Howden Park Centre’s summer programme

May 6 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

AS the summer approaches the Howden Park Centre has unveiled its new programme.

Soul diva Ruby Turner plays her only Scottish date on May 15 , Scotland's premiere Gaelic vocalist Karen Matheson appears on June 3, on June 25 the Godfather of British jazz Stan Tracey will be backed by his quartet, the Wilders "leave vapour trails" of country on July 31 and, on August 18, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham will take to the stage.

It is not all music though, Wee Stories take over the theatre in May with Treasure Island and, on August 4, Grid Iron present the fantastic outdoor show Decky Does a Bronco.

The rebuilding of the venue has produced an addition to the collection of public art that has given Livingston an international reputation.

Award-winning artist Michael Visocchi has just completed "Florum Cultura" by creating the fifth section, a low relief plaque, inside the building to complement the four, two to three-metre high metal geometric shapes standing in the park.

The open gallery gives exhibition visitors, restaurant diners, even casual visitors an opportunity to see high-quality art for free everyday.

Today's exhibition is a selection of work by Norman Gilbert and, in July, Marina de Stacpoole's vibrant digital images will light up the space.

The normal run of workshops and classes in dance, music and visual arts is boosted in the summer by "arts4U" a full programme for young people.

Highlights include week-long music courses by the Youth Action Project, film making (and more) by Firefly Arts as well as Survival of the Sickest, West Lothian's first break dancing festival.

The May to August season brochure, featuring a scene from Wee Stories' Treasure Island on the cover, will be posted to more than 10,000 houses.

To have your copy delivered just telephone the box office on 01506 777666 and register.