MNS 'Scottish' FESTIVALS!

Festivals!

Scotland's Music

the Scottish music festival supplement from MUSIC NEWS Scotland

INSIDE: Festaff :: HebCelt :: Oban Live :: March into Pitlochry :: Showcase Scotland Abroad :: Orkney Folk :: Eden Festival :: Electric Field .... PLUS our Scottish music festival listings

Hunter & the Bear (pictured) are to headline 'March into Pitlochry' - see page 9 www.hunterandthebear.co.uk www.marchintopitlochry.co.uk

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music news scotland - FESTIVALS!

www.facebook.com/orkneyfolkfestival

https://twitter.com/OrkneyFolkFest

web @ www.tracscotland.org/tradfest fb @ www.facebook.com/tradfestedinburgh

www.visitscotland.com

www.orkneyfolkfestival.com/patronage

www.obanlive.com

www.orkneyfolkfestival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/orkneyfolkfestival tweet @ https://twitter.com/OrkneyFolkFest

fb @ www.facebook.com/obanlive tweet @ https://twitter.com/OBANLIVE

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Get the hottest ticket in town with Festaff ..... summer applications to volunteer now open The UK’s biggest festival volunteers company, Festaff, have opened applications for this year’s best summer events and are looking for 3,000 staff members to cover some of the biggest music festivals in the world. Volunteers can sign up for positions at the UK’s biggest festivals now via www.festaff.co.uk With over 25 events on their roster music fans have the chance to experience top UK festivals on a shoestring budget. In exciting news for 2017, two new events have been added to Festaff’s summer set-list, with We Are FSTVL (London) and Carnival 56 (Dundee) joining the family and more expected to be added to the bill.

Since 2008, the company have welcomed around 16,000 people into the team, with students looking to gain top-class industry experience making up 60% of this total.

Volunteers are required to work shifts in roles including wristband issuers, stewards and bar work before they’re free to enjoy event entertainment. There are also secure staff campsites and facilities to make sure everyone is comfortable throughout their chosen event.

And with sign up starting from as little as £15, volunteers can get a weekend pass to see some of the biggest bands and DJs in the world for the cost of a takeaway.

As well as being part of the team that stages many of the UK’s leading events, Festaff also offer the chance to move up through the ranks to become paid members of staff. In fact, 60% of their current employees starting out as volunteers, making them an ideal platform for graduates and people looking to gain invaluable work experience while also having some fun.

Festaff founder, Sandy Reid, said: “Every year our Festaff family continues to grow and

2017 is set to be no exception. Festival season is our favourite part of the year, as we spend a phenomenal 130 days on the field, meeting so many talented, upbeat, people. We love helping them create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Our volunteer spots fill up fast, so make sure you sign up quickly for your chance to join the party. After all, watching festivals on TV is nothing compared to the real thing. See you at the gates!”

www.festaff.co.uk https://twitter.com/Festaff www.facebook.com/FestaffVolunteerStaff

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

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www.dundeebox.co.uk

www.thequeenshall.net

www.snjo.co.uk

web @ www.snjo.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/theSNJO

www.hebceltfest.com www.thenightwith.co.uk

early bird tickets @ www.hebceltfest.com/booking/ fb @ www.facebook.com/HebCelt

fb @ www.facebook.com/thenightwith tweet @ https://twitter.com/thenightwith

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

www.rcs.ac.uk

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Imelda May joins an exhilarating line-up for this year’s Hebridean Celtic Festival Stornoway :: 19-22 July :: www.hebceltfest.com Buy tickets @ www.hebceltfest.com/booking/

Irish songstress Imelda May has joined an exhilarating line-up for this year’s Hebridean Celtic Festival, seven years after making her debut at the internationallyacclaimed island event.

The renowned musician, producer and singersongwriter played a memorable gig at HebCelt in 2010 and was voted by the public into the festival’s Hall of Fame the following year.

She will perform on the main festival stage on Friday, 21 July and is the third headliner to be announced this year, after The Waterboys and fellow Hall of Fame entrant Dougie MacLean.

Next month she will release her fifth studio album, ‘Life Love Flesh Blood’, produced by American musician T Bone Burnett, and featuring guest appearances by Jools Holland and Jeff Beck.

