MNS FESTIVALS!

Festivals!

Scotland's Music

the Scottish music festival supplement from MUSIC NEWS Scotland

Karine Polwart

(pictured)

brings her 'Scottish Songbook' night to Paisley's The Spree festival this month - read all about it on page 12 www.karinepolwart.com www.thespree.co.uk :: photo by Sandy Butler

INSIDE :: True North :: Edinburgh Multicultural Festival :: Glasgow Americana :: Cumnock Tryst :: Celtic Connections : The Spree :: Gallus Jazz :: Royal National Mod :: Lindisfarne .... PLUS our festival listings section!

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music news scotland - FESTIVALS!

GLASGOW AMERICANA 2019

web @ www.glasgowamericana.com tweet @ www.twitter.com/KevoMorris facebook @ www.facebook.com/Glasgow-Americana-137637266274105

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True North rips it up at the Music Hall to close 2019 festival weekend Aberdeen :: www.facebook.com/TrueNorthFest An amazing weekend of live music was brought to a close as Aberdeen’s True North Festival hosted an unforgettable celebration of Scottish pop music with Rip it Up Live.

The one-off performance, commissioned by Aberdeen Performing Arts and curated by Vic Galloway, brought together a who’s who of Scottish performers including Claire Grogan of Altered Images, King Creosote, Emma Pollock from The Delgados, Richard Jobson of The Skids, Fay Fyfe and Eugene Reynolds of The Rezillos, Aberdeen’s own Kathryn Joseph, Honeyblood’s Stina Tweeddale, C Duncan, and Ross Leighton (Fatherson) performing some of their favourite songs from seven decades of Scottish pop.

Over 40 acts including The Twilight Sad, Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert, Shame, Neon Waltz, Bill Ryder-Jones and Self Esteem descended on the city for four days of music across six different venues in the heart of the city from Thursday, September 19 to Sunday, September 22.

The festival attracted fans from all across the world, with visitors from as far afield as the United States, France, Spain, Germany, Israel and Japan, as well as the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, travelling to the city for True North events.

Vic Galloway curates the Rip it Up Live at True North

Local musicians were also at the heart of the action, and family events such as Mini Manoeuvres and My First Gig provided entertainment for younger music fans.

truly varied range of acts.

“Our Project Band participants did a great job, and the popularity of events such as My First Gig just show how many young people in the area are keen to get involved with live music.

The party atmosphere continued into the night as electro afro-funk band Ibibio Sound Machine “There have been so many special moments. officially closed True North at the Lemon Tree on Our headline acts have been outstanding this Sunday. year, the Lemon Tree has had amazing, Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive, energetic performances every night, and on top of that it’s wonderful to see so many new and up Jane Spiers, said: “True North just keeps and coming musicians and singers given a getting better. We’ve had a real international platform to perform.” audience, with people travelling to Aberdeen from all over the world to enjoy the festival.

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth

“Having the Music Hall back for this year’s True www.twitter.com/TrueNorth_Fest North has meant that we had more performance www.facebook.com/TrueNorthFest spaces, giving us the freedom to programme a

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.gyoms.com

www.edmcf.co.uk www.twitter.com/edmcfest www.facebook.com/Edinburgh-Multicultural-Festival-100568981329642

www.tmsa.org.uk

office@tmsa.org.uk

www.facebook.com/TMSAScotland www.twitter.com/TMSAScotland

fb @ www.facebook.com/Edinburgh-Multicultural-Festival-100568981329642 tweet @ www.twitter.com/edmcfest

facebook @ www.facebook.com/TMSAScotland tweet @ www.twitter.com/TMSAScotland

www.thespree.co.uk tix @ www.thespree.co.uk fb @ www.facebook.com/thespreefestival

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Connections CIC Presents .....

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival Music, dance, storytelling, films and audio visual celebration of Edinburgh’s multicultural communities

Edinburgh :: 4-6 October :: www.edinburghmulticulturalfestival.co.uk BUY YOUR TICKETS @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/african-connections-cic-26106604903

African Connections CIC (an Edinburgh-based community interest company promoting diversity through performing arts is running (as we go to press) the very first Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, from 4-6 October.

AD Morgan Njobo with Gnawa and Sowhereto

:: photo by Kate Soltan

The festival programme featured a bright array of Edinburgh’s diverse talent with spoken word, poetry, music, dance and visual arts created by African, Asian and Eastern European artists living in the capital.

The festival also presented two international acts: albino Malawian singer and canjo player Lazarus, and Sowhereto Africa, a South African dance and music show promoting street talent from the township of Soweto (previously performed at Edinburgh’s Dance Base and the Studio).

A poetry and storytelling programme was curated by Nadine Aisha Jassat, with storytellers Fong Liu and Daiva Ivanauskaitė, while the weekend featured musicians including Samba Sene & Diwan (Sengalese Mbalax/Afrobeat/ska fusion), rappers Billy Got Waves & Joell, Moroccan grooves from Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion and Bollywood//Indian classical music from Swaryatra; the dance programme on Saturday includes Scotland’s leading Indian dance group Dance Ihayami, a range of African dances from Sankofa Beats, plus Olga Kay, Iraya Noble, Pirita Tuisku, and many more.

There was also a specially curated short films programme and a specially created installation

by Polish audio visual artist Robert Motyka, inspired by diverse cultures and identities.

The events are taking place across 2 venues in north Edinburgh – creative writing, poetry and storytelling at Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, with the main programme taking place at Edinburgh College, Granton Campus, in the open café space (unticketed) and the PASS Theatre.

There were opportunities for audiences to mix with performers and community organisations, to share their experiences and find out more about how to be involved in cross-community activities.

creative writing :: Saturday 5 Oct Noon-5pm Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE (Doors 11am) DANCE inc Dance Ihayami, Sowhereto, Sankofa Beats :: Sunday 6 Oct Noon-5pm Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1QE (Doors 11am) MUSIC inc Lazarus, Samba Sene & Diwan, Omar Afif & Gnawa Trance Fusion - All events are free, and tickets can be reserved in advance via Eventbrite

All events are free to attend, and all age groups are welcome.

www.edmcf.co.uk

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival director, Morgan Njobo, says:

www.twitter.com/edmcfest www.edinburghmulticulturalfestival.co.uk www.facebook.com/Edinburgh-Multicultural-Festival-100568981329642

With this programme we would like to celebrate Edinburgh’s diverse multicultural talent and its contribution to the cultural life of the city. As a South African artist living in Edinburgh, I feel privileged to be able to present an eclectic programme that aims to engage local communities and increase access to arts and entertainment in the north of Edinburgh. We are collaborating with artists whose work is influenced by African, Asian and Eastern European cultures and we wish for all Edinburgh residents engage with our diverse performing arts and visual arts scene and enjoy the benefits of diversity brought by the artists involved.

