SONICA 2023 at Tramway

Glasgow African Balafon Orchestra Celebrate 20 Years of The Hidden Gardens and 30 Years of Cryptic Ahead of Free Outdoor Gigs


The three free outdoor gigs - with GABO, Scottish tuba and euphonium dup Dopey Monkey and award-winning Dundee musician Be Charlotte- will celebrate both the 20th anniversary of the unique community resource The Hidden Gardens and the 30th anniversary of renowned Glasgow arts house Cryptic, who are producing the gigs as part of their ongoing Sonica Surge Festival. The gigs are free for everyone to attend and are non-ticketed.

The Hidden Gardens Glasgow Celebrates 20th anniversary with a day of free live gigs for Sonica Surge Festival Saturday 30 September


The free event will see special live outdoor gigs from top contemporary Scottish artists Dopey Monkey, Be Charlotte and Glasgow African Balafon Orchestra in the beautiful surrounds of the garden on Glasgow’s Southside


The events form part of Sonica Surge Festival, Cryptic’s 48 hour burst of art and music taking place at tramway 29 and 30 September


The Hidden Gardens Glasgow will celebrate its 20th anniversary by teaming up with Sonica Surge Festival to present a special day of free outdoor gigs from some of Scotland’s most exciting contemporary young musicians on Saturday 30 September.


Taking place in the beautiful surrounds of the gardens at Tramway in Glasgow’s Southside, audiences will experience free performances from:


Tuba and euphonium duo Danielle Price and Martin Lee Price – better known as Dopey Monkey. Playful, freewheeling and funky, with influences ranging from jazz and experimental music to folk and classical, Dopey Monkey will get visitors to the Hidden Gardens’ Treehouse bopping to their joyful, infectious sound. (3pm)


One of Scotland’s most exciting music-makers, Dundee-based Be Charlotte. Expect an acoustic set of striking melodies from the young solo artist who has an impressive list of accolades to her name, including BBC Introducing’s ‘One to Watch’ and Best Electronic Act at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards, plus her own record label Enough Records which focuses on spotlighting talented women and gender minorities. (4pm)


Jazz, funk, soul and African music from Glasgow African Balafon Orchestra, embodying the communal joy players and audiences alike find in music, whatever their backgrounds. Expect intricate rhythms and powerful storytelling in a special acoustic set designed to respond to the unique venue of The Hidden Gardens. (5pm).



All three events are free an non-ticketed, with audiences encouraged just to come along and experience a vibrant afternoon of music from the diverse range of talents on Scotland’s music scene.


The free gigs form part of Sonica Surge, a 48 hour burst of inspiring and innovative audiovisual art and experimentation by Glasgow art house Cryptic taking place throughout Tramway on 29 and 30 September. For teh full programme visit www.sonic-a.co.uk