She will also begin a UK and Ireland tour in May to support the release of the album - her most personal and autobiographical to date - when fans will hear a new sound and see a new look for the singer previously known for her rockabilly image.

The award-winning HebCelt - to be held from 19-22 July - also announces today eight more acts for the 2017 line-up, ahead of weekend tickets going on sale tomorrow (10 February), along with bespoke ticket and camping packages with Pitch Village.

Imelda May :: www.imeldamay.co.uk

Leigh, who last week won UK Song of the Year for ‘The 4:19’ at the UK Americana Awards. Al Lewis, from Wales, and Alva Leigh, from Mississippi, toured with Deacon Blue last year, and released their debut album ‘Ghost’ in August 2016. They received two nominations (Best UK Song and Best UK Act) at the inaugural UK Americana Awards last year.

Festival Director Caroline MacLennan said: "Adding Imelda May to an already exciting line- Elephant Sessions, formed in 2012, hail from up this year is fantastic news for the festival and Benbecula, Dingwall, the Black Isle, Morayshire our audience. and Newcastle and met as students. Their debut “She is a wonderful singer and very popular with album ‘The Elusive Highland Beauty’ was released in 2014 and the band won Up and festival fans, as her place in the Hall of Fame Coming Artist of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots recognises.

Trad Music awards the same year and Live Act “We are also announcing a number of other acts of the Year in 2016. Their second album is for this year’s festival, some who will be familiar released this summer. to our audience and some new names. This is Hò-rò were winners of HebCelt’s 'One Step what HebCelt is all about, providing the best Further' award for upcoming bands in 2014, and music and showcasing emerging talent.” since then have performed at festivals across Dublin-born Imelda May began her music career Scotland and Europe. They released their debut at 16 by performing with a number of local album last summer. musicians before forming her own band in 2002 The Hur are a five-piece folk pop band based in and releasing her debut studio album, ‘No Glasgow and formed in late 2016. This year they Turning Back’, the following year. Her third have released a video of their debut song 'Still album, ‘Mayhem’, in 2010 earned her a Standing' which has had a very impressive nomination for the Choice Music Prize. reaction on social media.

Winner of the Best Female Artist of the Year award at the 2009 Meteor Awards, she has been The Outside Track’s five members, hailing from described as having a “unique vocal talent”, but Scotland, Ireland and Cape Breton, are united by a love of traditional music. They were also plays the bodhrán, guitar, bass guitar and awarded 'Best Group' in both the Live Ireland tambourine.

Awards and the Chicago Tradition in Review Joining May at HebCelt this year will be Lewis &

Awards.

Inyal, a four-piece from four different corners of Scotland, as influenced by traditional music and also the eclectic underground scene. Joining them at the festival will be Gaelic singer, Josie Duncan from Lewis.

November Lights, formed in 2014, are a young trio who mix music from their west Highland roots with American pop and Americana.

There is also a return to HebCelt for Eleanor Nicolson, a singer/songwriter from Lewis who has been performing since the age of 13. She is releasing her fourth EP to coincide with her appearance with her band at the festival.

Already announced for HebCelt 2017 are former X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan, Skerryvore, the Peatbog Faeries, Ímar, singer-songwriter C. Macleod, Tide Lines and the Luke Jackson Trio.

Early Bird tickets for this year’s festival have sold out. From tomorrow main arena weekend tickets will be available via the HebCelt website www.hebceltfest.com . Adults - £90; concession - £80; child 7-15 - £25 with youngsters 0-6 going free HebCelt has again teamed up with Pitch Village to provide ticket and accommodation packages.

See http://pitchvillage.com/festivals/hebcelt

www.hebceltfest.com

www.facebook.com/HebCelt https://twitter.com/hebcelt

email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

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An explosive list of trad-stars for Oban Live as more acts announced Oban :: 2-3 June :: www.obanlive.com Buy tickets @ www.obanlive.com

Announcing via live stream on Oban Live’s Facebook page, Mànran, Trail West, and Tide Lines all confirmed that they will play Argyll’s largest live music event on 2-3 June this year, with all remaining tickets now on sale.