It is hoped that Edinburgh Multicultural Festival 2019 will be the first of many, growing over the years, contributing to promoting tolerance and inclusivity across Edinburgh and beyond.

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival is delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College, PASS Theatre and Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, and supported by City of Edinburgh Council.

Gnawa and Sowhereto

:: photo by Kate Soltan

GIGnotes :: Friday 4 Oct 2 - 5pm Drumbrae Library and Community Hub, 81 Drum Brae Dr, Edinburgh EH4 7FE Storytelling, poetry and

Iraya Noble

:: photo by Kate Soltan

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

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Glasgow Americana is a Teenager Glasgow :: 2-6 October :: www.glasgowamericana.com BUY YOUR TICKETS @ www.glasgowamericana.com

Glasgow Americana returns with yet another strong and varied line up between the 2-6 October. They have 9 concerts at 6 different venues over the 5 day period and are looking forward to hosting their first ever workshop with The Orphan Brigade featuring Ben Glover, Neilson Hubbard and Joshua Britt.

singer Mark McGowan playing a headline show in Mono Café Bar. Mark has a voice that keeps one ear firmly in working class Glasgow, yet transports the other to the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early 60’s.

The opening gig featured talent from very close to home with the wonderful Rachel Sermanni whose new album, "So It Turns" was released on the 23 August this year. Opening up the show was the very gifted Canadian singer song writer, Rose Cousins from Prince Edward Island.

Now as this edition of MNS FESTIVLAS! went to press on Saturday 5 October, GA have an extremely busy day starting off at noon with the afore mentioned Orphan Brigade workshop and 3 other concerts. GA will again be found in The Glad Café for a double header matinee show with English singer song writer Jess Morgan and one of the most underrated singer song writers of our genre in Nels Andrews.

Organisers are not sure how it took them 13 festivals before they managed to get the great Rod Picott to play Glasgow Americana, but they have managed it now. Rod played on Thursday the 3 October in The Admiral Bar, in association with GA friends at Sounds In The Suburbs.

On the Friday night (4 October) there was two options of shows to attend with Glasgow based

For the other show that evening GA was on the south side of town at one of their favourite venues in The Glad Café. The show was called The Seven Song Club and as the name suggests, they had 3 acts each singing 7 songs each. The acts for this came from Scotland, England, and Ireland. Kirkcaldy's David Latto represented Scotland, Jonas & Jane were flying the flag for England with respected Belfast singer song writer Anthony Toner showing how good Irish singer song writers can be.

Sam Outlaw :: www.samoutlaw.com Chance McCoy who be playing in The Hug & Pint with Caitlin Buchanan and Mark W. Georgsson.

Chance is perhaps better know for a band for a being a member of The Old Crow Medicine Show.

The final day of Sunday 6 October will see On Saturday evening The Orphan Brigade will do yet another Seven Song Club show in The Admiral Bar, this time it will be a matinee their headline show also in The Glad Café. The show. The acts again will be from Scotland, Orphan Brigade are 3 Nashville based singer song writers in the shape of Ben Glover, Neilson England and Ireland. Scotland will be Hubbard and Joshua Britt. Their new album "To represented by Danny Kyle winner at Celtic The Edge Of The World" is due for release on the Connections this year, Elaine Lennon. Jason McNiff is a London based singer who has 27 September and features the legendary John traces of Bob Dylan in his songs and his Prime. quality voice. The Remedy Club are an Irish The other very appealing choice that evening is husband and wife Americana/Roots duo comprising Kj McEvoy & Aileen Mythen.

Bringing the curtain down on Glasgow Americana for another year will be the wonderful Sam Outlaw. Sam is a singer-songwriter living in Nashville, TN. Born Samuel Morgan in South Dakota, his stage name comes from his late mother’s maiden name. He closed our 10th Anniversary festival in 2016 and organisers are delighted to have given him the same responsibility this year.

“I am so proud of what we have achieved with Glasgow Americana over the years and to see my baby as a teenager is a very proud moment.

I would also like to thank Creative Scotland for their continued support to allow the festival to happen” said festival director, Kevin Morris.

Elaine Lennon :: www.elainelennon.com photo by Kris Kesiak

www.glasgowamericana.com www.twitter.com/KevoMorris

www.facebook.com/Glasgow-Americana-137637266274105/

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www.perthshireamber.com

dates 1-3 November, tix @ www.perthshireamber.com/index.php/tickets2 fb @ www.facebook.com/perthshireamberfestival/

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

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

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www.theorphanbrigade.com

www.birdsofchicago.com

www.facebook.com/BrownPaperTicketsUK/

www.jessmorgan.co.uk / www.nelsandrews.com

www.scarybiscuits.com

fb @ www.facebook.com/OrphanBrigade tweet @ www.facebook.com/BirdsofChicago.Official/

fb @ www.facebook.com/jessmorganmusic/ fb @ www.facebook.com/thenelsandrews/

DO YOU HAVE A NEW RELEASE? If you’d like your new release to be included in the MUSIC NEWS Scotland ‘New Release’ section and be in with a chance of being picked for the monthly MNS Top 4 spot then send your cd to: New Releases, MUSIC NEWS Scotland Romar House, Birgham, Berwickshire. TD12 4NF

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James MacMillan opens the sixth the Cumnock Tryst festival revealing mns plans for year-round 'Music Club' collection ….

Cumnock :: 3-6 October :: www.thecumnocktryst.com BUY YOUR TICKETS @ www.thecumnocktryst.com/tickets

On Thursday 3 October Sir James MacMillan opened the 2019 edition of The Cumnock Tryst festival, which runs until 6 October.

It’s the East Ayrshire festival’s 6th iteration and boasts its most diverse programme to date.

The festival takes place from 3-6 October in and around the village of Cumnock in Ayrshire, where James MacMillan grew up.

The most varied festival programme so far, this year’s concerts range from a solo recital from Scottish pianist Steven Osborne to new works from Jay Capperauld and Gillian Walker, and informal evenings at the Dumfries Arms Hotel this year including Barbara Dickson and the Farmers Choir. As ever, The Cumnock Tryst welcomes a group of musicians as its resident artists, this year Mr McFall’s Chamber and also forefronts music education as part of the main programme including the chance for audiences to see inside the compositional process in a public masterclass.

James MacMillan

:: www.facebook.com/JamesMacMillanMusic

photo by Marc Marnie

start. Please check the website in advance for availability.

