Support Us

Sonic Labs (Formerly Free Improvisation)

April 24 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Introducing the exciting rebrand of Sonic Labs (formerly known as Free Improvisation!), a hub where noise and sound collide in a whirlwind of creativity.

Crafted by a group of local music lovers and innovators, Sonic Labs warmly welcomes everyone to join in the joy of making music together.

Our sessions follow an open-style approach that mixes improvisation with composition, making music-making accessible to all. Rooted in teamwork, spontaneity, and sharing, our evenings blend structured techniques with free expression, inviting you to explore the magic of musical creation.

At Sonic Labs, we embrace diverse styles and skills to create vibrant soundscapes, compositions, and immersive experiences. Our sessions are full of surprises – expect the unexpected, from unconventional experiments to moments of pure beauty, and even thrilling chaos. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of musical improvisation!

Free
100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website


Access Information:
 Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). 
To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. 
We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival. 

I Am Loud Spoken Word Workshop

May 24 @ 1:00 pm 3:00 pm

Interested in trying out spoken word poetry or improving your skills? New and developing writers are invited to join the Loud Poets for a workshop on composing and performing spoken word, featuring writing and performance exercises and practical advice on building confidence onstage.

£4 – £26 Under 26: £4

01387 259627

View Organiser Website

100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival.

OPEN HOOSE – Doughlicious

April 17 @ 6:45 pm 9:00 pm

For amateur bakers and bread enthusiasts alike.

Doughlicious is a bread club with a twist. Share recipes and techniques in a relaxed atmosphere and get practical with some hands-on activity. Open to all! Discover more about Doughlicious here.

The levain will be provided, but you’ll need to bring some tools from home. These are: A mixing bowl, a cloth or cover for your bowl and a jam jar.

We also have a small ‘Bread Book’ reference library for you to look through to get inspired and learn new techniques.

Free In-person donations welcome to go towards materials for the event.
100 High Street
Dumfries, DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival.

WRITE at The Stove Cafe

April 3 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Welcome to our April WRITE meet-up! Join us at this monthly creative writing workshop with author Karl Drinkwater.

WRITE! is all about letting your imagination guide your hand. In each session we’ll chat about a writing-related topic, then provide prompts and a theme, and the opportunity to write based on the inspiration. It might be a character sketch, or a piece of description or dialogue. The key thing is that it will be your words, and they’d never have been born if you’d stayed at home that night.

The short piece you write could be practice or a creative outlet. However, it could become the seed of a short story, or part of a longer work. Hopefully we’ll end each friendly and informal session with the opportunity for some people to read out what they wrote, as a celebration of the new words.

Sessions are expertly guided by thought-provoking prompts, offering dedicated time for free-flowing expression. Afterward, participants have the opportunity to share their creations within supportive groups, receiving valuable tips to enhance their writing skills and boost confidence. Whether you’re rediscovering the joy of the creative process or seeking inspiration for your existing project, Write fosters a collaborative and experimental environment. Fuel your next big project with the friendly encouragement and creative energy that defines Write.

The next session (April) is on engaging the senses by describing smells and scents. So it would be great if everyone could bring in a number of items with smells to share around, anything distinctive. Vinegar, sliced apple, mint leaf, perfume, essential oils, freshly cut grass in a tub, a newly washed blanket, a brand new paperback book, coffee beans – whatever you can think of!

Open to: everyone! It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never written anything before, or if you’re an established author looking for a brief shot of espresso creativity. It’s not a course, so you can attend any or all sessions, as you wish.

So come along. We’ll provide the inspiration and a supportive group of new friends. All you need to do is bring your pen*, engage your heid, and write!

(* Of course it’s fine to bring a laptop or gadget instead of pen and paper: words are words, whatever the medium!)

The Stove Cafe will be serving drinks and nibbles from 6.30pm – 7pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As WRITE! is a very popular event, you must pre-book via Eventbrite to secure a place at this workshop. Please do not arrive at the workshop without a pre-booked ticket, as we may have to turn you away due to reaching full capacity in our event space.

Free
100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival.

Free Improvisation

March 27 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Photo by Kirstin McEwan

Free improvisation is a bold and interactive approach to composition and collaboration.

It’s the craft of exploring instrumental forces to create dynamic sound worlds.

Make your own rules! No songs, no standards, no structure. Get together with fellow musicians, collaborate and let your instincts take control in this immersive, experimental and pioneering musical form.

Find out what Free Improvisation is all about, and hear from Free Improvisation’s organiser, Calum Walker, as we ask him ten questions to get an insight into this unique and exciting group. Read more here.

100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). 
To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. 
We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival. 

OPEN HOOSE – Doughlicious

March 20 @ 6:45 pm 9:00 pm

For amateur bakers and bread enthusiasts alike.

Doughlicious is a bread club with a twist. Share recipes and techniques in a relaxed atmosphere and get practical with some hands-on activity. Open to all! Discover more about Doughlicious here.

The levain will be provided, but you’ll need to bring some tools from home. These are: A mixing bowl, a cloth or cover for your bowl and a jam jar.

We also have a small ‘Bread Book’ reference library for you to look through to get inspired and learn new techniques.

Free In-person donations welcome to go towards materials for the event.
100 High Street
Dumfries, DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival.

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