Some alt.hip hop, some dubby sounds and two helpings of top notch Scottish comedy - you couldn't ask for a better start to the month.
Alasdair Roberts, Traverse Bar, Mon Mar 2
Folk troubadour Roberts has made one heck of a name for himself as a talented curator and updater of Scottish trad folklore – catch him as part of a series of gigs in the Trav café bar, curated by aspirational ethical gig outfit Soundhouse.
The Fair Intellectual Club, Assembly Roxy, Tue Mar 3-Wed Mar 4
Penned by comedian Lucy Porter, this period tale of nationalism, rationalism and feminism is inspired by a real society formed by three young women in 18th century Edinburgh.
Susan Calman, Traverse Theatre, Wed 4 Mar
Award-winning comedian and BBC Radio regular embarking on her first UK tour, ‘Lady Like’ – ‘a show about being older, wiser and liking yourself'.
Kazuo Ishiguro, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Thu Mar 5
The Booker Prize-winning author of ‘Never Let Me Go’ and ‘The Remains of the Day’ embarks upon a tour of UK venues to discuss his latest novel, ‘The Buried Giant’, a historic tale of two elderly Britons seeking out their son in the era of the Roman empire.
Trudy Stade: Connecting Visions, Summerhall, Thu 5 Mar-Sun Mar 8
New photography exhibition exploring the lives of blind and partially sighted people across Scotland, with subjects including stand up comedian Jamie MacDonald and double-marathon runner Hazel McFarlane. Head along to the launch event on Thursday evening for additional entertainment.
Wee Dub Festival, various venues, Fri Mar 6-Sun Mar 8
Channel One Soundsystem, Earl Gateshead, Taiwan MC, Onlyjoe and Red Eye Hi-Fi are among the guests at Edinburgh’s epic annual celebration of dub, reggae and dancehall culture. Find out more in our nifty preview.
Chappie, general release from Fri Mar 6
Following the spectacular 'District 9', we were a bit underwhelmed with Neill Blomkamp’s 'Elysium', a standard Hollywood sci-fi that shared none of its predecessor's unique South African spirit. Thankfully, the director’s back on home turf with this Jo'burg robot flick featuring homegrown rave-rap duo Die Antwoord.
Jonnie Common, Voodoo Rooms, Sat Mar 7
The folktronic boy wonder is starting to pick up some recognition these days, with a BBC 6 Music session scheduled into his current tour roster. Catch a slice of his witty, poignant pop nous while you can still watch him without binoculars.
Abdominal & the Obliques, The Mash House, Sat Mar 7
Funky alt.hip hop in the Jurassic 5 mould, with MC Abs less likely to rap about guns, bitches and bling than, say, bicycling, train stations and his mum.
Frankie Boyle, The Stand, Sun Mar 8 (and also Sun Mar 15 & Wed Mar 25)
The bad boy of Scottish comedy kicks off his run of work-in-progress sessions at The Stand this Sunday, promising ‘I’m Better Than This’.