Five Things To Do In Edinburgh: Thursday 13 September

• MUSIC: Tim Richards/Rob Hall Quartet. London pianist Tim Richards (Spirit Level) joins forces with Glasgow-based saxophonist Rob Hall. A night of excellent modern jazz from Rob, one of Scotland’s top sax players, with London visitor, accomplished pianist Tim Richards, plus Jennifer Clark (bass) and Phillip Ragsdell (drums). The Jazz Bar, Chambers Street, 8pm, £5 (£4), 0131-220 4298

• MUSIC: Gascan Rukus. Alternative punk band from County Armagh in Northern Ireland unleash their brand of low-frill, unvarnished rock on the Capital. Probably not going to win any medals for inventiveness but able to spread plenty of youthful havoc and carnage on the dancefloor. Bannerman’s, Cowgate, 8pm, £4, 0131-556 3254

• COMEDY: The Gong Show. Weekly ‘Gong Show’ where budding stand-up comics literally compete against the clock for stage time and the crowd’s appeasement. Nail-biting anguish for the comics... hilarious fun for the audience. You can expect hecklers and a few surprises on this night. The Shack, Rose Street, 8pm £3 (£2), Tel: 07584-468 989

• MUSIC: Dannsa – Connections. A breathtaking programme of step dance and Scottish traditional music. Blending the rich traditions of Scottish dance with music on the fiddle, guitar, pipes, keyboard and Gaelic sosng, these engaging performers bring you an evening of wonderful rhythms and finely crafted traditional dance.

Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, 7.30pm, £11 (£9.50; Under 18s £6.50), 0131-665 2240

• COMEDY: The Thursday Show. Miss Barbara Nice makes an appearance, so you’d better be on your best behaviour tonight. She’s joined by Sully O’Sullivan, Susie McCabe and host Stu Murphy. Five acts on a two hour stand-up showcase. Featuring comperes, the best headliners on the circuit, several support acts and a short spot for a newcomer. Great show and great value as it’s usually the same line-up as the Saturday night show for a fiver less. The Stand, York Place, 9pm, £8 (£7; members £4), 0131-558 7272