Daniel Gillespie of Skerryvore and Artistic Director for Oban Live said: "We are delighted to announce that Trail West, Mànran and Tide Lines will join us in Oban as not only are they great friends but they are three of the most exciting acts on the Scottish scene today - all bringing their own brand and fusion of west coast music. We still have three more acts to Manran :: photo by Euan Robertson announce as well as some other special guests so watch this space for more exciting the Oban Live line up this year. With all band announcements.” members hailing from the Hebridean Isles of Streaming live from Glasgow’s Barrowlands Tiree and South Uist, the music and culture that venue before taking to the stage at Celtic they were raised in remains a pure and Connections, Gary Innes of multi-awardrefreshing trademark in the sound of Trail West. winning folk-rock group Mànran said: “We Oban Live’s audience will be treated to the are delighted to announce that we are coming to incredible musicianship of frontline pair Seonaidh Oban Live this year. It was a massive year for MacIntyre and Ian Smith through high-energy Oban Live last year and this year is going to be tunes and arrangements, accompanied by the even bigger. Look forward to seeing you all in multi-instrumental talents of Andrew Findlater June.” and Alain Campbell.

With traditional Celtic roots and songs in both English and Gaelic, Mànran’s fiery tunes from fiddle, accordion, flute, uilleann and Highland bagpipes are known to bind powerfully to a rhythm section awash with elements of funk, jazz and rock to create innovative and uplifting instrumental music.

Then four piece Scottish band Tide Lines were the third act to announce they will play Oban Live this summer. Whilst heavily influenced by the traditional music of the West Highlands and Islands, their highly eclectic sound is driven by acoustic and electric guitars, with drums and keyboards. Their first single, “Far Side of the The exciting west coast quartet Trail West soon World”, entered the UK download charts ahead followed suit. Dressed in comedy beach wear at of popular tracks by Coldplay, Adele and Beyoncé, less than 24 hours after the band was Glasgow’s infamous Park Bar, they were the second act to announce online that they will join launched on social media in June 2016. Tide Lines consists of award-winning singer Robert

Robertson from Lochaber, Ross Wilson from Mull, Alasdair Turner from Alness, and Fergus Munro from Glasgow.

The acts join a whole stream of talented Scots and Irish artists confirmed for the concert including Admiral Fallow, Roddy Hart and the Lonesome Fire, We Banjo 3, Skipinnish, Skerryvore and the collaboration of Argyll Ceilidh Trail and Ceol an Aire.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for cultural events and EventScotland is delighted to be once again supporting Oban Live, showcasing the very best Scottish and International talent. These additions to what is already a fantastic line-up will capture the imagination of visitors from both the local area and further afield."

www.obanlive.com www.facebook.com/obanlive https://twitter.com/OBANLIVE

web @ http://tireemusicfestival.co.uk/ fb @ www.facebook.com/TireeMusicFestival

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www.facebook.com/RiverSideRockJedburgh

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www.facebook.com/RiverSideRockJedburgh

https://twitter.com/_RiverSideRock

https://twitter.com/_RiverSideRock

www.riversiderock.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/RiverSideRockJedburgh tweet @ https://twitter.com/_RiverSideRock

email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

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www.tickets-scotland.com

www.eddireader.co.uk

www.revealrecords.co.uk

web @ www.stgpromotions.bigcartel.com/ facebook @ www.facebook.com/StgPromotions

tickets @ www.eddireader.co.uk/gigs fb @ www.facebook.com/eddireader

www.norriemcculloch.com

web @ https://mairicampbell.scot/pulse/ fb @ www.facebook.com/MairiCampbellOfficial

bc @ www.norriemcculloch.bandcamp.com fb @ www.facebook.com/norriemccullochmusic

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The countdown is on to the second “March Into Pitlochry” music festival Pitlochry :: 24-25 March :: www.marchintopitlochry.co.uk

the mns collection ….

Buy tickets @ www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2589951

The success of the inaugural 'March into Pitlochry' last year prompted the music mad volunteer organisers to build on firm foundations and they've now unveiled the 2017 line-up.

festival building on the success of last year.

“Lessons have been learned from the inaugural festival. It was a steep learning curve for us but the team is very enthusiastic.

“The line-up is more compact but even stronger and we are concentrating on two venues. It’s about quality rather than quantity to create a better atmosphere for punters and the musicians.”

Steve admitted the not-for-profit community project was a loss leader last year but he noted: “We were warned by people behind the Belladrum Festival that it can take two or three years to even break even.”

