Inverness-shire
Friday 4 September 2009
Inverness Cathedral Venue Postcode: IV3 5NS
8.00pm
The Gaelic Mass
An Aifreann Gàidhlig by Blair Douglas
with Inverness Gaelic Choir and The Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail
Since ancient times man has sought through incantation, blessings, prayer and proverb to seek strength and hope by praising the indefinable mysteries of the universe. The Eucharistic celebration is “the centre of the Christian Community” and is at the heart of the Christian faith and life. It has exercised an enormous influence upon the development of music. Music and singing - Art - is a thing of great beauty and power. It creates an atmosphere of splendour and emotional strength. The Mass is more than vocal music: it is vocal music with a function. As part of a divine service, the standard by which the music of any Mass is judged, is the extent to which it enters into an active and intimate connection with the holy offering. As servants of worship, music and song possess the power to put the soul in devout contact with the Lord, arousing and expressing sentiments of praise, petition, expiation, thanksgiving, joy as well as sorrow, love, trust, peace.
An Aifreann Gàidhlig | The Gaelic Mass - is a project which has interested and fascinated Blair Douglas for some years but one which he has only recently felt equipped, both musically and spiritually, to undertake.
His Mass is firmly rooted in the Celtic tradition but also seeks to explore and develop differing musical themes. It will feature a blend of traditional instruments such as clàrsach, fiddle, flute, and pipes along with orchestral accompaniment, organ, and keyboards. In combining both musical styles, a unique and original work will be created without sacrificing the sanctity of the Mass. The Gaelic Mass will represent a musical crossover between the traditional and classical styles.
Adult Earlybird Ticket (up to 31st July 2009) £12.00 and £14.00 (from 01.08.09)
Senior Citizen £12.00
Children (U16) and School Pupils £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children) £30.00
book tickets Venue Website
Saturday 5 September 2009
Empire Theatre, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness
Venue Postcode: IV3 5SA
7.30pm
Blas Pipers Gala Concert
Over the past few years Blas has held a number of successful piping events across the Highland region but none will surpass the range of talent and style which we are offering in tonight’s gala performance. Our aim is always to offer a show of seasoned professionals from home and abroad performing on the same stage as some of the best up and coming young artistes. Tonight is no exception with an array of acts coming from far and wide to play for an audience who know good piping when they hear it! So, sit back and let the melodious music of the pipes stir your soul.
Northern Contabulary Community Pipe Band
The Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band is a voluntary group of musicians drawn from the Police family and members of the public of the City of Inverness and its environs. The Band was set up in October 2002 and since then the band has performed at a variety of locations around the Highlands & Islands, and beyond, including at the Scottish Community of the Year Awards in Edinburgh.
National Youth Pipe Band
The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland is a non-competing cutting edge performance pipe band for 10-25 year olds in Scotland. Launched in 2002, the National Youth Pipe Band is the first and only organisation of its kind to bring together Scotland’s most talented young musicians at a national level.
Allan, Angus & Iain Macdonald
These three famous piping brothers were born and brought up in Glenuig, a small Gaelic speaking community in the west highlands, accessible only by boat until 1968. They have individually wowed the piping circuit and audiences with their style and depth of knowledge of the piping and Gaelic tradition.
Anna Murray
Brought up in Back on the Isle of Lewis, Anna learned at a young age to sing in her native language of Gaelic and started playing the Highland bagpipes aged ten. After early Mod successes, television appearances and requests to perform at cèilidhs all over the islands, Anna recorded a number of solo albums and has, over the years, toured at home and abroad to critical acclaim.
Ross Ainslie and Jarleth Henderson
Ross Ainslie (Scottish bagpipes, whistles) and Jarlath Henderson (uilleann pipes, whistles) first started playing together in 2003 at Armagh’s William Kennedy Piping Festival, and have since joined forces to create a pipe sound that pushes the boundaries of what both Irish and Scottish instruments can achieve together.
Northern Meeting Piper
We are delighted to be co-operating with the historical Northern Meeting committee who bring together the best pipers from across the globe to compete in Inverness each September. The Northern Meeting has chosen one sole piper of excellent calibre from this year’s competition to perform at this premier Gala show.
