MNS FESTIVALS!

Festivals!

Scotland's Music

the Scottish music festival supplement from MUSIC NEWS Scotland

Skerryvore's Jodie Bremaneson playing at this month's sold-out 9th Tiree Music Festival - read a report on TMF 2018 in our next edition. Early bird tickets for TMF's 10th anniversary go on sale soon! www.facebook.com/TireeMusicFestival :: photo by Alan Peebles

INSIDE: MCN Scottish Festival :: HebCelt ::

True North :: Belladrum :: Edinburgh International Festival :: Blas :: Festival 2018 ..... PLUS our Scottish music festival listings www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

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music news scotland - FESTIVALS!

www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

tickets @ www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/tickets2018/ fb @ www.facebook.com/belladrum/

fb @ www.facebook.com/partyinthepark tweet @ www.twitter.com/pitpbathgate

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

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

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If you like your classic rock loud mixed with some equally loud motorbikes head for Ingliston Edinburgh :: 21-22 July :: www.mcnscottishfestival.co.uk/live-music/4594106020 TICKETS @ www.mcnscottishfestival.co.uk/tickets/4594062655 The MCN Scottish Festival takes place on 21-22 July at The Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston in Edinburgh. The event promises a weekend of biking bliss with lots of classic rock music too! It sees live music from four top bands throughout the weekend with music both throughout the day and as evening entertainment for weekend campers. Tickets and full details on the links above.

First off there's Dirty Harry - Formed in Edinburgh in early 2011, The band was borne out of singing doctor, Sarah Kennedy’s desire to create a act which could play homage to everyone’s favourite rock goddess, Debbie Harry and to the band who practically invented Power Pop, Blondie. Nearly four decades after Blondie emerged onto the anarchic Shardlake downtown New York punk scene Sarah struck gold on Gumtree and found four of Edinburgh’s finest musicians to complete the line up. In the They’ll be turning it up to 11 with some of the greatest rock anthems of annuls of rock Blondie is unique; their back catalogue has proven to be all time – from AC/DC to Led Zeppelin and from Rainbow to Guns ‘n’ timeless and with Ms Harry at the front, whats not to like guys!

Roses! www.facebook.com/dirtyharryblondietribute www.facebook.com/ShardlakeRock Just Jovi is the result of a six month long nuclear reaction that took place in Edinburgh during 2016. Six men; a scientist, an engineer, three Dead Broke & Dirty are a newly minted power house of a band that play a form of bluesy rock 'n' roll that will wow any crowd that likes their IT guys and a nurse collided in a process of fusion, with just a little music raw. Fronted by Janis Joplin sound-a-like Sara and driven by Wilko fission along the way. When the dust settled, Just Jovi emerged as one Johnston influenced guitarist Phil both ably backed by the engine room seamless entity. Experts say there are only two ways to tell the that is Ru and Anne on drums and bass they play a wide variety of difference between Just Jovi and Bon Jovi. The first is to listen to the classics from the likes of Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, Rolling Stones, accents in between songs. If they are Scottish, it’s Just Jovi.

T-Rex, Depeche Mode and Ted Nugent. www.facebook.com/joviscotland www.facebook.com/deadbrokeanddirty If you like your rock heavy, your guitars loud and your vocals spinewww.mcnscottishfestival.co.uk tingling then Shardlake will be right up your street. This electrifying five-piece from Glasgow are one of Scotland’s top classic rock bands. www.facebook.com/mcnscottishfestival

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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music news scotland - FESTIVALS!

www.glasgowamericana.com

www.scarybiscuits.com fb @ www.facebook.com/ScaryBiscuitsPromotions tweet @ www.twitter.com/Scaryb

www.fringebythesea.com

fb @ www.facebook.com/thehotseats promoter @ www.brookfield-knights.com

fb @ www.facebook.com/Glasgow-Americana-137637266274105 tickets @ www.tickets-scotland.com

www.brookfield-knights.com fb @ www.facebook.com/BrookfieldKnights promoter @ www.brookfield-knights.com

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

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HebCelt Inspires Hong Kong Festival Ambitions Stornoway :: 18-21 July :: www.hebceltfest.com Tickets @ www.hebceltfest.com/booking/

The internationally-renowned Hebridean Celtic Festival opened for the 23rd time on Wednesday 18 July and has already proven inspirational for some overseas visitors.

