Festivals! Scotland's Music
the Scottish music festival supplement from MUSIC NEWS Scotland
Cam Penner (pictured) appears as part of the Brookfield Knights line-up at Celtic Connections in January ..... see pages 6-7 www.campenner.com www.brookfield-knights.com
INSIDE: Lindisfarne Festival : Celtic Connections : HebCelt : Blas : Glamis Proms : Speyfest : Ullapool Guitar Festival : Glasgow Jazz ..... plus 2 pages of Scottish festival listings www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
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music news scotland - FESTIVALS!
www.thequeenshall.net
www.horsecross.co.uk
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com
www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk www.philcunningham.com tickets @ http://www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/tickets/ fb @ www.facebook.com/belladrum
www.glasgowconcerthalls.com
fb @ www.facebook.com/philschristmassongbook web @ http://www.philcunningham.com/
www.celticconnections.com gig info @ www.celticconnections.com promoter @ www.brookfield-knights.com
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Lindisfarne Festival #2 returns in 2016 to bring top bands to cross-border music fans Lindisfarne (only minutes from Scotland!) : 1-4 September : www.lindisfarnefestival.com TICKETS @ www.lindisfarnefestival.com/index.php/2016-tickets
Lindisfarne 2016, from 1-4 September, promises to be as exciting and spectacular as the inaugural year, and with tickets now on sale they make ideal Christmas presents!
conveniently located off the A1 and around 6 miles from Berwick upon Tweed - with its mainline east coast railway station and a scheduled Perryman's bus link to the festival site at Beal Farm.
Nadine Shah play in the breath-taking scenery
The festival has an eclectic range of music and arts with 2015 saw music from the likes of Public Service Broadcasting, Reverend and the Makers, Craig Charles, The Skints, DJ Yoda and
www.lindisfarnefestival.com
A brilliant weekend away 2016’s festival will be everything a small independent festival should be.
www.facebook.com/lindisfarnefest https://twitter.com/lindisfarnefest
The first year saw the music, arts and camping festival achieve national acclaim and was shortlisted for 3 national awards including being a finalist as “Best New Festival in the UK”. With the spectacular backdrop of Holy Island and North Northumberland coast looking back towards Scotland, the Lindisfarne festival is
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web @ www.scottishmusiccentre.com fb @ www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre plus other links @ www.musicplus.org.uk + www.hittheroad.org.uk
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shop @ www.bonskeidmusic.com/shop.htm publisher @ www.birlinn.co.uk/Music-and-the-Land.html
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· · · · ·
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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
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Showcasing the best of Scotland (+ France) at Celtic Connections Glasgow : 14-31 January : www.celticconnections.com CONCERT DETAILS & TICKETS! @ www.celticconnections.com/events/Pages/default.aspx connections between Scottish and French musical communities.
Music industry delegates from across the world will gather in Glasgow from Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 January to experience performances by songwriters, bands and musicians at the annual Showcase Scotland.
Now based in a village in the North of France, singer songwriter Blick Bassy’s soulful music is performed in Bassa, one of some 260 spoken languages from his native Cameroon.
Taking place as part of the finale of Celtic Connections 2016, Showcase Scotland provides, over four days, a platform for around 60 Scottish musicians and bands to perform in front of promoters, record labels, agents and media, helping raise their profile and that of Scotland’s vibrant music scene.
Audiences can also enjoy two of France’s new jazz stars Vincent Peirani & Emile Parisien, who have joined forces in a multifaceted chamber-jazz duo paying tribute to the grand jazz and folk music history of their home country and transporting it into the here and now.
Zoufris Maracas’s singer Vincent Sanchez delivers the bands languidly exuberant pastiche of manouche, morna, Mexican cumbia and African rumba sounds in a warmly bemused voice dripping with the influence of Brel and Brassens.
A Trade Fair is also held where promoters meet with artists and representatives to discuss potential booking possibilities.
Senegalese singer, guitarist, percussionist and songwriter Cheikh Lo blends a West African interpretation of Cuban music with Showcase Scotland will also present an international flavour strongly performances by an exciting range influenced by his time living in of musical talent from France - the France and by the presence of French musicians in his ensemble. partner country for Showcase Scotland 2016 – and artists with Showcase Scotland is organised by strong French musical connections. Active Events on behalf of Celtic An independently commissioned survey showed that £2.2 million is generated in fee income for Scottish artists from Showcase Scotland, as part of the event’s overall remit to build lasting cultural and trade links with Scottish artists, its industries and agencies.
Connections. This four day event was initiated to provide a platform for promoting Scottish music and artists to new audiences across the world, and continues to prove hugely popular.
Cheikh Lo
Cheikh Lo blends a West African interpretation of Cuban music with an international flavour strongly influenced by his time living in France and by the presence of French musicians in his ensemble. www.facebook.com/CheikhLoMusic
Delegates are encouraged by organisers to book at least two Scottish acts for their respective festival rosters and touring programme.