Adult Earlybird Ticket (up to 31st July 2009) £16.00 and £18.00 (from 01.08.09)
Senior Citizen £16.00
Children (U16) and School Pupils £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children) £40.00
Tickets from the Eden Court box office on 01463 234234 or online Book Tickets
Venue Website
Saturday 5th September 2009
One Touch Theatre, Eden Court, Inverness
Venue Postcode: IV3 5SA
10pm
Blas Festival Club Cèilidh Dance
with The Occassionals and Anna Murray
You've just come out of a great Blas show; it's Saturday night and you don't want the great music or atmosphere to end... well we have just the thing for you. Put on your dancing shoes and make your way to the One Touch Theatre where you can cèilidh dance the night away to one of Scotland’s finest cèilidh band's – The Occasionals. If your feet eventually need a rest then the lovely Anna Murray will keep you enthralled with her stunning Gaelic singing.
The Occasionals
When the band began in 1986 performances were 'occasional', hence the name. Since then they've become fairly frequent and the line-up has for a long time been Freeland Barbour (Accordion), Ian Hardie (Fiddle), Kevin MacLeod (Banjo,Mandolin), and Gus Millar (Drums). They have released six recordings over the years and are highly sought after on the cèilidh dance scene.
'The finest Scottish and Old Time dance music from a legendary group in the making' (The Living Tradition)
Anna Murray
Brought up in Back on the Isle of Lewis, Anna learned at a young age to sing in her native language of Gaelic and started playing the Highland bagpipes age ten. After Early Mod successes, television appearances and requests to perform at cèilidhs all over the islands Anna recorded a number of solo albums and has, over the years, toured at home and abroad to critical acclaim.
Adult Earlybird Ticket (up to 31st July 2009) £8.00 and £10.00 (from 01.08.09)
Senior Citizen £8.00
Children (U16) and School Pupils £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children) £25.00
Tickets from the Eden Court box office on 01463 234234 or on-line Book Tickets
Venue Website
Sunday 6th September 2009
Phipps Hall, Beauly Venue Postcode: IV3 1DT
7.30pm
The Great Highland Clans
Clan Fraser of Lovat - A Musical Celebration
Blas is delighted to bring you a series of concerts, in conjunction with Homecoming Scotland 2009, celebrating the music, song and history of some of the most iconic Highland Clans and their traditional lands. In these concerts you will hear some of Scotland’s most accomplished musicians & singers perform selected pieces of music and song which relate to the clan and their homelands. There will also be a narration giving the background and interesting facts about these amazing families and their peoples.
Clan Fraser of Lovat traces its heritage from Sir Simon Fraser, brother of Sir Alexander Fraser. Sir Simon acquired the Bisset Lands around Beauly when he won the hand of its heiress, and these lands became the family home. A record from 1367 describes Hugh Fraser as ‘Lord of Lovat and portioner of Ard’, the first known connection the Frasers had with Lovat land. It is our pleasure to celebrate this esteemed and well loved local family.
Artists for this musical celebration will be Eilidh Mackenzie (narrator, concert researcher & singer) with
Duncan MacGillivray (pipes & whistles), Gordon Gunn (fiddle) and Brian MacAlpine (accordion & piano)
The talented Irish father and son duo of Gerry and Dónal O’Connor (fiddle & piano) will open this concert.
Adult Earlybird Ticket (up to 31st July 2009) £10.00 and £12.00 (from 01.08.09)
Senior Citizen £10.00
Children (U16) and School Pupils £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children) £28.00
book tickets Venue Website Clan Fraser of Lovat
Monday 7th September 2009
Glenurquhart Public Hall, Drumnadrochit
Venue Postcode: IV63 6UG
7.30pm
Family Ties
Our rich musical traditions are often passed down through the generations from parent to child. We have gathered together some of the finest examples of this musical transmission to perform for you in the Family Ties concert. In this concert you will hear stunning music including fiddling, piping, Gaelic singing, and more from families from the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. We would also like to welcome father and son Gerry & Donal O'Connor from Ireland.
These intimate concerts will demonstrate that our not only are our music and song alive and well, but also that it is in safe hands in the years and decades to come.
Duncan & Iain MacGillivray
Ex-Battlefield band piper/whistle/guitar player Duncan MacGillivray is no stranger to festival crowds. He currently plays with The Ghillies and as a solo musician. He is a farmer in Easter Ross and has six children, all who play musical instruments. He will be joined on stage by his eldest son Iain who plays pipes, fiddle, whistle & bodhran who has studied Gaelic and music in Benbecula and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye. He currently is studying in Duluth, Minnesota.
