The John McCusker Trio
Thursday 4th September 2025
with Sam Kelly & Toby Shaer.
Overview
“One of the UK’s most gifted and versatile musicians in any genre, John McCusker is equally in demand as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer”. The Guardian
The John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decorated traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and composer, John has been at the heart of the UK folk scene for over three decades. His distinctive, emotionally charged playing and masterful compositions have made him a linchpin of contemporary Celtic music.
He is joined by two of the most sought-after talents on the UK folk circuit. Sam Kelly, winner of the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, has built a devoted following as frontman of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. His spellbinding voice, effortless charisma, and genre-blending approach have seen him perform at major festivals such as Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury, as well as on stages across Europe with Kate Rusby.
Completing the trio is Toby Shaer, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist whose stunning command of flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a go-to touring musician for Cara Dillon. Toby has performed in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues earning a reputation for his dynamic, expressive playing.
Together, The John McCusker Trio brings a thrilling combination of instrumental brilliance, heartfelt songs, and unforgettable live energy. Their performances … a rich tapestry of original compositions, traditional melodies, and contemporary folk songs .. captivate audiences with warmth, humour, and sheer musical class. Whether on festival stages or in intimate venues, this trio delivers a rare experience: deeply rooted in tradition, yet bursting with innovation, joy and soul.
Tolbooth
Jail Wynd
Stirling
FK8 1DE
- Opening Hours
- Getting Here
- Accessibility
- Food & Drinks
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Tolbooth Opening Hours
Box Office Opening Hours w/c 5th ) October:
Tuesday 6th 10-5pm
Wednesday 7th 10-5pm
Thursday 8th 10-8:30pm
Friday 9th 10-8:30pm
Saturday 10th 10-8:30pm
* From 5pm onwards for Evening Performance Customers Only.
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Tolbooth Map
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Accessibility
Our accessibility guides are available below for the Tolbooth.
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To find out more about our cafe and bar click below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Terms and Conditions
Please Refer to Our – Venues Ticket T’s & C’s
When can we pick up tickets/what are box office opening hours?
Albert Halls
Box Office Opening Hours w/c 5th October:
Thursday 8th 10-4pm
Friday 9th 10-8pm
Saturday 10th 4-8pm
* From 5pm Open For Evening Performance Customers Only.
Tolbooth
Box Office Opening Hours w/c 5th ) October:
Tuesday 6th 10-5pm
Wednesday 7th 10-5pm
Thursday 8th 10-8:30pm
Friday 9th 10-8:30pm
Saturday 10th 10-8:30pm
* From 5pm onwards for Evening Performance Customers Only.
We now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. Please note screengrabs of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets can also be printed out at home or for a small £1 fee be printed out at Box Office.
Box office will remain open until 30 mins after the show begins.
For standing gigs, is there an accessible area?
We will have an accessible area, the location and capacity varies per event, please contact box office to book your tickets.
Please note – Accessible areas in our events are subject to demand and capacity, and should be booked in advance by contacting box office.
What time does the show start?
Usually approx. 30 mins after doors time but it can vary depending on the show.
What time does the show finish?
We don’t always have this info ahead of time, if you contact box office on the day we will advise on individual shows.
Is there a lift/disabled access?
There is a lift and an accessible entrance at both venues.
Accessible areas in our events are subject to demand and capacity, and should be booked in advance by contacting box office.
Can tickets be posted out?
We no longer post tickets and now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. These can be shown on your device. Please note screen shots of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets do not need to be printed but can be done at box office for £1 or printed at home if you do not have a suitable device.
Where can we pick up tickets?
We now use e-tickets; allowing ease/speed and customer flexibility when attending our events. These can be shown on your device. Please note screen shots of e-tickets will not be accepted.
Tickets do not need to be printed but can be done at box office for £1 or printed at home if you do not have a suitable device.
How do I reach the venue via public transport?
Both Venues are a short walk from Stirling Bus Station, and Stirling Train Station.
Is there parking at the venue?
There is no general parking at The Albert Halls, on street parking is available nearby. At the Tolbooth you can use the Old Town Jail Car Park free of charge when attending an event.
Is there accessible parking at the venue?
There is limited accessible parking at the Albert halls with additional public disabled parking in Dumbarton Road. At the Tolbooth there is a public disabled parking space outside the venue, but it is out with our control. Please note that we unfortunately cannot reserve spaces for you at either of our venues.
If you require assistance contact box office and we can try to help.
Can we get a refund?
Tickets are non-refundable but if the show sells out we can attempt to resell them on your behalf.
Please read the full details on our Booking Terms and Conditions.
Is there a bar/can drinks be enjoyed at a show?
There is a bar at both venues and drinks can be taken in to shows.
The bar will be closed at an appropriate time to ensure customers are served and have taken their seats before the start of the show. This will also happen during the interval and will depend on how busy the bar is as to when the queue will be closed off.
We would recommend that if you are looking to purchase drinks before the show you should arrive early enough to be able to do this.
We don’t take orders for interval drinks.
Is there food available in the venue?
There is the Café Bar in the Tolbooth and The Albert Halls, for opening hours please check at Box Office.
Can children attend/age restrictions?
This varies per show and will be detailed on the event webpage. Box office can advise on individual shows
Please Note – we don’t apply a charge to ‘babes in arms’, essentially children that don’t require their own seat. Our definition of ‘babes in arms’ is 18 months or under.
Can we come in late?
This depends on the show, usually latecomers can be admitted at a suitable point in the show but this is not always the case
Who qualifies for a concession ticket price?
Concession’s are:-
*Over 60’s
*Disabled
*Unemployed
*Students / Children
Please Note – we don’t apply a charge to ‘babes in arms’, essentially children that don’t require their own seat. Our definition of ‘babes in arms’ is 18 months or under.
Are there any restrictions on dancing or standing for shows on at the Albert Halls?
For fully seated shows in the Albert Halls dancing is not allowed.
For standing events dancing must be at the side or at the back of the hall.
There is no standing in the front row of the balcony.
Accessible and (Carer) Tickets
A limited number of free carer tickets may be made available to customers, requiring additional support because of an accessible requirement or long-term health condition, as defined by the Equality Act (2010)