A delegation from Sha Lo Wan, a village of just 50 people in Lantau Island, Hong Kong, has travelled to Stornoway to learn from HebCelt ahead of hosting its first music, dance and drama festival in November.

Artistic director Dr Vicki Ooi and Oscar Fung, of AFTEC (the Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection), watched the final preparations for HebCelt this week and will enjoy the opening two days of the award-winning festival, which runs until Saturday night.

The Hong Kong visitors were also able to question HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan in a meeting arranged by Steve Taylor, an environmentalist and economic development advisor who has worked with major events including HebCelt, T in the Park, the Lake of Stars Festival in Malawi and Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games Festival.

He said it has been a great experience for the visitors: “It’s been fascinating for them to see the festival being set up and find out about things like community support and raising funds.

“They have learned a lot already and will take home many ideas, including the fact that festivals can create many opportunities for a small community, including jobs.”

Sha Lo Wan is accessible only by foot and ferry and suffers from depopulation and a fragile economy. The villagers decided to organise a festival and develop it as a cultural hub to help regenerate the area, using HebCelt as a model of using traditional culture as an asset.

HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan; Dr Vicki Ooi; Steve Taylor; festival site manager Iain Macphail; Oscar Fung

less than 1,000 fans, to an international showpiece which welcomes an annual audience of around 16,000. In that time, it has generated well in excess of £20 million for the local economy.

The festival has won a number of awards, including five in the last few months for its economic, cultural and environmental success and is a strong promoter of the Gaelic language HebCelt is a not-for-profit charitable event firmly and culture. rooted within its community and is almost Caroline Maclennan said: “It was a pleasure entirely managed by voluntary effort. to welcome our visitors from Sha Lo Wan and It has grown from a small gathering attracting hopefully their visit here will give them some

ideas and encouragement to get their own festival established.”

The 2018 HebCelt is being held from 18-21 July and will be headlined by Deacon Blue, The Fratellis, Eddi Reader, Skipinnish and Roddy Woomble.

Day tickets are still available from the festival shop and website. Stay connected with all the festival’s news on the links below.

www.hebceltfest.com

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

tickets @ www.perthshireamber.com fb @ www.facebook.com/perthshireamberfestival

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

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Post-rock legends Mogwai to headline True North festival Aberdeen :: 20-23 September :: www.truenorthfestival.co.uk TICKETS @ www.truenorthfestival.co.uk/buy-tickets/

Aberdeen’s awardwinning music festival True North will, this year, see rockers Mogwai take to the stage at His Majesty’s Theatre in what is set to be an unmissable gig for fans.

The festival, which runs from 20-23 September, announced a curated line-up of extraordinary talent which also includes Mogwai Glasvegas, Tracyanne and Danny, Magic Numbers and Mull Historical Society, as well as a very special tribute to the music of David Bowie by Camille O’Sullivan and some of the country’s finest musicians.

Mogwai :: www.facebook.com/mogwai

The beautiful surroundings of Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre hosts one of our festival gigs this year.

Friday evening’s headline event is the inimitable duo of Tracyanne & Danny. Featuring the talents Renowned for their powerful performances, HMT of Tracyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura and will provide a unique setting for Mogwai to Crybaby’s Danny Couglan, the duo performs for showcase their musical prowess on Saturday the first time in the North-east fresh from a September 22. Their style is characterised by summer tour to the United States and a range of creating mainly instrumental, guitar-led epic festival appearances. works of dynamic contrasts and wild effects. The gig will be curated by the band themselves, who Festival-goers can rock the night away with will select special guest artists to open the show. three late night gigs at the Lemon Tree featuring The Magic Numbers (Friday, September 21) and Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive, Jane Mull Historical Society (Saturday, September Spiers, said: “The juxtaposition of the sheer 22), before Glasgow indie outfit Glasvegas close sonic force of Mogwai in the elegant setting of the festival on Sunday following the release of His Majesty’s Theatre, will be a unique their critically acclaimed third studio album, opportunity and promises to be a must-see for “Later…When the TV Turns to Static”. BBC Radio fans. It is a huge coup for True North to secure Scotland’s Vic Galloway will also be on hand on this fantastic band to headline our fourth Saturday with a special True North DJ set. festival.”

