Festivals! Scotland's Music
the Scottish music festival supplement from MUSIC NEWS Scotland
3hattrio (pictured) fly in just for Celtic Connections on 4 February - see pages 6+7 www.3hattrio.com
INSIDE: Celtic Connections :: Orkney Folk Festival :: Fife Jazz Festival :: Shetland Folk Festival :: Aberdeen Gaelic Arts Festival :: Wee Dub Festival .... PLUS our Scottish music festival listings
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
page 2
music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
www.facebook.com/orkneyfolkfestival
https://twitter.com/OrkneyFolkFest
www.celticconnections.com tickets: www.celticconnections.com promoter: www.brookfield-knights.com
www.visitscotland.com
www.orkneyfolkfestival.com/patronage
www.mullhistoricalsociety.com www.celticconnections.com weblink @ www.mullhistoricalsociety.com fb @ www.facebook.com/mullhistorical
www.orkneyfolkfestival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/orkneyfolkfestival tweet @ https://twitter.com/OrkneyFolkFest
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
Celtic Music Radio – Live @ Celtic Connections Celtic Music Radio is delivering an unrivalled festival of music during this year’s Celtic Connections. This is the 12th year in a row the communitybased radio station will play a prominent part in Connections, which started on 19 January and runs through to 5 February. Donald Shaw, Artistic Director of Celtic Connections, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome back Celtic Music Radio as we are about to embark on this year’s festival. Their lively and studios at Admiral Street, Kinning Park on informed shows and their busy hub in the Saturdays and Sundays. Buchanan Suite in the Royal Concert Hall are “Celtic Music Radio is proud to be at the heart of enjoyed by audiences and artists alike.” Celtic Connections with our own festival of Over the 17 days – in addition to its normal 24music,” said Alex Jenkins, chair of the board hour music programme schedule – Celtic Music of directors at Celtic Music Radio, which Radio will broadcast for 136 hours from boasts 72,000 listeners a month in the Glasgow Connections and feature more than 70 live acts area and in 175 countries worldwide online. Our on 95FM and DAB across Glasgow and worldwide programme schedules will be dominated by live via its website. acts, interviews and informed conversations while our studio sessions on Saturdays and Its Connections’ programmes – on air between Sundays will be free to attend with donations 11 am and 5 pm daily – will include up-closeand-personal sessions from international acts as always welcome.” well the best musicians Glasgow and other parts The station – a champion of new musical talent of the country have to offer. and a strong voice for contemporary and traditional Scottish music, arts and culture – has New and upcoming bands plus headline artists covered Celtic Connections since 2006. appearing at Celtic Connections are set to be part of the volunteer-run, charity-status For the fifth year running, Glasgow Caledonian station’s increased output. University (GCU) is providing an outside broadcast unit support for the live The sparkling action will take place in the performances, operated by Honours’ degree Buchanan Suite at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall from Mondays to Fridays and from the station’s students. And for the second time, GCU is
hosting a series of lunchtime concerts featuring some of the best musical talent from colleges and universities across Scotland live on Celtic Music Radio. Patrick Quinn, Senior Lecturer in Audio Technology at GCU, said: "Collaborating at Celtic Connections with Celtic Music Radio gives our audio students a unique opportunity to work on live radio with a worldwide audience. It also further develops our strong links with local and national broadcasters." Celtic Connections on Campus starts on January 23 at 12:30 and is free to attend – details are on www.celticconnections.com Listeners in the Glasgow area will be able to catch all the action on 95FM while those everywhere else can hear what’s going on via the station’s web link: www.celticmusicradio.net. www.celticmusicradio.net https://twitter.com/celt95fm www.facebook.com/celticmusicradio95FM
www.scottishmusiccentre.com/services/audio-services/
info@scottishmusiccentre.com
web @ www.scottishmusiccentre.com fb @ www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre plus other links @ www.musicplus.org.uk + www.hittheroad.org.uk
email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
a special MNS feature .....
page 4
www.Independentvenueweek.com :: https://twitter.com/IVW_UK :: www.facebook.com/independentvenueweek
Stimulating and Supporting grass roots music venues: Monday 23 – Sunday 29 January 2017 11 Scottish Venues from Aberdeen to Glasgow Independent Venue Week kicks of next week with gigs taking place across eleven Scottish venues in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow and Paisley from Monday 23 – Sunday 29 January. The project, which is staged nationally and retains a strong local focus, will see venues from across the whole country hosting special shows throughout the week. The seven day-long event is now a firm fixture on the UK’s music calendar supporting the grass roots venues that are the backbone of our local communities and giving tens of thousands of fans and hundreds of artists their first taste of live music each year. Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, commented: “Independent Venue Week stimulates and supports the grass roots venues that are the backbone of our local communities and Scotland’s music infrastructure. It is from these venues that new talent emerges and where fans can be the first to spot the stars of the future. IVW also offers unique opportunities to see favourite bands up close and personal. We are delighted to support the fourth year of IVW to ensure its reach in Scotland can
grow.” The participating venues in Scotland are KRAKATOA in Aberdeen; BEAT GENERATOR LIVE! in Dundee; ELECTRIC CIRCUS, LEITH DEPOT, LA BELLE ANGÈLE and SNEAKY PETE’S in Edinburgh; WAREHOUSE in Falkirk, BROADCAST, THE GLAD CAFÉ and THE HUG & PINT in Glasgow and THE BUNGALOW in Paisley.
www.facebook.com/thedeportees
www.facebook.com/marthaffionmckay photo by Beth Chalmers Photography
The week will see performances from the likes of FRIGHTENED RABBIT, ADMIRAL FALLOW, C DUNCAN, MODERN STUDIES and MARTHA FFION. This is the first year Creative Scotland has partnered in the venture providing support for the week alongside by Arts Council England and PRS For Music. Speaking of the week The Charlatans frontman and The Independent Venue Week ambassador for 2017, Tim Burgess, said: "Independent venues are where every band starts and where music fans get to see emerging talent. Without them bands would not get a chance for their all-important first hometown gigs and subsequent tours. These venues and bands need our support and the best way you can do that is by having a night out. Lots of venues are closing – we definitely need to stick together and stop this happening."
About Independent Venue Week
THE DEPORTEES play Aberdeen's Krakatoa on 27 January.