Gerry & Dónal O'Connor
Gerry O'Connor is one of Ireland’s most outstanding fiddle players. His unique personal style and splendidly fluid bow-hand combined with technical virtuosity have earned him international renown. He is joined on fiddle and piano by his son Dónal O’Connor, who carries forward the family tradition of producing great fiddle players.
Seonaidh & Calum Alex Macmillan
Father and son, Seonaidh and Calum Alex Macmillan, are regarded as leading Gaelic singers from the Isle of Lewis. Seonaidh was the lead singer of the hugely successful group 'The Lochies' and Calum Alex is now singing with the ground-breaking highland outfit Dàimh. As a duo, they have performed at various cèilidhs throughout Lewis and more recently they received great acclaim for their performances at the Celtic Colours Festival 2008.
Dagger & Neil Gordon
Dagger Gordon is a mandolin player based in the Highlands, where he farms near Invergordon. He and his wife Julie have 3 sons who play Scottish music and have all appeared at Blas. He is performing with his youngest, 16 year old Neil, on fiddle and piano.
Adult Earlybird Ticket (up to 31st July 2009) £10.00 and £12.00 (from 01.08.09)
Senior Citizen £10.00
Children (U16) and School Pupils £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children) £28.00
book tickets Venue Website
Tuesday 8th September 2009
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, Inverness
Venue Postcode: IV2 6BA
7.30pm
Cèilidh at Inverness Gaelic Primary School
Cèilidh aig a’ Bhun-sgoil
with Ishbel MacAskill, MacGregor, Brechin & O' hEadhra and
Coisir Bhun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis
The new Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis has become the heart and soul of the healthy Gaelic community in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. In fact, the school has been such a success the Highland Council is planning to build two more Gaelic medium schools in the Highlands, in Fort William and Portree. The school is no stranger to evenings of music, song and dance and tonight’s concert will, no doubt, draw young and old alike to treat themselves to some of the best Gaelic singing and playing you are likely to hear anywhere in the country.
MacGregor, Brechin & Ó hEadhra
Bruce MacGregor, Sandy Brechin & Brian Ó hEadhra blend some of the finest musicianship and singing to come out of Scotland in recent years. Individually they perform with their own highly acclaimed acts; Bruce in Blazin’ Fiddles, Sandy in Burach and Brian in Anam.
These three seasoned artistes have drawn on a wealth of tunes and songs from the Gaelic and Scots traditions, as well as each being acclaimed composers in their own right. Not only are Bruce, Sandy and Brian excellent musicians, but they are also loved by audiences for their witty and entertaining live performance. They released their first album together called ‘Sonas’ in 2008 and continue to tour at home and abroad. Both Bruce and Brian have children attending Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis.
Ishbel MacAskill
Ishbel comes from the Point area of the Island of Lewis and now resides in Inverness. 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 music and culture are immensely important in her life and for several years she was very much involved in teaching traditional Gaelic singing to children at the numerous Fèisean (festivals of music and song) throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Ishbel has also travelled all over the world to perform at festivals and workshops. We are delighted to welcome her back to the festival.
Coisir Bhun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis
This current school choir was formed in 2008 and has delighted parents and audiences with their melodious sound and dedication to Gaelic song.
Adult Earlybird Ticket (up to 31st July 2009) £8.00 and £10.00 (from 01.08.09)
Senior Citizen £8.00
Children (U16) and School Pupils £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children) £25.00
book tickets Venue Website
Wednesday 9th September 2009
Inverness Airport Terminal Building Venue Postcode: IV2 7JB
7.30pm
Celtic Cousins - Ireland and Scotland
with Tread, Calum Stewart Trio and Kirsteen MacDonald
Anyone who saw the Chieftains concert at Blas 2008 (or on BBC Alba) won't easily forget the amazing young dancers and musicians from Ireland and North America who performed alongside the legendary band. We were so blown away by their talent and dexterity we enquired if they ever played together out-with the Chieftains? Luckily for us they do and they are aptly called 'Tread'! We have set Tread on a tour of the Highlands with some of the best up and coming acts to come out of Scotland as well as the multi talented Fèisean nan Gaidheal Cèilidh Trail groups. This is one show that will get your hands clapping and feet tapping!
Tread
Experience the magic and exhilaration of this new, exciting show brought to you by five young people who unite the rich musical and dance traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Canada. Tread’s combination of instrument and dance thrills the audience with its vitality, passion and exuberance. Triona Marshall (harp) and Jon Pilatzke (fiddle) take temporary leave from the iconic musical masters "The Chieftains" with whom they have toured for some years. They are joined by fellow Chieftains touring alum Nathan Pilatzke (Canadian stepdance) and Cara Butler (Irish stepdance), whose incredible, intricate step-dancing will have the audience on its feet. Add to this the sonorous voice and guitar of Jef McLarnon, and you have a show that will live in the memory.
