MNS FESTIVALS - Feb24-6

Festivals! 

MNS 

MNS FESTIVALS! is a MUSIC NEWS Scotland supplement covering Scotland's music festivals 

Gary Innes (pictured) 

revives ‘Lochaber 

Live’ after 30 years 

- see page 5 

www.anairdevents.com 

INSIDE: 

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues :: Lochaber Live :: Tiree Music Festival :: Eden 

Festival :: Tradfest :: Shetland Folk Festival :: The Reeling :: Aberdeen 

Jazz Festival :: Belladrum :: Riverside Festival :: Celtic Connections 

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tickets (mail list early access or Sunday 4 February) @ www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk/tickets/ 


MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS - MUSIC FESTIVALS 

Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Presents: Sing, Sing, Sing 

Edinburgh :: 16-18 February :: www.ejbf.co.uk 

This month, Edinburgh 

Jazz & Blues Festival 

presents ‘Sing, Sing, 

Sing’ – a weekend 

celebrating vocal 

mastery, spanning jazz 

and blues from the 

early days of the music 

to the here and now. 

From 16 to 18 February, eight events will take place at 

Edinburgh’s St Bride’s Centre in Dalry, catering for 

audiences aged 5 to 105. 

The weekend begins with a celebration of Burt Bacharach. 

After sell-out success at EJBF23, Laura Macdonald returns 

with her homage to his music with a special guest 

appearance from rising star singer Laura Ohagbon. 

Friday night closes with an unmissable concert for funk, soul 

and R&B fans as Scottish jazz-funk guitarist Aki Remally is 

joined by a great band featuring long time collaborators Rob 

Harrison (keys), Tom Wilkinson (bass), Jamie Graham 

(drums) and Johnny White (tenor sax). Opening the gig, 

Grace & The Flat Boys are an Edinburgh-based five-piece 

playing their own fusion of jazz, R&B, rock, and soul. 

On Saturday afternoon, Edinburgh-based Phoenix Choir will 

bring their uplifting sound to St Bride’s. With a range of 

music from old-school gospel to soul, R&B, Motown, neosoul, 

and contemporary tunes – audiences can expect an 

upbeat set of songs which kick a groove and pack a punch. 

The afternoon kicks off with short set from the St Bride’s 

community choir. 

On Saturday evening, two of Scotland’s brightest talents 

present an exciting double bill. Glaswegian singer/songwriter 

kitti is a name on the rise. For this special set, she 

celebrates American jazz singer Blossom Dearie. Recently 

awarded Critics Choice Award at the Scottish Jazz Awards, 

Rachel Lightbody will be backed by her band of Thomas 

Gibbs (piano), David Bowden (bass) and Alyn Cosker 

(drums). 

Kitti 

www.facebook.com/hiitskitti 

Sunday afternoon sees a celebration of the divas of the 

blues from some of Scotland’s top musicians. Jed Potts and 

Nicole Smit always wow with powerful performances 

drenched in the blues. With exceptional knowledge of history 

of the music, they trade lead vocal duties, sing harmony, 

and see where the music takes them. Opening the 

afternoon, Liz Jones mixes blues, Americana, folk and jazzy 

roots music providing the perfect backdrop for her powerful 

smoky vocals and compelling guitar. 

The weekend closes with a trip back in time. Scotland’s top 

trio of close-harmony singers The Vintage Girls take us back 

to the Golden Age of Jazz. Backed by their band, they 

present a show packed with charisma and classic tunes. In 

the second half, vivacious singer Ali Affleck serves up 

irresistible New 

Orleans musical magic. A sensational performer, hugely 

knowledgeable about early jazz and blues, Ali sings music 

grab tickets @ www.ejbf.co.uk/sing-sing-sing 

straight from the red-hot roots of jazz. 