MARTHA FFION plays Glasgow's Hug and Pint on 24 January
Independent Venue Week is a 7 day celebration of small music venues around the UK and a nod to the people that own, run and work in them, week in, week out. These venues give artists their first experience of playing live in front of an audience and for fans, somewhere to get up close to artists that one day, may well be playing stadiums and festival main stages. Independent Venue Week brings together these venues along with breaking and established artists, promoters, labels, media, bloggers and tastemakers to create a nationwide series of gigs at the end of January. These venues are the backbone of the live music scene in this country and Independent Venue Week wants to recognise all that they
have done to create some of the most memorable nights of the past so they can continue to do the same in the future. Independent Venue Week is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Project Fund. Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. www.creativescotland.com https://twitter.com/CreativeScots www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland www.Independentvenueweek.com https://twitter.com/IVW_UK
www.facebook.com/independentvenueweek
Get tickets @ http://www.independentvenueweek.com/tickets-info/
a special MNS feature .....
page 5
www.Independentvenueweek.com :: https://twitter.com/IVW_UK :: www.facebook.com/independentvenueweek
Independent Venue Week :: Scottish Listings Aberdeen Krakatoa
Saturday 28th January: FUTURE GET DOWN plus THE IMAGINEERS £6 + booking fee
Sunday 29th January: THE ATARIS plus special guests CAMPFIRES Friday 27th January: THE AND WOES £15 + booking fee DEPORTEES + HARMONIA 14+, under 16s to be accompanied MOVEMENT + STEVEN MILNE (Little Kicks) Tickets: £5/£4 Student by an adult OTD Saturday 28th January: THE MEMBRANES + DEAR JOHN
Edinburgh
KATHRYN JOSEPH
BY SUNDAY
Friday 27th January: THE MOTH AND THE MIRROR + support
Saturday 28th January: KASHMIR CROWS + MIRACLE GLASS COMPANY
Saturday 28th January: STATE BROADCASTERS + support Sunday 29th January: LAW HOLT + support
Glasgow
Dundee
Broadcast
Beat Generator Live!
Sunday 29th January: AARON WRIGHT + STEPH ARTHUR + TAYLOR-RAY + OWEN BRYCE + SARAH ALEXANDER
Paisley The Bungalow
Friday 27th January: MEMBRANES Tuesday 24th January: RURAL Monday 23rd January: BMX + STOOR. Advance tickets £10. ALBERTA ADVANTAGE + support BANDITS + TEEN CANTEEN Doors 8pm. tbc Electric Circus Friday 27th January: THE ZIPS + Sat 28th Jan: THE PRIMEVALS / Sunday 29th January: Independent Wednesday 25th January: GOAT THE MINORITY RULE + CIVIL BENEDICTUS/ THEE RAG AND GIRL + SWEATY PALMS Venue Week & Gig Buddies PUNK BONE MAN. Advance tickets £6. presents: UP MO + THE HUMORS Thursday 26th January: THE Doors 8.00p.m Bar 15 Sunday 29th January: + S.J. MAGGS MISS'S + support FRIGHTENED RABBIT SOLD OUT Thursday 26th January: SINGLE Friday 27th January: BELLA & THE La Belle Angele BEAR + support Tuesday 24th January: ADMIRAL BELLA AND THE BEAR play Glasgow's Broadcast on 27 January. FALLOW plus MT DOUBT + JOSH Saturday 28th January: Broadcast www.bellaandthebear.net Presents: Broadcast x Independent FUCHS 7pm -10pm £10.00 Venue Week Wednesday 25th January: VERSE All-Dayer: HOME$LICE + LIFE METRICS plus STAR ROVER MODEL + BITE + LYLO + more 7pm - 10pm £5.00 Sunday 29th January: Celtic Friday 27th January: KENNETHS Connections: JOEY LANDRETH plus A RITUAL SPIRIT + BAD PROTAGONIST CLUB 7pm-10pm The Glad Cafe £5.00 Thursday 26th January: The Glad Saturday 28th January: HEEL Cafe and Celtic Connections PYRO plus THE MOTION POETS present: MODERN STUDIES with 7pm-10pm £5.00 support FROM TISSØ LAKE
Leith Depot
Friday 27th January: LIFE MODEL
Thursday 26th January: Little Victories presents: JACK HARRIS + ROBIN ELLIOT + CARO BRIDGES £3 OTD
Saturday 28th January: The Glad Cafe and Celtic Connections present: SCOTTISH CLARINET QUARTET with ROS DUNLOP
Sunday 29th January: The Glad Cafe and Celtic Connections Monday 23rd January: MAN OF present: SARAH KENCHINGTON MOON plus guests £10 + booking BIG HAIR BAGPIPE BAND Fee
Sneaky Petes
Tuesday 24th January: C DUNCAN with ANDREW WASYLYK SOLD OUT Thursday 26th January: THE VAN T'S plus special guests WYLDE £5 + booking Fee Friday 27th January: MOSCOW, TORMAIN, SHAMBOLICS £5 + booking fee
The Hug and Pint
Monday 23rd January: ABERFELDY + support Tuesday 24th January: MARTHA FFION + support Wednesday 25th January: HALF WAIF + support Thursday 26th January: FAIR MOTHERS feat. special guest
Get tickets @ http://www.independentvenueweek.com/tickets-info/
page 6
music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
www.celticconnections.com
tickets: www.celticconnections.com promoter: www.brookfield-knights.com
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
Scotland's Brookfield Knights acts have triumphant start to Celtic Connections Festival Glasgow :: 19 January - 5 February :: www.celticconnections.com Buy tickets @ www.celticconnections.com Scottish-based roots music agency Brookfield Knights have been enjoying a triumphant start to their run of events at this year’s Celtic Connections festival, where one of their most popular bands, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, played to capacity crowds at all of their shows – and ended up with both TV and radio coverage thanks to interest from BBC. The band will feature on the BBC 2 televised highlights programme that goes out this coming weekend, after they performed as part of the opening event at the Royal Concert Hall with Laura Marling and a host of stars. They were also ‘live’ on BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk show from Pacific Quay studios. After their performance, presenter Bruce MacGregor told listeners: “Fantastic! What a band!”
Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys make big impact at Celtic Connections www.lindsayloumusic.com
percussion. Those combined forces create a write a song again for almost 15 years. signature lush string sound flavoured by stylesBrookfield-Knights’ head booker Loudon Temple of-the-world tinctures and lush vocal harmonies. With his latest album, I Don’t Do This for Love, I Do This for Love he created a song cycle that is says he could not have been happier with the 3hattrio (USA) are based in the desert both moving and timely. The CD won him more reception they got – and he’s anticipating more landscape of southern Utah’s Zion National Park, media attention in the space of a few weeks of the same as other acts they are bringing in and the trio created a major impact with the than he had experienced for a long time. Playing for the event this year prepare to arrive for their release of their second album in the UK last tracks at BBC Radio Scotland, Ricky Ross shows. year. The new album, Solitaire, has kept that described him as “really, really special.” He is “We will have Ben Hunter, Joe Seamons and momentum going and won them glowing praise opening for James McMurtry at Celtic Phil Wiggins on BBC radio 3’s World on 3 from the critics, Folk radio UK describing them Connections and plays a few UK dates before programme this coming Friday night when as “hugely atmospheric.” There’s a strong buzz heading for a string of shows in The presenter Lopa Kothari introduces them to her about this one, and rightly so. Opening the show Netherlands. listeners and then – there’s a real buzz about will be Lizabett Russo, although originally from Russell deCarle with Steve Briggs (Canada) this band – Ricky Ross will have 3hattrio from Transylvania, she is now resident in Scotland, have performed together for many years and Utah in the studio for a Celtic Connections and attracting a lot of attention wherever she are about as joined at the hip as any duo could special as part of the Another Country show he appears. be. There were scheduled to come in with presents,” he revealed. “She played a BBC Introducing session for Bruce seasoned accordionist Denis Keldie but he had He says he is more excited than ever before to MacGregor’s Travelling Folk show at BBC Radio to pull out due to health reasons but the show be bringing some of their latest finds into the Scotland, and the interest that arose from that, will go on with out him. country, mostly from the USA and Canada, this was quite amazing, he said. She toured Japan Briggs and deCarle have appeared together on month. “Luckily, most of them have had new and Seoul in 2015 and 2016, latterly to albums on release in the UK this year and many showcase material from her latest release, “The many occasions and recorded a number of albums together too in joint careers that have of them have been very well received and Burning Mountain”. spanned the decades. When deCarle was lead attracted the right level of attention,” he says. Reviewing the CD for Acoustic magazine, Julian singer and song-writer for iconic Canadian So, who does he expect to make another Piper applauded her “Björk-like intensity” while country roots band Prairie Oyster, he led them big impact at the 2017 event, we asked? fRoots praised her “astonishing vocal range” and to rack up an impressive list of awards, gold and This is what is still to come: added: “This is an artist who is well worth platinum selling records and No 1 singles. investigating.” When he gave his assessment to Ben Hunter, Joe Seamons and Phil Wiggins When he toured in pared-back trio format in the Fatea magazine, Peter Taranaski wrote: “Why (USA) perform a particularly tasty form of UK last year, reviews were glowing. she is not bigger than she is, I honestly do not country blues and early American folk music. Popular Irish radio presenter, Brian Forbes told know. She is the most interesting new artist I Since Ben and Joe won Best Duo title in the listeners: “That was one of the best gigs I've have heard this year.” That buzz led to a International Blues Challenge in Memphis, been at in many a year, rounded off with a Tennessee in 2016, they have become regarded successful appearance at the 2016 Cambridge thoroughly well-deserved standing ovation. If Folk as a must-have pairing and tour relentlessly. you ever get a chance to see these guys then go They were sought out by Dom Flemons of The Nathan Bell (USA) is another who has won a without hesitation! Carolina Chocolate Drops when he put a new lot of attention from the media this year “It was a perfect gig from start to finish - master touring band together after they stopped following the release of his latest album, which performing together. Joe and Ben are joined was well-received and captured a barrow-load of class in how to mesmerise an audience.” here by highly regarded blues harp player Phil 5-star reviews. The Tron Theatre event also features another Wiggins, with whom they frequently appear in great Ontario (although Scots-born) artist Raised in Iowa City, the son of a nationallyUSA. This is as real-deal as it gets. David Francey - who carried off both the Best recognised poet, by 1983, he had formed the Solo Performer and Contemporary Album of The Ozere (Canada) are fronted by classically duo Bell & Shore with then-wife Susan Shore. Year titles in the recently announced Canadian trained violinist Jessica Deutsch, formerly of the The two scored a record deal, began touring Folk Music Awards. Balkan-powered party band The Lemon Bucket heavily, and would eventually release a pair of Orkestra, and her latest line-up is truly a cream- records, the second, L-Ranko Motel, scoring rave www.brookfield-knights.com of-the-crop package. Jessica re-arranged the reviews. Their marriage and musical partnership https://twitter.com/BobTheHepCat string quartet instrumentation to include violin, ended in 1989 and he didn’t pick up a guitar or www.facebook.com/BrookfieldKnights mandolin, cello, bass, vocals and occasional
email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
More acts announced for May's Orkney Folk Festival Orkney :: 25-28 May :: www.orkneyfolkfestival.com Buy tickets from April @ www.orkneyfolkfestival.com sales and venue capacities across the board. [Part 1 of our look at Orkney Folk Festival, with Part 2 in our next edition] Over just four days, almost 7,000 individual
With little more than four months to go until the 35th Orkney Folk Festival, the team behind the late May event have announced the preliminary line-up of international and UK-based artists booked to appear at this year’s festival, alongside a handful of acts already confirmed from Orkney’s own fiercely renowned local scene.
event tickets were sold last year, for concerts, ceilidhs, clubs, workshops and talks throughout the county. Heading up this year’s line-up is one of Scotland’s most prolific and instantly recognisable voices, needing little introduction. From topping the charts with Fairground Attraction in the 1980s and winning three BRIT Awards, to her heralded reworking of the songs of Robert Burns and subsequent solo albums, Eddi Reader’s is a career like no other. From the traditional to the contemporary, she brings joyous life to all forms of song. Making his hotly-anticipated Orkney debut in May, Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music. His unique sound and mastery of the fiddle combine to create an astonishing and formidable artistic intelligence. Whilst drawing inspiration from many diverse sources, he remains grounded in the music he grew up with in his own locality, in Feakle, County Clare. He met Irish/American guitarist Dennis Cahill in the 1980s, and their duo partnership - particularly Cahill’s spare, essential accompaniment to Hayes’ fiddle - is acknowledged as a major breakthrough for guitar in the Irish tradition.
Kris Drever :: http://krisdrever.com/ photo by Genevieve Stevenson
to Van Dykes Parks and Don Henley, who regularly covers Foucault in his live set. His terse brand of minimalist Americana marries influences of country, folk, blues and rock and roll, with an openness and dimensionality that beckons the listener further in.