Donald Shaw, Artistic Director of Celtic Connections, said: “The influence and inspirations of music that is uniquely, brilliantly French Up to 180 delegates are hosted resonates through world music and each year, and within seven days of it is fantastic that this year we are registration opening for this year’s This industry event, the largest of focusing on French artists and event, 100 applications to attend its type in Scotland, also provides music and the interplay with other fantastic exposure for acts from the had been received and industry cultures and styles. experts from 15 nations are already festival’s partner country, and in “This would not be possible without confirmed as attending in 2016. 2016 aims to help create new our partnership with Bureau Export
France and I would like to thank them ahead of what is shaping up to be one of the best Showcase Scotland events we have ever staged as part of Celtic Connections.”
www.celticconnections.com https://twitter.com/ccfest www.facebook.com/CelticConnections
buy tickets now @ www.hebceltfest.com/booking/ fb @ www.facebook.com/HebCelt
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Scots-based roots music agency all set for another great run at Celtic Connections festival 2016 With Glasgow’s big midwinter jamboree, Celtic Connections, just around the corner, Scots-based roots music agency, Brookfield-Knights is preparing for another great run at the festival after having six of their artists selected for the programme. The operation, run out of the Renfrewshire conservation village of Kilbarchan, has scored some memorable triumphs at past events, having introduced Americana acts such as Pokey LaFarge, The Wilders, The Stray Birds, The California Feetwarmers and Cahalen Morrison & Eli West in previous years. After their sold-out show at the 2015 event, The Stray Birds went on to be hailed by many as the outstanding act at this year’s Cambridge Folk Festival. Pokey LaFarge has gone on to become an international touring star, and The California Feetwarmers were Grammy nominated for their superb collaboration with Keb Mo. Brookfield-Knights pick up on “hot ticket” acts on the other side of the Atlantic from attending big annual gatherings such as Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, where the best emerging talent is showcased. In 2016, their shows will feature some who are new to the territory and others who are well-established on the circuit.
Jenny Ritter
+ RUTHY BAND with impressive support from KARRNNEL SAWITSKY, DANIEL KOULACK and TRENT FREEMAN. Mike + Ruthy, “one of acoustic Americana’s most revered musical duos” (Folk Alley) have been taking the USA by storm since releasing their full-band album, Bright As You Can (singled out by The Telegraph as a Best of 2015 release). Almost elevated to “folk” royalty, Merenda And Ungar have the kind of pedigree that ensures they always draw big crowds to the ‘live’ shows – great celebrations that range from rollicking rock to sparse acoustic balladry and classic R&B-influenced rave ups. Woodstock NY friends including Amy Helm and Ungar’s father, GRAMMYwinning fiddler and composer Jay Ungar, as well as Aoife O’Donovan all joined them on the new album which has won them major attention on both sides of the Atlantic.
Their opening show on the first weekend is at The Old Fruitmarket where they have put together a stunning double-header bill featuring THE MIKE The couple had previously spent seven-years with Tao Rodriguez-Seeger (Pete’s grandson) in The Mammals, and on this outing will be appearing with a full band, including brass section, to reproduce the big sound of the album. Opening the show on Sunday, January 17 will be KARRNNEL SAWITSKY (fiddle), DANIEL KOULACK (banjo) and TRENT FREEMAN (guitar/ vocals). On their new album, Tunes From The North, Songs From The South (included in The Telegraph’s Best of 2015 list), they unite the instrumental dance music of the Canadian North that they’ve known all their lives with the songs and tunes of the American South from which they’ve drawn so much inspiration. Previewing their appearance here, Songlines magazine predicted: “You will be dazzled!” Fiddler Sawitsky grew up immersed in the Canadian oldtime tradition, particularly the barn dance tunes of the Ukrainian communities of in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He is highly regarded for his boundary-pushing playing and compositions in his acclaimed Canadian fiddle ensemble The Fretless. Koulack has come to be known as one of the best clawhammer banjo players in Canada. The two met at a late-night jam session at a Canadian folk music camp and were instantly drawn to work together. Joey Landreth (The Bros. Landreth) sang the vocals on the album, and here, they are joined by Trent Freeman, an old friend and natural choice to fill that position. Greg Trooper
CAM PENNER & JON WOOD headline their own
