Artistes

The Addie Harper Band

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham

Dr Phil Cunningham MBE

Widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative accordion players of the times, Phil Cunningham has taken this instrument from strength to strength, setting the standards by which many young players fix their sights today.

Phil’s early work with leading Scots band Silly Wizard (1976-1986) reclaimed a place for the accordion in the traditional music world.

The accordion being only one of the strings to his bow, as a multi-instrumentalist he works extensively in television and film as a composer, musical director and presenter.  He is much sought after as a record producer and he manages to juggle all of these diverse commitments enabling him to continue touring and recording with long time musical partner and friend Aly Bain.

Dr Aly Bain MBE

Aly Bain is Scotland's supreme traditional style fiddler. His playing is unique - driving, impassioned and pure - with vibrant, unmistakable tone that has earned him a following of ardent fans throughout the world. Born in Lerwick, Shetland in 1946 Aly began playing the fiddle at the age of eleven. In his early twenties, Aly headed to mainland Scotland. His dramatic playing, with great tone and technical ability brought early recognition as an outstanding musician of the folk music revival, and almost overnight, raised the level of expectation for music lovers throughout the country.

Aly and Phil  have toured annually together since 1988 and have recorded six albums together.These ambassadors of Scottish music have both been awarded MBEs and doctorates for their services to Scottish Music. In 2003 Phil was voted Best Instrumentalist in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. In 2005 they  were awarded Best Duo in the BBC Folk Awards and Phil was awarded 'Composer of the Year' at the 2007 STMA awards.

Performance Dates
Portmahomack, Monday 8th September
Strathy Village Hall, Tuesday 9th September

Andrea Beaton

One of Cape Breton's most promising young fiddlers, Andrea Beaton comes by her music honestly. Listen to her play, the power of her bow, the drive and swing of her timing, the crispness of her attack. She's making a name for herself in dance halls, concerts, ceilidhs, and festivals. Like the compelling tradition she represents, her reputation is growing, spreading beyond the island. Andrea Beaton seems destined for great things.

Her uncle, Buddy MacMaster, is the most revered fiddler on Cape Breton island. Her cousin, Natalie MacMaster, is an enormously popular entertainer. And so it goes, back and across the generations. Cape Breton is an extraordinarily musical place, and Andrea is increasingly in the forefront of her generation. Her music is at once her own and deeply rooted in the tradition associated with the Mabou Coal Mines. And, like her father and grandfather, she is a composer in the tradition, adding fine new music to the island's repertoire.

Her first CD, "License to Drive 'Er," led to a nomination as Roots Traditional Solo Artist of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. Her spring 2004 release, "Cuts," features many of the island's finest musicians on its fourteen tracks, and her love for the music, her enthusiasm and humor, and that forceful beat add up to a very compelling recording. "Cuts" was nominated for the 2005 Instrumental Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. Andrea recorded her third solo release, "The Tap Session," live at a pub during a tour of Scotland. With Troy MacGillivray on piano, and a track featuring Fin Moore on smallpipes, the album has high energy and a very natural feel. I’ve heard her play live many times, and listening to this recording helps me recapture that excitement.

Performance dates
Tulloch Castle, Dingwall, Tuesday 9th September
Arisaig, Wednesday 10th September
Kingussie, Thursday 11th September
Eden Court, Friday 12th September
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Saturday 13th September

Angus Lyon and Ruaridh Campbell

Angus Lyon and Ruaridh Campbell are taking Scottish music into an exciting new dimension. As their brilliantly innovative 18 Months Later album confirms, their music is, at once, rich in tradition and boldly forward-looking, with arrangements that expand and develop melodic ideas with imagination, subtlety and brio. Drawing on influences including Argentinean tango master Astor Piazzolla, the European classical school and New York jazz as well as Scottish tune forms, this is music with genuine heart and soul.

Although Angus and Ruaridh had performed together in ceilidh bands around Glasgow, their first performance as a duo came when Ruaridh was competing at the 2002 BBC Young Traditional Musician final in Glasgow. Angus accompanied him on piano, and it was during the rehearsals for this that the pair discovered the ease with which they worked together.

They have played at festivals across the UK, including Orkney, Sidmouth and Towersey and have also performed for television & radio. They work with Live Music Now!, the UK charity started by Yehudi Menuhin,
Angus has been playing the accordion since he was 5 years old. Competing at NAO events around the country, he went on to become a British champion by the time he was 13. After leaving school and working for a few years on the family farm he started playing music full time in 1999.

Ruaridh was a pupil of virtuoso fiddler Douglas Lawrence, and much of his musical development took place in the solo fiddle competition scene, winning the Scottish national Mod, Banchory, Kirriemuir, and the Doric festival.
In 2002, he was the Oban Highlands & Islands invitational ‘Fiddle Master’ as well as winner of the prestigious Glennfiddich Fiddle Championship. They bring a fresh and imaginative approach to traditional music.

Performance dates
Nairn Community Centre, Friday 12th September
Farr Hall, Saturday 13th September

Angus Nicolson

Angus Nicolson, from the Isle of Skye, started playing chanter at the age of 10 under the tuition of Iain MacFadyen. He made steady progress competing and in 2002 won the Under 18 events at the Northern Meeting. Also in the same year he won the under 18 Young Piper of the Year competition in Benbecula.

Since leaving school Angus has successfully completed an HNC in Music Performance at the Benbecula Campus of Lews Castle College with tutors, Dr.Will Lamb, Mhairi Hall and Iain MacDonald. While studying the course Angus was granted a Dewar Award. With the award he purchased a set of Fred Morrison Reelpipes. In late 2007, Angus played at a concert in The Scottish Parliament to celebrate the success of the Dewar Awards.

An experienced festival performer, Angus has played at many festivals, with performances at The Hebridean Celtic Festival, The William Kennedy Piping Festival in Ireland, Ceolas, Celtic Connections, Blas and Skye's own Feis an Eilean where he has been Piper in Residence for 3 years. Outwith the festival scene Angus has had many other trips abroad to perform. He has played in Spain, Germany, Ireland and Canada. He was taken to Canada in 2003 as part of a group from Skye who were going over to Prince Edward Island to celebrate to 200th anniversary of the people's emigration from Skye to P.E.I.

Angus still lives in Skye and is working as a full-time musician. Most weekends Angus is out playing at Dances, Ceilidhs, Weddings and many other functions, while the remainder of the time he is kept busy teaching in schools, through various schemes, and also at Feisean throughout Scotland.

Performance Dates
Aros Centre, Portree, Monday 8th September

Breabach

Scottish firebrands Breabach are one of the most talked about bands on the folk scene. Their innovative celtic style, blending double bagpipes, flute, fiddle, song and Scottish stepdance, brings to the stage, flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen from such a young group. Their enviable musicianship is coupled with a delightful ability to connect with their audience and has gained Breabach international recognition as one of Scotland’s leading new acts.

Breabach sprung into life when they became winners of a ‘Danny Kyle Open Stage Award’ at Celtic Connections in 2005. This proved to be the spring board from which they launched into 2006; signing to Vertical Records and being nominated for ‘Best Up and Coming’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards.

2007 has seen the launch of Breabach’s debut album ‘The Big Spree’ (see reviews) and a hugely successful Tune Up Tour across Scotland in October. The band made a return visit to the music awards in Fort William in December, this time they were in the running for Best Folk Band 2007.
The road ahead is exciting and 2008 is sure to be the bands busiest year to date; A tour of England and Wales in the Spring and a European tour in Autumn are already on the cards. Breabach are creating a storm in the world of traditional and roots music. Don’t miss out.

"…stirring tunes and top notch songs… there will be few who can sit still when listening to these brilliant tunes, brilliantly played.” (Debbie Koritsas, Living Tradition)

Breabach consists of: Patsy Reid – Fiddle & Vocals, Calum MacCrimmon – Pipes & Whistles, Donal Brown – Pipes, Flutes, Whistles & Step Dance & Ewan Robertson – Guitar & Vocals.

Performance Dates
Nairn Community Centre, Friday 5th September

Bruce MacGregor and Friends

Best known in his role as founder of the hugely popular Blazin Fiddles, Bruce MacGregor is one of the most lyrical and passionate players of Highland fiddle music. This collaboration with award winning multi instrumentalist Anna Massie (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditionalist of the Year 2003) and superb cellist, Christine Hanson, produces some of the most refreshing music in Scotland today.

Bruce MacGregor
Bruce MacGregor, is probably best known as founder and driving force behind the multi award winning Blazin’ Fiddles. He also toured and recorded with the first incarnation of Gaelic supergroup Cliar. Taught by the great Donald Riddell, Bruce’s style encapsulates the finest points of Highland fiddle music – bold and rugged at times, lyrical and beautiful at others.

As well as a touring musician Bruce’s composing skills have seen his work commissioned for TV, radio and stage. He also occupies his spare time occasionally broadcasting for BBC radio Scotland and running a visitor centre out of Inverness.