Propelled by inspired fiddle and cello playing, warm vocals, and arresting original songs, One of the most innovative and exciting live acts Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards have to come from the English/Irish folk scene emerged as one of the most intriguing, versatile, making a welcome return to both Orkney and and refreshing groups in the bountiful New the festival after some 16 years - Flook weave England post-folk scene, with a sound that is Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen’s flutes with the both bold and elegant, schooled in the lyrical guitar of Ed Boyd and John Joe Kelly’s bodhran, rituals of folk music whilst backed by grooves into one breathtaking and groundbreaking that alternately inspire Cajun two-stepping and sound. Whilst there is no shortage of virtuosity rock-n-roll hip swagger. At times reminiscent of amongst the the individual members, the an old-time string band, and at others a unrivalled impact of the group, upon audiences chamber string quartet, female a-cappella group and critics alike, stems from the wholly intuitive, or indie band, the group’s sound defies almost symbiotic exchange between the various categorisation, yet remains true to the group’s flutes, frets and skins: a rare blend of fiery collective and individual identities as folk technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction instrumentalists and vocalists. and a bold, adventurous musical imagination. Orkney Folk Festival’s Artistic Director, Bob Although relative newcomers, The East Gibbon, said: “The feedback that we received Pointers have quickly amassed a devote when announcing the first four acts, just a few following in several corners of the globe, as a weeks ago, was fantastic – and so we are multi award-winning, exhilarating trio, whose delighted to now be unveiling many more music more than doubles the power of three. visiting artists heading to the festival in May. Cousins Tim Chaisson (fiddle/vocals) and “’Folk’ means lots of different things to lots of Koady Chaisson (banjo/vocals/step-dance) are people, and these are very exciting times for the from the seventh generation of renowned This stellar cast will be welcomed to the festival genre and the festival, with more and more Chaisson musicians from Prince Edward Island, by Orkney’s thriving local folk scene. Homepeople tuning in, where previously they might and here join with guitarist Jake Charron, an grown acts confirmed to appear, so far, not have thought folk music was for them. Ontario native also from a strong family line of alongside Kris Drever (now based in Shetland) Boundaries and traditional confines are being musicians. The trio’s union produces an easily include the gutsy roots pairing of Brian pushed, and so we try and accommodate that identifiable trademark of Celtic-influenced, yet Cromarty and Douglas Montgomery, within the programme. It’s often said that we wholly modern, tunes and songs that have very Saltfishforty; Orkney’s worldwide touring hope there’s something for everyone, but there quickly established them as a formidable force. fiddle, piano and guitar duo, The Wrigley is a lot ground covered, and the committee’s Sisters; and the eight-piece musical juggernaut, One of the finest songwriters of his generation, wheels are now fully in motion to deliver another Jeffrey Foucault, from Whitewater, Wisconsin, cracker of a weekend.” born out of the festival itself, The Chair. has taken, in his own words, “the small roads;” Many more local artists will be added to the Tickets for the 2017 Orkney Folk Festival will go building a brick and mortar independent programme over the coming months. Between on sale in April. To find out more about the international touring career of ten studio albums May 25 and 28, an estimated 50 acts, totalling festival, and keep in touch throughout the next and countless miles across North America, over 200 musicians, will converge upon few months’ planning, head online to Europe and the UK. Along the way, he's been Stromness in Orkney’s West Mainland for the www.orkneyfolkfestival.com, or connect with the lauded for “stark, literate songs that are as wide 35th festival. festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. open as the landscape of his native Next year’s Orkney Folk Festival will take place Midwest” (The New Yorker) and described as www.orkneyfolkfestival.com hot on the heels of the event’s most successful “quietly brilliant” (The Irish Times), whilst www.twitter.com/OrkneyFolkFest outing, in 2016, which boasted both record ticket catching the ear of everyone from Greil Marcus www.facebook.com/OrkneyFolkFestival
Joining chart-topping Scottish songstress Eddi Reader, legendary Irish/American fiddle and guitar duo, Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill, the much-loved English and Irish quartet, Flook, and fast-rising stars of Eastern Canada’s folk scene, The East Pointers - who were announced in December - are: two acts from the USA - Wisconsin’s Jeffrey Foucault, one of the finest singer-songwriters of his generation, and Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards, one of the New England post-folk scene’s most intriguing and captivating acts; one of Scotland’s best known and most popular groups, Blazin’ Fiddles (featuring Orkney’s own Kristan Harvey); the 2015 and 2016 winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Best Group title, Stockton’s The Young’uns; arguably Orkney’s most prolific musical son, Kris Drever, celebrating 10 years as an acclaimed solo artist; two of Scotland’s most captivating young groups - and both veritable musical powerhouses - Talisk and Elephant Sessions; and one of the most innovative and contemporary Scottish Dance Band leaders, Tom Orr and his band.
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
page 9
www.obanlive.com
fb @ www.facebook.com/obanlive tweet @ https://twitter.com/OBANLIVE
web @ www.tracscotland.org/tradfest fb @ www.facebook.com/tradfestedinburgh
www.almostbluepromotions.com www.facebook.com/AlmostBluePromotions facebook @ www.facebook.com/AlmostBluePromotions tweet @ https://twitter.com/AlmostBlueGigs
info@stowedoutfestival.org.uk web @ www.stowedoutfestival.org.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/stowedoutfestival
email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
page 10
www.ticketweb.co.uk
music news scotland - FES-
www.fallenangelsclub.com
fb @ www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fallen-Angels-Club/149553931728736 tickets @ www.ticketweb.co.uk
www.dundeebox.co.uk
www.thequeenshall.net
www.eddireader.co.uk
www.revealrecords.co.uk
tickets @ www.eddireader.co.uk/gigs fb @ www.facebook.com/eddireader
www.rcs.ac.uk
www.snjo.co.uk
www.norriemcculloch.com
web @ www.snjo.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/theSNJO
bc @ www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com fb @ www.facebook.com/norriemccullochmusic
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
11th Fife Jazz Festival announces programme
the mns collection ….
Fife :: 3 February – 18 March :: www.fifejazzfestival.com Buy tickets @ www.fifejazzfestival.com/tickets-fife-jazz-festival-2017.html
Fife gets a swing in its step as the 11th Fife Jazz Festival comes to venues, big and small, across the Kingdom. The impressive line-up includes something for all tastes, from jazz enthusiasts to those looking to dip into jazz for the first time! International jazz stars and top artists from the Scottish jazz scene will present a combination of world-premieres, Scottish debuts, and new collaborations; and there will be plenty of Festival favourites too. The first weekend (February 3-5) features three concerts in St Andrews, with the acclaimed Rose Room; one of the last ever performances from Blues N Trouble; and Dave Batchelor presenting The Story of Swing, complete with visuals and swing dancers. Singer, Seonaid Aitken debuts a new homage to Ella Fitzgerald in her centenary year at the Rothes Halls, Glenrothes. One of the great figures in British Jazz, trombonist Chris Barber leads his Big Band through a programme of traditional jazz and Duke Ellington standards at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline. Red Stripe Band return for a rollicking night of boogie woogie, blues, jump jive and swing at the Adam Smith Theatre, in Kirkcaldy. For the first time, the festival includes Upper Largo in its schedule, with a performance from Strangeness and Charm in the Simpson Institute. Blues fans should take note as four blues bands play over The Blues Afternoon at Carnegie Hall. The new star of European blues Ina Forsman makes her Scottish debut; Dunfermline bassist Chris Agnew appears with The Troublemakers, Fife band Lights Out By Nine reunite with Al Hughes for a special Festival appearance; and Gerry Jablonski Electric Band close out the show with their stunning bluesrock. The Festival is thrilled to present Jazz at Carnegie. Using the main house, Tiffanys and The Library, six bands play over three hours on multiple stages, for a single ticket price. The bands featured include a rare appearance from American saxophonist Scott Hamilton, playing with superstar Scottish pianist, Brian Kellock; the atmospheric folkloric jazz of pianist, Dave Milligan; Brass Gumbo’s funky New Orleans style brass band; the brilliant young pianist, Fergus McCreadie; Ken Mathieson's Classic Jazz Orchestra with their vintage repertoire beautifully played; and Colin Steele’s stirring and unique distillation of New York Jazz and Scottish folk melody. There is a buzz around Fife musicians right now and Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra and Inverkeithing Community Big Band are showcased as part of the
Curtis Stigers :: photo by Marina Chavez
Festival. This year, we’re extending the festival to include stellar American vocalist Curtis Stigers, who will play at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline on 18 March with a show that features the iconic songs of Frank Sinatra. His show, One More For The Road sees him fronting the amazing Ryan Quigley Big Band, recreating the classic 1960’s combination of Sinatra and The Count Basie Orchestra. A rare opportunity to hear one of the greatest international jazz and swing singers singing the classic Sinatra repertoire with a top class Orchestra: Come Fly With Me, I've Got You Under My Skin, My Kind Of Town, You Make Me Feel So Young… Performances for the Festival will take place in St Andrews, Dunfermline, Cupar, Kirkcaldy, Kinghorn, Freuchie, Glenrothes, and Upper Largo.