“March Into Pitlochry” proved popular with locals and visitors alike last year.

Nearly 20 Americana and Indie bands from all over the country have signed up to the 24-25 March event centred on the 350-capacity Pitlochry Town Hall and the nearby McKays Hotel, with brewers Belhaven brought on board as the main sponsor.

“We got great feedback and that spurred us on,” said Steve. “One local who had been cynical about the festival said it was the best thing to happen in Pitlochry for years. A wide range of businesses benefited in what’s the shoulder season for a tourist town.”

Highly rated Scots band Hunter and the Bear return to Highland Perthshire to promote their debut album, topping the bill on the Saturday along with Leeds outfit The Dunwells, while Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove make the trip north from Wales to headline on the Friday night.

Having shown their worth to the local economy, the festival team are hoping to secure grant aid from the Enchanted Forest charity fund and Perth and Kinross Council to help defray the costs of this year’s crowdpuller.

Steve Carruthers, one of the seven-strong team of Highland Perthshire organisers, said: “Last year we adopted a suck-it-and-see attitude and we were delighted with the support we received from music lovers and the many musicians.

Steve said: “Having rolled it out successfully last year we have bridged the credibility gap, proving we could delivers on all level. We have enjoyed valuable sponsorship from Belhaven along with AGB Developments, MKM Building Supplies, TLC Laundry, EdmunSon Electrical, Morris and Young and RW Bell Electrical and advance ticket sales are three times higher than at the same stage last year.”

“That gave us the confidence to press ahead with plans for a follow-up and the team has been grafting hard to bring together another impressive list for the Weekend tickets for the festival are on sale now for Easter attraction. £50.

“At a time when Perthshire has lost ‘T in the Park’ www.marchintopitlochry.co.uk and Dougie MacLean’s successful ‘Perthshire Amber’ is taking a break it’s a plus to see a small-scale niche https://twitter.com/MusicPitlochry

www.facebook.com/marchintopitlochry

Hunter & the Bear :: www.hunterandthebear.co.uk

Read the three MNS digital publications from links at .. www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

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www.drumfirerecords.com

www.deanowens.com www.mariecurie.org.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic soundcloud @ https://soundcloud.com/dean-owens/julies-moon

web @ www.jennysturgeonmusic.com/gigs fb @ www.facebook.com/jennysturgeonmusic

www.birnamcd.com info@birnamcd.com

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Scotland’s Musicians Connected to the World .....

Europe’s top folk festivals to feature major Scottish presence in 2017 As Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections welcomed music delegates from across Scotland, the UK, Europe and the world, plans were afoot for folk festivals in France and Germany to include a major Scottish presence in 2017.

Scotland will be the international partner and country of focus at Germany’s biggest world music festival, Rudolstadt https://rudolstadt-festival.de/en - in July and Brittany’s Festival Interceltique de Lorient, France - www.festival-interceltique.bzh - in August.

Speaking about the European partnerships Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: “Showcase Scotland offers fantastic opportunities for the Scottish folk and Trad scene to make close personal contact with festival directors, agents and bookers from all over the world. Sometimes this develops into something bigger and even more significant, which is exactly what happened a few years ago when partnership seeds were sown with both the Lorient Interceltique and Rudolstadt Festivals. By building friendships and working relationships with Lisardo and Bernhard here at Showcase Scotland, we have now secured a major Scottish musical presence in 2017 at two of the biggest folk festivals in Europe.

Celtic Connections programme.”

Festival directors Bernhard Hanneken (Rudolstadt Festival) and Lisardo Lombardia (Festival Interceltique de Lorient) were welcomed by Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs and Janet Archer, Chief Executive Creative Scotland at Showcase Scotland’s Gaelic Reception at Celtic Connections. At the reception which aims to shine a light on the strength and vitality of our Gaelic music and culture, Hanneken and Lombardia discussed the importance of the Scottish folk music scene and its appeal for their festivals.

Bernhard Hanneken from Rudolstadt Festival in Germany commented: “No one can deny the influence of Celtic music on the German folk revival. From which the Rudolstadt Festival is a direct offspring. So we as a festival team, but also our audience are glad to welcome Scotland as our partner this year. Even more so as the Scots have proved that they want to remain a part of Europe as much as we do.

Plus - Scotland is a very easy country focus.