"Bruce MacGregor has something of the Midas touch. This has nothing to do with luck, it has everything to do with a deep love and affinity for his music and a unique talent." Fiddle on Magazine

Anna Massie
Anna Massie was the winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2003 Award. A talented multi-instrumentalist, she excels in playing the fiddle, mandolin and tenor banjo. Though perhaps most impressive is her guitar playing - equally at home either accompanying in her unique rhythmic style or flatpicking tunes, Massie’s dexterity shines through.

Christine Hanson
Cellist Christine Hanson is originally from Edmonton, Canada, and has recorded and toured extensively throughout North America, Europe and Scotland. Christine is presently residing in Glasgow, Scotland.

Christine has recorded for BBC TV and collaborated and recorded with traditional Scottish singer-song writers, Michael Marra, Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine, Justin Currie, Colin MacIntyre, Rod Patterson and Bruce MacGregor of Blazing Fiddles, among others.

Performance Dates
Ullapool Village Hall, Saturday 13th September

The Cameron Boys

Iain and Murdo Cameron were born and raised in the small village of Glenelg, located in the West Coast of the Highlands. They both started playing the accordion at a very young age and over the years have entertained audiences in various locations throughout Scotland, performing at dances, ceilidhs, concerts and festivals. In 2007, Iain, along with the piper Angus Nicolson from Sleat on the Isle of Skye, formed “The Cast Ewe Ceilidh Band”. Both Iain and Angus were the originally the main players in the band but theywere more recently joined by Iain’s younger brother Murdo on guitar.

Iain, 21, started playing the accordion at the age of ten. As his playing progressed he started to attend Fèisean and other short courses, and having gone full circle, Iain is now teaching follow on classes for Fèis An Earraich. In addition to playing the box, Iain is also an accomplished shinty player and plays for local shinty team Kinlochsheil. His involvement in various musical and sporting endeavours combine to keep him a very busy man. 

Murdo, who at 17 years of age is the younger brother of Iain, started to learn the accordian at the tender age of five. After six years of private tuition Murdo had developed into a fine player and at the end of his second year at High School was accepted into the renowned Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music. Murdo is currently involved in various musical projects and, in addition to the accordion, enjoys playing guitar, pipes and whistle.

Performance Dates
Glenelg, Friday 5th September

Canntaireachd

Canntaireachd (the vocal adaptation of a tune distinct to individual pipers as they passed on their tunes to other pipers) is a group of fluent Gaelic speaking teenagers from the Inverness area. Formed in March of last year for a specific project the 14 strong group has performed at many local events and now has 22 members ranging from 12 to 15 years of age.

As primary-aged children, they all sang under the tutelage of the group leader Eilidh Mackenzie in her capacity as music instructor at the Gaelic unit, now school (BSGI) and participate in the Gaelic medium Fèis na h-Òige. Canntaireachd is run as an off-shoot of Fèis na h-Òige.

Performance Dates
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Wednesday 10th September

Cara MacLean

Cara was brought up on Skye and began Highland dancing at an early age. Subsequently she took an interest in step dancing and received tuition from Irene De Plano and Rae MacEachern and, through Fèis an Earraich and Ceòlas, Cara was tutored by a number of other step dancers. 

She has now been tutoring step dancing for a couple of years and is currently studying Gaelic at Glasgow University.

Performance Dates
Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Skye, Saturday 13th September

Cèilidh Trails

The various fèisean Cèilidh Trailers consist of bright young musicians and singers from all over the Highlands bringing their fresh talent their own specific areas. Many of the musicians featured in the Cèilidh Trail teams have attended their local fèis for many years. As well as their own regular summer tour, the Cèilidh Trailers also perform annually at the Blas Festival.

There are six different Cèilidh trails taking part in this years festival. One of the six, the Caledonian Canal Cèilidh Trail, is run by the Highland Council. The other five Cèilidh Trails arerun by local Fèisean: Fèisean Lochabair Cèilidh Trail (Lochaber), Fèis Rois Cèilidh Trail (Rossshire), Fèis an Earraich Cèilidh Trail (Skye & Lochalsh), Fèis Chataibh Cèilidh Trail (Sutherland), and Cairngorm  Cèilidh Trail (Badenoch and Strathspey). 

Cèilidh Trail projects often begin at the beginning of July with ten days of intense training during which the young performers work with top musicians from the traditional music world to develop their musical and performance skills.

After this intensive training period there is usually a three-week tour of each area which consist of a mixture of formal concerts, sessions and dances in a variety of venues – village halls, community centres, inns, boats and even ‘big sheds’!. The idea is to give the musicians a real taste of how it is to be a professional traditional musician today; the versatility in gigs, the constant travelling, setting up an area for concerts and presenting material to your audience. 

Performance Dates 

Fèisean Lochabair CT, Strontian Friday 5th September, Glengarry Saturday 6th September, Glenuig Friday 12th September and Limetree Fort William, Saturday 13th September

Fèis an Earraich CT, Glenelg Friday 5th September and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Saturday 6th September

Fèis Rois CT, Poolewe Saturday 6th September and Ullapool Saturday 13th September

Fèis Chataibh CT, Lochinver Friday 5th September and Durness, Saturday 13th September

Caledonian Canal CT, Inverness Friday 5th September and Farr Saturday 13th September

Cairngorm CT, Newtonmore and Strathspey Railway Saturday 6th September

Ceòlraidh

The idea behind Ceòlraidh (the Muses) is to give our young musicians a unique opportunity to perform alongside the traditional musicians and singers who most inspire them. It is very much a`master and apprentice’ experience.

A Ceòlraidh performance is therefore an end product of a process of applications, auditions,rehearsals - plus a lot of hard work and dedication from the participants and professional musicians involved. Fèis Rois launched its first Ceòlraidh event in 2005, in response to a sponsorship opportunity offered by the Faculty of Advocates. The success of this event led to another spectacular performance in 2006, which featured Donald Shaw of Capercaillie leading all of the Ceòlraidh participants in a grand finale.

It was Donald’s special relationship with Fèis Rois that helped inspire his acclaimed `Harvest’ – a thrilling gala concert commissioned by Celtic Connections, which featured top international singers and musicians sharing the stage with 40 young Fèis students from all over the Highlands.

This year, Ceòlraidh will feature within the Blas programme for the very first time. This will be anoutstanding opportunity for our young apprentices and their musical heroes to reach a wider audience, and will act as a flagship for the continued health of the great tradition of handing down musical skills from generation to generation.

On embarking on the Ceòlraidh project, we have no preconceived ideas about which professional musicians will be involved – ultimately, it is the participants who suggest who they will perform with. This is what keeps Ceòlraidh fresh and exciting. We can guarantee that this year’s concert will offer a fascinating insight to the relationship between teacher and student, whilst engaging audiences with a programme of memorable performances.

Ceòlraidh has been made possible this year through an exciting partnership between Fèis Rois and Blas, and with generous funding from the Faculty of Advocates and Fèisean nan Gaidheal.

Performance Dates
Strathpeffer Pavillion, Friday 12th September

Cherish the Ladies

Named after a time honoured Irish traditional jig, Cherish The Ladies have become known as one of the most engaging ensembles in Irish music. Originally formed 20 years ago as a one-off concept, Cherish The Ladies have grown into an Irish traditional music sensation, literally the most successful and sought-after Irish-American groups in Celtic music history.

Over the years the group have played at festivals and concert halls all over the world, sharing the stage with entertainers like James Taylor, Joan Baez, Emmy Lou Harris and The Chieftains, to name but a few.

The band’s many accolades include Entertainment Group of the Year ( Irish Voice Newspaper) and International Group of the Year Award (Glasgow’s prestigious Celtic Connections). Cherish performed at this years Celtic Connections for an incredible 13th time in the 15 years history of Celtic Connections, to a sell-out audience in the Main Auditorium at the Royal Concert Hall.

Although the band’s line-up has changed over the years, two of the original members remain - band leader Joannie Madden, the Grammy Award winning whistle and flute player, and Mary Coogan (guitar, banjo and mandolin) both of whom are first-generation Irish from the New York area. The other members of the band are Mirella Murray from Connemarra (piano accordion) Roisin Dillon from Belfast (fiddle and tin whistle) and Kathleen Boyle from Glasgow (piano and vocals). Vocalist Heidi Talbot recently left the band to further a solo career, and her replacement - yet to be named - will be announced shortly.
 
Individually, each member of the group is a musician of considerable talent - put them all together and you have a formidable line-up of virtuosi instrumental talent, beautiful vocals and captivating arrangements put together in a humorous and entertaining package. 