www.fifejazzfestival.com www.facebook.com/fifejazzfestival https://twitter.com/JazzScotland1
Read the three MNS digital publications from links at .. www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
page 12
music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
www.goo.gl/ZO0oor
www.dannymortimer.co.uk www.facebook.com/dannymortimermusic https://twitter.com/d_mortimermusic web @ www.dannymortimer.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/dannymortimermusic
web @ www.rabnoakes.com fb @ www.facebook.com/Rab-Noakes-Music-189260891282881
www.birnamcd.com info@birnamcd.com
www.birnamcdshop.com
weblink: www.birnamcd.com shop: www.birnamcdshop.com
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections Over 180 music industry professionals from 23 nations arrive in Glasgow - over 60 Scottish musicians to perform Find out more @ www.celticconnections.com/Pages/ShowcaseScotland.aspx
Music industry delegates from across the globe have descended on Glasgow for the largest gathering of the international music community in Scotland: Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections. Running from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 January, Showcase Scotland aims to secure overseas performances, touring, publishing and recording opportunities for Scottish based artists by providing invaluable platforms for musicians to perform in front of some of the world’s leading music industry delegates.
Over 180 music industry professionals from 23 nations arrive in Glasgow for the 18th edition of Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections 2017 .... delegates will enjoy performances from the likes of C Duncan, King Creosote, Adam Holmes and the Embers, Rachel Sermanni and Karine Polwart, amongst others
Karine Polwart :: www.karinepolwart.com photo by Reed Ingram Weir
Scotland provides a tremendous platform for our Delegates will enjoy performances from the likes home-grown talent to develop their careers and of C Duncan, King Creosote, Adam Holmes promote our traditional culture to an eager and the Embers, Rachel Sermanni and audience of international promoters, Karine Polwart, amongst others. programmers, label bosses and agents. We also The event will also create new links between the welcome to Glasgow this year’s partner country, Scottish and Brazilian music communities as Brazil, and look forward to sharing the concert Showcase Scotland welcomes the MIMO stage with them, if not the football field.” Festival Brazil as the 2017 International Speaking about the importance of partner with an exciting range of Brazilian partnerships secured between countries musicians performing including Roberta Sá, Lisa Whytock from Active Events Hamilton de Holanda & Baile do commented: “Showcase Scotland at Celtic Almeidinha, Yamandu Costa, Renata Rosa, Connections is perhaps the best way that the Carlos Malta, and Baby do Brasil. The music industry can experience Scottish artists partnership is also supported by the British and culture. The City of Glasgow is alive in Council. January, literally vibrating with Scottish artists Organised by Active Events on behalf of Celtic as well as artists from all around the world. Connections the event will promote Scotland’s Showcase Scotland offers a platform for some of dynamic music scene to delegates from as far our best artists and forges partnerships with afield as Australia, Brazil and Ethiopia. International cultures. This year we celebrate a partnership with the Mimo Festival Brazil who A major Trade Fair held at Glasgow Royal bring to Scotland six Brazilian artists as well as Concert Hall also provides the opportunity for some of the nations leading music industry. promoters to meet artists and their representatives. Donald Shaw, Artistic Director of Celtic Connections, said: “The passion and artistry of Alan Morrison, Head of Music, Creative Brazilian music is renowned throughout the Scotland, said: “Scotland’s music is one of our international musical community. It is fantastic national treasures and Scottish musicians are that we are able to present shows by some of ready to share that wealth across the world. the most exciting Brazilian musicians performing Hosted by Celtic Connections, Showcase
today as part of Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections. “This would not have been possible without our Brazilian partners, the MIMO Festival”. “We can now look forwards not only to some unmissable concerts but the chance to create new connections between Scotland and Brazil, two countries for whom a deep rooted love of making and sharing music is part of our national identity.” Councillor Archie Graham, OBE, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow during Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections is the place to be for musicians and music industry professionals. “The city’s vibrant music scene and thriving entrepreneurial spirit are at the heart of an event which draws promoters and producers from across the globe. “We also look forwards to welcoming artists from our partner country for Celtic Connections 2017, Brazil. It’s a lot more likely to be snowing than sunny, but we can guarantee them a warm, Glasgow welcome and a festival atmosphere that’s one of the greatest found anywhere in the world.”
www.facebook.com/showcasescot https://twitter.com/ShowcaseScot
early bird tickets @ www.hebceltfest.com/booking/ fb @ www.facebook.com/HebCelt
email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
37th Shetland Folk Festival confirms first fifteen acts Shetland :: 27-30 April :: www.shetlandfolkfestival.com
Buy tickets @ www.shetlandfolkfestival.com/tickets The Shetland Folk Festival committee has announced an eclectic line-up for their 37th festival in April this year. Fifteen acts have so far been confirmed for the four-day feast of superb music, sessions and sleepless nights! An exciting variety of bands from USA, Canada, Italy, Estonia, Belgium and Ireland will be featured alongside an array of fantastic UK and local talent. Travelling across the Atlantic to perform at this year’s festival are four exciting acts, three of which will have their UK debut at the Festival. Always popular with festival audiences, some Boston-based bluegrass will be provided by The Lonely Heartstring Band who are witnessing a meteoric rise on the circuit with their achievement of an IBMA Momentum Award in 2015 and recent signing to Rounder Records. Also bringing a little bluegrass alongside some old-time Americana and Swedish traditional sounds are The Goodbye Girls, whose members hail from Canada and Sweden as well as the USA. They utilise their range of backgrounds and individual musical virtuosity to create a unique sound that is fresh and full of energy. Rooted in old-time Americana and country traditions are The Lowest Pair, an exciting banjo picking duo with sweet harmonies from Washington State, USA. Completing the North American element of the line-up are young acoustic power trio Ten Strings and a Goat Skin from Prince Edward Island, Canada, who play guitar, fiddle and bodhran (traditionally made of stretched goat skin) which clarifies the band name! With a plethora of music awards under their belt including the 2015 ECMA Award for World Music, this trad/world/folk/fusion outfit will delight our audiences with their fiery and infectious sound. Joining the Swedish member of The Goodbye Girls in representing mainland Europe in our line-up, are three diverse acts from Estonia, Belgium and Italy. Delivering something a little different this year with their own take on Estonian folk sounds are Trad Attack who have been described as a ‘21st century Nordic turbo folk band who thrill’. Performing in the UK for the first time, their punchy and rousing shows will be performed with a more acoustic feel in the festival’s smaller concert venues. Trio Dhoore are three brothers from the Flanders region of Belgium who will blend traditional Flemish folk music with their own style to create an energetic sound. Their technical excellence and rare musicality has been applauded in many rave reviews. Good-time country blues with a touch of ragtime, hokum and jug band are being dished up by Veronica and the Red Wine Serenaders, who surprisingly hail from….Milan, Italy! Their blues sounds of 20s and 30s America and fantastically entertaining shows earned them the title of European Blues Challenge winners in 2013 and will be sure to put a smile on the faces of festival audiences.