Sound Explorers will make its debut on Sunday morning in 

the St Bride’s centre Cafe. This interactive show for 5–9- 

year-olds is led by saxophonist and educator Sue McKenzie 

(Jazz for Kids) who is joined by her co-explorers Esther Swift 

on harp and Jose Rojas on percussion for a journey from 

jazz music to sonic creation using some crazy instruments 

and fun props. 

Finally, the Edinburgh Youth Big Band will play a concert on 

Sunday morning in the St Bride’s Centre auditorium. Made 

up of students for P7 to S6, the repertoire will include a wide 

range of recognised big band standards. 

www.ejbf.co.uk 

www.twitter.com/edinburghjazz 

www.facebook.com/EdinburghJazzandBluesFestival 

www.scottishmusiccentre.com 

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email your fes val news to alastair.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

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Gary Innes lifts lid on festival reboot 

After 30 years, Lochaber Live set to celebrate music and talent of the region 

Fort William :: 20-22 September :: www.anairdevents.com 

A joyous Scottish festival 

which captivated Highland 

music fans 30 years ago is 

being lovingly rebooted 

thanks to renowned 

musician, broadcaster, and 

event organiser Gary Innes. 

Lochaber Live, set to take place in Fort William from Friday 

20 - Sunday 22 September, will see a whole host of Scottish 

talent – all with a close connection to the region – play to 

thousands at a tented venue set out on An Aird shinty field. 

The event, which was originally staged in the 80s and 90s 

before winding down to a smaller-scale concert, was once a 

landmark musical event for the people of Lochaber. Gary 

Innes – the brains behind the record-breaking and historymaking 

Hoolie in the Hydro event and a Spean Bridge native 

– wanted to see his hometown festival restored to its former 

glory in a way that reflected Scotland’s thriving traditional 

music scene in 2024. 

Lochaber Live will share a home and coincide with the 

staging of the Camanachd Cup Final – Scotland’s coveted 

national shinty final. The event at the foot of Ben Nevis will 

comprise ticketed events on the Friday night and Saturday 

night and a free family day on Sunday. 

Weekend tickets are now on sale, with a special combined 

weekend shinty and festival ticket also available. People can 

sign up at www.anairdevents.com 

With a capacity of 2,000 per night and no age restrictions, 

the all-new Lochaber Live looks set to attract a swathe of 

music fans both young and old to round off their summer 

with some mighty Highland hospitality and music. 

The new event’s visual identity also reflects the pride of the 

region, with a nod to the UK’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, 

and the legendary red tassels presented to Lochaber fiddlers 

by much-loved local teacher, Aonghas Grant. The logo 

acknowledges Aonghas’ lifelong dedication to the area, 

having taught fiddle to hundreds of children across over five 

decades. Once players reach a high enough calibre, they are 

presented with a handmade tassel from Aonghas to hang 

from their instrument as a badge of honour. 

Among the acts with close ties to Lochaber taking to the 

stage this September are Tide Lines. Led by Fort William’s 

own Robert Robertson, the Scottish four-piece will be 

showcasing their signature combination of folk melodies and 

big-chorused contemporary indie-rock for a home crowd. 

One of the region’s finest exponents of Celtic music, Mànran, 

will also bring their powerhouse presence to the reimagined 

Lochaber Live, hot off the heels of their performance to 

crowds of 10,500 at Hoolie in the Hydro last month. 

The legendary Wolfstone and its all-star bill of musicians 

were the last band to headline Lochaber Live back in 1994. 

They will make a glorious return to its new stage, 30 years 

on from their last performance there. 

Gaelic supergroup from west Lochaber and Skye, Dàimh will 

also play, alongside the one and only Shooglenifty. Founded 

by the late Angus Grant, son of Lochaber fiddle legend 

Aonghas Grant, the band’s members include other Lochaber 

locals, drummer James Mackintosh and vocalist Kaela 

Rowan, who will see their acid croft sounds celebrated on 

home turf this September. 