Performance Dates
Invermoriston, Tuesday 9th September
Aros Centre, Portree, Wednesday 10th September
Roybridge, Thursday 11th September
 

The Chieftains

The Chieftains original members include founder and frontman Paddy Moloney (Uilleann pipes, tin whistle), Matt Molloy (flute), Sean Keane (fiddle) and Kevin Conneff (bodhran, vocals). Other performers include the notable Irish harpist Triona Marshall, and the young Canadian acrobatic dancing team of brothers’ Jon and Nathan Pilatzke, along with traditional Irish dancer Cara Butler. Known for her one-of-a-kind technique, Triona left the RTE Orchestra to tour with The Chieftains and released her self-titled solo debut album in early 2007. The dancing Pilatzkes have been a part of The Chieftains show for just over five years now, with Jon continuing to dazzle audiences with his ability to combine his talents on stage as a correspondingly brilliant fiddle player.

This year, The Chieftains can also be heard on the soundtrack for “The Water Horse: Legend of The Deep,” by composer James Newton Howard. The family film is playing in movie theatres worldwide, with the original music mutually finding international praise. For the 2008 tour, The Chieftains will perform selections that span their latest and greatest hits, many of which are found on their 2006 release The Essential Chieftains. As usual with The Chieftain’s shows look for other surprise guests to appear at select shows.

With a career that spans forty-three years and forty-three albums, The Chieftains are not only Ireland’s premier musical ambassadors but also the most enduring and influential creative force in establishing the international appeal of Celtic music and have also collaborated with many musical legends including Van Morrison and Sting. Six-time Grammy winners and nineteen-time Grammy nominees, The Chieftains continue to maintain an international touring schedule that has brought them before literally millions of fans on every continent.

Performance Dates
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Wednesday 10th September

Christine Primrose

Christine Primrose, a native Gaelic speaker, and internationally renowned traditional singer, comes from Carloway on the west side of the Island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

She has been singing for as long as she can remember, and has won major awards at Gaelic Mods (competitive Festivals) since she was seven years old. She also won the coveted Traditional Singing Competition at the Pan-Celtic Festival in Killarney in Ireland where singers from all other Celtic nations, Ireland, Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and Wales were taking part. She has frequently appeared on television, mainly as a singer, but has also presented a 12 series Gaelic magazine programme, as well as numerous radio programmes. In 1995 she was part of the cast as a singer in a Tag production (Theatre Company in Glasgow) which ran for three months.

Christine has toured extensively in Northern America and Canada, Australia and Europe, conducting workshops, giving concerts and recitals. She also took part in the prestigious Smithsonian Folklife Music Festival in Washington USA, as part of 'Scotland at the Smithsonian', along with the renowned harp-player Alison Kinnaird.

Christine is currently teaching Gaelic song at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye, and frequently gives Gaelic song presentations at the various conferences and events which are held at the college.

Performance Dates
Glenelg, Friday 5th September

Coisir Òg Lochabair

Under the baton of Chrissie MacEachan, Fort William based Coisir Òg Lochabair (Lochaber Youth Choir) have delighted audiences both locally and further afield with their lovely Gaelic songs and enthusiastic approach to Gaelic music. They have had success at local and national Mod competitions and continue to gain praise wherever they perform.

Performance Dates
Limetree, Fort William, Saturday 13th September

Còmhlan Luaidh Bhàideanach

Thirteen years ago Còmhlan Luadh Bhàideanach (Badenoch Waulking Group) performed their first ever “waulking” in the Highland Folk Museum in Kingussie for a group of touring American weavers. The group consists of mostly learners of the language or, learners of just Gaelic song. There are three native speakers in the group a Hearach (Harris), a Sgiathanach (Skye) and an Uidhisteach (Uist). The group have demonstrated “waulking the cloth” (luathadh) regularly at the museum in Kingussie and Newtonmore every year throughout the summer months.

The group have performed at various gatherings and ceilidhs in the area and beyond -gatherings like the Highland Festival, Clan MacPherson Rally, Rob Roy Stewart Festival, Carrbridge Festival and many more; too numerous to mention. The visitor demand for our songs led to the recording of our CD “Fo Sgàile Creag Dubh, Creag Dubh being the hill overlooking Newtonmore. When they recorded, their aim was to produce as natural a sound as possible – which they have achieved admirably.

In October 2007 they competed at the Royal National Mod in Fort William and won the Harris Tweed Association Trophy.

The group meet weekly to sing and learn new songs and their performances include Gaelic song (waulking songs and puirt-a-beul as well as others) some small pipe and fiddle music and step dance. They encourage audience participation and are very committed to keeping this tradition alive and passing it on to the younger generation before it is lost forever.

Performance Dates
Folk Park, Newtonmore, Saturday 6th September

Dàimh

With a combined height of over 36 feet and a weight of more than half a ton, Dàimh (pronounced Dive) are the ultimate Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton and Californian group. Combining the traditions of each, the charging pipes and fiddle combined with banjo, mandola, guitar and bodhran, saw them nominated as ‘Best Group’ at the 2007 Scottish Traditional Music Awards. The band formed in 1997, and they soon released their first album 'Moidart to Mabou', which was received to critical acclaim and set the way forward for the band. They followed this with 2003's 'Pirates of Puirt' which showcased the band's amazing high-energy playing described as

"…..Their quality which sets them apart from mere speed merchants, sharpening and redoubling the formidable power of dance numbers, and imbuing the slower tracks with grace" Sue Wilson, Scotsman

Since their formation the band have performed extensively in Scotland and further afield, including visits to Canada, Russia, Ireland, France, England and Wales. They have made numerous appearances on television and receive extensive coverage on radio, including Rèidio nan Gàidheal, Traveling Folk and Global Gathering. In 2006 the band recruited Mod Gold Medalist Calum Alex Macmillan from the Isle of Lewis to add the depth and power of Gaelic song to their already phenomenal instrumental sound. Since then Dàimh have released their third album 'Crossing Point' on the Greentrax label. This year has begun in fine style with appearances at Celtic Connections and continues with a whole host of summer festivals which will see them rocking far and wide.

Performance Dates
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Saturday 6th September
Arisaig, Wednesday 10th September

Donald Black Band

Although the humble “moothie” is the world’s biggest selling musical instrument, it has seldom hitherto been seriously regarded in the world of traditional music – and certainly never in the music of the Celtic regions of our native Scotland; that is until Donald Black arrived on the scene!  With his own unique style, Donald has almost single-handedly been responsible for the promotion of the mouthorgan (particularly the tremolo model) as a serious musical instrument, capable of accommodating all the challenges of fast intricate pieces but also of evocatively producing all that is required in the slower more reflective works.

Donald Black’s performances have delighted audiences from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, UK-wide, through Europe - and from Moscow to Kansas City. This is his second year on the Blas performers list, having appeared in 2006 with Runrig’s Malcolm Jones. Donald has, over the years, received considerable acclaim for both his live performances and his recordings. He has enjoyed extensive radio play both in Scotland and abroad and has made several TV appearances in Scotland as well as Russia, Lithuania and Germany.

He is very proud to have been the only Scot so far to have been invited to perform alongside many of the world’s top harmonica players in 2005 at SPAH (Society for the Advancement and Preservation of the Harmonica) in Kansas City, USA, and last year he received a very warm welcome in Bristol, England where he performed to an audience of the British National Harmonica League.

Donald will be ably accompanied by Douglas Millar on keyboard and Donnie Mackenzie on guitar – the Donald Black Band. The Donald Black Band will be playing several concerts promoting Donald’s highly acclaimed Keil Road solo album and is looking forward very much to the inclusion of the Blas concerts with their very receptive audiences.

Performance Dates
Nairn Community Centre, Friday 12th September
Durness Village Hall, Saturday 13th September

Duplets

With two Scottish harps intertwined The Duplets are hailed as
“two of the most amazing harpists onthe planet ” - The Scotsman.

Gillian Fleetwood and Fraya Thomsen produce vibrant, rhythmic jigsand reels, delicate slow airs and compassionate song accompaniments. The music is not only complimented by their upbringing in the Highlands of Scotland but by an appreciation of theimportance of the Scottish harp revival. Gillian’s honest delivery of Scots songs, old and new,compliments the beauty of the harps and like a storyteller adds a great depth to their show. Having formed on the back of a long standing friendship and a sell out collaboration for theEdinburgh international Harp Festival 2005 they have gone from strength to strength, achieving honours degrees in music and gaining high accolades in their first year of touring.

“Flying the flag for the Scottish harp”- Hi Arts
"showcased the instrument’s versatility to spellbinding effect" -The Scotsman
"note perfect flair" - Ceol Beo

In January 2008 both Duplets were part of “Harp Heaven” a sell out concert for Celtic Conncetions where they performed alongside twelve harpists including MD Corrina Hewat, who was also theirfirst harp teacher in Balnain House.The Duplets debut album is soon to be released and boasts awealth of top Scottish musicians including Gabe McVarish on fiddle, Duncan Lyall on double bassTam the Banjo and Donald Hay on percussion.

Performance Dates
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye, Saturday 6th September

Edey, Power and Randall

These three outstanding musicians share in common a musical ideal which sets them apart from other bands in the current folk scene...Go With The Flow!..If you feel like going off on a tangent in the middle of a set then so be it, or even making up a tune on the spot. The band finds that this edge of the seat approach makes for a more energetic and exiting concert, not only for themselves but for the audience also.