Mec Lir :: www.meclir.com
Also providing something a little different for 2017 is The Michelle Burke Band. Michelle is a highly-acclaimed vocalist and former lead singer of Irish-American trad legends ‘Cherish the Ladies’. She hails from rural Cork in Ireland although now resides in Scotland alongside the rest of the band - Anna Massie (no stranger to the festival) on guitar, mandolin and banjo, James Ross on piano and John Kenny on trombone. Michelle and her band will be dishing up a fine selection of songs from her album and show ‘Step Into My Parlour’, which has been described as ‘Irish stew for the soul’. Completing our Irish contingent is the Sligo based New Road, who will be joined by the Canadian claw hammer banjo virtuoso Leonard Podolak (The Dukhs) for their their trip to Shetland. Their set will include an exciting mix of Irish traditional, Appalachian old-time, blues and beyond. Mainland Scotland is well represented in the festival’s 2017 line-up with three varied and exciting acts. Ímar is an exciting new quintet whose members have all performed at previous festivals as part of different musical outfits including Mànran, RURA, Talisk and Jamie Smith’s Mabon. Their collective trophy cabinet is crammed full of prestigious awards and their combination of Scottish, Irish and Manx influences promises to bring some exciting and unique sounds. From Glasgow, The John Langan Band will bring some balkanesque madness to the festival along with some Roma and flamenco elements fueled by a visceral punk spirit. Acoustic magazine said of their performance ‘it’s hard to resist leaping up and dancing’! New Scottish traditional quintet The Scott Wood Band is fronted by one of the world’s leading young bagpipers, and features five young musicians who have all graduated in Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Scottish quartet will already be attending the festival as members of Ìmar, and the remaining two will fly in specially to perform as part of Clickimin’s Friday night standing gig. Marking a quarter-century since their debut festival appearance are local favourites Fiddlers’ Bid. Internationally respected as leading exponents of Shetland’s fiddle tradition, this musical tornado will take to the festival stage once more to demonstrate their stunning musical virtuosity and harmonic imagination. As newspaper The Scotsman said, they have ‘enough energy to power a small town’. Also celebrating a festival anniversary are Orcadian super-group The Chair, who first performed in Shetland 10 years ago under their former moniker ‘Lazy Boy Chair’. This 8-piece riot of fiddles, banjos, guitar, accordion and drums will be sure to get the party started once again! With at least one further visiting act yet to be announced, and a vast array of local talent to be confirmed, the 2017 festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet! All visiting acts will be performing at concerts all over the isles alongside fantastic local acts that never fail to do Shetland and the Folk Festival proud. The festival will conclude as usual with the famous ‘Foys’ – three venues open on the Sunday night featuring a short 15-minute set by the visiting bands. Early memberships will be on sale at www.shetlandfolkfestival.com during the whole month of February. These members will be able to book their concert tickets online for two weeks before they go on sale to the general public. Tickets will go on sale to early members from 20 March, and to the general public from 3 April. The Festival now operates exclusively with an online system for the purchase of memberships and concert tickets.
Appearing for one night only during the weekend www.shetlandfolkfestival.com are rising stars Mec Lir who will be sure to get https://twitter.com/shetlandfolk bodies bopping with their infectious brand of www.facebook.com/ShetlandFolkFestival Celtic ‘trad pop’. Two members of the Manx/
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
www.thenightwith.co.uk
page 15
· · · · ·
Musical Theatre Festivals Concerts Tours Album Releases
Make your music headline news with Deborah Welsh Commercial Media Specialist PR and publicity consultant based in Scotland
www.deborahwelsh.co.uk T: 07788 101465 : E: deborahwelsh@icloud.com fb @ www.facebook.com/thenightwith tweet @ https://twitter.com/thenightwith
linkedin @ https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/deborah-welsh/23/8b2/25b facebook @ www.facebook.com/DeborahWelshCommercialMedia
http://versemetrics.com/albums/well-listening-remembering-old-unsteady/
www.tickets-scotland.com
web @ www.versemetrics.com fb @ www.facebook.com/versemetrics
web @ www.stgpromotions.bigcartel.com/ facebook @ www.facebook.com/StgPromotions
email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
page 16
music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
https://itun.es/gb/V_BKgb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTy-t5LHQxA fb @ www.facebook.com/pyromusicband tweet @ www.twitter.com/pyromusicband
www.gilchristfunk.com www.facebook.com/gilchristfunk https://twitter.com/GilchristFunk web @ www.gilchristfunk.com fb @ www.facebook.com/gilchristfunk
www.paularmour.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/paul.armour.31 tweet @ https://twitter.com/paul497191
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
Aberdeen Gaelic Arts Festival Revitalised Aberdeen :: 11-13 February :: www.facebook.com/AberdeenFeis Contact feisobardheathain@feisean.org for more information on choices on offer and to receive booking forms will increase the knowledge of those enroled in Fèis Obar Dheathain is Gaelic medium education in the city, as well as looking forward to its first main offering other young people the opportunity to experience the culture for the first time.” fèis in several years, which is due to be held in the city next Ath-bheòthachadh Fèis month. Obar Dheathain
dhèanamh leatha roimhe, a bhios a’ leantainn sa Ghearran, a’ dearbhadh gu bheil ùidh aig òigridh Obar Dheathain, agus am pàrantan, ann an dualchas agus cànan nan Gàidheal. Bidh an fhèis a’ cur ris an eòlas aig sgoilearan a tha a’ faotainn foghlam tron Ghàidhlig sa bhaile, cho math ri cothrom a thoirt do dhaoine òga eile blasad den dhualchas fhaighinn airson a’ chiad The last fèis, which offers tuition in music, song Tha Fèis Obar Dheathain a’ dèanamh fiughair ris uair.” and drama to children and young people around a’ chiad phrìomh fhèis aca ann an grunnd Gheibhear tuilleadh fiosrachaidh agus foirmeanAberdeen, was held over eight years ago. A new bhliadhna, a thèid a chumail sa bhaile an-ath clàraidh bho feisobardheathain@feisean.org committee – made up of volunteers – was setmhìos. up in January 2016 to re-establish the festival ‘S ann o chionn co-dhiù ochd bliadhna a thachair and has already held two separate workshops in an fhèis mu dheireadh san sgìre. Dh’ fhairich https://twitter.com/AberdeenFeis the past twelve months. muinntir an àite gun robh beàrn ann agus chaidh www.facebook.com/AberdeenFeis Fèis organiser Anne Thirkell said that one of the comataidh ùr de saor-thagraichean a most important elements of the fèis is that it stèidheachadh. Chumar a’ chiad choinneamh aca gives children a chance to hear and speak Gaelic san Fhaoilleach 2016 agus anns na dusan outside the classroom while also giving children mìosan a dh’ fhalbh, tha iad mar-thà air dà with little or no Gaelic the opportunity to bhuth-obrach a ruith. engage in the language in a relaxed setting. Thuirt neach-eagraiche na fèise, Anna Thirkell Next month’s fèis, on the 11th- 13th February, gur e aon dhe na rudan as cudthromaiche mun will offer three days packed full of music tuition, fhèis gun robh e a’ toirt cothrom do chloinn song and drama for children and young people Gàidhlig a bhruidhinn taobh a-muigh na sgoile aged 3-18. Older participants (aged 8-18) will ach gun toireadh e bogadh do dhaoine òga gun receive tuition in a range of choices from whistle Ghàidhlig cuideachd, aig tachartas spòrsail. to step-dancing, delivered by top-class tutors. Thairis tri latha, eadar 11mh-13mh Gearran, As well as that, the Fèis Bheag (Wee Fèis) for bidh oideachadh ciùil, seinn is dràma am children aged 5-7 and the Fèis Bheag Bhìodhach paillteas do chloinn aois 3-18. Bidh tuitearan (Tiny Fèis) for 3-5 year olds will offer songs, sònraichte a’ stiùireadh bhùthan-obrach ann an games and taster music sessions for younger leithid fìdeag agus dannsa-ceum do dhaoine òga children. All events will take place at Cults aois 8-18 san Fhèis Mhòr. A bharrachd air sin, Academy. gheibh cloinn aois 5-7 san Fhèis Bheag agus aois The fèis is open to all children and young adults, 3-5 san Fèis Bheag Bhìodach seiseanan blasad irrespective of their Gaelic language and musical ciùil, geamanan is òrain. Thèid na tachartasan ability. air fad a chumail Acadamaidh na Cùilt.