Just like with Norway at Rudolstadt15, as an artistic director you must be extremely incompetent to do wrong: With this wealth of traditions and quality of musicians you pick from an embarrassment of riches. The only real embarrassment is that you cannot pick them all - at least not this year.”

diversity, the importance of our roots in a cosmopolitan spirit. Strong character, beating heart, universal spirit. In 2017 Lorient will become a window for the discovery of Scotland today, more involved and more modern than ever. The whole city will be put in Scottish colours and all our capacity of media resonance will be made available to show that this great European nation will always have a place of honour at the Interceltic Festival of Lorient.”

Guests enjoyed an afternoon showcase of first class music from a selection of Scotland’s Lisardo Lombardia from Festival premier Gaelic artists including WHYTE, HÒ-RÒ Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, France and Tide Lines. The musicians provided a taste commented: of the vibrant, dynamic and world class trad “In 1971, the Interceltic Festival was born in the music scene in Scotland. city of Lorient to highlight the culture of the Celtic countries of the European Atlantic arc. In Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: a Europe under construction and still with old borders, the festival has overcome barriers with “Scots Gaelic plays a central role in our country’s cultural life and we are committed to passion and conviction, and created a meeting “Given recent and ongoing world events, this ensuring this continues. Showcase Scotland spirit of international cultural collaboration – and point, of mutual discovery and sharing. Scotland and its musical culture have been present since provides a platform for Gaelic art forms connection - is more important than ever. Our including music and song. Gaelic music has artists have the ability to transcend borders and the festivals inception. Cooperation with the attracted a global audience. Artists such as Julie build friendships through the universal language other Celtic countries, especially Scotland, made Fowlis and Run Rig and arts events such as Fèis it possible to create in Lorient a place of of music. The international partnerships and Rois have raised the profile of the language, and encounters and exchanges. collaborations that grow from events such as introduced many people to Gaelic’s rich Showcase Scotland are living proof that “Today, in 2017 the Interceltic Festival honours heritage.” embracing traditions from other cultures can Scotland, a country that has contributed, with only enrich and strengthen our own indigenous www.facebook.com/showcasescot the quality of its culture, its music and its culture. This theme is woven right through the https://twitter.com/ShowcaseScot language, to highlight our values of wealth,

www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com

web @ www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com fb @ www.facebook.com/Ullapoolguitarfestival

email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

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Orkney Folk Festival part 2 ... read part 1 @ http://issuu.com/musicnewsscotland/docs/mns_festivals_weekly_-_jan17-24/8

Orkney :: 25-28 May :: www.orkneyfolkfestival.com Buy tickets from April @ www.orkneyfolkfestival.com [Part 2 of our look ahead at plans for the 2017 Orkney Folk Festival)

Following on from last month's introduction to some of the main acts appearing at this year's packed Orkney Folk Festival we now bring you details of some more of the quality musicians booked for the festival from throughout the UK and much closer to home .... the acts that make Orkney Folk Festival so special!

More local than many of the festival performers are one of the world’s most prolific fiddle groups, Blazin' Fiddles originally formed for a one-off tour of the Highlands - and, some 18 years later, are still raising roofs far and wide as one of Scotland's foremost folk groups. With a 'Blazers' performance comes the rare opportunity to hear regional expressions from Scotland’s Highlands and islands, and the individual style from each fiddler – Inverness’ Bruce MacGregor, Shetlander Jenna Reid, Nairn’s Rua Macmillan, and Orkney's very own Kristan Harvey – in a blend of ensemble and solo sets. Fiddles and bows ignite atop guitar and piano from Anna Massie and Angus Lyon, delivering a musically intoxicating evening for all.

Blazin' Fiddles :: www.blazinfiddles.com

on the UK folk scene. Featuring BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2016, concertina ace Mohsen Amini, alongside Hayley Keenan and Craig Irving, the trio create a captivating, energetic and dynamic sound that, Renowned for their pitch perfect harmonies and in little more than a couple of years, has earned them multiple award wins and nationwide media rapid fire humour, Stockton's multi-award winners - including both the 2015 and 2016 Best and audience praise. With appearances at worldleading festivals including the Cambridge Folk Group titles at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Festival, Fairport’s Cropredy Convention and The Young'uns have built a formidable Denmark's Tønder, as well as live sessions on reputation as one of the UK's leading folk song both BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland’s outfits. Self-penned titles sit comfortably flagship folk programmes, theirs is a star firmly, alongside traditional material from their native and rapidly, on the ascent.