Due to Lucy’s respect for all styles within traditional Irish music, an interest in many other musical genres and technical ability of a very high standard, Lucy is one of the most versatile and creative players of the present time. As well as teaching at various festivals and Hammersmith Irish Centre, London, Lucy has performed and/or recorded with many excellent musicians, including Seth Lakeman Michael McGoldrick, The Oyster Band, Flook, various members of Sine, Ben Mills (X Factor finalist) and more.

Tim loves improvising and has often been described as an Irish jazzer! A mixture of dazzling technical ability and soulful feel, have made Tim a highly sought after session musician both in the studio and on stage.

To date Tim has performed, recorded and appeared on radio and TV with most of Celtic music’s best known names, including: Julie Fowlis, Sharron Shannon, Frankie Gavin, Session A9, Michael McGoldrick and various members of Scottish super group Capercaillie, Steve Cooney, Seamus Begley and Lunasa.

As well as having worked with some big names in the pop and rock scene, Brendan Power won the 1993 All Ireland title and subsequently recorded a CD entitled ‘New Irish Harmonica’. Its fresh approach virtually redefined the role of the harmonica in traditional Irish music and its success led to some prestigious performance and recording work with top Irish musicians, including: guest appearances on albums by Altan, Arty McGlynn, Arcadie and Paul Bradey.

Performance Dates
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Friday 12th September
Ullapool Village Hall, Saturday 13th September

Ewan Robertson and Gary Innes

Gary (accordion) and Ewan (guitar & vocals) are well known in the Highlands for their big smiles, good craic and formidable tune playing! From Speanbridge and Carrbridge respectively, they met whilst living in Glasgow and have since gone on to take their music from Strontian to Shanghai, playing in old folks homes to concert halls! Haunting slow airs and beautifully crafted songs help make up the repertoire but it is their trademark of lightening quick accordion underpinned by a propulsive, driving attack from the guitar that will leave a lasting impression.  

Their reputation as musicians has gone from strength to strength in recent times with Gary appearing with Runrig at ‘Beat the Drum’ and Ewan being named the 2008 BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year. When not on the road you can find them playing shinty, kayaking or working as fire fighters in their respective villages! The boys will be releasing their debut album later in the year.

Performance Dates
Glengarry, Saturday 6th September
Roybridge, Thursday 11th September

Finlay MacDonald Band

Finlay began learning Highland bagpipes at the age of ten. He was taught first by his father, Pipe Major Iain MacDonald of the Neilston Pipe Band, and latterly by Duncan Johnstone and Pipe Major Angus MacDonald.

As one of the first ten Students on the BA Scottish Music Course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he studied Highland Bagpipes with Allan MacDonald of Glenuig and Traditional Flute with Dougie Pincock (of the Battlefield Band.) In his Final Year at the Academy Finlay specialised in Composition and Performance, ultimately graduating in 1999. With the Neilston and District Pipe Band he has played at festivals conferences and other major events all over the world including: Scandinavia, Europe, Japan and China.

Finlay has more than one string to his bow and has played and acted in the famous award-winning Scottish Theatre Production 'The Big Picnic', and in the summer of 1999, he landed a part in Robert Duvall's film 'The Cup' where he worked alongside Mr Duvall and Michael Keaton.

Finlay has played with some of Britain’s top folk bands Deaf Shepherd , Old Blind Dogs, The Unusual Suspects, La Banda Europa, Scottish Power pipe band and Celtic Feet. His experience of working with other artists extended even to orchestrated work when he performed as the solo piper in William Jackson's piece 'The Orkney Wedding' and with the Neilston and District Pipe Band in Sean Davy's 'The Pilgrim' and 'The Relief of Derry'.

The band continue to develop the sound they have become known for which culminates in enthralling live shows full of improvising, great tune playing and an energy which gets you moving.

Band members are-

Finlay MacDonald- Pipes/whistles
Chris Stout - Fiddle
Kevin MacKenzie - Guitar
John Speirs - Bass
Fergus MacKenzie - Drums

Performance Dates
Glenuig, Friday 12 September
Limetree, Fort William, Saturday 13 September

Fiona J MacKenzie

Fiona, a native of Morayshire, has lived in Dingwall for the last 20 years and after working in Gaelic Medium Education for 5 years, now works as the Màiri Mhòr Gaelic Song Fellow for Highland Council and has truly taken the Gaelic language to heart.  She learnt Gaelic as an adult and began singing in Gaelic in 1994.  Her solo singing career really began when she won the premier prize for Gaelic Learners at the National Mod in 1996, the Silver Pendant. She won the Premier award for Gaelic Singing in Scotland, the Ladies Gold Medal, for fluent speakers, at the Royal National Mod in Stornoway in 2005. 

In 2004 she won the coveted BBC Scotland Traditional Music Personality of the Year Award at the Scots Trad Music Awards.  She was also nominated as Gaelic singer of the year in both 2005 and 2006. Her work in the Fellowship has taken her abroad to teach, lecture and perform throughout North America and Europe Through her work she promotes the participation in Gaelic singing activities of all sections of the community, the young and not so young. 

She manages a vocal harmony group for young people called Fionnar and also works on producing new song resources such as CDs and books, all designed to make Gaelic song as accessible to everyone as possible. She has recorded 2 Cds – Òrain nan Rosach and most recently, the unique and exciting ‘Duan Nollaig’, the first Scottish Gaelic Christmas CD.  She broadcasts frequently for the BBC and STV and performs with some of the best musicians in Scotland. She is frequently accompanied by her daughter Katie who is also a talented Gaelic singer and clàrsach player. Katie graduated from the RSAMD with a degree in Gaelic Song in 2008.

Performance Dates
Cèilidh Place, Ullapool, Friday 5th September
Dornoch Cathedral, Sunday 7th September

Fiona MacKenzie Band

"this Kate Bush meets Bjork of the Isle of Lewis is the voice taking traditional music to places it's seldom been before.”   

One of the most original voices to come out of Scotland in years, Fiona Mackenzie is quickly becoming one of the most sought after singer-songwriters on the acoustic music scene in Scotland. Over the past 10 years she has wowed audiences across the globe, both in her live appearances, and through her recordings on album, radio and television.  Born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, Fiona has been singing since childhood.

After leaving Lewis for student life she joined Edinburgh-based folk band Seelyhoo. She toured with them internationally for about 4 years during which time they recorded their two albums. She also recorded two albums with her sisters, Eilidh and Gillian, as the Gaelic singing group Mackenzie and later went on to join the Irish band Anam with whom she recorded a further album and gigged and toured in Europe, North America and Japan. 

For the last few years, Fiona has been writing material for what has now become her newly released album Elevate on the Linn Records label. Since it's launch at Celtic Connections, her self-penned album has been receiving critical acclaim from reviewers in the press and music industry from across the globe.

“I know it's only January, but this has "album of the year" written all over it!” 

As a live performer Fiona has also received rave reviews for her unique sound;

“Dumbstruck, spellbound, mesmerised, hypnotic and every other word you can think of that could describe how Fiona had the audience eating out of her hand”

She is accompanied on stage by some of Scotland's finest and most accomplished musicians; Mairi Campbell on Violin and viola, Derek Urquhart on guitar and Rick Taylor on piano.

Performance Dates
Badenoch Centre, Kingussie, Thursday 11th September

Fred Morrison Band

As Scottish piping moves into the 21st century, Fred Morrison has carved himself an international reputation with a powerfully exuberant, highly improvisational style which combines the Gaelic piping tradition of the Uists with contemporary and eclectic influences. One of the few pipers to achieved success in both the competitive piping and folk music scenes, Fred is a master of the Highland pipes and the bellows-blown Lowland or Border pipes, as well as playing Irish uillean pipes and low whistle.

His playing has been described by Jim Gilchrist of The Scotsman as "the nearest thing to jazz you'll hear in Scottish piping", while Michael Grey, in Piper and Drummer Magazine, commented simply: "Fred Morrison's music astounds", and "Go and be gob smacked," was the reaction from Rob Adams of The Herald.

"The King of the Pipes", as he is known in European piping enclaves, was born in 1963 near Bishopton, Renfrewshire, where he grew up, regularly visiting his paternal family home in Gerinish, South Uist. Taught piping by his late father - also Fred, also a notable piper - from the age of nine, Fred Jnr became immersed in the rounded-out, driving piping style of the Outer Hebrides.

Matheu Watson's interest in music began at the age of nine when he began playing the fiddle at a group run by Fèis Rois.  Since then he has began playing whistles, flutes and guitar and has been writing music for a number of years.

Steve Byrne from Arbroath in Scotland’s eastern lowlands has been immersed in traditional music since early childhood, and continues to write and arrange songs in his native Scots tongue. Now in his late twenties, he is becoming one of Scotland’s most sought after accompanists, especially for traditional song.