www.feisean.org
Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, which supports the fèis said: “It is a delight to see Fèis Obar Dheathain rejuvenated. The work it did previously, which will continue in February, confirms the interest in Gaelic language and culture that exists among young people in Aberdeen, and their parents. The fèis
Chuireadh an fhèis fàilte air iarrtasan o chloinn is daoine òga sam bith, ge bi dè an t-eòlas aca air ceòl is a’ Ghàidhlig. Thuirt Art MacCarmaig, Ceannard Fèisean nan Gàidheal, a bhios a’ cumail taic ris an fhèis: “Tha e na thlachd gu bheil Fèis Obar Dheathain ga stèidheachadh a-rithist. Tha an obair a chaidh a
www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com
web @ www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/Ullapoolguitarfestival
email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
page 18
music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
www.jackhinks.co.uk
https://twitter.com/hinksband
www.jackhinks.bandcamp.com
http://fatsuit.bigcartel.com/product/atlas
www.fat-suit.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/fatsuit tweet @ https://twitter.com/fat_suit
http://vinylnoise.co.uk/
web @ www.jackhinks.co.uk facebook @ www.facebook.com/jackhinksmusic
vinylnoiseblog@gmail.com
fb @ www.facebook.com/vinylnoiserecords tweet @ https://twitter.com/VINYLNOISEBLOG
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS
Wee Dub Festival returns to Edinburgh for 7th year celebrating soundsystem culture Edinburgh :: 3-5 March :: www.weedubfestival.co.uk
Buy tickets @ www.weedubfestival.co.uk/tickets/
Now in its 7th year, the UKs’ only metropolitan reggae festival returns to the Capital in March for a another world class celebration of soundsystem culture. The event takes over multiple venues in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town for one weekend and presents a top quality bill of acts that span the whole gamut of Jamaican influenced music in the UK, from foundation dub and roots through dancehall, digital reggae to jungle and bass. As ever, Wee Dub have assembled a lineup that showcases the new whilst respecting the old.
Wee Dub 2017 features a heavyweight quartet of headliners who all sit atop the European sceneincluding pioneering producer Mad Professor
Wee Dub 2017 features a heavyweight quartet of headliners who all sit atop the European scene: pioneering producer Mad Professor, legendary “voice of reggae” Macka B and the Roots Ragga Band, Glasgow’s soundsystem champions Mungo’s Hi-Fi ft. Sn. Wilson and Leeds #1 dub warriors Iration Steppas all passing through this year’s festival. Originally envisaged as a one-night event back in 2009 by Gregory Lapinski (Lionstage UK), the event grew quickly when he joined forces with established promoter Chris Knight (Astrojazz / Kelburn Garden Party). The event now attracts over 2000 music enthusiasts from across Europe to 5 ticketed sessions, educational events, film screenings and family social events.
breakbeat dub of RSD, Berlin’s IllBilly Hitec, Glasgow’s Ska Ya Man and more in between.
techniques in a live environment. He is a towering figure in British underground music history and need little introduction.
Session 2, Wee Dub’s regular live session features one of the most respected voices of www.weedubfestival.co.uk reggae in the UK, Macka B and his Roots Ragga www.facebook.com/weedubfestival Band. With a career spanning 30 years and https://twitter.com/WeeDubFestival some era defining work with Mad Professor, this Wee Dub Festival also continues to build on their gig is a vital part of this year’s event. relationship with Edinburgh College, providing Session 3 is the flagship event of the festival – volunteer and workshop opportunities for the a huge futuristic dancehall soundclash that College’s music students. pitches the UK’s #1 soundsystem, Mungo’s Hi-Fi against Leed’s legendary Iration Steppas playing Each session is designed to have a distinct “dubz inna year 3000 style” and Poland’s leading flavour: an expanded Session 1 hosts a dub producer Radikal Guru. sprawling line-up that reflects the overall state of reggae music in Europe today. Over 4 rooms we have everything from roots reggae from Mighty Oak Soundsystem to fresh jungle from ASBO Disco ft. Gardna, with the pioneering
The festival ending party, Session 4, sees a return to Wee Dub for the mighty Mad Professor, who’s Dub Show recreates his studio sounds and
web @ http://tireemusicfestival.co.uk/ fb @ www.facebook.com/TireeMusicFestival
email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
page 20
music news scotland
Read the latest MNS @ http://bit.ly/mns-jan17-16
plus read MNS FESTIVALS! and MNS GIGguide @ http://wp.me/P12d6v-21 ADVERTISE IN OUR 3 WEEKLY DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS
MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! For details email Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
Make sure we have your music festival listed, big or small email your latest news to
robert.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
MNS
FESTIVAL Listings
No matter how small or new your festival is we want to list it!! email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com JANUARY 2017
APRIL
Celtic Connections
TradFest Edinburgh | Dùn Èideann
Glasgow 19 January - 5 February
Celtic Connections 2017 comprises a wealth of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, workshops, free events and late night sessions taking place over 18 days across various venues in Glasgow. From Thursday 19 January to Sunday 5 February 2,100 musicians from across the globe will take part in 300 events at venues throughout Glasgow, Scotland, for one of the leading annual festivals of world, folk and roots music. The festival is supported by Glasgow City Council and Creative Scotland, and delivered by Glasgow Life. 18 days of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, workshops, free events, late night sessions and a host of special one-off musical collaborations will once again light up the Scottish winter when Celtic Connections returns. www.celticconnections.com
FEBRUARY Groove CairnGorm Cairngorms 25-25 February 2017
Launched last year as the UK’s first resort based snowsports festival, Groove Cairngorm combined winter snowsports, along with a selection of DJs and acoustic acts performing over two stages up the mountain, followed by an Apres-ski party until the early hours at Badaguish Outdoor Centre featuring acts including Grandmaster Flash, Hot Chip and Radio 1’s Monki amongst many others. www.facebook.com/groovecairngorm
Edinburgh 26 Apr – 7 May 2017
of the festival programme. Line-up announced across December-March, with tickets on sale in April, around six weeks ahead of the event. This is relatively close to the festival itself, as the festival consists of around 35 individually programmed and ticketed events, rather than offering all-inone day or weekend tickets. Artists visiting the festival perform on several occasions, though, offering a number of chances to catch them over the weekend.
