Time to dig deep

FUNDRAISING for the Disasters Emergency Committee's tsunami appeal continues apace - and, of course, well beyond the central belt. The latest event to reach our inbox comes from the Kef nightclub in Belmont Street, Aberdeen, on Saturday. No fewer than 10 DJs - mostly well-known local talent, including Yogi, Giles Walker, Tez, Finnie, and Darryl James - will be providing the sounds, filling the dancefloors on two levels, from 11pm to 3am. They will be providing their services for free and there is no set charge on the door. Just dig as deep as you are able.

New blues capital?

CAN the douce Fife town of Cupar become the blues capital of Scotland? The Blues and Beyond Club certainly thinks so. Formed by four local blues enthusiasts, the club opens at Watts Bar in Cupar on Friday, February 4, and will organise monthly blues sessions featuring top local and national attractions.

Al Hughes, frontman for popular Fife band Lights Out By Nine, and Baby Isaac, the Kelty-based band who have made big impressions at Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival and the prestigious Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival at Colne, are the opening-night guests, and the organisers are amazed at the positive response to their idea.

Already, bands are sending in CDs looking for gigs, and the club hopes that the blues audience will turn out in good numbers as profits from the February 4 gig will be going to the tsunami disaster appeal.

Further information is available from Bryan Poole on 01334 656720.

Acting opportunity

TODAY is the deadline for applications for the Norman Beaton Fellowship Awards, which aim to broaden the range of actors available to radio drama producers.

Edinburgh's Theatre Workshop is collaborating with BBC Radio Drama to find candidates. You must be over 18 and have not attended an accredited drama school. Disabled actors and minority groups who have not had traditional drama training are particularly welcome. Two winners receive six-month contracts with the BBC Radio Drama Company and four runners-up a single freelance engagement each.

Send your CV and profile to Ruth Holloway at the Theatre Workshop by email to rholloway@twe. org. uk or by fax to 0131 220 0112.