In line with the former Lochaber Live’s strong connection 

grab tickets @ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lochaber-live-tickets-780111142427 

Daimh 

www.facebook.com/daimhmusic 

with Irish musicians, Ireland’s much-loved Sharon Shannon 

Trio will also be part of this year’s bill. Fort William festival 

favourites Hò-rò, Spean Bridge singer and guitarist Little Win 

and the inimitable Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, are set to 

perform to crowds at An Aird as well, with even more acts 

still to be announced. 

Sunday’s free celebrations will provide a platform for local 

and emerging talent and invite families to join an afternoon 

ceilidh, allowing everyone in Lochaber to enjoy the 

festivities, no matter their budget. 

Lochaber Live organiser, broadcaster and musician 

Gary Innes, said: “My home area is so special to me, so it 

fills me with pride to be rebooting one of the most beloved 

music events Lochaber has ever seen. It’s only right that 

Lochaber will once again have its own festival which really 

reflects the breadth of talent and love of traditional music in 

the region. 

“It’s 30 years since the last Lochaber Live. I played at the 

very last one aged just 12 at the Nevis Centre in Fort 

William. A lot has happened in the intervening three decades 

and with the profile and platform of traditional music now at 

what feels like an all-time high, it seems like the perfect 

time to try and resurrect a cultural event that people locally 

still have such fond memories of. 

“We’ve got a fantastic bill of artists lined up, who all share 

my love and affinity for the culture of Lochaber and the 

Highlands, and I know they will do a stellar job of 

entertaining the crowds at An Aird this September. We want 

to make this event as open and welcoming as possible to 

people of all ages so I would encourage festival fans to 

round up the family and come along to what is going to be 

an incredible celebration. I have no doubt the people of 

Lochaber – and further afield – will have that tent rocking 

for the newly restored Lochaber Live this September.” 

Founding member of the original Lochaber Live, Benny 

MacDonald, said: “Lochaber Live is such a fondly and well 

remembered event. It was a grand affair that was never 

forgotten by the people of Fort William and created such a 

buzz about the place, with bands from across Scotland, 

Ireland, Brittany and beyond coming together. It helped 

create lifelong friendships and I’m sure this excitement and 

these connections will be replicated with this new edition. 

“There was a surge around traditional music around that 

time and it feels like that’s happening again now. It’s 

fabulous to see the festival coming back around and a big 

well done to Gary for coming up with the idea. It will be nice 

to see such a big event in the town once again. Lochaber 

Live is still talked about so I’m sure many people, including 

locals and those travelling for the event, will be looking 

forward to it.” 

The announcement of this newly revitalised event came as 

Celtic Connections in Glasgow played host to Lochaber: A 

Celebration – a special sold-out concert at City Halls 

musically directed and presented by Gary Innes celebrating 

the special and unique musical talent of the Highland region. 

www.anairdevents.com 

www.facebook.com/gary.innes 

www.edinburghtradfest.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/tradfestedinburgh 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/EdinTradfest 



Tiree Music Festival Gets 

Set For 2024 Comeback 

Tiree :: 12-14 July :: www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk 

grab tickets @ www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk/tickets/ 

Iconic Scottish beachfront 

festival Tiree Music 

Festival, known fondly 

as TMF, has announced 

its return from 12-14 

July, after last year’s 

event had to be cancelled 

due to extreme weather. 

“Set in what has often been dubbed “the Hawaii of the North” 

More than half of ticket holders from the 2023 edition have 

opted to roll their tickets over and get the chance to 

experience this special celebration of music in the Inner 

Hebrides. 

The remaining 45% of tickets will go on sale at 11am on 

Saturday 3rd February. With the festival capped at an 

exclusive capacity of just 2,100 and TMF tickets typically 

selling out within hours, this small batch for 2024 is expected 

to be snapped up by festival fans in record time. 