Further artists and a programme of A major highlight of each of the preceding performances in unique locations across the city festivals, has been the curated concert will be announced soon. celebrating the work of a legendary artist or band using the cream of UK musical talent to True North is a contemporary, urban music reimagine, reinterpret and celebrate their work. festival which reflects the unique culturing Having explored the music of Neil Young, Kate offering of Aberdeen. Having been named Best Bush and Fleetwood Mac in the past, this year Cultural Festival or Event in the 2017 Aberdeen the festival tackles one of the most innovative, City and Shire Tourism awards, the festival has charismatic and talented of them all as Irish now been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2018 vocalist Camille O’Sullivan brings together a line- Scottish Culture Awards, beating off competition up of stars to perform the work of David Bowie. from hundreds of entrants to reach the final four in the Cultural Event of the Year category.

The concert will take place at His Majesty’s Winners will be announced in September. True Theatre on Sunday 23 September. Ben Torrie, North’s home venue, The Lemon Tree, has also Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Director of been nominated in the Scottish Culture Awards, Programming and Creative Projects said: in the Best Performing Arts venue category.

“Camille O’Sullivan is a multi-talented performer.

She brings an element of theatricality and Jane Spiers added: “True North is now in its performance, as well as stunning vocals, to all fourth year, and the event has really hit its her work which therefore makes her the perfect stride with a packed line up of quality musical choice for celebrating the work of David Bowie. talent. It’s going to be a great weekend for Her connections across the industry will ensure a music fans from the North-east, as well as being wonderful line-up of talent to perform with her the perfect excuse to travel to the city for the during this unmissable concert.” weekend and explore all it has to offer.

True North will open on Thursday, 20 September at the Lemon Tree with soon to be announced bill featuring some of the country’s leading new rock bands.

Mull Historical Society :: www.facebook.com/mullhistorical

creating this vibrant, quality festival in Aberdeen. We really believe in the importance of The Lemon Tree as a venue in Aberdeen and it is wonderful that it has also been recognised in this way.”

Tickets for True North are on sale now. Tickets range from £10 and multi-buy discounts are available. They can be bought online at the link above or in person at the Box Office at HMT or The Lemon Tree, or by phone on 01224 641122.

www.truenorthfestival.co.uk

www.twitter.com/TrueNorth_Fest www.facebook.com/TrueNorthFest

“True North is continuing to grow as an event and we are delighted to have been recognised by the Scottish Culture Awards. It is a real testament to the hard work that goes in to

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fb @ www.facebook.com/saorpatrol tweet @ www.twitter.com/saorpatrol

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eddiemacarthur@yahoo.com web @ www.stealthrecordingstudio.com fb @ www.facebook.com/Stealth-Recording-Studios-Glasgow-139120912802457/

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

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tweet @ www.twitter.com/elektraspell fb @ www.facebook.com/pg/emmaformansingersongwriter

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Tribute To Frightened Rabbit’s Scott the Hutchison To Be Held At Belladrum mns Beauly in Inverness-shire :: 2-4 August :: www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

collection ….

TICKETS @ www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/tickets2018/

Frightened Rabbit :: www.facebook.com/frightenedrabbit

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival from 2-4 August is set to pay tribute to Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit this August. The band were due to headline the Hot House stage where they were to perform their seminal album ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ in full.

partner with their chosen charity to become our official Belladrum 2019 charity, details of which will be announced shortly.

