SAMA returns – Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) to Paisley this weekend.
The 8th Edition of the SAMA Paisley Takeover – 2026 – is here, and there is live performances from Alice Faye, GAIA, Dara Dubh, Francis Bondd, Kai Reesu, SLIX and Waverley across two days of live showcases.
On Friday 24 April at the Abbey Gardens, Abbey Close and Bridge Street is the Paisley Food & Drink Festival 2026 featuring live music at 4.30pm Soul Level Collective; 5.30pm Conscious Route and at 6.30pm: Kryptic.
Friday 24 April at The Bungalow stage from 6.30pm is Slix, Martha May & The Mondays, LeisureLand (pictured above), Waverley. On Saturday night, 25 April: Kai Reesu, GAIA and Laura Osa.
Check venue for tickets.
Saturday 25 April at The Paisley Arts Centre from 7.00pm – Alice Faye, Dara Dubh, Francis Bondd, Crawford Mack.
The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) recognises the best new Scottish music, shining a spotlight across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres.
Throughout the year, the SAMA’s also host regular events including music industry showcases at Sound City (UK), Wild Paths (UK), Pro Weekend Fest (Spain) and their own three-day conference, PITCH Scotland, plus PITCH International showcases and songwriting camps. Check SAMA for more details.
Saturday’s daytime gig is The Divas Soul Band. Get in for free and have a classic Motown and Soul experience from an exceptional live 5-piece band. Doors open at 1.oopm and the gig is free entry.
The Square Go’s return for a Sunday afternoon session and its free entry.
Square Go’s are a band from North Lanarkshire, playing classic mod, ska, northern soul, 60s, punk & indie classics. Doors are 1.00pm and entry is free.
The Bungalow Jam kicks off at 7.00pm on Tuesday 28 April. This week’s entertainment includes music, games, a quiz and the usual Open Mic. This is free entry.
The Bungalow Wednesday Club starts at 2.00pm with an afternoon of fun from singer John Griffith of The Bobby Deans Big Band the weekly quiz.
On Thursday, 30 April, it’s a night of multiple acoustic acts and a set from The King of Birds – a fundraiser for St Vincent’s Hospice, Howwood, Renfrewshire. Tickets on the door from 7.00pm.
Ronnie T kicks off at The Old Swan from 4.00pm on Friday 24 April, and following him is Three Card Trick. Michigan will be kicking off at 4.00pm on Saturday afternoon 25 April.
The Sunday Soul Club kicks off at 4.00pm; Crawford Carlyle will be playing on Monday 27 April from 4.00pm; Lee James on Tuesday 28 April at 3.00pm and every second Thursday at 5.00pm, and alternatively sometimes it is Cammy Miller. Duncan McLellan will be on-stage on Wednesday 29 April to play a whole load of your favourite songs.
Ella and Giu are at The Keg on Friday night for an after Food and Drink Festival ‘after party’ from 10.00pm and on Satuday 25 April from 9pm, it is Youth Club. On Thursday you can discover a full line up of new or up and coming talent kicking off at 9.00pm.
Sportsters have live music on Friday night at 8.00pm and on Sunday there is a live session from 6.00pm. Check venue for details.
Kennedys have Moonrocks in on Sunday from 3.00pm and over at The Inn on the Corner, live are Reflections are on Saturday 25 April from 5.00pm and Fade in Mod Out on Sunday, 26 April from 4.00pm followed by the Jam Session at 8.00pm.
The Open Mic/Stage Sessions next week are: The Abbey at 9pm on Monday, Ugly Duck Monday at 7pm, The Gantry at 9pm on Tuesday, The Bungalow on Tuesday 7pm, The Keg on Wednesday at 8.30pm and they also have an Open Mic on the last Tuesday of the month.
Have a great week, ‘Keep Music Live’ and support your local venues and check-out the full programme at The Paisley Food and Drink Festival 2026.
Tommy.
PAISLEY LIVE MUSIC VENUES – ADDRESS GUIDE
Gantry, 12 New Street, Paisley PA1 1XY
Whisky Joes, 7b New Street, Paisley PA1 1XU
Barga, 25 New Street, Paisley PA1 1XU
Paisley Arts Centre, 15 New Street, Paisley PA1 1EZ
The Bungalow, 15 Shuttle Street, Paisley PA1 1YD
The Venue, 4 Sma’ Shot Lane, Paisley PA1 2HG
Sportsters, 7 Gilmour Street, Paisley PA1 1DD
The Keg, 15b Gilmour Street, Paisley PA1 1DD
The Abbey Bar, 8 Lawn Street, Paisley PA1 1HA
The Ugly Duck, 38 High Street, Paisley PA1 2DQ
The Wee Howff, 53 High Street, Paisley PA1 2AN
Kennedy’s, 33a Causeyside Street, Paisley PA1 1UL
The Tea Gardens, 69 Causeyside Street, Paisley PA1 1YT
The Venue, 5 Wellmeadow Street, Paisley PA1 2EF
The Anchor, 23 Gauze Street, Paisley PA1 1ES
The Old Swan, 20 Smithhills Street, Paisley PA1 1EB
The Tile Bar, 14 Smithhills Street, Paisley PA1 1EB
Inn on the Corner, 70 Causeyside Street, Paisley PA1 1YP
Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JF