Set in what has often been dubbed “the Hawaii of the North”, 

TMF has become known for its world-class line ups, friendly 

atmosphere, intimate feel and beautiful setting. The festival 

attracts visitors from across Scotland, the UK, Europe and 

the world and has contributed £8 million to Tiree’s island 

economy since its inception in 2010. 

Tickets for TMF 2024 went on sale following a lively night 

celebrating one of the island’s great components of 

traditional music and the accordion. Festival organiser Daniel 

Gillespie staged ‘A Ceilidh for Gordon’, in tribute to Tiree’s 

late Gordon Connell, as part of this year’s Celtic Connections 

at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on 2 February. 

Daniel Gillespie, Artistic Director for Tiree Music 

Festival, said: “It’s been an incredible team effort for our 

small island festival to regroup after last year’s devastating 

cancellation and we are so grateful to all those who have 

chosen to support the festival and roll their tickets over so 

they can join us on Tiree this summer. 

“Our sights are now firmly set on July and what will be an 

incredible three days of music and joy that TMF has become 

known for. I have no doubt that the two-year wait will make 

it all the sweeter and we look forward to another special sellout 

festival.” 

TMF is part of Creative Carbon Scotland’s Green Arts 

Initiative and was shortlisted for Outstanding Cultural Event 

or Festival of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Thistle 

Awards last year. 

www.tireemusicfestival.co.uk 

www.twitter.com/TireeMusicFest 

www.facebook.com/TireeMusicFestival 

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The countdown to Eden has begun…Can 

you hear The Garden calling you back? 

Raehills Meadows nr Moffat :: 13-16 June :: www.edenfestival.co.uk 

grab tickets @ https://ww2.theticketsellers.co.uk/buy-tickets/eden-festival-2024/10056696 

the 

mns 

collection …. 

Eden Festival, one of 

Scotland’s best-loved 

family-friendly music 

events, can now reveal its 

main headliners for 2024, 

plus a beguiling array of 

musicians, DJ’s, and 

artists also on the line-up. 

Mali's husband and wife musical duo, Amadou & 

Mariam have been mixing their Afrobeat influence 

with Jazz and Funk for crowds at Green Man, 

Lollapalooza, Cambridge Folk Festival, Coachella and 

Glastonbury, spreading World music via their albums 

such as Welcome To Mali and Dimanche A Bamako. 

Global sounds for the soul and the feet! 

As one of the most renowned names in UK Dance 

music since the early 90’s, Neil Barnes will be 

bringing his box of awe-inspiring tunes to Galloway 

for a Leftfield DJ set…with the odd banger thrown in. 

As part of the original early 60’s British Invasion 

across America, from The Zombies, featuring original 

members Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, expect to 

hear some true Psychedelic-infused Pop from hits like 

‘Time of the Season’ and ‘She’s not there’. Iconic 

status is a given. 

For a fuller flavour of Eden Festival see below for the 

line-up so far including Jamz Supernova, Dub Pistols, 

LTJ Bukem and Optimo (Espacio), plus, The Beatles 

Dub Club will be welcoming Thursday night Eden 

goers on the Boardwalk stage! 

The Eden Festival line-up so far … 

Amadou & Mariam 

Leftfield (DJ set) - The Zombies 

Becky Sikasa - The Black Denims - Blazin’ Fiddles - 

corto.alto 

Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra Desiato DJ's - Double 

Down Disco vs Wayne Dickson 

Dub Pistols - Dutty Moonshine Big Band - Fat Suit - 

Femme 45 

Gleadhraich - Free Love - Heisk - Jamz Supernova 

Optimo (Espacio) Takeover ft. Josey Rebelle, Stevie 

Cox, Isa Gordon (live) & GK Machine 

K.O.G. - King of the Beats-Krafty Kutz B2B The 

Freestylers B2B Plump DJ’s 

Lewis McLaughlin - LTJ Bukem - The Laurettes - 

Mickey 9s - Mr Scruff 

Mungos Hi Fi ft Marina P & Aziza Jay - Omega Nebula 

- Project Smok - Rachael Sermanni 

Samurai Breaks - Sasha Steppa - Sociograss - 

Strawberry Jam Soundsystem 

The Beatles Dub Club - The Vintage Explosion - 

Valtos - Werkha 

Set within the inviting family-friendly vale of Raehills 

Meadows in Dumfriesshire while retaining its capacity 

of 4999, this 10 staged festival has over 250 acts 

performing, covering all musical bases from World to 

Funk, Classical to Jungle, Acoustic to Dancehall and 

everything in between. 