Performance Dates
MacKay's Hotel, Wick, Friday 5th September
Eden Court Theatre, Saturday 6th September

Fribo

Fribo is a unique collaboration between Norwegian singer Anne Sofie Linge Valdal, Scottish fiddler Sarah-Jane Summers and English born Ewan MacPherson on guitar. Recently described by Celtic Connections Festival as

 “…one of the freshest and most inventive acts on the emerging 'Nu-Nordic' scene, exploring and creating links between British and Scandinavian traditions, with a deft peppering of wider contemporary influences.” 

The band is rapidly gaining recognition and acclaim for blending their own musical styles together with great sensitivity but an exuberant feel for contemporary sounds and rhythms. After first playing around an old Edinburgh kitchen table in 2003, Fribo (Meaning “Open House”) decided to pursue their beautiful collision of music to seek out the very threads, which connected them in such a natural yet unexpected way.  Today after honing their musical explorations through two years’ touring experience and a very well received debut album, the graceful blending of Anne Sofie’s pure beautiful voice, Sarah-Jane’s rich, graceful Highland fiddle and Ewan’s sympathetic, rhythmic backing has become a sound itself.  To further widen the band’s sound-scape Fribo are now regularly joined by top Scottish percussionist Paul Jennings (Fred Morrison Band, Croft No5, Old Blind Dogs) who brings his raw, virtuosic, percussion skills to the mix.

 In the last two years Fribo have performed all over the UK; recent tours have taken them to America, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Wales and Ireland. Tracks from their debut album been heard on radio stations around the world. The album, part funded by a Creative Development Award from the Scottish Arts Council, was produced by Fraser Fifield and released on the popular Fellside Recordings label in January 2007.

“Fribo showed they will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come.”Oxford Times

“...Infectious rhythms stand next to haunting beauty.” Fiddle On Magazine

 “Fribo is for me one of the discoveries of the year”  New Folk Sounds

 Rock n’ Reel ****
Songlines ****
Aftenposten (NO) *****

Performance Dates
Farr Hall, near Inverness, Saturday 13th September

Gizzenbriggs

Gizzen Briggs is a traditional music group from Tain Royal Academy. The aim of the group is to encourage young people to play Scottish traditional music, promote Highland culture and of course enjoy themselves.  The group formed in 1994, as a lunch time group for players to get together for a “tune”. The group since then has grown considerably and it has fiddles who make up the majority, pipes, accordions, whistles, clàrsachs, guitars, mandolins, bass, keyboard, percussion and singers.  The group now has up to 50 regular players. We rehearse every Monday night throughout the year in the school.

In June 2000 we were invited to play in the foyer of the newly convened Scottish Parliament, the first group to be asked to perform in the then temporary building.  We toured Montana in 2001 playing in the Governors State mansion, Livingstone’s 4th of July celebrations and several live radio broadcasts.

Perhaps the greatest honour to be bestowed on Gizzen Briggs was when we were invited to perform at the Presiding Officer’s Official Banquet at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in October 2004 where we played for the Queen who came and spoke with some of the players.

The name Gizzen Briggs comes from a sandbank, which joins the counties of Easter Ross and Sutherland, the areas our players come from. The legend of the Gizzen Briggs tells of the naughty fairies, who having escaped from a clan Mackay servant, are busy on the Dornoch Firth building a land bridge, woven from ropes of sand, to keep them busy. They are still there today, the task being never ending due to the tide washing away the fairies work twice a day. Gizzen Briggs is a Norse word meaning leaky bridge

Our 5th CD “Out of the Blue” was released in February of this year.

Performance Dates
Dornoch Cathedral, Sunday 7th September

Iain MacKay

Iain MacKay comes from Point on the Isleof Lewis, and has been singing at Ceilidhs and gatherings for many years. Iain won the traditional Gold Medal at the national Mod in Inverness in 1972, and won the Sennn Nòs at the Pan Celtic Festival in Killarney a few years later. He has frequently sung at Celtic Connections, and has featured on many TV and radio programmes.

He is in great demand for the cèilidh circuit around the Highlands and Islands, and appears regularly at the Annual Gatherings in Glasgow. He has often been accompanied by some of Scotland’s finest musicians. Iain has also taught traditional Gaelic singing at some of the popular Fèisean throughout Scotland, including Ceòlas and Feis Bharraigh.

Iain first recorded many years ago with Gaelfonn which was owned by the late Murdo Ferguson, also from Point.  He then recorded an LP, 'Voice of te Hebrides' with Lismore Recordings, which was a David Silver production.  His most recent CDs, 'Seòladh' and 'Creag an Fhraoich' were produced by Macmeanma.

Performance Dates
Raasay, Friday 5th September
Poolewe, Saturday 6th September

Ishbel MacAskill

Ishbel comes from the Point area of the Island of Lewis. She was brought up with the rich heritage of centuries old Gaelic music and song which still survives in Point and indeed all over the Island of Lewis. Her particular style of unaccompanied traditional singing, her numerous radio and television performances and countless world-wide live appearances have established her position as probably the best internationally known Gaelic singer today.

Her singing takes her to venues throughout the U.K., Ireland, Europe, Asia, Canada, USA and Australia. Her recordings are always in demand at home and abroad and significantly, sell to people who have never before heard the Gaelic language. Whether her audience is Gaelic speaking or not her English introductions to these centuries old songs of love, war, sea and landscape, exile and life itself make each one a memorable experience. Her profound respect for the tradition is gently balanced by a humorous irreverence in her witty observations on the reality of Highland life and culture.

She has performed at festivals throughout the world and has had many repeat performances at Europe’s largest folk festival Celtic Connections in Glasgow and the prestigious Canadian Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton
Ishbel is deeply motivated by the rich beauty of her heritage of Gaelic music and poetry. She is especially moved by the intensely emotive quality of the poetry and, through her unique delivery, manages to convey to her audiences a feeling of involvement in the colourful history and culture of the Gael.

Performance Dates
Raasay, Friday 5th September
Poolewe, Saturday 6th

James Ross - Chasing the Sun

“Chasing the Sun” combines music and image to depict a journey along the North Coast of Caithness and Sutherland. The title of the piece represents the association of this journey with the following of the sun as a gradual movement as it is made along the natural Coast uniting land with sea.

The light of the sun is explored as a source of beauty and sensuality, with the power to influence the numerous moods and essential drama of the Coastal regions.  Crucially, the sun in its relation to the land and sea symbolizes the constant natural cycle of change. As each new season arrives, the character of the light changes, as it also does through different parts of the day.

These repetitive yet inexplicable alterations tie harmoniously with the similar ebb and flow of the waves. Underlying all is the startlingly unique character of the North of Scotland as a place where nature exists as a profound aspect of its being, with the power to inspire one with such feelings of reflective tranquillity and the power to create.  “Chasing the Sun” is written for piano, string quartet, saxophone, whistles and bagpipes. Performers are James Ross, Mr McFalls Chamber, and Fraser Fifield in collaboration with photographer Catriona Murray. 

James Ross

James Ross, from Wick, plays piano, keyboards and accordion. He began playing music at the age of eight, studying under respected musician and composer, the late Addie Harper. He went on to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow, from which he graduated with a BA in Scottish Music in July 2000. He then completed the MA in Traditional Irish Music Performance in June 2001, studying piano under Professor Mícheal Ó Súilleabháin at the Irish World Music Centre, University of Limerick. James, as part of a group, was a finalist in the 1999 Radio 2 Young Folk Award.

He has performed extensively throughout Britain, Ireland and America, and has recently recorded a live broadcast on solo piano for Celtic Connections, BBC Radio Scotland. He teaches classes in the community, ranging from individual tuition to group workshops, and also teaches Traditional piano at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Since, November 2001, he has been part of the Yehudi Menuhin’s Live Music Now! Scheme, which takes live performances to a wide range of community venues.

James currently plays piano as part of Gaelic singer James Graham's trio and he also works and tours with fiddler Anna-Wendy Stevenson.

Mr McFalls Chamber

Jason Roach and Chrissy Crowley

Jason Roach

Jason was born and raised in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia. He began playing the keys at the young age of five and was introduced to the Celtic style at thirteen. Today, he is an enthusiastic twenty-three year old with a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Francis Xavier University.  He has performed in public since 1997, including many piano solos and sharing the stage with a variety of instrumentalists. Some highlights included opening for Jimmy Rankin in at Rock the Dock (2002), traveling to Italy and France with fiddler Dominique Dupuis for the "Celtica" festival of music (2004 & 2005), a trip to France for the VISA Francophone Festival, and various "Celtic Colours" performances. Thus far, he is featured on Maybelle Chisholm's "Pure Celtic Hearts," which was released in 2001. He is also featured on the St. Francis Xavier University Jazz Nonet's CD "Mix Up". Next year, the Jazz Nonet that followed Jason's graduating class will release a recording featuring one of Jason's original compositions—a testament to the inventiveness Jason wishes to maintain as both a writer and performer. His own recording was produced at Lakewind Sounds this year. Instead of resting, however, Jason is already creating a buzz about a new album to be recorded with fiddler Mike Hall this fall—the first "Live At The Doryman" album to ever be recorded at the Doryman Tavern in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia.