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Brookfield Knights @ Celtic Connections THE MIKE + RUTHY BAND : CAM PENNER & JON WOOD : JENNY RITTER : GREG TROOPER : TIM DALLING show at The Tron Theatre on January 16. When they last toured the UK and Ireland, the reviews were as glowing as the performances and followed them wherever they went. Maverick writer Paul Kerr said they were “mesmerising,” while (writing at AmericanaUK), Mike Ritchie said: “Masterful - an utterly compelling duo - brilliant!” They return from their base in Canada after winning major TV exposure when tracks from the To Build A Fire album were chosen as the backdrop to the recent BBC 2 drama based on Iain Banks’ Stonemouth novel. A brand new album will get its official UK launch at the show in Glasgow. continued from p6
JENNY RITTER and her band created a huge impact when they made their Celtic Connections debut in 2014. Now, she’s back for a show at The Mitchell Theatre on January 22nd with a brand new album that’s been gathering a lot of attention both in Europe and her native Canada. It won a listing in The Telegraph’s Best Folk Albums of 2015 selection. Her songs remind us of the beautiful things in life and while personal, also paint a picture of the natural wonders that surround her British Columbia home. Accompanied by her formidable acoustic trio, (Ryan Boeur, guitars; Adam Iredale-Gray (fiddle) and Nate Sabat, (double bass) material old and new will be showcased. Reviewing the brand new release, Raised By Wolves, for Songlines magazine, Kevin Bourke said: “With just a lucky break or two, perhaps a placing on a hip TV show, this album could easily become a crossover hit and a careermaking collection.” With thirteen albums behind him, true trouper GREG TROOPER has his own show at The Piping Centre on January 20th. Recognised on both sides of the Atlantic as one of the best ‘live’ performers on the circuit, he’s a song-writer who has had material covered by everyone from Vince Gill to Billy Bragg. Steve Earle recently declared himself a fan and legendary BBC 2 presenter Bob Harris described him as “one of the great, great American singer-songwriters.” Earle says: “Greg Trooper writes truly great songs, including one of my very favourite songs in the world, ‘Little Sister.’ On top of all that, there’s his voice – an instrument I have coveted for 15 years.” Bragg comments: “Greg Trooper has got to be on our list of our finest contemporary songwriters.” The New Yorkbased performer is a frequent visitor to Europe where he enjoys a faithful fanbase. The UK’s leading Americana music magazine, Maverick, told readers: “This is a must-see gig.” People struggle to find a term that suitably describes TIM DALLING in his many wondrous guises. Down the years, he’s brought tears to the cheeks of many incredulous audiences as the kilted accordion-playing fall guy with The New Rope String Band…and stunned audiences with hugelyaccomplished musicianship that lies at the very core of his massivelycreative spirit.
The Mike + Ruthy Band His other side, for many, has been his best-kept secret… A song-writer and performer who has been described as a cross between Ivor Cutler and Randy Newman. Ian Carr and Neil Harland, two others who are highly regarded musicians, teamed up with him to record his latest solo CD, Eve’s Bonie Squad a release which prompted R2 magazine writer David Innes to declare: “He’s a genius.” Carr and Harland will both join the man for this show. Kris Drever’s a fan of Tim’s “unique, exhilarating brilliance,” and urges everyone he can to get out to catch the man in action. “Breathtaking,” was how he described a recent solo show, adding: “You get a sense that he could do absolutely anything he wants.” Lau sidekick Martin Green had this to say: “It was one of the best shows I've seen anywhere ever. “Life-affirming, moving and impossible to resist, Dalling is a world class songwriter and performer. Carrying the baton from Michael Marra and Ivor Cutler on one side and all the pinpoint emotional control of Paul Simon or John Martin on the other, he is not to be missed.”
www.brookfield-knights.com https://twitter.com/BobTheHepCat www.facebook.com/BrookfieldKnights
Tim Dalling
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https://twitter.com/_RiverSideRock
www.riversiderock.co.uk tickets @ http://www.riversiderock.co.uk/tickets.html fb @ www.facebook.com/Riverside-Rock-707018062649643 tweet @ https://twitter.com/_RiverSideRock
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HebCelt Stage Ready To Welcome Julie Fowlis And Hayseed Dixie John McCusker, Fara and Talisk also added to 2016 festival line-up
the mns collection ….
Stornoway : 13-16 July : www.hebceltfest.com TICKETS @ www.hebceltfest.com/booking/
Internationallyacclaimed singer Julie Fowlis will return to her native Hebrides to star at the islands’ biggest music festival in its ‘coming of age’ year.