“Following suggestions from fans and our own deliberations we felt that a tribute to Scott and the band would be more appropriate than any other course of action,” said promoter Joe Gibbs.

“Playing the album live will be a chance for everyone to come together to pay tribute to and remember both Scott and the band’s outstanding contribution to Scottish music.”

SAMH Director of External Affairs Jo Anderson said:

Devastatingly Scott passed away in May this year and “A huge thank you to Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, who are raising money for SAMH during a his loss has been felt throughout the music tribute to Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit. community by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Frightened Rabbit have always been firm favourites at “All of us at SAMH were really sad to hear of Scott’s death. The outpouring of support we have received Belladrum and had a special place in the hearts of from the public in memory of Scott has been hugely festival goers and our extended festival family. The band had previously appeared at Belladrum in 2008, inspiring, many of whom were keen to “make tiny changes to earth”.

2012 and 2014, with Scott also making a now legendary impromptu solo acoustic performance in the Tomatin Whisky Bothy at the 2012 event.

‘We have grown with Belladrum, we started off in a small tent here and then we have gone up and up every time. It’s down to Belladrum giving us the chance to do that and the chance to say yeah we are a main stage act.’ Said Scott Hutchison at Belladrum 2014.

Rather than look to find a band to replace Frightened Rabbit, Belladrum will play the band’s album ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’ in full with a video tribute to Scott in the headline slot. Alongside the audio-visual album playback, there will be a collection for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) the charity chosen by Frightened Rabbit. A donation will also be made by Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and we will be working alongside the Frightened Rabbit team to

“Scott’s lyrics have clearly resonated with many, and we hope Frightened Rabbit fans attending Belladrum will be encouraged to open up and talk, something Scott did through his music.

“This is a fitting way for Belladrum and the festival family to commemorate Scott. We will put this generous contribution to good work, and be there for people when they need us.”

SAMH is the Scottish Association for Mental Health, a charity working across Scotland, visit www.samh.org.uk

www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk www.facebook.com/belladrum www.twitter.com/BelladrumFest

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.hittheroad.org.uk info@hittheroad.org.uk www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland

www.summerhall.co.uk

fb @ www.facebook.com/nothingeverhappensheresummerhall tweet @ www.twitter.com/NEHHSH

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www.fallenangelsclub.com fb @ www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fallen-Angels-Club/149553931728736 tickets @ www.tickets-scotland.com

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15,000 free tickets released for Edinburgh International Festival’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Opening Event: Five Telegrams TICKETS @ www.eif.co.uk/whats-on/2018/fivetelegrams

The Edinburgh International Festival has 15,000 free tickets to give away for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Opening Event: Five Telegrams and they are available now on the weblink above.

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Opening Event: Five Telegrams is an outdoor performance created by composer Anna Meredith and 59 Productions, comprising largescale illuminations and projections on the Usher Hall and a new work for orchestra and chorus which opens the International Festival on the 3 August, 10.30pm.

experience the event from a dedicated arena in Festival Square, from which they can view 59 Productions’ projected animations on the outside of the Usher Hall, and hear the score composed

by Anna Meredith. In a new move, this year’s Opening Event includes a live performance element for the first time, featuring hundreds of local young people who will bring Five Telegrams to life within the Square.

The event marks both the centenary of the end of the First World War and celebrates Scotland’s Year of Young People. In an addition to young people taking part in the event, it has been codesigned by young people, providing a poignant reflection on the thousands of young lives lost in the First World War.

The Edinburgh International Festival is also pleased to announce that the title sponsorship of the Opening Event has been renewed for a further three years, and will continue with Aberdeen Standard Investments from 2019 to very start; we've shared ideas and themes that 2021.

Anna has graciously taken into her composition.