Sir James MacMillan CBE, Founder and Artistic Director of the Cumnock Tryst, said: “I love planning these festivals, and I always try to make them different and let them evolve and develop from year to year. The sixth festival will have its own unique character and mood again, and the quality of Today the festival also announces The Cumnock Tryst our performers will delight our audiences. I’m also very excited about the launch of our first, all-year Music Club, resurrecting the former success of the much-loved Cumnock Music Club run by RD Hunter in round Music Club programme which shows that The Tryst is determined to spread our presence years gone by. This new project will bring fantastic, throughout the whole year.” world-class musicians to East Ayrshire year-round, not just during the festival weekend.

GIGnotes :: Friday 4 October, 12pm, Cumnock

Hannah Rarity :: www.facebook.com/hannahrarity/ Commencing on 1 December this year, the Music Club will welcome the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Piano Quartet. It will then bring the guitarists Knox and Ion Duo on 18 January, Scots folk duo Hannah Rarity and Luc McNally (pictured) on 21 February and the Hebrides Ensemble with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Voices on 28 March. The final concert of the season will see a very special trio from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra perform on 3 May in the splendor of Dumfries House, including their new Principal Conductor Maxim Emelyanychev on piano.

Tickets for the Music Club go on sale on Monday 14 October online at www.thecumnocktryst.com/ musicclub. They will also be available to purchase in person from Words of Wisdom in Cumnock, and on the door at each concert from 30 minutes before the

Luc McNally :: www.facebook.com/lucmcnallymusic/ Academy, Flow Gently? - 4.30pm, Dumfries Arms Hotel, The Cumnock Hour - 7.30pm, Old Church, Majesty Cappella Nova - 9.45pm, Dumfries Arms Hotel, Festival Club: Sax Ecosse :: Saturday 5 October - 12pm, Cumnock Academy, On the Spot, 4.30pm, New Cumnock Town Hall Afterlife 7.30pm, Trinity Church, Steven Osborne - 9.45pm, Dumfries Arms Hotel, Festival Club: The Farmers Choir :: Sunday 6 October - 11am, Congregational Church, Festival Service - 2pm & 4.30pm, Dumfries House, Festival Promenade Concert - 7.30pm, St John’s Church, Festival Finale Chorus Concert. Book at: On the door, 45 minutes before the start of each concert

www.cumnocktryst.com

www.twitter.com/TheCumnockTryst www.facebook.com/thecumnocktryst

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.birnamcd.com

www.facebook.com/BirnamCD https://twitter.com/BirnamCD

www.birnamcd.com www.birnamcdshop.com

web @ www.birnamcd.com shop @ www.birnamcdshop.com

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Celtic Connections 2020 Programme Announced Glasgow :: 16 January - 2 February :: www.celticconnections.com BUY YOUR TICKETS @ www.celticconnections.com/whats-on/calendar/

From Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 February 2020, musicians from across the world will take part in over 300 events in venues throughout Glasgow for the UK's premier celebration of celtic music Celtic Connections.

Americana, jazz, soul and world music.

The 18 days of entertainment will brighten up the dark, wet January nights with a mixture of concerts that include a host of one-off musical collaborations alongside talks, workshops, film screenings, theatre productions, ceilidhs, exhibitions, free events and late-night sessions.

From Celtic Connections home turf come major shows for Salsa Celtica, Blazin’ Fiddles, Mànran, Lau, Rura, Kinnaris, RANT, Hamish Napier, Sarah-Jane Summers and many others, who together will weave a unique tapestry of Scotland’s music.

Renowned as a musical cure for the wintertime blues, Celtic Connections 2020 will be the 27th incarnation of a festival that began in 1994, when it offered 66 events at one venue. Since then it’s grown more adventurous, experimental and diverse each year and now offers thousands of events in locations across Glasgow.

A Celebration of Women in Piping will be a cross cultural first that celebrates women in piping and will showcase female stars of this most Scottish of instruments. Those pipers include Louise Mulcahy, Alana MacInnes, Síle Friel, Máire Ní Ghráda, Marion McCarthy, Enora Morice and Robyn Ada McKay. For the Auld Lang Syne Burns celebration on 23 January, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will share the main stage in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, Jarlath Henderson and Shona Donaldson.

As always, Americana will feature large, with Iris De Ment, Sturgill Simpson, Anais Mitchell, The Lone Bellow, Frazey Ford, Della Mae and The Felice Brothers all headlining.

A quarter of a century on since the original Transatlantic Sessions programme was aired, the firm festival favourite returns with an all-star line-up.

Australian-American Guitar virtuoso and singersongwriter Tommy Emmanuel, who having performed Opening Night :: Europe’s largest winter music Grit Orchestra musicians pictured at the launch in since the age of 6 is nearly in his 6th decade playing festival will strike a rousing note when it opens in Glasgow - Su-a Lee (Cello), Paul Towndrow (Saxophone), Finlay Macdonald (Pipes), Patsy Reid January, with the world premiere of a new orchestral professionally, will take to the Transatlantic stage alongside Tennessee native and former child prodigy (Fiddle), Greg Lawson (Conductor) symphony inspired by the Declaration of Arbroath. :: photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group Composed of six brand new pieces by leading Scottish Sierra Hull. Also representing state-side is singersongwriter and multi-instrumentals Cahalen Morrison. composers, it was commissioned for Celtic Dervish lead vocalist Cathy Jordan will represent the Connections 2020 with backing from the Scottish Government’s Festival Expo Fund to mark next year’s Irish contingent while Scottish singer-songwriter with the RSNO to present the European premiere of 700th anniversary of the 1320 declaration of Scottish Rachel Sermanni will also join the line-up.

‘Sky’, a Bluegrass concerto written exclusively for independence.

Meanwhile, the spirit of Bruce Springsteen will Lark by Michael Torke. pervade the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 26 The Arbroath document famously states that “it is in Showcase Scotland :: There will also be January, as the ever-popular Roaming Roots Revue truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we Scandinavian flavour to this year’s festival. Each year are fighting, but for freedom". True to that libertarian returns for the eighth time, this year presenting Born since 2000, Celtic Connections has partnered with a To Run – a celebratory 70th-birthday tribute to The spirit, each composer was given artistic licence to different country to create new international links and Boss, featuring Lisa Hanningan, Karine Polwart, Craig respond to the declaration in their own way. All six advance opportunities for their musicians. For 2020, Finn (Hold Steady), Jonathan Wilson, Ryan Bingham, pieces will be performed at the opening concert of that international partner will be Finland, and in Celtic Connections 2020 by the Grit Orchestra, a now Phil Campbell and The Rails as well as house band Glasgow this winter, both leading and emerging Roddy Hart And The Lonesome Fire. legendary ensemble of 80 folk, jazz and classical Finnish artists will feature in association with Music musicians led by conductor/arranger Greg Lawson.