Hayseed Dixie
The North Uist performer, who has graced stages around the globe, from village halls in the Highlands to theatres in Paris and Vienna, London and New York, will be joined by her band in the main arena at the 21st Hebridean Hayseed Dixie, who hail from the Celtic Festival next summer. Appalachian Mountains, combine guitar, fiddle, mandolin and banjo HebCelt has just confirmed the line-up for the 2016 event will also in a unique fusion of bluegrass and rock. They made their debut in include American band Hayseed Dixie, famed for their ‘Rockgrass’ 2001 and since then have played cover versions of hard rock songs, over 1,100 live dates in 31 different countries. They have also as well as multi-instrumentalist, released 15 albums in that time, producer and composer John McCusker and his band during his consisting of both original material and reinterpretations, selling a 25th anniversary tour. combined total of over 500,000 And, in line with the festival’s copies. policy of supporting and showcasing emerging talent, it will Their latest album - Hair Down To My Grass – was recorded this year also feature Orkney four-piece in a converted barn and includes Fara and folk trio Talisk, who re-workings of rock classics such were both nominated in the Up as Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, and Coming Artist of the Year Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’, category in the MG ALBA Scots Europe’s ‘The Final Countdown’ Trad Music Awards last weekend. and Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On a Prayer’. HebCelt will run from 13-16 July in Bellshill-born John McCusker Stornoway in the island of Lewis joined the Battlefield Band at 17 and will be headlined by Scottish rock legends Runrig who will top and during his 11 years with the legendary outfit released his first the bill on the closing night. two solo recordings. He went on to Julie Fowlis, one of the first win Radio 2 Musician of the Year in inductees to the HebCelt Hall of 2003 and also The Spirit of Fame and an ambassador for the Scotland Award for music in 1999 event, will perform on Friday, 15 and again in 2009. July. Last year she sang live at the opening ceremony of the Glasgow John has been a member of Mark Knopfler's band since 2008, Commonwealth Games to a TV playing arenas around the world, audience of over 1 billion people including a double bill with Bob and she also achieved worldwide Dylan at The Hollywood Bowl and recognition for singing the theme 20 nights at The Royal Albert Hall. song to 'Brave', Disney Pixar’s Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTAHe has featured on recordings by winning animated film, set in the Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller, Ocean Scottish Highlands. Colour Scene, Teenage Fanclub
the UK, including Andy Cutting, Adam Holmes, Innes White & Toby Shaer. Fara bring together Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price’s dynamic fiddles with Jennifer Austin's driving piano. Having played in groups in their native Orkney, the girls later went to study in the UK mainland and hold degrees from The Royal Academy of Music, The Royal Northern College of Music, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Strathclyde University. They have since established themselves in the Scottish music scene and have individually or collectively picked up a BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, a BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year award, The Deutsche Bank Award in Performance and Composition, and a Danny Kyle Open Stage award at Celtic Connections. Talisk - Mohsen Amini (concertina), Hayley Keenan (fiddle) and Craig Irving (guitar) – were only formed in August last year but have already landed slots at some of Britain’s biggest festivals, including Cambridge Folk Festival, Celtic Connections and Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival. They also won the coveted Danny Kyle award this year.
Festival director Caroline Maclennan added: “We are delighted to welcome Julie Fowlis back to HebCelt. She grew up with the festival and has played a major role in its success and growth. We are also thrilled with the other bands we are announcing today. John will mark 25 years as a Hayseed Dixie are a superb live act professional musician in 2016 by Julie said: "Coming from the with a combination of great Outer Hebrides I have always been publishing a book of his musicianship and fun cover version compositions, releasing a new solo excited about playing at HebCelt. that will be a big hit with our It is a highlight of the year for me record and embarking on an audience. extensive UK and European tour. and I am particularly looking www.hebceltfest.com forward to returning there for the The John McCusker band https://twitter.com/hebcelt 21st festival.” features some of the finest She also won the Tartan Clef Award for Music in 2014 and was nominated as Folk Singer of the Year at the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and Best Artist at the Songlines World Music Awards 2015.
and Idlewild, written soundtracks for film and TV and has produced albums for the likes of Kris Drever, Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble. Eddi Reader, Heidi Talbot and Linda Thompson.
traditional musicians and singers in www.facebook.com/HebCelt
Read the three MNS digital publications from links at .. www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com
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Blas Festival Picks Up National Award Highlands & Argyll : 2-10 September : www.blas-festival.com
TICKETS @ watch social media for news of 2016 ticket sales
The annual Blas Arthur Cormack. Bòrd na Gàidhlig interim CEO, Festival has Joe Moore said: na Gàidhlig congratulates Fèis been honoured "Bòrd Bhlas on their recent win at the Gaelic Awards 2015. The at the Scottish Scottish event has grown from strength to strength since its inception and is a Gaelic Awards great example of how the language hand-in-hand with the ceremony, held walks culture." Now in its eleventh year the Blas in Glasgow Festival, which is run by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, has enjoyed year-onrecently, after year success, with an ever-growing audience, attracted by the festival’s receiving the varied and exciting, international of traditional musicians. Bòrd na Gàidhlig line-up With Gaelic language and culture at the heart of Blas, the award is “Event Award”. recognition for the efforts each year trio, Marloch and Gaelic singer,
Now in its third year, the awards aim to celebrate the endeavours made by people and organisations in the development of the Gaelic language. The ceremony, run by the Daily Record and sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, saw an array of organisations and people recognised for their contributions towards the Gaelic language, with ten award categories celebrating the efforts made throughout the year. The nominees were also treated to entertainment, with music from Fiddler, Duncan Chisholm, Gaelic
to ensure the successful delivery of the expanding festival in collaboration with a wide range of bodies, voluntary and paid. Fèisean nan Gàidheal CEO, Arthur Cormack, said: “Fèisean nan Gàidheal was delighted to have been shortlisted in four categories at the Gaelic Awards. We have been working in partnership with the Highland Council for over a decade to develop Blas and stage the festival each year. We are very happy to
(L-R): At the awards - Morag Ann MacLeod, Gaelic Development Officer, The Highland Council, George Stoddart, Chair, Blas Festival Ltd., Anne Willoughby, Executive Manager, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Arthur Cormack, Chief Executive, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Allan MacDonald, Chair, Bòrd na Gàidhlig : photo by Daily Record
have received this award and would like to thank all the bodies who fund us, the local organisations that promote events in their own localities, High Life Highland who organise the education programme and, especially, Donna Macrae who is contracted to do the vast majority of preparatory work for the festival
each year.” Blas Festival 2016 will take place from the 2-10 September.
