7 THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO THIS WEEK

0 Comments | Sunday Herald, The, Oct 22, 2006

1 WHEN their single Crazy was released in April this year, few people had ever heard of Gnarls Barkley. However, the public lapped up the debut release from Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo, pictured right, making it the first single to reach the number one slot based on download sales alone (it stayed there for nine weeks until the band deleted it to make way for a follow-up). Their music and live shows have been so popular they've been asked to tour with funk-rock legends the Red Hot Chili Peppers, so now is definitely the time to catch them in the relatively intimate atmosphere of Glasgow's Carling Academy.

Friday, 7pm, Carling Academy, Glasgow, (0870 771 2000)

2 IT'S hard to know exactly how to define Mr McFall's Chamber. The line-up of a string quartet, a pianist and a bassist only begins to describe the range on offer from a group who merge and muddle traditional music genres. This week's performance in Edinburgh will see them joined by a guest vocalist, a piper and two percussionists, playing everything from their own material to latino beats to songs by Goldfrapp. If you can't make this gig, they've just released a new DVD. See their website at www. mcfalls. co. uk for more details.

Thursday 8pm, Queen's Hall, Edinburgh (0131 668 2019)

3 ANYONE under the age of 25 is most likely to recognise the bald head of Richard O'Brian as the manic presenter of The Crystal Maze. However, for older folks he will forever be remembered as the creator of The Rocky Horror Show, left.

Written out of desperation after several failed auditions, the result was one of Britain's most loved stage shows of all time. Rarely out of production since its debut, it returns to Edinburgh this week with Suzanne Shaw and the excellent David Bedella in the lead roles. If you haven't seen the play or the movie before, don't be surprised if your neighbour is wearing fishnet tights and stilettos.

Monday-Saturday, various times, Playhouse, Edinburgh (0870 606 3424)

4 FOR a stage production of a completely different nature there's a chance to see Tennessee Williams's gritty drama, Sweet Bird Of Youth in Dundee. The role of Chance Wayne, a playboy who returns to his hometown in the company of a faded Hollywood star, was originally offered to Elvis Presley for the 1962 film version, but his agent didn't want The King playing a baddie. These performances will be a rare chance to see the role that eventually went to Paul Newman reprised by the Dundee Rep Ensemble.

Tuesday-Friday, 7.45pm, Dundee Repertory Theatre (01382 223 530)

5 THE weekend before Hallowe'en also hosts the Sea Monster's Ball in Glasgow. A party for kids set on board the Tall Ship will provide spooky entertainment with balloon-modelling, music and an award for the best costume.

Saturday 1pm-3pm, The Tall Ship, Glasgow Harbour (0141 222 2513)

6 IRISH folk singer Cara Dillon, returns to Aberdeen's Lemon Tree a decade after her first appearance as part of the band Oige.

Now an accomplished solo artist in demand around the globe, she has three albums under her belt, each of which has broadened her appeal beyond the traditional folk scene.

Before visiting Aberdeen, she's helping kick off Perthshire Amber: The Dougie MacLean Weekend, where she'll be supported by the great man himself.

Thursday, 7.30pm, Pitlochry Festival Theatre; Friday, 9pm, Lemon Tree, Aberdeen (01224 642 230)

7 THIS week also heralds the return of the international celebration of roots music Big Big World to Glasgow. One of the most intriguing shows place today at the Royal Concert Hall with the Omar Sosa/Dhafer Youssef Trio. Omar, a Latin American recipient of a lifetime achievement award for music, is joined by revered Tunisian oud player Dhafter Youssef and percussion alchelmist Marques Gilmore. For a more folky experience, today you can catch Shetland band Shoormal and their unique brand of island music at The Arches. They will be abley supported by new four-piece Finniston. For full details of the programme visit www. soundsfine. co. uk Until October 28, various times and venues, Glasgow