International Festival Director Fergus We’ve also worked for the very first time with A major co-commission between the Linehan, said: “Collaboration sits right at the some brilliant emerging designers from International Festival, 14-18 NOW the UK’s arts heart of this event, whether in the creation of Edinburgh College of Art on costumes for the programme for the First World War centenary, Five Telegrams by Anna Meredith and 59 live performance, as well as researching the and BBC Proms, the Aberdeen Standard Productions, our co-commissioning of this new First World War thematic ideas with our Investments Opening Event: Five Telegrams work with 14-18 Now and the BBC Proms, commissioners at 14-18 NOW. Bringing all of welcomes both Edinburgh residents and visitors, through to partnerships with the many these elements together for the 3 August opening both the International Festival and the supporters who make this event possible. Over Opening Event we hope that audiences will find city’s world-renowned festival season. the last few years, the Opening Event has grown Five Telegrams both boldly eye-catching as well to become a multi-partner project and I’d like to Five Telegrams is a twenty-five minute work in as thought-provoking". five movements, bringing together a symphony say thank you to all of them – Aberdeen Standard Investments, Scotland’s Year of Young Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of orchestra, youth chorus, and large-scale People through Event Scotland, the University of Events, said: “In the Year of Young People illuminations and projections at Edinburgh’s 2018, it is fantastic to see young people playing Edinburgh, Blue-i Theatre Technology and iconic Usher Hall. Each of the five movements a central role in the Opening Event of the worldMclcreate." reflects on modes of communication during the renowned Edinburgh International Festival. period of the First World War and how it Richard Slaney, Director of Five Telegrams, Through their involvement behind the scenes, in resonates today. Anna Meredith and Richard said: "Five Telegrams is a huge collaboration, costume design and performing as part of a 250 Slaney from 59 Productions have explored and the fact that we can welcome 15,000 people strong youth choir, our young people will communications carrying messages from the to come and experience it for free to kick off the present their amazing talents for the whole period and identified themes during site visits to opening of this year's Edinburgh International world to see.

The Imperial War Museum throughout the Festival, mirrors the coming together of the creation and development period. commission itself. 59 Productions has been www.eif.co.uk/whats-on/2018/fivetelegrams working closely with Anna Meredith since the Lothian Road will close, allowing audiences to

www.revealrecords.co.uk

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

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

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Blas celebrates Scotland’s young musicians with extravaganza featuring over 1,000 young people in 'Year of Young People 2018' Highlands :: 7-15 September :: www.blas-festival.com TICKETS @ www.blas-festival.com/festival

The programme for this year’s Blas Festival has been launched and revealed an outstanding line up of musicians from Scotland and further afield as well as some exciting opportunities for budding young musicians and composers.

At the Blas festival launch :: back row - George Stoddart, BLAS Festival Board Chairman, Councillor Kirsteen Currie, Verity Blanchard, Event Scotland, Nick Firth, Feisean nan Gàidheal, Lachie Robinson, BLAS Festival Young Ambassador, Cllr Bill Lobban, Calum A Macmillan, Fèisean nan Gàidheal. Front row - Janet MacVicar, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Alix Aburn, BLAS Festival Steering group

Blas, which means ‘taste’ or ‘sample’, is organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with The Highland Council and will take place from 7-15 September. It aims to celebrate Gaelic culture and the thriving Scottish traditional music scene over nine days of concerts, cèilidhs and larger events in venues across the Highlands and Islands. Blas has introduced some exciting opportunities for young people to design and deliver some of the main events at this year’s festival, supported by the Year of Young People 2018 event fund, managed