Chrissy Crowley

Chrissy Crowley is the latest young celtic musician to emerge from Cape Breton, Canada and she is captivating audiences with a talent that belies her youth. Chrissy is a traditional fiddler and recording artist who has recently released her debut album. She lives in the beautiful Margaree area of Nova Scotia, Canada, a place known for it's cherished musical culture. The music of the ceilidh resonates in the majestic mountains and peaceful valleys incorporating not only the tunes of the Scottish Gaels but also those of the area's Irish and French-Acadians. Chrissy has been inspired by the traditions of artists who have gone before and has embraced the music of her celtic roots making it her own.

Chrissy's determination and natural ability have allowed her to become an exceptional fiddler in an astonishingly short period of time and she remains in demand at the various traditional music venues thoughout Nova Scotia. She has also been on stage at festivals in Cape Cod, Maine, Ontario and Prince Edward Island . She played a command performance in Scotland for the Chisholm Clan Chief at the Clan's 2006 Gathering and for the Crowley Clan Taoiseach at the Crowley Clan's 2007 Gathering in Ireland. She perfomed in Sosua, Domician Republic for the "Shane MacDougall Caribbean Ceilidh" celebrating Tartan Day 2007. Her music has been heard recorded and live on regional radio and she has perfomed live for CBC and Ireland broadcast radio. Chrissy appears on a CBC television special "A Day In the Life of Canada". In 2007 she was given the East Coast Music Association's nod of approval when she was selected as an Roots Room Showcase performer and won a Sonicbids Artist Spotlight coinciding with the showcase.

Performance dates
Limetree, Fort William, Tuesday 9th September
Aros Centre, Portree, Wednesday 10th September
Eilean Donan Castle, Thursday 11th September
Nairn Community Centre, Friday 12th September
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye, Saturday 13th September

Jenna Cumming

Jenna Cumming, who hails from Inverness, is a former pupil of Central Primary School (Gaelic Unit) and Millburn Academy. While at school Jenna attended Feis a’ Bhaile and Feis na h-Òige and enjoyed performing as a soloist and as part of a group. Encouraged by her mother, Gaelic singer Chrissie MacVicar, Jenna’s natural singing talent became evident at a very early age.

At the age of ten Jenna won her first competition at the Royal National Mod held in Dunoon in 1994 and continued to win many awards during her time as a junior competitor. In 2002, Jenna competed for the first time as an adult competitor and won the Mary Lamont Gold Medal for traditional singing. By 2004 Jenna was recipient of three Gold medals, winning the An Comunn Gàidhealach Gold Medal in 2003 and the Oban Times Gold in 2004.  

Jenna released her debut album ‘Kintulavig’ with Macmeanmna to great acclaim in December 2005 and in December 2006 Jenna was named ‘Up & Coming artist of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards in Fort William. She has appeared on a number for television programmes such as ‘Aig Cridhe ar Ciùil’ and has been involved in many prestigious  events such as Celtic Connections and Flower of the West, an evening celebrating the music and contribution made to the Gaelic Arts scene by the Gaelic song writing duo, Calum and Rory Macdonald of Runrig.

Performance Dates
Nairn Community Centre, Friday 12th September
Farr Hall, near Inverness, Saturday 13th September

Jenna Reid Band

‘Laughing Girl’ released on Footstompin Records is the second solo album from Shetland Fiddler Jenna Reid, and promises to deliver the bright talents of one of Scotland’s most prominent young musicians. 

Nominated as ‘Best Instrumentalist’ at the 2007 Scots Trad Awards, her new release showcases music and song from Shetland and Scotland featuring Kevin Mackenzie, Bethany Reid, Duncan Lyall, James Thomson, Iain Sandilands and Martin O’Neill.

Since releasing her debut solo album in 2005 and being awarded ‘Best Up and Coming Artist’ at the 2005 Scots Trad Music Awards, Jenna has undoubtedly remained one of the finest young players ever to grace the traditional music scene.  Following the success of her first album, Jenna was invited by Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas to perform on the third series of the

Transatlantic Sessions.

A protégé of the greatest names in Shetland fiddling, Dr Tom Anderson MBE and Willie Hunter, Jenna has appeared all over the world with Shetland fiddling sensations, ‘Filska’, Scottish super group, ‘Deaf Shepherd’ and ‘Dochas’, winners of ‘Best Up and Coming Band’ at the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards.  Dochas are also nominated for ‘Best Folk Band’ at the 2006 Scots Trad Music Awards.

Performance Dates
Strontian, Friday 5th September
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Saturday 6th September

Joy Dunlop

Joy Dunlop is one of Scotland's newest and most promising performers. A native of Connel, Argyll, she has been singing and dancing since an early age and has competed and performed throughout the country to great success. The lead singer of winning traditional groups at the Pan Celtic International Festival she was also crowned runner up in the International Traditional Song competition in 2005. Joy has enjoyed recent success at The Royal National Mod in 2006 winning the Oban Times Gold medal and  competition. She was also runner up in the 2007 Gold Medal Series. In 2006 Joy became the Interceltic Traditional Dance Champion beating off stiff competition from worldwide professionals hailing from the 6 Celtic Nations.puirt-a-beul competition and in 2007, the prestigious Oran Mor

Joy is in great demand internationally and has recently performed and taught at workshops and festivals in the UK, Ireland, Europe, Canada and New Zealand. Although a full time Gaelic development officer in Argyll, Bute and the Islands for An Comunn Gaidhealach, she has also worked as Gaelic Instructor in residence for Fèis Mhàbu in Cape Breton and with communities in New Zealand promoting and developing Gaelic language and song in the last year.

In addition to her solo work Joy is also heavily involved Gaelic choral music and is a member of Argyll ladies choir “Atomic Piseag” and the conductor of "Coisir Ceann an Tuirc” the Argyll male voice Gaelic choir. She sings and is the Gaelic tutor for theTaynuilt Gaelic choir who swept the boards at the Royal National Mod 2007 in the Sheriff MacMaster Campbell competition under her tutorage.

A popular columnist for the Gaelic newspaper “An Gaidheal Ur” Joy was recently highly commended in the first ever Gaelic Journalist section at the 2008 Highlands and Islands Media Awards.

Performance Dates
Glenelg, Friday 5th September

JP Cormier

In his home island of Cape Breton, Canada and indeed across North America as a whole, J.P. Cormier, or simply JP as he is commonly know, is a musical giant in every sense of the word.

A multi-instrumentalist and stunning singer / songwriter, he plays guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin and….well, just about any other stringed instrument you care to mention – not only well, but brilliantly in fact.

JP started playing guitar when he was five and is largely self taught on all these instruments. Perhaps this is the reason why his personal style and talents are viewed as so unique, although of course he draws his range of influences not only from his home country, but also the many wonderful musicians who have surrounded him over the years.

Since being viewed as a musical prodigy at the age of nine, has picked up multiple international award nominations, and wins over the years and has made many memorable appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, while also appearing with international stars such as Waylon Jennings, Bill Munro, Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Charlie Louvin and Vince Gill.

JP is a seasoned and hugely acclaimed performer, bringing his dazzling compositions and stunning instrumental / vocal skills to the stage around 250 nights a year – all over the world. His mixture of bluegrass, country, traditional and folk-roots music knows no bounds or limits, and no matter what combination he chooses to deliver, his performances never fall short of truly electrifying……..

JP is accompanied by his wife Hilda Chiasson-Cormier, a hugely respected piano player and musician in her own right.

On his last major visit to Scotland JP brought a Celtic Connections concert audience to its collective feet, raising the roof during an unforgettable night in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall – so there is no question he’s very likely to do the same wherever he goes.

Performance Dates
Strontian, Friday 5th September
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Saturday 6th September
Phipps Hall, Beauly, Sunday 7th September

Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh

Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh are singers with strikingly similar backgrounds – both are the same age, were brought up on islands off the West coast in Gaelic speaking homes, surrounded by music and song, and who have gone on to enjoy successful careers in music. Both are known as talented instrumentalists as well as singers, and the only slight difference? Julie hails from Scotland and Muireann from Ireland.

The girls met in 2004 and performed a song together at the Tonder Festival in Denmark, and this was the beginning of a firm friendship and strong musicial connection. The girls have toured with the distinctive talents of Eamon Doorley and Ross Martin regularly since then, always focussing on the natual and ancient links between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland and sharing songs, tunes and stories.

2008 will see this exciting four piece realise a much anticipated project – an album celebrating the links between these two countries.