North-East England, bound by a passion for storytelling and commitment to maintaining the Also at the younger end of the line-up, fiery tradition of social commentary: songs of Highland five-piece Elephant Sessions weld conscience, songs of warmth and wit, songs to weapons-grade grooves and guitar attack with provoke, and songs to inspire. quicksilver fiddle/mandolin melodies. Recently One of Orkney’s most prolific musical sons, Kris nominated as Live Act of the Year at the MG Alba Drever’s voice and guitar now form a part of the Scots Trad Music Awards 2016, and winners of backbone of today’s contemporary roots and folk Up and Coming Arts of the Year in 2014, the group fuses folk and trad with funk and scene. Hugely admired as a solo artist, collaborator, and member of folk superstars Lau, electronica in an instantly captivating, he is a phenomenal and prolific artist. Indeed to progressive, visceral blend. simply call Drever ‘a folk singer’ would be like saying that Lau is ‘a Scottish folk trio’ - both true descriptions, but reductive ones that only hint at the progressive joys contained in the music of each. Having released three heralded solo albums, Drever returns to the Orkney Folk Festival in celebration of his first decade as an acclaimed solo artist and songwriter.

Meanwhile, one of the brightest and leading exponents of Scottish Dance Band music making a welcome return to the festival - Tom Orr presents a youthful approach to an idiom steeped in tradition; pushing boundaries and challenging his team to explore alternative influences, creating an innovative sound that is truly unique within the genre. Variety is very much the name of the game, with sets ranging Winners of the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, Talisk are one of the fastest rising bands from vintage pipe tunes to hot-off-the-press

compositions, duets and adventurous reels combined with a formidable technical prowess, fully demonstrating the wide-ranging capabilities of a traditional band line-up.

Orkney Folk Festival’s Artistic Director, Bob Gibbon, said: “The feedback that we received when announcing the first four acts, just a few weeks ago, was fantastic – and so we are delighted to now be unveiling many more visiting artists heading to the festival in May. “’Folk’ means lots of different things to lots of people, and these are very exciting times for the genre and the festival, with more and more people tuning in, where previously they might not have thought folk music was for them.

Boundaries and traditional confines are being pushed, and so we try and accommodate that within the programme. It’s often said that we hope there’s something for everyone, but there is a lot ground covered, and the committee’s wheels are now fully in motion to deliver another cracker of a weekend.”

Tickets for the 2017 Orkney Folk Festival will go on sale in April. To find out more about the festival, and keep in touch throughout the next few months’ planning, head online to www.orkneyfolkfestival.com, or connect with the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you missed part 1 of our preview read it @ http://issuu.com/musicnewsscotland/docs/mns_festivals_weekly_-_jan17-24/8

www.orkneyfolkfestival.com www.twitter.com/OrkneyFolkFest www.facebook.com/OrkneyFolkFestival

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info@slateroomstudio.com

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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

www.deborahwelsh.co.uk T: 07788 101465 : E: deborahwelsh@icloud.com web @ www.hatfitzandcara.com promoter @ www.brookfield-knights.com

linkedin @ https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/deborah-welsh/23/8b2/25b facebook @ www.facebook.com/DeborahWelshCommercialMedia

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Eden launches sister festival in Croatia Croatia :: 17-20 August :: www.TheLostDisco.co.uk

Buy tickets @ http://thelostdisco.co.uk/tickets/

If you needed another reason to party in Croatia, here it is, Scotland’s second largest festival has just announced they are starting a sister festival in Tisno.

The Lost Disco, will be hosting 4 stages of uplifting music, featuring some of Scotland’s finest acts. There will be boat parties twice a day across the sun kissed Adriatic. You can enjoy, funk, soul, Balearic house, disco and party beats till 6am and rejuvenate in the sunrise sessions, all by the sea, and situated minutes away from the picturesque town of Tisno with its fantastic restaurants and wineries.

This summers adventure begins here!

The Lost Disco launches from the 17-20 August 2017, with tickets starting from £99 and for the first month there is a special offer: purchase three tickets and get the fourth one free!