The Big Fling: Dance Band Extravaganza will feature Finland.

Tom Orr's Mega Ceilidh Dance Band, Marie Fielding, The Grit Orchestra was founded to continue the World Music :: Expanding those international Robert Black Scottish Dance Band, Gary Innes legacy of the late Scots-Canadian musician Martyn connections still further, the 2020 line-up, meanwhile, Highland Dance Band, Manus McGuire's Copperplate Bennett, who pioneered a genre-defying fusion of positively fizzes with global stars, with headline acts Sessions and Ellie McLaren & Callum Cruickshank.

Scottish and international folk edged with techno including Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata dance beats.

Coming of Age :: Many international starts began Diawara, Simon Thacker's Svara-Kanti with Afsana their careers at Celtic Connections, as the festival Khan, Portuguese Fado singer Ana Moura, British “That cross-cultural, interdisciplinary spirit is at the continues to showcase up and coming and emerging Indian musician Nitin Sawhney and Les Amazones heart of Celtic Connections,” says Celtic artists. d’Afrique (whose album République Amazone was Connections Creative Producer, Donald Shaw.

“Celtic Connections has always valued cultural Multi-award-winning Scottish folk band Breabach won listed as President Obama’s top album of the year in 2017) ‘connections’, as well as ‘Celtic’ influences, and at this the Danny Kyle Open Stage event for new talent in time of UK and global turmoil, it has never been more important to create work with an outward-looking approach. This year’s line-up is rich in cross-cultural collaboration and international, as well as local, talent and the Declaration composition epitomises that.

“By enabling Grit Orchestra musicians to create these brand-new pieces, the Expo funding is allowing Celtic Connections to nurture talented composers and create original and enduring Scottish music of an international calibre rooted in our own folk tradition.”

Grit Orchestra conductor/arranger Greg Lawson said the new work would interpret the concept of freedom expressed in the declaration within a modern context. “To be really free we need to be equal, we need to be diverse, we need to be open, we need to care. You could say we are taking the declaration and turning it into an appeal: for tolerance, diversity, openness, respect. That's what freedom actually means."

The six commissioned Grit Orchestra composers, who will each frame their own response to the notion of freedom, represent a wide range of musical genres and disciplines.

Commissioned composers include Fraser Fifield, a pioneer of the Scottish jazz-folk scene, alongside Scotland-based South-African-born cellist Rudi de Groote. Clarsach composer Catriona McKay, Saxophonist Paul Towndrow and fiddlers Patsy Reid and Chris Stout complete the sextet.

2005, and this January they’ll command prime billing in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s main auditorium, along with Seamus Egan Project.

Year of Coast and Waters 2020 :: In 2020, Scotland celebrates its coasts and waters with a yearlong programme of events and activities which will Winner of an inaugural Danny Kyle Open Stage Award shine a spotlight on these vital elements of our landscape. Celtic Connections will put on a special at Celtic Connections 1999, Scottish harpist, singer, coastal-themed event at the Glasgow Royal Concert pianist and composer Phamie Gow unveiled her New Hall on Saturday 18 January, funded through Voices commission, Lammermuir, at the following year’s festival. Nowadays a regular on Classic FM and EventScotland’s International Programme supporting Caffé Nero playlists, she revisits the piece 20 years on Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020. More information on this special event will be released in in a new, fully orchestrated version. the coming weeks.

On Thursday 23 January, the festival will celebrate 20 Education :: More than 11,000 children across years since the inaugural Young Scottish Traditional Scotland will take part in Celtic Connections Education Musician Award in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The Programme through five free morning concerts and now titled BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional school workshops led by leading musicians.

Musician of the Year will celebrate this special birthday with a concert showcasing a plethora of The award-winning Education Programme is now in its talent in the form of its 19 winners who all hold their 22nd year and has reached more than 200,000 own in today’s Scottish Traditional music scene. The children across the country since it began in 1999. festival will then end on a youthful flourish on Sunday This programme is supported directly by the festival’s 2nd February with the 20th final of the BBC Radio Celtic Rover patron’s scheme, the membership Scotland Young Traditional Musician of The Year programme during the festival that offers discounted Award broadcast live from Glasgow City Halls. rates on bookings and exclusive experiences during Every Sunday afternoon of the festival the prestigious the festival.

New Voices strand will showcase brand new work by up-and-coming artists Marit Falt, Padruig Morrison and Catriona Price.

Musical Connections :: Celtic Connections is all about collaboration, and the 2020 event promises an exhilarating link-up between Quebecois folk sensation An Eclectic Mix of Genres :: This year’s programme Le Vent Du Nord and the Celtic Blues Orchestra. promises a dazzling array of traditional folk, roots, Kentucky concert violinist Tessa Lark also teams up

There will once again be the ever-popular programme of public workshops that will give people of all ages and opportunities the chance during the festival to learn new musical skills.

www.celticconnections.com www.twitter.com/ccfest www.facebook.com/CelticConnections

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

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Paisley’s The Spree festival returns for 2019 with its biggest line-up yet Paisley :: 11-19 October :: www.thespree.co.uk BUY YOUR TICKETS @ www.thespree.co.uk/events/

Glasvegas, Hue and Cry, The Snuts, Gruff Rhys, Karine Polwart, Jerry Sadowitz, PP Arnold and Hayseed Dixie are just some of the top acts coming to town for the fastgrowing Spree festival, which is now into its eighth year.

The bulk of the action at The Spree 2019 will take place in the specially-erected Salon Perdu Spiegeltent in Paisley’s County Square – with a bigger tent than in previous years allowing for more people to enjoy the performances.

The opening night (Friday 11 October) sees a tribute to one of Paisley’s favourite musical sons – A Gerry Rafferty Songbook, featuring Roddy Hart, Emma Pollock and Rab Noakes.

Glasvegas :: www.facebook.com/glasvegas/

On Sunday 13 October, hotly-tipped Scots rockers The Snuts will play to a sold out Spiegeltent before Hue and Cry entertain a sellout crowd on Monday 14 October.

Chvrches, Gerry Rafferty, Deacon Blue and more The popular Paisley Arts Centre will host a series to the Spiegeltent on Friday 18 October. of gigs, including Lost Map’s Lost Weekend The festival closes on Saturday 19 October with Sunday Social featuring the Pictish Trail, Fell, Molly Linen and Callum Easter (Sunday 13 Platinum-selling indie-rockers Glasvegas come to two fantastic shows. First, a sold-out performance from comedy headliner Jerry October), Paisley in Song featuring Michael Paisley for their only full-band Scottish date of Sadowitz in the Spiegeltent, then a second lateCassidy and Andy Monahan (Frightened Rabbit) the year on Tuesday 15 October and Super Furry night closing party of classic rock hits from US on Thursday 17 October, and an appearance Animals frontman Gruff Rhys brings his solo ‘rockgrass’ outfit Hayseed Dixie. from ex-Arab Strap musician Malcolm Middleton show to the Spiegeltent on Wednesday 16 plus support from Megan Airlie (Saturday 19 October.