Muireann is an multi award winning singer, whose album 'Daybreak: Fáinne an Lae' was released to critical acclaim in 2006. She is in much demand as not only a singer and flute player, both solo and with top Irish band Danú. She is also well known as a TV presenter, and has toured the world with her music visiting countries as far flung as India, Bulgaria and Jordan. She won "Best Singer" at the liveireland.com Awards in 2005. See www.muireann.ie

Julie was awarded the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year Award 2008 earlier in the year (the first Gaelic singer ever to be recognised in such a way) and her album “cuilidh” was voted “Album of the Year” at the Scots Trad Music Awards, where she also was voted “Gaelic Singer of the Year 2007”. Appearances on shows such as “Later …with Jools Holland” has won her fans around the world. See www.juliefowlis.com

Eamon Doorley is a talented multi instrumentalist, having performed on a professional basis his entire adult life touring with award winning band Danú. He produced the “Album of the Year 2007” ”cuilidh” with wife Julie Fowlis and is known for his creative and intuative accompaniment of songs and tunes.

Ross Martin is one of the best known accommpanists in Scotland, performing in the top Scottish bands Dàimh, Harem Scarem and Cliar. He has toured wth Bonnie Prince Billy and is recognised for his West coast style and driving backing of pipe tunes.

Performance Dates
Phipps Hall, Beauly, Sunday 7th September
Aros Centre, Portree, Monday 8th September
Limetree, Fort William, Tuesday 9th September

Kimberley Fraser

Kimberley Fraser, from Cape Breton, first began to impress audiences at the age of three with her step-dancing talents. Soon after that she took up both the fiddle and the piano. She proudly owns the fiddle of her great great grandfather, spanning the musical tradition within her family over a hundred years.

Though still in her early 20s, Kimberley’s career is already a distinguished one. She has traveled the world, bringing Cape Breton music with her wherever she goes. She has played with Cape Breton’s finest, including Ashley MacIsaac, Natalie MacMaster, Gordie Sampson and the late John Allan Cameron. Internationally, Kimberley has shared the stage with such notables as Alasdair Fraser, Lunasa and Danu. Kimberley is also in demand for her piano skills, accompanying various Cape Breton fiddlers at home and abroad.

In 2005 Kimberley graduated from St Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia with an honours degree in Celtic Studies and a minor in Jazz music. Education is important to her, and this is reflected in her dedication to teaching Cape Breton music both at home and abroad. A master at the trio of fiddling, step dancing and piano, Kimberley is a much sought after teacher for all three.

Kimberley’s latest accomplishment includes the release of her second studio album, Falling on New Ground. This self-produced album reflects on her experiences and growth as a musician since the release of her first studio album Heart Behind the Bow in 2000.

Falling on New Ground demonstrates Kimberley’s many talents and versatility. Each track of the album brings something new to the listener, from the exciting variations on “Mason’s Apron” to the soulful jazz influenced piano solo, “The Braes of Auchtertyre”. Kimberley’s ability to combine traditional music with a fresh approach has “Falling on New Ground” truly fall onto new ground.

Performance Dates
Tulloch Castle, Dingwall, Tuesday 9th September
Arisaig Hall, Wednesday 10th September
Badenoch Centre, Kingussie, Thursday 11th September
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Friday 12th September
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye, Saturday 13th September

Kiltearn Fiddlers

In 1990 three young children from Kiltearn Primary School, Evanton, Easter Ross began learning traditional fiddle under Alpha Munro at a weekly class set up by Fèis Rois.

Today the numbers have risen to over 50. In 1992 emerged a performing group, the Kiltearn Fiddlers, who have played at ceilidhs, festivals and local community events ever since. In 2002 the Kiltearn Fiddlers played at the Edinburgh International Fiddle Festival and in the same year at Le Festival de Cornouaille in Brittany. In 2004 a number of the group played at Celtic Connections as part of the opening “Harvest Concert” with other talented children from the Highlands. In 2005 Kiltearn Fiddlers competed at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales and gained a second in the Celtic Massed Ensemble competition and then again in 2006 when they championed a first. At Christmas 2005 they were awarded a special Community Award by Highland Council for music/performance in the community and beyond.

The Kiltearn Fiddlers have made two CDs and a tape. Their CD ‘Fèis Fiddle Magic’ was aired on local radio and Radio Scotland’s ‘Take the Floor’. They also have a track on the excellent Fèis Rois CD.

Their Celtic repertoire includes tunes from Cape Breton, Ireland and Brittany and Sweden. Accompaniment instruments include guitar, percussion, piano, djembe and bodhran.

Alpha is indebted to Fèis Rois for support and encouragement over the years, to the expertise of other fiddle tutors such as Iain MacBeath, Sofie Jonsson, Paul Dzaldowski and latterly, Louise Mackenzie. She is also grateful to parents for their support, assistance and taxi services. In addition she is indebted to the following Kiltearn Fiddlers’ accompanists for their enthusiasm, practice and musical input: Rob Donald, Dagger Gordon Alison Mackenzie and Mike Simpson.

Performance Dates
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Wednesday 10th September

Lewis MacKinnon

Singing in English, Scottish Gaelic and Irish, Lewis MacKinnon has performed in coffee shops, pubs and concert halls throughout Eastern Canada since 1994. MacKinnon has played in every Atlantic Canadian Province, Ontario and in both Scotland and Ireland. In the fall of 2007 he was a featured performer at the Féile Ámhranaíochta (The Irish Song Festival in Belfast) and also in the internationally acclaimed Celtic Colours Festival, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Ailean Duinn a traditional Gaelic song was selected to be included in the Festival’s 2007 compilation CD.

Also touring with the Nova Scotia based Celtic band, Jug In Hand, www.juginhand.com, MacKinnon shares lead singing responsibilities with band partner, Brian England. Together they have recorded three Jug In Hand CD projects.

His music interests cover a broad spectrum including, traditional Irish and Scottish ballads, Maritime compositions, soft rock, Spanish, Irish and Scottish Gaelic. He is a composer in both English and Gaelic. His original compositions Dunmore Road and Lower South River have been recorded on albums Dunmore Road and Skulduggery and Prose respectively.

“When Lewis MacKinnon sings, the warmth of his voice fills the room” – Dave Gunning, Pictou County singer/songwriter

In July 2006 he released an all Gaelic recording titled, A’ Seo (meaning “Here” in Gaelic) which has earned him an ECMA nomination in the Roots/Traditional category. Writing from a unique Gaelic Nova Scotia perspective, the album features two of MacKinnon’s original compositions, MacColla Ùr and three additional verses added to the Run Rig tune, An Toll Dubh. The CD, a five year project recorded with singer/song writer Dave Gunning as Assistant Producer, has already demanded a second printing. MacKinnon’s interpretations span both Gaelic Scotland and Nova Scotia traditional song genres.

Dedicated to his granduncle, Dougald MacDougall and to minority groups who continually strive to have their unique language and/or culture maintained in broader mainstream society, the recording includes contributions from artists Dave Gunning, Brian England, Patricia Murray, Danny Sutherland, Scott Long, Troy MacGillivray, Betty Lord, An Cliath Clis, Randy MacDonald, Bradley McNamara, Keith Mullins, Kris MacFarlane and Jon Matthews.

MacKinnon is a vocal artist who combines passion and perspective along with powerful baritone vocals in his songs. MacKinnon’s most recent effort offers interpretations of traditional material to inspire present and future generations of learners, singers and composers.

The recording, released under the Gaelic spelling of his name, Lodaidh MacFhionghain (as well as in the English) reflects Gaelic today: a modern perspective on a time-honoured tradition, linked by common challenges and shared experiences with the Province’s other heritage communities.

Performance Dates
Tulloch Castle, Dingwall, Tuesday 9th September
Aros Centre, Portree, Wednesday 10th September
Eilean Donan Castle, Thursday 11th September
Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Friday 12th September
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye, Saturday 13th September

MacRimmon to Power of Three

Bagpipes, whistle, box, fiddle, guitar and vocals played by some of Scotland’s finest (and busiest!) young traditional professional artistes - Calum MacCrimmon, Innes Watson & Martin Hunter. Enjoy the cèilidh in the mountains of Strathspey and Badenoch with MacCrimmon to the Power of Three.

Calum MacCrimmon
Having gained his BA Honours degree in Scottish Music, Calum is presently pursuing a career as a tutor and performer across Scotland and is performing with such esteemed acts as The Unusual Suspects, Na Tri Seudan and The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. Last year, he was a finalist in the high profile BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition, which is held at Celtic Connections. Calum is also a talented composer and he successfully produced a New Voices commission for Celtic Connections 2007.

Innes Watson
Professional guitarist, fiddler, composer and arranger Innes Watson BA Scottish Music RSAMD) is currently residing in the Scottish Borders as a full time musician. Playing with some of the best up-and-coming acts of Scotland such as Lori Watson: Three, Border Fiddles, the Treacherous Orchestra, Maeve MacKinnon and many more.

Martin Hunter
Martin Hunter is from Glasgow and learnt accordion at the legendary St Roch's. He has competed at the All Ireland on accordion and drums as part of the Irish Minstrels as well as many ceilidhs in the St Roch's Ceili Band . In 2004 Martin and his band Tacan won a prestigious Danny Award at Celtic Connections and performed at the festival in 2005.
Martin was nominated as a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award 2007. 