Co Director Meredith Langley Vine added: “Timing couldn’t be better for the launch of The Lost Disco with Ryanair announcing new direct Photo by Heather Shuker Photograph flights from Glasgow to Zadar (only 1 hour from the festival site). There’s already a flurry of flights being booked up and buss convoys artworks, workshops, horticulture, games and Eden Festival Co-Founder and Director scheduling a two day road trip from Glasgow to much, much more Adam Curtis said “We are really excited to be Tisno over the Alps! Planning for this years taking a slice of Eden Festival abroad to Croatia.

If you want to dance in the sun summer adventure is well truly underway and There’s a real sense of buzz happening and with and have a taste of Eden abroad then visit we can’t wait to get out there!” the current collapse of Scottish festivals due to www.TheLostDisco.co.uk over policing and its associated costs, it’s a nice Eden Festival will be returning to the Raehill for more information.

Meadows of Dumfries on 8-11 June, hosting break away from the bureaucracy to more www.theedenfestival.co.uk twelve different stages, including a drive in liberal pastures. I think more Scottish events cinema, kids arena, comedy, circus kills, www.facebook.com/theedenfestival organisers may be looking to do similar and cabaret, as well as a feast of performers, https://twitter.com/TheEdenFestival adventures in the future.”

Eden Festivals, most popular stage The Lost Disco is flying the nest and landing in The Garden Tisno, one of Europe's most breathtaking festival locations, for a sun soaked European festival adventure.

www.benglover.co.uk

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2737677 www.scarybiscuits.com

fb @ www.facebook.com/benglovertunes tweet @ https://twitter.com/benglovermusic

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music news scotland - FESTIVALS!

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http://vinylnoise.co.uk/

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MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS

Electric Fields Announce First Artists Dumfries & Galloway :: 1-2 September :: www.electricfieldsfestival.com

Frightened Rabbit (Headline) :: The Jesus And Mary Chain :: Arab Strap Crash Club :: And Yet It Moves :: Brat And The Boneme Buy tickets @ http://electricfieldsfestival.com/tickets/

After an incredible 2016 Electric Fields has announced that a host of the finest Scottish wordsmiths of the modern era will be joining them for a weekend celebration of top class music, amazing food and great entertainment on the 1-2 September.

Arab Strap :: www.arabstrap.scot

Frightened Rabbit :: www.frightenedrabbit.com

Returning to the stunning grounds of the 17th Century Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries & Galloway, Electric Fields are excited to welcome Frightened Rabbit, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Arab Strap, And Yet It Moves, Crash Club and Brat and the Bonemen to this year’s event.

As the first names on a lineup which will ultimately feature over 100 artists, Electric Fields has once again taken strides to showcase some of the most exciting music around at the moment. Returning for another year are Edinburgh’s Sneaky Pete’s, who will again curate their own electronica stage, and Tim Burgess will bring back his own curated ‘Tim Peaks Diner’ experience.

Over the past three years Electric Fields has welcomed everyone from seasoned festival veterans to tiny first timers. Mums, Dads, Teenagers and Tots can all revel in the amazing atmosphere of Scotland’s best small festival.

As well as a smashing musical lineup, Electric Fields will this year be expanding its food and drink offering with a curated Food Village, and a dedicated tent hosting EF’s very own Ale and Craft Beer Festival. This year will also feature comedy, spoken word and film with Q&As from some very special guests. For the young one’s the “Our Kids Electric” area returns with a whole host of entertainment and workshops and of course, the legendary adventure playground is a hop skip and a jump away!

Release 1 and Tier 2 tickets have sold out months ahead of last year’s sales, and remaining Tier 3 are on sale now from £95.

www.electricfieldsfestival.com https://twitter.com/Electric_Fields www.facebook.com/electricfieldsfestival

email your festival news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

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SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com FEBRUARY Groove CairnGorm Cairngorms 25-25 February 2017

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 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.

Look out for the Battle of the Folk Band event as part of the finale performances this year!