www.blas-festival.com
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Glamis Prom Returns For 2016 Glamis, Angus : 16 July : www.glamisprom.com Tickets @ http://glamisprom.bigcartel.com/
After the success of this year’s Glamis Prom, the event producers are delighted to announce that a date has been set for 2016 and the theme will be ‘A Summer’s Evening At The Movies’ on 16 July.
Proms fans will be treated to a medley of cinema classics in the glorious setting of Glamis Castle in Angus County. The headline artiste has yet to be announced but one name that is definitely on the bill is local favourite, Norman Bowman. Arbroath born Bowman performed as a guest act in 2015 and went down a storm with the audience and by popular demand; he has been invited to join the show once more.
glamour and sense of occasion. Glamis Proms Ltd promise a spectacular evening of big screen favourites and early bird tickets are on sale now from www.glamisprom.com
www.glamisprom.com
www.facebook.com/glamisprom https://twitter.com/glamisproms
Set against the romantic backdrop of Glamis Castle, music lovers can purchase gazebo packages and will be permitted to bring their own picnics to enjoy some al fresco food and drink. Concert go-ers will be encouraged to attend in their finery and really ramp up the
Norman Bowman
weekend tickets available now @ www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ullapool-Guitar-Festival/201560546591552
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Speyfest launch 2016 with Barbara Dickson and Skerryvore announced Fochabers, Moray : 29-31 July : www.speyfest.comkerryvore announced LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS (from 11 December) @ www.speyfest.com
Speyfest organisers are delighted to announce some of the headline acts for the 2016 festival. Acclaimed Scottish singer, Barbara Dickson, with 15 albums in the UK Album Chart to her name, including a worldwide hit duet with Elaine Page, 'I Know Him So Well', will headline the festival's Friday night concert. Another musician set to take to the Speyfest stage is Irish accordion sensation Sharon Shannon. Speyfest favourites, Skerryvore, will also be a main feature on the Sunday night and will no doubt impress the audience as before.
ideal for Christmas presents!"
many aspects of running the event www.speyfest.com from ticket sales to collecting A brilliant opportunity is waiting just https://twitter.com/Speyfest rubbish, serving drinks to shifting www.facebook.com/Speyfest-106370342730084 for YOU! Why not make 2016 the chairs, then please get in touch - we year when you do something to help will be delighted to hear from you out at Speyfest? Although it is still and get you on board. In the first 2015, Speyfest organisers are instance please give your name and looking ahead and are keen to contact details along with a note of obtain enthusiastic and dedicated which area you would like to support team members to assist in support to: isabel. a variety of areas before, during macleod@speyfest.com and after the 3-day music festival which will be in its 21st year next Speyfest 2016 runs July. If you are available and able to from 29-31 July 2016. give your time to cover in one of the
This year, the festival's weekend format has evolved to a seated concert and standing stomp event on both the Friday and Saturday and the weekend will be rounded off with the much loved Speyfest Family Sunday. As ideal Christmas presents a limited number of early bird tickets will be released on the 11th December and will be available online and also locally at Sound and Vision, South Street, Elgin and Christies Chemist, Fochabers. Claudia Smith, Head of Press and Publicity, said "we are delighted to have booked these headline acts and believe our audiences are in for a real treat. We hope our supporters will take advantage of these early bird ticket offers which are a great bargain and
web @ www.aidanorourke.net tweet @ https://twitter.com/obanfiddle
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UGF celebrates a great festival and looks forward to the 17th Ullapool Guitar Festival in 2016 Ullapool : 7-9 October : www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com UGF TICKETS @ www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com
Scotland's (and Britain's) most northerly guitar festival celebrated another successful event in October and immediately began planning for the 17th Ullapool Guitar Festival on Scotland's beautiful west coast from 7-9 October next year.