by EventScotland, part of VistScotland’s Events Excellence in Traditional Music. The talented Directorate. youngsters will take to the stage with the bands they have chosen including traditional music Headline acts at this year’s Blas, which takes supergroups Skipinnish, Trail West and Breabach place at venues from Bernera to Applecross and along with Brìghde Chaimbeul. A new Gaelic Portree to Portmahomack, include Gaelic singer song written by Glasgow-based Gaelic student, Julie Fowlis, two previous winners of BBC Radio Robbie MacLeòid, will be performed by every 2 Young Folk Awards, Mischa Macpherson and single musician taking part in the concert, the Brìghde Chaimbeul, Celtic rock group Wolfstone, largest event Fèisean nan Gàidheal will have who will perform at Blas for the first time, organised in its 30-year history. award-winning folk band Breabach, young electronic Celtic fusion group, Niteworks and the Another young musician offered an exciting highly-acclaimed RURA. opportunity during the festival is Gaelic singer, Mischa Macpherson from Lewis. Mischa, who won Two icons of Gaelic culture, Alasdair Gillies and the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in Dolina Maclennan, will be celebrating their 80th 2014, will perform her new commission, birthdays with special events in Skye and Lewis sponsored by Thorntons Investments, several featuring hand-picked artistes. And as Runrig times during Blas. Bho Èirigh gu Laighe na embark on their Final Mile, Trail West will Grèine – Sun, Moon, Land, Life, Sea, is a suite of celebrate 40 years since the release of the new Gaelic songs, incorporating ancient Gaelic band’s ground-breaking Play Gaelic, playing the poetry, photography and short films. songs from that album at two concerts during the festival.

One of the Blas Festival’s youth ambassadors, Lachie Robinson, said: “It is great to be involved Although young people have always featured in in putting together this year’s Blas Festival and Blas, in this Year of Young People the festival will to have such an exciting programme to look do more than ever to showcase the wealth of forward to with some of the acts most admired talent amongst Highland youngsters. Up and by young people involved in playing traditional coming young musicians will feature in the music. Òran Mòr is going to be awesome and majority of events and young people will gain myself and my young colleagues, are so looking invaluable marketing and event management forward to being part of that and other events experience through their key role in the during the Blas Festival.” organisation and promotion of this year’s festival which will be a major celebration of young Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “In people. this Year of Young People it is great to see the Blas Festival showcasing the talent of so many Following a Ceòl nam Fèis showcase concert at young performers and creating new the Spa Pavilion in Strathpeffer on Friday 14 opportunities for the next generation of September, Blas will culminate in an enormous musicians and composers. concert at the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness on Saturday 15th; Òran Mòr meaning “This year’s programme, with its outstanding Great (or Big) Song, will feature over 1,000 cèilidhs, concerts and other events delivered young musicians from Fèisean across Scotland with the help of youth ambassadors, will as well as various youth music groups and celebrate and promote Highland culture to initiatives including the Highland Council Youth audiences coming from far and wide.

Music Groups and the National Centre of

“Blas represents a key part of the Highland cultural exchange and the Scottish Government is committed to further supporting its growth, which will enrich Scotland’s cultural life and contribute to the promotion of Gaelic in Scotland.”

Councillor Alister Mackinnon, Chair of the Gaelic Strategy and Implementation Group and Chair of Corporate Resources, Highland Council, said: “The Highland Council has supported the Blas Festival since its inception 13 years ago. The first Blas Festival took place in 2005, it has developed since then, but has still managed to maintain, at its heart, the original Gaelic cultural uniqueness which sees internationally acclaimed artists share the stage with homegrown young musical talent. This year’s Blas programme is exciting, engaging, and educational, especially as we celebrate the Year of Young People. We urge people to attend at least one event and find out for themselves how special and enjoyable this festival of Gaelic music and culture is.”

Ann Marie Reid, Senior Development Manager, Highlands and Islands Enterprise added: “We are delighted to support the Blas Festival which is such an important event for communities across Scotland. It enables young people to increase their skills and confidence as well as showcase their talents while spotlighting the region for visitors and local people to celebrate Highland and Gaelic culture.”

The programme of events and full festival programme can be found at the Blas website along with details of how to purchase tickets, including special prices for Young Scot cardholders.

www.blas-festival.com

www.twitter.com/blasfestival www.facebook.com/blasfestival

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www.glasgowamericana.com

www.almostbluepromotions.com tickets @ www.almostbluepromotions.com/online-store fb @ www.facebook.com/AlmostBluePromotions

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

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Scotland and German-based musicians join forces for a UK-first project as part of 'Festival 2018' in Glasgow Glasgow :: 1-12 August :: www.festival2018glasgow.com TICKETS @ www.festival2018glasgow.com/brochure/

As part of Festival 2018, the cultural programme for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships, Glasgow will become the first UK city to contribute to the British Council online music platform ‘Mix the City’ – an awardwinning interactive musical experience connecting music, cities, creativity and people.

feels unique and soundtracks the flow of a charismatic and innovative city.”