Calum Stewart Trio
Originally from the small Morayshire village of Garmouth, in North East Scotland, Calum Stewart was raised with traditional music in the family home, where the Fiddle and Piping traditions of Scotland were the earliest influences in his playing. Now based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Calum's interest lies in music from well beyond his native Morayshire: looking beyond regional and national boundaries, for the territory between old and new.
Kirsteen Macdonald
Kirsteen MacDonald is a Scottish broadcaster for BBC Alba. She has worked on the children's magazine show Dè a-nis and been a Glasgow-based reporter for BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. Macdonald won the prestigious women's Gold Medal at the Royal National Mod in 2006. In 2008 she won the women's traditional medal at the Falkirk Mod.
N.B. Tickets for this concert will go on sale shortly
Venue Website
Thursday 10th September 2009
Empire Theatre, Eden Court, Inverness Venue Postcode: IV3 5SA
7.30pm
The Legendary
Dougie MacLean & Band in Concert
with Canntaireachd, Fèis na h-Òige & Fèis a Bhaile
We don’t use the term ‘Legendary’ lightly here in the Highlands but in this case it fits the stature and respect given to Scotland’s premier singer-songwriter – Dougie Maclean. Dougie is no stranger to the Highlands & Islands and often spends time on the west coast of Lewis. Although primarily and Scots & English language singer-songwriter, Dougie has also recorded Gaelic songs and is a mean fiddler.
In tonight’s concert not only will you be entertained by this seasoned artiste but also by the sensational young local Gaelic singing group Canntaireachd as well as youth from the two local fèis groups Fèis na h-Òige and Fèis a’ Bhaile. These young groups have rightfully become a regular fixture in the festival and demonstrate how lively and healthy the Gaelic music scene is in the capital of the Highlands.
Dougie MacLean is considered by many to be Scotland's pre-eminent singer-songwriter. He is certainly one of the country's greatest musical treasures. Labelled a "Scottish James Taylor" by some and “world music with deep Scottish roots” by others, MacLean is renowned for the uniqueness of his meaningful, haunting and emotion-filled songs and distinctive and dramatic fiddle playing.
Dougie MacLean has built an international reputation as songwriter, composer and extraordinary performer on his own terms. This talent has taken his performance to concerts and festivals all over the world and to the stage of Carnegie Hall in New York. His Scottish concerts have included Culzean Castle (alongside Lou Reed and Eddie Reader), sell outs at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Old Fruit market, BBC Proms in the Park, The Castle Esplanade, Stirling Castle and Eden Court Theatre. His songs have been covered by hosts of artists including young Scottish ‘stars’ Paolo Nuttini and Amy MacDonald, Irish singers Mary Black, Dolores Keane and Deanta, and Grammy award winning US country singer Kathy Mattea, and his Caledonia has topped the Scottish charts and become one of Scotland’s most popular contemporary songs. His music has been used in Hollywood films (eg Last of the Mohicans), TV Drama (eg BBC’s A Mug’s Game) and he has been the subject of three BBC TV Specials (The Land-Songs of Dougie MacLean, SongRoads and Clann na Mara- Children of the Sea).
This Dougie MacLean Band concert offers us a full, rich and varied musical experience, mixing traditional and modern instrumentation and weaving magic around songs from MacLean’s 18 successful albums including Turning Away, The Gael and the ‘unofficial’ anthem Caledonia. “All members of the band are multi-talented…switching instruments effortlessly…a great concert experience!” (Scotsman)
Canntaireachd
Under the direction of local Gaelic singing star Eilidh Mackenzie, Canntaireachd is a group of teenagers from the Inverness area and surroundings who sing an array of stunning Gaelic songs in beautiful close-set harmony. They have wowed audiences over the few years of the group’s existence and will no doubt set you up for a great evening’s entertainment.
Fèis na h-Òige & Fèis a Bhaile
Two of Inverness’ finest fèis groups come together to perform for you this evening. Both groups offer various Gaelic arts tuition to young folk at different times over the year and have raised the musical standards and achievements of young musicians performing in the area.
