Here's what you can get up to this week....

1 IN with an early start to Burns celebrations is Lauriston Hall in Edinburgh, and what a night they have planned. Ther will be a ceilidh band and and free entry to any NHS staff. What more could you want? This Friday at 8pm. for all the info and to book please head to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/burns-ceilidh-free-to-nhs-tickets

2 DUNFERMLINE boys The Skids, featuring Richard Jobson, are doing a UK tour and this week brings them to sweet suburbia, the granite city. They are playing Strathearn Arts Centre, Aberdeen, this Friday for the measly sum of 20 smackeroonies. Don’t be scared to dance. Get into the valley. To buy tickets head over to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-skids-tickets

3 THE truly wonderful Kirsten Innes, feminist legend, indy superhero and author, talks to Jennifer Crichton of The Flock about her second book Scabby Queen as well as the newly published Brickwork. Brickwork is a biography of The Arches, an oral history of the legendary Glasgow venue, co-authored with David Bratchpiece. Piecing together accounts from directors, DJs, performers, clubbers, artists, bar tenders, actors, audiences and staff, Brickwork writes the biography of a space that was always more than its bricks and mortar. Not to be missed. This event will be held this Thursday at The Seabird Centre in North Berwick. For tickets and further info go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-conversation-with-kirstin-innes

4 NASHVILLE song maestro Kevin Montgomery is heading to Glasgow’s fabulous Glad Cafe, a truly wonderful not-for-profit venue that offers fabulous food, great chilled vibes and some of the best local craft beers and artisan baked goods – and always puts on some of the best gigs. This one should chase away the January blues. Friday night at 7:30pm.

For tickets go to www.thegladcafe.co.uk

5 ONCE upon a time in Glasgow’s Southside a great wee rum shack opened its doors to all you budding singer songwriters, joke tellers, or slam poets. Yes, its open mic at the Rum Shack. This (and every) Wednesday night 8pm. Get your Caribbean groove on, jerk chicken, coconut prawns, a carib beer and a damn good time. You know you want to: www.rumshackglasgow.com

6 NOT a big fan of ceilidh dancing or boozing the night away? What about a Burns celebration with a difference in Glasgow Women’s Library? Head down for an afternoon tea to celebrate Burns Night with readings of his poetry in different languages including Urdu and Arabic, multicultural folklore and storytelling from around the globe. Rabbie Burns Afternoon Tea With a Twist, Sunday January 23, 2pm to 3pm. Free and in person at Pollokshields Burgh Hall. For more info head to www.womenslibrary.org.uk/event/a-multicultural-rabbie-burns-afternoon-tea-with-a-twist/

7 A BIT of comedy doesn’t go amiss and thanks to all the free laughs The Stand comedy club gave us in lockdown, it’s time to pay them a visit, laugh away the winter blues and have a pint and a giggle. With venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, you’ve no excuse. They both have events most nights including the ever popular red raw newbie nights on a Monday or Tuesday and this week the Edinburgh joint is hosting a “best of Scottish comedy night”.

I’m hoping for Viv Gee and big Gary Little but whoever is on you know you’re in for a great night.

Get booking at www.thestand.co.uk/performances/1120-11538-the-best-of-scottish-comedy-20220120-edinburgh/

Suzanne McLaughlin serves up a week of delights. Contact her @suzemclaughlin on Instagram and Twitter. Or email suzmclaughlin2014@gmail.com with details of any great events you are hosting