Comedy lovers can enjoy two late-night standOctober). up shows featuring Fred MacAulay, Susan London’s First Lady of Soul, PP Arnold, will Riddell, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd and Mark The Arts Centre will also show a number of film perform songs from her six-decade career, Nelson (Friday 11 October) and Scott Gibson, screenings, including Loki’s History of Scottish including the classics ‘The First Cut is the Rosco McCelleland, Jay Lafferty and Gary Little Hip-Hop and Stretch & Bobbito: Radio That Deepest’ and ‘Angel of the Morning’ alongside (Friday 18 October).

Changed Lives (Tuesday 15 October) and Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Cradock on Rudeboy: The Story of Trojan Records, which Thursday 17 October.

The Spiegeltent will also host an all-day festival includes an after party where you can dance within-a-festival on Saturday 12 October, with Singer-songwriter Karine Polwart is celebrating away to the label’s hits of 60’s and 70’s (Friday LNP Promotions ever-popular ModStuff her first UK Top 40 album and will bring her 18 October).

Scottish Songbook of fantastic covers - including celebration of all things Mod, including the spectacle of the annual scooter rideout.

The Wee Spree popular programme of kids songs by Frightened Rabbit, Biffy Clyro, activities will take place as part of the main Spree festival with thousands set to be entertained during the school holiday period.

Highlights include the Bricks 4 Kidz Camps on Tuesday 15 October, Dance Along Moana and Mary Poppins film screenings on Thursday 17 October, Comedy 4 Kids Show on Friday 18 October and a bumper afternoon with Scotland’s top traditional musicians and young up-andcoming talent at Fèis Phàislig’s Stramash in the Spiegeltent on Friday 19 October.

This year will also see the return of the popular Spree for All fringe festival with gigs and events taking place in towns and villages across Renfrewshire.

The Spree festival is one of the centrepieces of Renfrewshire Council’s major events programme which has made Paisley one of Scotland’s key cultural destinations in recent years.

This year’s festival is programmed by Regular Music and sponsored by Tennent’s Lager.

Some shows have already sold out, so move quickly to secure your tickets by visiting the full listings page via website above.

www.thespree.co.uk Karine Polwart :: www.facebook.com/karinepolwart/ photo by David Wilkinosn

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Gallus :: The Scottish Jazz Weekend

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival presents a weekend of Scottish Jazz - “Gallus” Edinburgh :: 17-20 October :: www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

BUY YOUR TICKETS @ www.edinburghjazzfestival.com/explore/venues.html

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival has announced it is delighted to continue its support for the burgeoning young Scottish jazz scene by presenting a weekend of Scottish Jazz: “Gallus".

Offering a snapshot of the state of jazz in Scotland though the lens of guest programmer: Fergus McCreadie. Pianist McCreadie is the shooting star of Scottish jazz. Still aged only 22, he has won numerous awards, massive criticial and audience acclaim and is in demand for concerts all over Europe. He says: “To simply be a part of this scene is an absolute privilege, so I’m sure you’ll understand the great joy I’ve had in selecting a line-up that broadly represents Scottish Jazz as it stands today … a wide array of angles are presented in this programme, from new innovations to established projects, a younger vanguard of players rising up to sit alongside some of Scotland’s finest jazz exports”.

Entitled “Gallus” which means bold and daring, the Scottish Jazz Weekend and Fergus’s programme reflects the excitement around the current jazz scene, as the Economist explains “The relative youth of the Scottish jazz scene may explain this experimentation. London and New York have a century of convention that musicians must learn and respect; Scotland has only offered formal training in jazz for a decade”.

Running from Thursday 17 to 20 October, “Gallus” presents fourteen bands who honour the tradition, present fresh visions or expand the boundaries of the music. Opening the weekend stellar saxophonist Tommy Smith’s Quartet salute the music of John Coltrane, whilst trumpeter Colin Steele closes the programme paying homage to that other icon of jazz: Miles Davis.

"Pianist Fergus McCreadie is the shooting star of Scottish jazz. Still aged only 22, he has won numerous awards, massive criticial and audience acclaim and is in demand for concerts all over Europe"

Fergus McCreadie :: www.facebook.com/fergusmccreadiepianist/

photo by Morgan Shaw

In between, “Gallus” showcases new compositions from guitarist Ben MacDonald and bassist Mark Hendry. MacDonald shapes new sounds out of the old worlds of Scofield, Frisell and Metheny. Aged just 21 Hendry shows a scarcely believable maturity writing brilliantly; creating absorbing, impactful, and exciting new music that appeals to a wide-range of audiences marrying Jazz, Classical, Folk and Rock worlds.

Paul Towndrow and Matt Carmichael showcase the most iconic jazz instrument, the saxophone.

From Towndrow’s contemporary take on the tradition to the extraordinary facility of Matt Carmichael who is already a major force, despite still studying at the RCS. “Gallus” also showcases three singers who are making waves:

Georgia Cecile, Luca Manning and Anoushka Nanguy. All mix stunning interpretation, with beautiful songs.

Mezcla and STRATA play late night at The Jazz Bar – delivering energetic, fiery sounds in the classic basement jazz club setting. From infectious world grooves to distillation of contemporary jazz with minimalism with progressive rock Concerts take place at the Queen’s Hall, St Brides Centre and The Jazz Bar – full listings can be found @ www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

www.edinburghjazzfestival.com www.twitter.com/EdinburghJazz

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Gaelic celebration in the heart of the city to kickstart Royal National Mod '19 in Glasgow Glasgow :: 10-19 October :: www.modghlaschu2019.com BUY YOUR TICKETS @ www.modghlaschu2019.com/glasgow-mod-2019/events-programme

Glasgow’s George Square will play host to a sensational party featuring names from across the Scottish Gaelic music scene to mark the opening of the Royal National Mod – and everyone’s invited!

Scots Trad-rock band Mànran will headline the free opening ceremony concert on Friday, 11 October, with Scotland’s 33-strong Gaelic Eurovision choir Alba as well as some of Scotland’s top pipers, highland and contemporary dancers, Traditional singers and a beat boxer also performing across the evening.

Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Mòd Glaschu 2019 promises to be a major celebration and the opening concert will set the tone for the fantastic display of Gaelic music and culture that will be showcased across the city over nine days. Everyone is welcome to come down to The opening concert is the first of a number of Mod Fringe performances which make up a jam- George Square and join in the free open-air party for a night of fun and unforgettable packed programme of ceilidhs, concerts, sport performances featuring pipers, choirs and and family events running alongside The Mod dancers – not to forget great music from competition which sees thousands of people Scottish sensation Mànran.” from across the world take part in or watch more than 200 competitions in Highland John Morrison, Chief Executive of An Dancing, literature, drama, Gaelic music and Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are thrilled song. the Royal National Mòd will be returning to The Royal National Mod, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, is the biggest Gaelic festival in the world. Taking place in Scotland each year, 2019 marks its return to Glasgow for the first time in almost 30 years.

The opening ceremony line-up finds Gaelic singer Catherine Tinney, who was a finalist in this year’s BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Trad Musician of the Year competition, collaborating with beat boxer Bigg Taj and Step Dancer Sophie Stevenson in a fusion of cultures; pipers Anne Sinclair, John Campbell, John MacLeod and Cameron MacLeod kick off the evening and two dhol and piping performers Goldie and Jonathan Graham will show the crowds how they bring Asian and Scottish music together. Highland Dancers, led by Cara MacKinnon will show audiences their special interpretation of modern highland dancing and Mòd Ghlaschu’s Massed Children’s Choir will treat the crowd to 2 songs, written especially for the Mod. Councillor David McDonald, Chair of

Glasgow for the first time in 29 years, and are looking forward to Gaelic being embraced by people in the city, with an exciting array of fringe events lined up for the whole family. Each year, we kick-start the celebrations in style and this year is set to be no different.”

D-I Brown, Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Mòd Ghlaschu said “The LOC are delighted to have organised a Fringe Programme that is reflective of multicultural Glasgow and to have a range of musicians and performers collaborating to deliver an ambitious programme of events between the 10th and 19th of October.”

Concert Hall on Tuesday 15th October that will showcase some of the biggest names on the Gaelic and traditional music scene.

The first Saturday night of the Mod will also showcase a special performance curated by three young Gaelic speakers who attended Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (the Glasgow Gaelic School) who are working with the Glasgow Schools Orchestra on a night that explores young people’s interpretation of Gaelic language and culture in the world they live in. Entitled Our Language, Our Music…Our Glasgow the concert will take place in City Halls on Saturday 12 October and will showcase the remarkable talent of young people from all walks of life across the city.

There are a huge number of free activities for families across the week. More information in the programme. Key events are - Mòd Ghlaschu 2019 Opening Ceremony and Concert takes place at 8.30pm on Friday 11 October in George Square, Glasgow. Entry is free. :: Our Language, Our Music…Our Glasgow takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 12 October in City Halls, Glasgow. :: Glasgow Gold Concert takes place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 15 October in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

www.modghlaschu2019.com

Other highlights from across the programme will www.twitter.com/ModGhlaschu2019 include Gaelic royalty coming together for www.facebook.com/ModGhlaschu2019 Glasgow Gold - a concert at the Glasgow Royal

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Lindisfarne Festival launches ‘make or break’ crowdfunding campaign for 2020 festival Lindisfarne, Northumberland :: 3-6 September 2020 :: www.lindisfarnefestival.com SUPPORT THE CROWDFUNDER @ www.crowdfunder.co.uk/lindisfarne-festival-2020

It’s make or break for Northumberland’s Lindisfarne Festival, which hopes to return to Beal Farm in 2020 from 3–6 September for its sixth consecutive end-ofsummer festival but needs the public’s support to help make this a reality.

Despite a well-attended and highly regarded event this summer, organisers have stated that the festival will only go ahead again in 2020 if a minimum of £85k (approx. 1000 tickets) are sold during a 1- month crowdfunding campaign which launches at 7pm on 1st October 2019 via the Crowdfunder platform.

Due to high competition for funding and ticket sales as well as increasing costs of putting on an outdoor event of this nature, organisers of the independent North East festival have stated they have no choice but to revert to crowdfunding which proved highly successful for Lindisfarne Festival back in October 2017, when £75k was successfully raised over the 6-week campaign.

Conleth Maenpaa, Founder of Lindisfarne Festival commented; “We’re so proud of how far Lindisfarne Festival has come over the last five years. This year’s event was truly spectacular from start to finish (definitely our best event by far!) and the feedback received has been really outstanding.

It will be devastating if we have to pull the plug on things next year, but as an independent festival it’s almost impossible to put on a quality event without some significant capital from the outset, which is why going back down the crowdfunding route is our only option for 2020.”

Colonel Mustard perform at Lindisfarne :: www.facebook.com/colonelmustardandthedijon5/ photo by James Duncan

with some support from Arts Council England and local business sponsors such as The Alnwick Brewery contributing towards costs in recent years.

In 2017 & 2018 financial support from Arts Council England’s former Grants for the Arts programme provided the independent festival with a welcome cash injection to cover a small percentage of the escalating event production and artist costs, but despite multiple applications made throughout the year, festival organisers were unfortunately unsuccessful in obtaining much needed grant funding to support the event in 2019.

Conleth added; “Securing funding is proving more and more difficult each year and as the festival has increased in both size and quality, the costs have naturally increased too. The festival has had to rely heavily on the kindness of suppliers, as well as the dedication and often the personal (financial and time) sacrifice of our incredible team to see it over the line. But it’s sadly just not sustainable without more community support, in the form of early ticket sales.

The inaugural Lindisfarne Festival was completely self-funded by Conleth back in 2015, In the last 4 years, the festival has seen its

audience more than double from just 1800 attendees in 2015 to almost 5000 attendees in 2019, with the majority of ticket sales generated just weeks before the event takes place each summer.

The Lindisfarne Festival 2020 Crowdfunder campaign, which goes live at 7pm on Tuesday 1 October with a fundraising target of £85k, aims to reach its target by 31 October through a range of early bird ticket sales, merchandise purchases and goodwill donations from those who want to see the festival thrive in 2020.

The funding raised will enable organisers to invest in the necessary infrastructure, artists and suppliers needed to see the festival return next year.

A range of tickets will be available via Crowdfunder, ranging from ‘Early Bird Ticket’ deals (with up to 25% off standard ticket prices), to festival merchandise and even an ‘Ultimate Festival Package’ for two - including VIP tickets and first class rail travel, a glamping bell tent with all the furnishings, complimentary drinks and meals vouchers, holistic treatments and a meet and greet with a band of your choice!