Experience Scotland Live with a seasonal feast of living traditions and local cultures. Encounter music, storytelling, dance, craft, song and folk drama at venues – indoor and www.orkneyfolkfestival.com outdoor – across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Rooted in the past yet resonating in the present, TradFest showcases dynamic engagement with Scotland’s History and Heritage as well as providing a platform for up and coming talent in the world of Trad. Solus Look out for the Battle of the Folk Band The Bield at Blackruthven, Perthshire event as part of the finale performances this 23-25 June 2017 year! Solas Festival is an allage arts festival held www.tracscotland.org/tradfest in Perthshire from 17 to 19 June, with hiphop, electro loops and some of the finest folk and roots music you’ll find in a Scottish field: a rich mix of traditions, talents and tastes. Expect an unusual mix of art, music, theatre, comedy, debate and soul-searching. Southside Fringe The programme also makes space for Glasgow challenging debate with activists, writers 12-18 May 2017 and thinkers from across the political, With their festival programme running from cultural and religious spectrum. Solas Festival offers a creative and entertaining the 12th-28th of May 2017, Southside programme for festival-goers of all ages in a Fringe is now gearing up for its 5th year. Online event applications launch on the 30th safe environment.
JUNE
MAY
of November, you can register your event via www.southsidefringe.com . Building on the success of 2016 with 50 venues hosting more than 200 events, Southside Fringe are now putting the call out for all kinds of events to be part of next year’s festival – Theatre, Music. Comedy, Art, Cabaret, Spoken Word, Family, Heritage, Food & Drink, Health & Wellbeing, Film, and Literary/Books. Closing date for applications, 17 February 2017. For more information, contact: corinna@southsidefringe.org.uk
www.solasfestival.co.uk
JULY Hebridean Celtic Festival Hebrides 19-22 July
Fantastic four-day festival set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Outer Hebrides, featuring top quality music from around the Celtic nations and beyond. Stornoway and www.southsidefringe.com throughout Lewis and Harris. The cream of international folk and Celtic music have Lochwinnoch Arts Festival heaped praise on HebCeltl as it celebrated Orkney Folk Festival Lochwinnoch its 20th year in 2015 by hosting its biggest 15-26 March 2017 Orkney number of live performances ever. Award25-28 May 2017 winning artists who took part in this year's The 16th annual Festival of Music, Drama, Hebridean Celtic Festival hailed it a huge Literature, Creative & Visual Arts in One of Scotland’s longest-running folk success after bosses laid on new venues and Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire takes place festivals, celebrating its 35th outing in 2017, returned to its roots for the showpiece across a range of local venues. There are a the Orkney Folk Festival is one of the most event. number of our favourite performers and prolific events in the Scottish and UK folk artists returning in 2017 including Karine calendars, and one of the highlights of www.hebceltfest.com Polwart, Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, Flute Orkney’s diary of community events. An Phonics, Govan Gaelic Choir, Calder Drama, entirely voluntary run event, the festival Glasgow Theatre Guild, the Rose Room and annually attracts artists from all corners of ButeFest many more! We have some exciting new the folk world - from leading international The Isle of Bute acts and performances including Fara - four names to up and coming fresh faces - to 28-30 July 2017 exciting Orkney musicians, Tony Roper, the Stromness, in Orkney’s West Mainland, for Glasgow Caledonian Fiddle Orchestra and four days of concerts, ceilidhs, clubs, A three day festival of music, food and fun. many more!. Visit our website for more info: sessions, talks and craic. Artists and This accessible and hugely friendly family audiences are welcomed by and into festival all takes places a mere thirty-five http://lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk/ Orkney’s own thriving folk scene, with miles as the crow flies from Glasgow. Orcadian artists providing around two thirds Butefest has endeavoured to compile a
MARCH
ADVERTISE IN OUR WEEKLY DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS
MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! To advertise advertise email email Carol Rob: robert.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com To - carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com richly varied and superb line-up that includes both the contemporary and the classic of the music world and runs that gamut from rock to roots and folk to dance. www.butefest.co.uk
AUGUST
Heart Festival takes place in the beautiful Highland surroundings of Belladrum Estate, near Beauly in Inverness-shire. The independent festival has built a reputation for its eclectic line-ups, its offbeat nonmusical entertainments and its all-ages approach. www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk
Tartan Heart ‘Belladrum’ Festival Beauly 3-5 August 2017
Get yourself a ticket to Scotland’s all ages wackiest festival of music and performing arts. Bella is back in its beautiful Highland setting with all the crazy variety that makes it Scotland’s premier boutique festival. ''Belladrum - quite simply, it’s what everyday life should be like, if only everyday life didn't get in the way.'' - Clare Damdoaran, eFestivals. Belladrum Tartan
SEPTEMBER Electric Fields Drumlanrig Castle 1-2 September 2017
Drumlanrig Castle! www.facebook.com/ electricfieldsfestival
Party in the Park Bathgate, West Lothian 3 September
Now in its 7th year ‘Party in the Park’ music festival and family fun day is a great day out for music lovers with families, held in Bathgate’s Kirkton Park. There is a main stage and acoustic stage with music on both throughout the day from 11am to 6pm with free entry and no ticket required. A real mix of music from local bands and artists to those further afield. This is no ticket required and no entry fee and as this is geared towards familys there is a strict no alcohol policy.
Nestling in the beautiful surroundings of Drumlanrig Castle, south west Scotland. We’ve been working really hard to top last year and we’re pretty excited about this summer, as well as having some brand new developments. One of the most exciting www.facebook.com/partyinthepark music festivals in Scotland returns in 2016, over two days in the stunning grounds of
We want all your 2017 festival news for
big and
small events email .....
musicnewsscotland@gmail.com ADVERTISE IN OUR WEEKLY DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS
MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! To advertise advertise email email Carol Rob: robert.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com To - carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
ADVERTISE IN THE WEEKLY EDITIONS OF …...
MUSIC NEWS Scotland
Scotland’s weekly digital music newspaper with all the latest industry news from the Scottish music scene
MNS GIGguide
Our weekly digital gig guide giving a comprehensive snapshot of live music in every corner of Scotland
FESTIVALS!
Our weekly digital supplement looking at Scotland’s music festivals with the latest news and a full listings for the year
To advertise in our 'MUSIC NEWS Scotland' titles email: Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com
Read all our digital publications from links @
www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com