Edinburgh's key folk hub, the hospitable Royal Oak is a traditional bar frequented by musicians, enthusiasts and regulars in for a blether. 18+ licence restriction.

Folk melodies are expert time travelers – superimposing the past on the present, constantly straining forward and circling back in their passage through different hands and traditions. Some Strange Harmony (harmonium, violin, vocals) joins in these meandering journeys, intertwining inspirations from around the world with our own compositions and re-imaginings. We’ve been told our music sounds medieval, hymnal, funereal, and our favourite, ‘like you’re about to sacrifice a goat’. Our show questions received notions of time and freedom, exploring the complexities of nostalgia, the untraceability of origins, and the unknowability of end-points. No goats actually sacrificed!

The Rose-Burnt Passage

Two native singer-songwriters return to the Fringe with their five-star, sell-out show featuring original and traditional songs of Edinburgh and Scotland. 'This charismatic pair can easily hold a spotlight' (Prague Fringe, 2019). ‘Quality voice!’ (Edinburgh Evening News). ‘Rock-solid quality song writing’ (Andy Lang). 'Nicholson's songs are funny, often with a political edge or element of social commentary' (ThreeWeeks). 'Gore is a knock-out – his songs balance beauty with fierce rallying cries of social justice' (Fest).

Gone Native

Two of Scotland’s foremost acoustic guitarists, Simon Kempston ('A master of fingerstyle guitar' (Scotsman)) and Paul Tasker ('one of the leading guitarists of his generation' (Maverick)), present their collaboration of original instrumental music. After two sell-out runs, the duo now proudly present their debut album. Drawing on elements of classical, folk and contemporary styles, the show blends intimate story-telling and masterful compositions which invite audiences to explore the expressive power of music beyond language. An essential show, not to be missed by any lover of the guitar, or newcomers seeking an experience beyond traditional performance.

Songs Without Words

Enter the heart of Edinburgh’s folk scene with two local singer-songwriters. Fired by an insatiable desire to split the Fringe performers' entrance fee, these Royal Oak regulars bring you tasty guitar-playing and well-crafted songs touching on pop, folk, blues and soul. Alasdair Dow has played at UK and International festivals and has been featured on BBC Radio 2. He gigs regularly in Edinburgh whilst building his original songbook. Beginning his career in jazz and funk bands, Stuart Honeyman has since emerged as an in-demand folk session host, guitarist and songwriter.

2 for the Price of Song

Joseph is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe to launch a new original EP! Following Edinburgh Fringe 2024, Joseph was described as Jansch blended with Bonamassa! For 2025 there will be an extended musical extravaganza and where better to get back to acoustic roots than possibly the most intimate venue in the city! While performing his new EP and a selection of older songs, Joseph will be inviting guests to perform throughout the evening... it could be you! Watch his website for more information as the guests are revealed!

The Royal Oak

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