Performance Dates
Folk Park, Newtonmore, Saturday 6th September
Strathspey Railway, Saturday 6th September

MacDonald Brothers, Glenuig

Dr Angus MacDonald

Angus MacDonald is one of three piping brothers from Glenuig in Moidart. His brothers Allan and Iain are well known in piping circles. Since 1993, Angus has practiced as a medical doctor in Skye, moving back from Cape Breton, Canada, where he had lived and worked for 11 years. Prior to moving to Canada he started the successful Fèis in Barra, designed to stimulate Gaelic music and language. 

While at university in Glasgow he played with the British Caledonian Airways pipe band and was in the forefront of developing the playing of pipes with other instruments and made many television appearances in the early days of folk bands.

Angus continues to compete and has won most of the major competitions including the gold medals at Oban, Inverness and in Canada; the Inverness clasp and Senior Piobaireachd at Oban; and the Silver Chanter.

Allan MacDonald

Raised in the isolated Gaelic- speaking community of Glenuig, Allan MacDonald started piping when he was nine and went on to pursue a competitive career which included winning the Inverness Clasp on two occasions. He was taught first by Pipe Major John MacKenzie, Campbeltown and then pìobaireachd by Bob Nicol, Ballater and Roddy MacDonald, South Uist.

He soon, however, became ambivalent towards the competitive discipline of piping and was at the forefront of efforts to introduce alternative styles of playing light music in the 1970s and 80s. In the more classical genre of Ceol Mòr, he set out to explore the extent to which modern styles of pìobaireachd playing differ from those of the early 18th century.

This he did by re-uniting pìobaireachd with Gaelic language rhythms in song, thereby placing the tunes in their original socio-linguistic context. His work is contained in an M. Lit. thesis, completed at the School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh, in 1995.

He has also published a collection of music, The Moidart Collection, and in 1998 released the highly-acclaimed album Fhuair mi pog with the Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart. In October 2001, released a second album "Colla mo Run" He can also be heard on the CD Homebound Concert - Live in Germany. His latest album is: Dastirum which is is a 69 page book with audio CD showcasing Allan’s stylistic approach to Pìobaireachd. The most exciting player of his generation, Allan is stimulating the renaissance of one of Europe's most soulful and majestic musical traditions.

"a consummate musician, playing with passion and mastery of his art. Allan has made more impact than anyone else in his generation"

Performance Dates
Tulloch Castle Dingwall, Tuesday 9th September
Eilean Donan Castle, Thursday 11th September

Iain MacDonald

 Iain was Born in Glenuig, a tiny Gaelic speaking village, inaccessible by road until 1967. He was educated in Glenuig and Mingarry Schools and then went on to Queen Victoria School in Dunblane where he was taught piping by Pipe Major John MacKenzie of Campbeltown. Later Piping tuition included Piobaireachd from P/M Roderick MacDonald of South Uist and lessons at Duncan Johnstone’s Piping School in Glasgow.

Iain was a founder member of ‘Fir Chlis’ Gaelic Repertory Theatre Company and also worked with 7:84 Theatre Company and the Gaelic theatre company Tosg.

He played and toured with traditional band Ossian for nine years and also played in founding line-up of Wolfstone. He then joined The Battlefield Band and performed with them until 1996.

Iain has recorded with many of the well known Scottish traditional musicians working today and has produced various albums of predominantly Gaelic traditional music including Ann Martin, Dàimh, Dòchas, Julie Fowlis, Rona Lightfoot, Mary Smith, Blazin’ Fiddles, Kathleen MacInnes. Archie MacAllister, Griogair Lawrie, Mairead Stewart.
He has taught at many Educational Establishments such as the School of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton, Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye, Limerick University in Ireland, RSAMD Glasgow, Benbecula College in Uist.
Iain is currently Artistic director of ‘Ceòlas’, the Gaelic Arts Festival in South Uist as well as keeping a busy performing schedule.

Performance Dates
Tulloch Castle Dingwall, Tuesday 9th September
Eilean Donan Castle, Thursday 11th September

MacKenzie

Mackenzie is a Gaelic vocal group of 3 sisters Eilidh, Gillian and Fiona Mackenzie from Gress, on the east coast of Lewis. They have performed as soloists, as duos and as lead vocalists in other bands including Mac-Talla, Seelyhoo and Anam but only began to sing publicly as a trio in 1996. Their frist album, Camhanach, won critical acclaim both here in Scotland and abroad and since the release of their second album they have collectively and individually become some of Scotland's most respected and sought after Gaelic singers.

As individuals they have performed throughout Europe and North America and continue to tutor at various fèisean in addition to leading Gaelic song workshops for both children and adults. Eilidh and Gillian are both music instructors within the formal education sector whilst Fiona has recently released her debut self-penned solo album, Elevate, on the esteemed Linn record label. This album reunited Fiona with highly acclaimed music producer, Calum Malcolm, who produced Mackenzie's follow-up album, Fama Clamosa, again as with their debut Camhanach, released on the Skye-based Macmeanmna label.

Much of the group's unique sound is due to the close harmonies that they wrap around their songs but also because a lot of their material is self-penned. They will captivate an audience with their singing by displaying the haunting and often aching beauty of their songs, whether that song is hundreds of years old or newly-composed. They also enjoy performing fiestier sets together with traditional waulking songs and puirt-a-beul.

Performance Dates
Bun Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic School), Friday 5th September
Glengarry, Saturday 6th September

Maeve MacKinnon

Maeve Mackinnon is one of Scotland's leading young folk singers and, confusingly, is one of 2 Gaelic singers who share exactly the same name! An Honours graduate of the RSAMD's Scottish Music degree, her singing really started to come into its own prior to finalising for the BBC Radio Scotland "Young Traditional Musician 2005" award.

She started learning Gaelic at 17 with a view to being able to sing the songs properly and was encouraged to try out for the RSAMD's Scottish Music course.  Maeve majored in Gaelic song at the RSAMD (under the tutelage of Kenna Campbell and Mairi MacInnes) whilst maintaining and developing a deep interest in Scots and Irish folksong and bluegrass.

After graduating from the RSAMD Maeve was lucky to get a scholarship for the fantastic Skye-based Gaelic college, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, where she spent a year juggling her Gaelic studies with recording the album.

Maeve has been working in Gaelic medium education since 2006, alongside gigs and singing tuition. She is also fortunate to perform regularly on national television and radio.

In 2007 she toured with the Scottish Opera educational production "1719", guested with the critically acclaimed show, "The Island Tapes", was involved in a Gaelic music educational TV series for BBC Scotland and was involved in Donald Shaw's musical production on songs from his native area, "The Argyll Rhapsody".

In June 2007 Maeve released her first album, “Don’t Sing Lovesongs”, interweaving Gaelic songs with folksongs from Scotland, Ireland and North America.  Since its release the album received a number of accolades including its inclusion (alongside Lauren MacColl) in the "Classic Album" series in the forthcoming Celtic Connections festival 2008. In a 5 star review for The Scotland On Sunday, Norman Chalmers described it as;
“one of the most absorbing albums to be released in Scotland in a long time”

In December 2007 Maeve was delighted to be awarded “Up and Coming Artist of the year” at the Scottish Trad Music Awards in Fort William.

In a 5 star review for the Lauren MacColl/Maeve Mackinnon “Classic Albums” concert, Stuart Morrison described Maeve as possessing,
“a truly stunning voice” and “surely destined for greatness”. 

Performance Dates
Portmahomack, Monday 8th September
Strathy Village Hall, Tuesday 9th September

Màiri Sìne Campbell

Màiri Sìne Campbell comes from Plockton in Wester Ross. She is employed as a lecturer in the Gaelic college, Sabhal mòr Ostaig, in the Isle of Skye where she teaches courses in Gaelic, the Gaelic Arts, and Traditional Culture. She has been singing most of her life in a variety of styles, ranging from Gaelic and Scottish folksong to jazz. In 1992, she won the Gold Medal for Traditional Singing at the Royal National Mod in Oban and has performed in many venues in the UK and Ireland, as well as being an invited judge and performer at both the Toronto and American Mods. She has an extensive repertoire of Gaelic songs and traditional stories. She recently released a CD, Thall an Loch Aillse.

In addition to her singing, she has had several Gaelic books for children of various age groups published, the most recent being one for 14 - 17 year olds, and has written scripts for Gaelic programmes on television and radio. At one time, she was a member of a Gaelic Repertory Theatre Company, Fir-chlis, which performed all over the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Performance Dates
Glenelg, Friday 5th September

Meantime

Meantime’s origins are as a Hebridean ceilidh band featuring melodeon, pipes, fiddle and guitar. As one review put it; “If it's authentic Gaelic music you're looking for, look no further! This is splendid stuff – natural and relaxed. There is talent here in depth.” However, it’s more than that. Not many bands can boast four Gaelic