weekend ticket to the Ullapool Guitar festival 2016!) well how about Roger Bucknalls' new book 'Wood Sweat and Tears' - find out more @ www.fyldeguitars.com Richard would also like to thank Jim Gillies of Aonich Technology Ltd for donating a brand new Squire Electric guitar which again raised funds for the 2016 Festival, and many thanks also go to to Red Dog Music for their "raffle a guitar" (ran online) competition. The festival was especially delighted that the winner was in Fylde Guitars
the Festival audience to receive it. Lastly Richard expresses a huge thanks to a couple (who wish to remain anonymous) who were so blown away by their first visit to UGF that they gifted the festival a cheque for ÂŁ500! And of course not forgetting Highland Council for their continued support over the past few years. Ullapool Guitar Festival would love to attract a major sponsor to help support and develop UGF which is a community run, not for profit event. If you or your company are interested please contact Richard via the website contact form @ www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com Weekend tickets for the 2016 Ullapool Guitar Festival are now on sale. The price remains the same at ÂŁ150 each, which is amazing value for 5 concerts, 3 Festival clubs and as many workshops as you can handle. They make great Christmas presents!! Ticket details on the website link above.
www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com https://twitter.com/@ully_guitar_fes www.facebook.com/The-Ullapool-Guitar-Festival-201560546591552
Before we leave 2015 behind though festival organiser Richard Lindsay would like to thank a few people for their support. First off Roger and Moira Bucknall of Fylde Guitars who donated the guitar (pictured), which has now been sold and has raised funds for the 2016 Festival. What would be the best Christmas present for the guitarist who has EVERYTHING? (Apart from a
Join the internationally acclaimed Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, director Tommy Smith, and special guest Eddi Reader tickets @ http://tickets.glasgowconcerthalls.com/single/SYOS.aspx?p=3707 SNJO web @ www.snjo.co.uk
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Glasgow Jazz Festival Gift Voucher Launched Glasgow : 22-26 June : www.jazzfest.co.uk TICKETS @ www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Glasgow-Jazz-Festival-tickets/artist/2115364
Gift Vouchers are The Glasgow Jazz Festival attracts some of the names in jazz as well as Scotland’s now on sale for the biggest finest homegrown talent, and is internationally acclaimed for its richly diverse programme, which features everything from trad and Dixie to Glasgow Jazz free jazz, northern soul, world music, blues and Festival 2016. Give hip-hop crossovers. Rodgers, Director of Glasgow Jazz Festival, the gift of live music Jill said “I’m delighted that the Gift Vouchers for next year’s festival are now on sale. This not only means there is now the perfect Christmas this Christmas. gift but also that we’re that bit closer to kicking musicians performing all over the city.
Next summer, Glasgow will come alive with the sound of jazz, funk, blues, soul and world music as leading artists from across the jazz spectrum descend on the city for the 30th Glasgow Jazz Festival. Taking place across 22–26 June, the festival’s 30th year celebrations promise to be an unmissable occasion, with world class
with a special Glasgow Jazz Festival Christmas Card included. The first programme details will be revealed in the spring, and to keep up to date on the latest from the festival sign up to the Glasgow Jazz Festival mailing list at www.jazzfest.co.uk
www.jazzfest.co.uk
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off the celebrations for our 30th Festival in 2016! Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages to keep updated in the New Year.”
Glasgow Jazz Festival gift vouchers are available in denominations of £10, £30 and £50 and can be redeemed on tickets for the 2016 festival,
www.skerryvore.com 1 January, Portree Community Centre, Skye tickets @ http://skerryvore.com/gigs/ fb @ www.facebook.com/skerryfans
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DECEMBER Edinburgh's Hogmanay Edinburgh 31 December
Whether you're a jazz and blues specialist or a the annual programme. casual listener, we hope that you're going to find plenty to enjoy. Thanks to all the musicians who www.butejazz.com are going to give us such a great weekend. www.fifejazzfestival.com
MARCH
Four fabulous days and nights of amazing events kick off the world's greatest New Year party. With the traditional torchlit procession, street performers, fireworks, concerts, ceilidh, the big Wee Dub Festival Hogmanay party itself and a New Year's Day run Edinburgh to blow the cobwebs away - Edinburgh's buzzing. 4-6 March Come along and experience the magic for yourself. The 2016 edition of Wee Dub Festival features giants of UK dancehall culture, top live bands, www.edinburghshogmanay.org and hot upcoming talent. For the artist line-up and programme go to the website below. We forward to welcoming you to another The Red Hot Highland Fling look weekend of roots, culture and good vibes in Inverness Edinburgh in March 2016. 31 December www.weedubfestival.co.uk Scotland's Biggest Free Hogmanay Concert is guaranteed to bring the 2015 Inverness Festivals MV Festival programme to a wonderful climax. Children Welcome! Aviemore Returning in 2016 www.invernessfestivals.com It’s a weekend of comedy, music and snowsport thrills on the hills in and around Aviemore. 2016 tickets will soon be available from www. ukgigsonline.com Proceeds from the festival go to the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and Disability Snowsport UK. Celtic Connections
