Ian Humberstone (31 March 2018)
Withered Hand (30 June 2018)
Faith Elliott (27 July 2018)
Eagleowl (15 Dec 2018)
In addition to co-organising the events, I have created various site-specific short films, these visual projections forming a back-drop to audio performances or prior to each show.