Renowned as the ‘ultimate end-of-summer party’, the over 18’s only festival presents a genre-hopping mishmash of must-see performances in one of the UK's best-keptsecret festival location - overlooking Holy Island.

This year, the 3-day camping festival played host to over 200 acts across its 10 stages, with Ocean Colour Scene closing the mainstage with a well- received headline performance on the Saturday night.

Conleth continued; “The love and support people have continually shown the festival over the last 5 years is really something special. If people can just get behind us again and support the Crowdfunder throughout October, then we promise we will come back even stronger again in 2020 – delivering another incredible festival for everyone to enjoy. It’ll be a tough job to level up on this year but rest assured, we’ll find a way. We always do.”

www.lindisfarnefestival.com The enthusiastic Lindisfarne crowd in 2019 :: photo by James Duncan

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OCTOBER

Feis na Mara

Glasgow Americana Glasgow 2-6 October

Arisaig 4-6 October

This years festival will be on the 4–6 October, in the Astley Hall in Arisaig. Inyal and Croft no. 5 are headlining!!! The rest of the line-up will be released later. Earlybird tickets are on sale now from the website.

Glasgow Americana has lined up gigs featuring overseas and home-based acts for this year’s five-day-long festival. We are delighted to www.feis-na-mara.com confirm our dates for our 2019 Americana extravaganza. Please watch this space for details on the first acts confirmed for this year.

Shetland Accordion www.glasgowamericana.com

Edinburgh Multicultural Festival

and Fiddle Festival Shetland 10-14 October 2019

Welcome to the 32nd Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival. The festival will see musicians from across the UK, Ireland, Norway and Faroe come together to perform alongside a host of Music, dance, storytelling, films and audio visual local musicians and bands across Shetland to celebration of Edinburgh’s multicultural showcase the best in Accordion & Fiddle music as communities. The festival programme featured a well as Shetland & Scottish Dancing. Whether bright array of Edinburgh’s diverse talent with visiting the festival for the first time or making a spoken word, poetry, music, dance and visual return trip we hope you have a great weekend. arts created by African, Asian and Eastern The Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Club European artists living in the capital. promotes the best in tradional Shetland music, holding events throughout the year, as well as www.edinburghmulticulturalfestival.co.uk the annual Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival (SAFF).

Edinburgh 4-6 October

The Cumnock Tryst Cumnock 3-6 October

www.shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com

A music festival under the leadership of Scottish composer, James MacMillan CBE Cumnock, Scotland. The Cumnock Tryst is an annual event with concerts in venues in and around the town. The programme will feature some of the finest, international classical artists, as well as music and musicians from different backgrounds both stylistically and socially. The Cumnock Tryst aims to make its strong commitment to the community at the heart of all its activities, for instance involving young people at school and college, amateur choirs and local bands. The festival also announces The Cumnock Tryst Music Club, resurrecting the former success of the much-loved Cumnock Music Club run by RD Hunter in years gone by. This new project will bring fantastic, world-class musicians to East Ayrshire year-round, not just during the festival weekend.

Glasgow 10-19 October

Royal National Mod

www.thecumnocktryst.com

Ullapool Guitar Festival

www.facebook.com/tenementtrail/

Gallus :: The Scottish Jazz Weekend Edinburgh 17-20 October

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival has announced it is delighted to continue its support for the burgeoning young Scottish jazz scene by presenting a weekend of Scottish Jazz: “Gallus".

Offering a snapshot of the state of jazz in Scotland though the lens of guest programmer: Fergus McCreadie. www.edinburghjazzfestival.com

St Andrew’s Voices St Andrews 17-20 October

Set in the beautiful town of St Andrews, each October we present a varied programme of events showcasing the versatility and beauty of the human voice in an amazingly broad spectrum of genres including opera, cabaret, lieder, folk, spoken word, choral, a cappella, early music, new music and more… The festival runs during the day and night and includes family concerts, opportunities to sing-along and get involved, as well as free events to enjoy while relaxing with a drink. Come along and discover something new! ‘St Andrews [Voices] is one of the few festivals anywhere to focus entirely on the voice in all its glory… an extraordinary festival… the variety is tremendous.’ BBC Radio 3

Glasgow’s George Square will play host to a sensational party featuring names from across the Scottish Gaelic music scene to mark the opening of the Royal National Mod – and everyone’s invited! Scots Trad-rock band Mànran will headline the free opening ceremony concert www.standrewsvoices.com on Friday, 11 October, with Scotland’s 33-strong Gaelic Eurovision choir Alba as well as some of Scotland’s top pipers, highland and contemporary dancers, Traditional singers and a Biggar beat boxer also performing across the evening.

17-27 October

Biggar Little Festival

www.modghlaschu2019.com

Spree Festival Paisley 11-19 October

Glasvegas, Hue and Cry, The Snuts, Gruff Rhys, Karine Polwart, Jerry Sadowitz, PP Arnold and Ullapool Hayseed Dixie are just some of the top acts 4-6 October coming to town for the fast-growing Spree festival, which is now into its eighth year. The So why is the UGF so special? Perhaps it’s the bulk of the action at The Spree 2019 will take mix of music old and new, of electric and place in the specially-erected Salon Perdu acoustic, of steel and nylon, of seasoned Spiegeltent in Paisley’s County Square – with a performers and those, like the students from the bigger tent than in previous years allowing for Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, just starting out more people to enjoy the performances. on their careers. Perhaps it’s the location on Loch Broom and the drive up through some of www.thespree.co.uk Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Perhaps it’s the informal air of the whole weekend: there’s Tenement Trail no “us and them”, no VIP area. Everyone mingles, and you’re likely to find yourself sitting Glasgow beside a guitar legend in the Festival Club – or 12-13 October even jamming with them on one of the trade stands.

Tenement Trail Festival will move to the East www.ullapoolguitarfestival.com

live music venues in the country including Barrowland Ballroom, Saint Luke's & The Winged Ox, BAaD with more to be announced. Stay tuned for headliner announcement coming soon.

Early Bird Tickets are on sale now!