JANUARY 2016
MAY
Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival Dumfries and Galloway 20-29 May Our 9-day festival has taken place since 1979. The founding aim was to bring international performers of the highest quality to a region containing many scattered rural communities since then this region has produced some of its own talent of international standing and we’re proud to also be able to present these artistes from time to time. We offer a wide range of events: music – including classical, jazz and folk, dance, theatre, literary, children’s events, plus the visual arts and films. Events take place in a range of venues throughout the region, from large to small, formal to informal, urban to rural. www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
Orkney Folk Festival Orkney 26-29 May
Once again we have some big names coming north to join in the fun in May, and from the Glasgow ceilidh bands to the almost indie strand, we have www.mvfestival.com 14-31 January brought together a broad mix of artists that we hope appeals to everyone’s interpretation of the Celtic Connections 2016 comprises a wealth of Groove CairnGorm increasingly expansive folk genre. As ever, our concerts, ceilidhs, talks, workshops, free events Cairngorms local traditions and musicians – both established and late night sessions taking place over 18 days 11-13 March 2016 and emerging – will be centre stage alongside across various venues in Glasgow. those visiting the festival. You would be hard Groove Loch Ness couldn’t wait until next August pushed to find another festival throughout the www.celticconnections.com for their next party – so building upon the country that has such a strong home success of the inaugural event at Loch Ness this representation, and it is one that we are hugely summer, Groove are very excited to be proud of. Big Burns Supper expanding, launching a resort based snowsports Dumfries festival in 2016 - Groove CairnGorm! There will www.orkneyfolkfestival.com 22-30 January be snowsports and entertainment each day up We will present our fifth Festival in 2016 and will on the mountain, followed by apres ski with live include our famous Spiegeltent venue and some music and world class DJs until the early hours in a big top in Aviemore! of our award winning production of Le Haggis which runs throughout the Festival. Inspired by www.facebook.com/groovecairngorm Eden Festival the celebration, rather than the idea that to be Raehills Meadows at a Burns Supper – you had to have a degree in 9-12 June 2016 Scots Literature – our festival is about coming together to celebrate with your friends, pals and Set in the stunning Raehill Meadows of Dumfries visitors around Burn’s Night. It is the only place Eden Festival is boutique festival, with over 250 in the World where you can enjoy all that a Isle of Bute Jazz Festival acts performing across 9 stages, bringing you Winter Festival has to offer, soak up all the Isle of Bute live music, dance, cabaret, burlesque, circus places that Robert Burn’s used to love – in the skills, theatre, a children's area, fun and games way that he left him, pay tribute at his burial site 29 April-2 May 2016 and much more. Nominated for three awards in and still find time to see cutting edge and 2015. contemporary work one of Scotland’s cosiest, yet The Isle of Bute Jazz Festival has grown spectacularly from its small beginnings to confident towns. become one of Britain's most popular jazz www.facebook.com/theedenfestival weekends. Top-class UK and international names www.bigburnssupper.com feature in a programme of traditional jazz music Riverside Rock in one of Scotland's prettiest and friendliest Jedburgh seaside resorts. Some very well known jazz names featured on the programme over the next 18 June few years – Acker Bilk, Monty Sunshine, Martin Riverside Rock 2016 already have some fantastic Taylor, Tommy Smith, Andy Sheppard, Carol Fife Jazz Festival bands signed up: The Men They Couldn’t Hang / Kidd, The Temperance 7, and The London Fife The Lost Boys / Scocha (Back for a 3rd Year) / Community Gospel Choir amongst others, and 6-8 February the Festival continues to attract top class UK and Blistered Molly (Back for a 2nd Year) / Greg Anderson (Back too for 2nd year) he rocked the The Fife Jazz Festival - an annual festival taking international bands in mainly the Traditional New tent at the end last year! Main tent headliner Orleans idiom.The Festival is a great supporter place all over the kingdom - brings the biggest and other bands to be announced. As before of young musicians who feature prominently in names and upcoming stars of jazz music to Fife.