Adult Earlybird Ticket (up to 31st July 2009) £18.00 and £22.00 (from 01.08.09)
Senior Citizen £18.00
Children (U16) and School Pupils £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children) £40.00
Tickets from the Eden Court box office on 01463 234234 or on-line Book Tickets
Venue Website
Friday 11th September 2009
Jacobite Cruise, Tomnachurich Bridge, Inverness
Venue Postcode: IV3 5TD
Departs 7.30pm
Duncan Chisholm and Friends
Cèilidh and Gourmet Cuisine while you cruise Loch Ness
All aboard the elegant Jacobite Queen for Blas’ own boutique event. You will cruise up the Caledonian Canal and onto the mighty Loch Ness where you will be served a scrumptious buffet laid on by the infamous Red Poppy Catering under Nick Aburrow. If that wasn’t enough, we have invited local lad Duncan Chisholm, one of Scotland’s finest fiddlers, on board to entertain you on your way back to dock. This is always a popular event and tickets often sell fast. The concert and cuisine got a five star review from the Scotsman newspaper the first year we sailed in the Jacobite Queen. This is one event to savour. Go on, treat yourself!
Duncan Chisholm hails from Kirkhill in Ross-shire. He was taught to play fiddle from the age of eight by crofter Donald Riddell and has been at the forefront of Scottish fiddle playing for the last ten years. Early in his career Duncan was a Mod Medal winner and during the last five years has appeared with a number of Scottish artists both live and on recordings as a guest. He continues to work with Wolfstone, as a solo performer, as well as his work with Ivan Drever.
Ticket Price £50.00
Book Tickets Veune Website
Saturday 12th September 2009
Empire Theatre, Eden Court, Inverness Venue Postcode: IV3 5SA
7.30pm
Blas Grand Finale
featuring Blazin' Fiddles, The Barra MacNeils, Tread and Caledonian Canal Cèilidh Trail
So, you've had a great festival and managed to catch some great shows over the week. Why not end on a high note by joining us at Eden Court to catch a star studded show of some of this year’s amazing headline acts from Scotland, Ireland and North America? These artistes are at the top of their game and have toured the world over entertaining and enchanting audiences with their own take on our rich musical cultures. This spectacular show will be opened by the local, young and talented Caledonian Canal Cèilidh Trail.
Blazin’ Fiddles
We are delighted to welcome back the wonderful Blazin' Fiddles to the festival. All of the band members are from the Highlands & Islands and play an integral part of the Gaelic & Scottish music scene. The band have been delighting audiences at home and abroad for over 10 years with their fiery blend of tunes from the Highlands & Islands and further afield which never fails raise the roof. Fiddlers Catriona Macdonald (Shetland), Bruce MacGregor (Inverness), Allan Henderson (Mallaig), Iain MacFarlane (GlenFinnan) are joined by Anna Massie (Fortrose) on guitar and fiddle and Andy Thorburn (Evanton) on piano to form one of the best live acts on the Celtic music scene.
The Barra MacNeils
Celebrating their Highland ancestry with this return trip to the Blas Festival for Homecoming Scotland 2009, The Barra MacNeils are one of the world’s premier Celtic groups. Multi-award winners, they have released eight recordings, a DVD titled Cape Breton Christmas, and various music videos. The Barra MacNeils continue to perform to sold out audiences throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. We are indeed delighted to say to them “Welcome Home”
Tread
Experience the magic and exhilaration of this new, exciting show brought to you by five young people who unite the rich musical and dance traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Canada. Tread’s combination of instrument and dance thrills the audience with its vitality, passion and exuberance. Triona Marshall (harp) and Jon Pilatzke (fiddle) take temporary leave from the iconic musical masters "The Chieftains" with whom they have toured for some years. They are joined by fellow Chieftains touring alum Nathan Pilatzke (Canadian stepdance) and Cara Butler (Irish stepdance), whose incredible, intricate step-dancing will have the audience on its feet. Add to this the sonorous voice and guitar of Jef McLarnon, and you have a show that will live in the memory.
Adult Earlybird Ticket (up to 31st July 2009) £18.00 and £22.00 (from 01.08.09)
Senior Citizen £18.00
Children (U16) and School Pupils £5.00
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children) £40.00
Tickets from the Eden Court box office on 01463 234234 or on-line Book Tickets
Venue Website
Saturday 12th September 2009
Blas Festival Club, Inverness Venue to be confirmed
10.30pm til late!
Why not join us for a final horo-gheallaidh with some surprise Blas Festival artists. Further information and box office details will be posted here soon!
N.B. Tickets for this event will be available shortly