Twelve top musicians who are all Glasgow based The same project is taking place in Berlin, the have been filmed performing at twelve muchco-host city for the 2018 European loved locations around Glasgow to contribute to Championships, as part of the cultural the online interactive musical platform. programme realised by the Senate of Interior and Sports.

Mix the City allows anyone anywhere to create their own music videos of cultural capitals by Christian Morin from PopKultur and curator mixing audio-visual samples of local musicians of Mix the City Berlin, said: “The work on Mix recorded at signature landmarks. Each mix the City once again showed how unique and generates a video combining the unique sights diverse Berlin’s music scene is. East and Westand sounds of the urban experience that is socialisation, Expats, new-Berliners and locals specific to that cultural city. and many artists from a fantastic creative The music line-up for Glasgow’s Mix the City has breeding ground. You can hear, feel and see been curated by Alun Woodward (The Delgados, that in Mix the City – the unique Berlin-sound.”

Chemikal Underground Records) and features When the platform goes live in July, it will be the notable musicians including Kathryn Joseph, RM first time that the two cities have been able to Hubbert and Ela Orleans. be ‘mixed’ – virtually bringing together the Glasgow and Berlin musicians. Woodward will Glasgow’s curator Alun Woodward, said: also make a Curator’s Mix that will be “Curating Mix The City has been a really permanently on the Mix the City website. interesting and enlightening experience. There was a generosity of spirit amongst the musicians Scottish musicians filmed in a mix of indoor and who were happy to dodge snow, traffic, seagulls outdoor locations to show off the city, including and excited curious children to make something The Barrowlands Ballroom, Kelvingrove Art weird and wonderful. The music they created Gallery and Museum and the Necropolis.

German performers include Apparat, Jochen Arbeit (Einstürzende Neubauten), Gemma Ray and the Berlin video snippets feature locations across the city including Karl Marx Strasse and the city’s famous Volksbühne theatre.

A free live event called Mix the City Live will bring the project to life during Festival 2018, with some of the contributing Glasgow and Berlin musicians performing on George Square on Friday 3 August.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This exciting Festival 2018 project celebrates Glasgow and Scotland’s cultural links with Berlin and Europe through a shared appreciation of music. It’s fantastic to see artists from both Host Cities come together as a result of the first ever European Championships.”

This project is just one of the cultural collaborations between the two host cities, with each collaborative project complementing the sporting and cultural ties that already exist and will develop in the lead up to and during the Championships.

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SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com JULY Tiree Music Festival Isle of Tiree 13-15 July 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. Brand-new to TMF 2018 will be the ELEVATE STAGE. This new outdoor stage will showcase the best talent on the Scottish music scene with its line-up focusing on up-and-coming Scottish artists. www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk

www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

Blas

Fringe by the Sea

Highlands 7-15 September

North Berwick 3-12 August Fringe By The Sea, North Berwick’s “creative and quirky” festival, has a full programme for the 11th year presenting 168 events over ten days.

The new management have built on the festival’s formidable reputation consummate programming whilst retaining the belief that ‘small is beautiful’, with intimate performances from big names. www.fringebythesea.com