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 www.tracscotland.org/tradfest Flash, Hot Chip and Radio 1’s Monki amongst many others. www.facebook.com/groovecairngorm

MAY

Southside Fringe

MARCH Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Lochwinnoch 15-26 March 2017

The 16th annual Festival of Music, Drama, Literature, Creative & Visual Arts in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire takes place across a range of local venues. There are a number of our favourite performers and artists returning in 2017 including Karine Polwart, Eirlys Myfanwy Davies, Flute Phonics, Govan Gaelic Choir, Calder Drama, Glasgow Theatre Guild, the Rose Room and many more! We have some exciting new acts and performances including Fara - four exciting Orkney musicians, Tony Roper, the Glasgow Caledonian Fiddle Orchestra and many more!. Visit our website for more info: http://lochwinnochartsfestival.co.uk/

March into Pitlochry Pitlochry 24-25 March March into Pitlochry began taking shape in 2015 when a small band of music lovers in the came together with a thought to put on a music event to see out the winter and welcome in the spring.

Pitlochry comes alive over the festival weekend.

Acts like Hunter & the Bear, King of Birds and The Dunwells bring there music as the intense atmosphere fills created Highland Perthshire.

Run over Friday and Saturday the event is filled with top acts and often there are pop up surprise sessions in addition to the official line up at the 2 venues - McKays Hotel and Pitlochry Town Hall.

Once again we are delighted to be supporting Parkinson's UK as our chosen charity of the year www.marchintopitlochry.co.uk

APRIL TradFest Edinburgh | Dùn Èideann Edinburgh 26 Apr – 7 May 2017

Glasgow 12-18 May 2017

With their festival programme running from the 12th-28th of May 2017, Southside Fringe is now gearing up for its 5th year.

Online event applications launch on the 30th 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.southsidefringe.com

Orkney Folk Festival Orkney 25-28 May 2017

One of Scotland’s longest-running folk festivals, celebrating its 35th outing in 2017, the Orkney Folk Festival is one of the most prolific events in the Scottish and UK folk calendars, and one of the highlights of Orkney’s diary of community events. An entirely voluntary run event, the festival annually attracts artists from all corners of the folk world - from leading international names to up and coming fresh faces - to Stromness, in Orkney’s West Mainland, for four days of concerts, ceilidhs, clubs, sessions, talks and craic. Artists and audiences are welcomed by and into Orkney’s own thriving folk scene, with Orcadian artists providing around two thirds 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. www.orkneyfolkfestival.com

JUNE Oban Live Oban 2-3 June 2017 "We are delighted to announce that Trail West, Mànran and Tide Lines will join us in Oban as not only are they great friends but they are three of the most exciting acts on the Scottish scene today - all bringing their own brand and fusion of west coast music. We still have three more acts to announce as well as some other special guests so watch this space for more exciting announcements.” Daniel Gillespie Artistic Director for Oban Live. www.obanlive.com

Riverside Rock Jedburgh 17 June Riverside Rock is a musical extravaganza with something for everyone young and old and designed primarily to help raise cash for our chosen charity and other organisations around the Scottish Borders. Live music from bands, Showaddywaddy, Pilot, The Beatles Revolution, Scooty and the Skyhooks, Scocha, The Stare, DarkHorse and DJ Greg Anderson.

Children’s Entertainment includes, Laser Quest, Inflatables of all sorts, Climbing Walls, Wrecking Ball, Kids Fun Fair Rides and much more. Kids entertainment is free for under 18’s from 12pm till 6pm. You’ll not find a better value family festival anywhere in Scotland, Riverside Rock is the place to be. www.riversiderock.co.uk

Solus

The Bield at Blackruthven, Perthshire 23-25 June 2017 Solas Festival is an allage arts festival held 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.

The programme also makes space for challenging debate with activists, writers and thinkers from across the political, cultural and religious spectrum. Solas Festival offers a creative and entertaining programme for festival-goers of all ages in a safe environment. www.solasfestival.co.uk

JULY Hebridean Celtic Festival Hebrides 19-22 July

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SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 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 showpiece event. www.hebceltfest.com

ButeFest

The Isle of Bute 28-30 July 2017

AUGUST 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 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.

A three day festival of music, food and fun.

This accessible and hugely friendly family festival all takes places a mere thirty-five miles as the crow flies from Glasgow. www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk Butefest has endeavoured to compile a 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.

SEPTEMBER

www.butefest.co.uk

Electric Fields

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 music festivals in Scotland returns in 2016, over two days in the stunning grounds of 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. www.facebook.com/partyinthepark

Drumlanrig Castle 1-2 September 2017

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