Mid-October in Biggar means two weeks of arts highlighting the very best of our local cultural activity together with top class entertainment and artistry from across the country. We want to see local talent flourish in an atmosphere designed to give it a showcase. Biggar Little Festival sets out to work with the arts and crafts communities around the town to advance the arts by: :: developing Biggar and its surrounds as a community where the arts are encouraged and promoted :: encouraging links between local arts groups, artistic understanding and participation :: promoting exhibitions and performances :: developing opportunities for local, national and international artists to demonstrate their talents in Biggar and its surrounds www.biggar-little-festival.com

Denholm Folk Music Festival Denholm 31 October - 1 November

End of Glasgow in 2019! We are delighted at this Folk fused with rock and country gives the 16th news, as we breathe fresh energy into #TT19, taking over some of the most iconic and exciting Denholm Folk Music Festival an added twist. This

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SCOTTISH MUSIC FESTIVALS to be included in our festival listings email details to: musicnewsscotland@gmail.com folk fusion festival in the Scottish countryside is a small and cozy affair not far across the Scottish border which has always managed to attract quality headline acts to compliment the workshops and open mic sessions. Free sessions all weekend in the Auld Cross Keys, The Fox and Hounds & Festival Club only. Sessions, licensed bar and meals available all weekend in the Festival Club, Lesser Hall. www.denholmfolkfest.co.uk

NOVEMBER Perthshire Amber -

The Dougie MacLean Festival Perthshire 1-3 November The Perthshire Amber Festival brings together many musicians and entertainers from different parts of the world who have been involved with Dougie MacLean over the years. This unique festival shares Dougie’s inspiring music, celebrates the history and culture of Perthshire in the heart of Scotland and showcases the beautiful scenery. It’s a vibrant, welcoming festival with music at its core in beautiful autumnal Perthshire. The Festival Hub is Amber Central (The Royal Hotel, Dunkeld). With concerts from castle to concert hall plus Cabaret Amber, Open Mic + acoustic sessions. Contact 01350 724261 for latest or email admin@butterstone.com www.perthshireamber.com

Monsterfest

Inverness 15-16 November The second annual Monsterfest music event will be staged in Inverness with the help of new main sponsor Loch Ness Water. Monsterfest launched in 2018 with a mix of established, classic and new rock bands and is returning by popular demand as the only rock festival in this format in the north of Scotland. www.monsterfest.rocks

Scots Fiddle Festival Edinburgh 15-17 November

One of Scotland's biggest traditional music festivals, promoting & sustaining traditional fiddle music since 1996. A weekend packed full of great music! Concerts, ceilidhs, recitals, workshops, talks, open stage, festival clubs, sessions, stalls, come and trys, seminars and lots more! www.scotsfiddlefestival.com

SEALL Festival of Small Halls

workshops in halls and schools by some of the nation’s finest traditional musicians.

Green last weekend for the sold out TRNSMT Festival which well and truly lived up to its reputation as Scotland’s biggest and best music www.seall.co.uk/small-halls festival. Hot on the heels of another hugely successful weekend, festival organisers have confirmed dates for TRNSMT 2020 with the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival set to return to Glasgow Green between Edinburgh 10th - 12th July 2020. Over 70 acts performed 31 December at TRNSMT 2019 over three days of incredible live music and glorious sunshine as fans were See in the New Year at the world’s best street treated to unforgettable sets from Main Stage party as Edinburgh invites the world to share the heavyweights Stormzy, Catfish & the Bottlemen, love, embrace friends – old and new – and George Ezra, Gerry Cinnamon, Lewis Capaldi, celebrate the New Year in the home of Emeli Sandé and more while over at the King Hogmanay. Get 2020 ready now - take Tut’s Stage Powered by Utilita Energy and the advantage of our Early Bird discount with tickets brand new Queen Tut’s Stage, fans had the for £20.00 + £1.00 booking (limited opportunity to check out an exciting array of up availability). Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the UK’s and coming talent from all over Scotland and (if not the world’s) leading New Year Festival further afield. lasting 3 days in Scotland’s stunning capital city drawing an estimated 150,000 people from www.trnsmtfest.com Scotland and around the world. www.edinburghshogmanay.com

JANUARY 2020

HebCelt

Stornoway 15-18 July

Four day festival set against the unique backdrop of the Hebrides. Organised by the HCF Trust, this first festival was held in 1996 and Glasgow now regularly attracts attendances of 14,000 16 January - 2 February over its four day run. Wild, but not a bit woolly, this festival has built up a fabulously loyal From Thursday 16 January to Sunday 2 audience locally and from across the world, February 2020, musicians from across the world many of whom have Hebridean ties, many of will take part in over 300 events in venues whom just love coming here and joining in the throughout Glasgow for the UK's premier great party. celebration of celtic music - Celtic Connections.

The 18 days of entertainment will brighten up www.hebceltfest.com the dark, wet January nights with a mixture of concerts that include a host of one-off musical Belladrum Tartan Heart collaborations alongside talks, workshops, film screenings, theatre productions, ceilidhs, Festival exhibitions, free events and late-night sessions.

Beauly, Inverness-shire Renowned as a musical cure for the wintertime 30 July - 1 August blues, Celtic Connections 2020 will be the 27th incarnation of a festival that began in 1994, when it offered 66 events at one venue. Since Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is an all ages then it’s grown more adventurous, experimental family event and the largest camping and and diverse each year and now offers thousands outdoor festival in Scotland. The organisers have of events in locations across Glasgow. urged those who have missed out on tickets not to fall for offers for ticket scammers and to only www.celticconnections.com buy tickets via Skiddle’s resale function when live or physical tickets via Twickets.

Celtic Connections

JULY 2020

Tiree Music Festival Tiree 10-12 July

The festival offers a diverse programme with a mixture of genres including folk, pop and indie.

Artists across the years have included The Fratellis, Dougie MacLean, Sharon Shannon, The Levellers, Capercaillie, Sandi Thom and Eddi Reader. With picture-perfect white sands and world-famous surf, a trip to Tiree Music Festival is a real Island adventure, often described as one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. Details of TMF2020 will be announced later in the year.

Isle of Skye 22-30 November

www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk

The Festival of Small Halls on the Isle of Skye brings music to ten remote village halls around the Island and Lochalsh. The SEALL Festival of Small Halls runs for eight days and includes concerts, cèilidhs and public and music

Glasgow 10-12 July

TRNSMT Festival

150,000 music fans descended on Glasgow

www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2020 Lindisfarne Festival

Lindisfarne, Northumberland 3-6 September A range of tickets will be available via Crowdfunder, ranging from ‘Early Bird Ticket’ deals (with up to 25% off standard ticket prices), to festival merchandise and even an ‘Ultimate Festival Package’ for two. Renowned as the ‘ultimate end-of-summer party’, the over 18’s only festival presents a genre-hopping mishmash of must-see performances in one of the UK's best-kept-secret festival location overlooking Holy Island. This year, the 3-day camping festival played host to over 200 acts across its 10 stages, with Ocean Colour Scene closing the mainstage with a well- received headline performance on the Saturday night. www.lindisfarnefestival.com

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FESTIVALS!

Our weekly digital supplement looking at Scotland’s music festivals with the latest news and a full listings for the year

To advertise in our 'MUSIC NEWS Scotland' titles email: Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

Read all our digital publications from links @

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com