Edinburgh Summer Sessions

Edinburgh 6-19 August Doune the Rabbit Hole Set to be part of music festival history, acts will take to the stage in one of the most beautiful Lake of Mentieth (Stirling) live music locations in the world; the Ross 13-15 July Bandstand, with the breath-taking backdrop of The festival has once again teamed up with Scottish gig promoter Synergy Concerts bringing Edinburgh Castle. This new era in Scotland’s music scene provides a unique music strand to together exclusive international bands, UK acts Edinburgh’s Fringe. and the cream of Scotland’s independent/DIY www.smmrsessions.com scene. The lineup also features Levellers who play their only Scottish date at Doune the Rabbit Hole to celebrate their 30th anniversary Party at The Palace www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk Linlithgow 11-12 August Hebridean Celtic Festival Following it's biggest event to date, Party at The Palace is back for its fifth year in 2018. The Hebrides award winning 2 day party will take place on 18-21 July Four day festival set against the unique backdrop Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August in of the the Hebrides. Organised by the HCF Trust, Linlithgow. It’s only 20 mins from Edinburgh and 35mins from Glasgow, making it one of the most this first festival was held in 1996 and now regularly attracts attendances of 14,000 over its easily accessible music festivals in Scotland. www.partyatthepalace.co.uk four day run. Wild, but not a bit woolly, this festival has built up a fabulously loyal audience locally and from across the world, many of whom Electric Fields have Hebridean ties, many of whom just love Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries & Galloway coming here and joining in the great party.

30 Aug - 1 Sept www.hebceltfest.com Electric Fields, Scotland’s best small festival, has announced that Public Service Broadcasting, MCN Scottish RIDE, The Horrors, Hollie Cook, Dream Wife, The Orielles, Halo Maud, Feet, Makeness, Motorcycle Festival WomenSaid and Scope will be joining them at Edinburgh this year’s festival.

21-22 July www.electricfieldsfestival.com The all-new MCN Scottish Motorcycle Festival takes place at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. The festival sees live music from top Lindisfarne Festival bands throughout the weekend, with music both Beal Farm, Berwick-upon-Tweed 30 August - 2 September throughout the day and as evening Following a successful Lindisfarne Festival 2017, entertainment for weekend campers. Bands which saw a 38% increase in attendees from the booked so far include: Dirty Harry, Just Jovi , Shardlake and Dead Broke & Dirty. The two day previous year and a 3500+ strong crowd, organisers are giving festivalgoers and event will also bring together the best of biking businesses an opportunity to get more involved plus a whole host of other live entertainment and shape the future of the Northumberland throughout the weekend. www.mcnscottishfestival.co.uk/live-music/ music & arts festival by launching an exciting crowdfunding campaign for the 2018 festival. www.lindisfarnefestival.com

AUGUST

Belladrum Festival Beauly 2-4 August 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 all-ages approach. The festival won a VisitScotland Thistle Award in 2009 and is a past winner of the Grassroots Festival Award at the UK Festival Awards, the festival industry’s ‘Oscars’.

Midstock Festival Dalkeith 31 August - 1 September Midstock Festival will take place on Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September 2018 and an eclectic mix of bands and artists will take to the stage over the two dates. www.midstockfestival.com

SEPTEMBER

The programme for this year’s Blas Festival has been launched and revealed an outstanding line up of musicians from Scotland and further afield as well as some exciting opportunities for budding young musicians and composers. www.blas-festival.com

True North Aberdeen 20-23 September The festival, which runs from 20-23 September, announced a curated line-up of extraordinary talent which also includes Mogwai Glasvegas, Tracyanne and Danny, Magic Numbers and Mull Historical Society, as well as a very special tribute to the music of David Bowie by Camille O’Sullivan and some of the country’s finest musicians. www.truenorthfestival.co.uk

NOVEMBER Perthshire Amber The Dougie MacLean Festival Perthshire 2-4 November The Perthshire Amber Festival brings together many musicians and entertainers from different parts of the world. This unique festival shares Dougie’s inspiring music, celebrates the history and culture of Perthshire and showcases the beautiful scenery. The concerts are staged in a variety of wonderful venues from prestigious theatres to atmospheric Dunkeld Cathedral. www.perthshireamber.com

Scots Fiddle Festival Edinburgh 16-18 November Fiddle 2018 is moving to The Pleasance - the well-known music and Fringe venue, owned by The University of Edinburgh. It has recently had a £6 million refurbishment, taking its facilities to a new level, with greater accessibility and space options, enabling the Scots Fiddle Festival to take place in one location. www.scotsfiddlefestival.com

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