JUNE
APRIL
FEBRUARY
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SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com Riverside Rock must not be missed, the Scottish Borders very own music festival at Riverside Park, Jedburgh, and 2016 will have more food outlets, more bars and a bigger tent. Tickets on sale soon! www.riversiderock.co.uk
JULY
from 12noon-11pm. Pandorafest will be running an open stage, a singaround and the legendary 3 stages of live music across many genres, all informal music sessions in local hostelries and expertly woven into a line-up to keep you the Union Club. entertained from start to finish. www.innerleithenmusicfestival.org www.pandorafest.com
Wickerman Festival Dumfries & Galloway 22-23 July
T in the Park Strathallan Castle, Perthshire 8-10 July What more can we say! Scotland’s most widely known and respected festival, which always attracts the biggest names. Check out tickets availability at www.tinthepark.com/tickets www.tinthepark.com
Hebridean Celtic Festival Hebrides 13-16 July 2016
Wickerman is one of the UK’s best-loved independent music festivals which will enter its 15th consecutive year in 2016. With ten stages featuring an eclectic and exciting mix of leading artists, heritage acts and up-and-coming talent, the two day summer party caters for all musical tastes. www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk
Speyfest Moray 29-31 July At the end of July, the playing fields on East Street in the Moray town of Fochabers will be home to the 21st annual Speyfest, three days of the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music. The tented village hosts a variety of seated and standing events including the Friday and Saturday concerts and stomps, the music marathon that is the Speyfest Family Sunday, a craft and food fair and an ecumenical Celtic Kirk service. The event is fully licensed and offers a wide range of hot foods and a variety of drinks from a number on onsite concessions.
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 throughout Lewis and Harris. The cream of international folk and Celtic music have heaped praise on HebCeltl as it celebrated its 20th year in 2015 by hosting its biggest number of live performances ever. Award-winning artists who took part in this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival hailed it a huge success after bosses laid on new venues and returned to its roots for the www.speyfest.com showpiece event. www.hebceltfest.com
Tiree Music Festival Isle of Tiree 15-17 July Tiree Music Festival (TMF) was formed in 2010 when Tiree musician Daniel Gillespie (Skerryvore) teamed up with school friend Stewart MacLennan with the radical idea of holding an open-air festival on their local island of Tiree. TMF is more than just attending a music festival – it is an island adventure. From the stunning sail or flight to the island of Tiree, camping next to the white sands of Crossapol Bay or surfing at Balevullin beach, TMF is an experience very few festivals in the world could compete with. Get your tickets quick, the early birds sell out in hours - http://tireemusicfestival. co.uk/ticket-prices www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk
Pandora Fest
AUGUST Tartan Heart ‘Belladrum’ Festival Beauly 4-6 August 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 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 non-musical entertainments and its allages approach. www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk
Duncarron 16 July Pandorafest will be Scotland's first music festival that supports women musicians. In 2015 the major festivals displayed a massive gender imbalance, of the 87 acts that were announced, 78 were all male, 3 were female and 6 were mixed groups - that was an 89.6% all male line up.* "As far as Scotland is concerned - this is not okay" says Pandora Fest! Pandorafest will be a one day music festival packed full of live music from female singer/songwriters, women musicians and female fronted bands all playing
Doune The Rabbit Hole Cardross, nr Stirling 19-21 August 2016
A small family-friendly festival with a twist! Doune The Rabbit Hole presents music, comedy, art, spoken word, drama, puppetry and much more! Events across Scotland throughout the year culminating in a 3 day multi arts festival... it's time to go Doune The Rabbit Hole!! We make people happy through music, art, cake and loads of other stuff! After we've done that we teach people who wouldn't ordinarily be able to how to do creative things, like play instruments, write poetry and paint. www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk
Groove Loch Ness Loch Ness 20 August Groove Loch Ness is due to return to the iconic location on the banks of the Loch for it’s 2nd outing. After the overwhelming positive feedback of the inaugural event which saw a raft of international DJ’s including Groove Armada, 2mandjs, Tensnake and B.Traits along with a wealth of talent from the Highlands and throughout Scotland, Groove Loch Ness will once again transform the world famous location into Scotland’s biggest nightclub under the stars. www.groovefestival.co.uk
SEPTEMBER Lindisfarne Festival Holy Island 2-4 September Lindisfarne 2016 promises to be as exciting and spectacular as the inaugural year. The first year saw the music, arts and camping festival achieve national acclaim and was shortlisted for 3 national awards including being a finalist as “Best New Festival in the UK”. With the spectacular backdrop of Holy Island and North Northumberland Coast , the Lindisfarne festival is conveniently located off the A1 and around 6 miles from Berwick upon Tweed. The festival has an eclectic range of music and arts with 2015 saw music from the likes of Public Service Broadcasting, Reverend and the Makers, Craig Charles, The Skints, DJ Yoda and Nadine Shah play in the breath-taking scenery. A brilliant weekend away 2016’s festival will be everything a small independent festival should be.
Innerleithen Music Festival
www.lindisfarnefestival.com
Scottish Borders 19-21 August 2016
Midstock Festival
A hugely enjoyable weekend of traditional music in this small Borders town, beautifully situated amongst rolling hills by the River Tweed. Memorable concerts feature some of the biggest names in Celtic music alongside the best of the local talent and the weekend is rounded off with a concert presenting wonderful singers of traditional song. Complementing the concerts are
Dalkeith 3 September Just when you think festival season is over, there’s still another cracker to be enjoyed before the nights draw in. www.midstockfestival.com
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