‘Eden might not be the biggest festival, but it’s 

certainly the happiest’ - Daily Record 

‘Not many festivals can throw the party of the year, 

every year. All that’s missing is a Disco ball for a 

moon’ - Sunday Mail 

Festival director Hannah Gould said: “We are 

very excited to bring you our line-up for what's 

shaping up to be an amazing Eden 2024. We can't 

wait to invite you into the garden for the 14th 

chapter. Come and immerse yourself in the best 

party of the summer, set across 10 stages, with 

something for everyone... 

Dance, frolic, make new friends and most 

importantly, make it legendary! 

Catch you in the garden folks!” 

www.edenfestival.co.uk 

www.twitter.com/TheEdenFestival 

www.facebook.com/theedenfestival 

Amadou & Mariam will be mixing their 

Afrobeat influence with Jazz and Funk 

Amadou & Mariam 

www.facebook.com/amadoumariam 

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Edinburgh Tradfest is delighted to 

announce the first of its headline acts 

Edinburgh :: 3-13 May :: www.edinburghtradfest.com 

Opening this year’s Tradfest 

Festival on 3 May, thanks to 

support from the National Lottery 

through Creative Scotland, will be 

Daniel Docherty and Martyn 

MacDonald whose band VALTOS 

has taken the trad and electronic 

music world by storm. 

Valtos’ music has been described by Folk Radio 

UK as "like nothing you've heard before," 

blending influences from electronic and folk 

music. Inspired by artists like Martyn Bennet, 

Peatbog Faeries, Odesza, Madeon, and Bicep, 

Valtos creates a unique and genre-defying 

sound. Their self-titled debut album, released in 

June 2022, drew inspiration from the breathtaking 

beauty of their home in Skye, infusing 

their recordings and live performances with a 

profound sense of place. The album achieved 

over 100,000 streams in its first few weeks 

alone. 

Joining them onstage at the Queen’s Hall for an 

energetic and unforgettable live experience will 

be Lana Pheutan, Eilidh Cormack, and Euan 

McLaughlin, plus a host of special guests. Valtos' 

talent and innovation have garnered recognition, 

earning them the Up and Coming Artist of the 

Year award at The Scots Trad Awards 2022. 

Their dedication and boundary-pushing artistry 

continue to impress critics and fans alike. 

Also playing over the Festival’s opening weekend 

is multi-award winning solo artist Martin 

Simpson (Saturday 4 May) who is renowned for 

his magnificent acoustic, finger-style guitar 

playing. At the very top of his game, Martin is 

without question a true master of his art. He is 

universally acclaimed as one of the finest ever 

acoustic and slide guitar players in the world. 

Martin is a remarkable storyteller, and a fine 

banjo-picker who performs traditional English 

folk songs, American folk and blues and his own 

compositions with rare subtlety, intensity and 

honesty. 

Rounding off the opening weekend on Sunday 5 

May will be fiddle trio The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc 

(Kevin Henderson (Fiddlers Bid), Olav 

grab tickets @ www.edinburghtradfest.com/schedule 

VALTOS (Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald) to open Edinburgh Tradfest 2024 

www.facebook.com/valtosband 

Luksengård Mjelva and Anders Hall) – a solid 

gold Edinburgh Tradfest favourite, masterfully 

blending the traditions of Norway, Sweden and 

the Shetland Islands with their unique rich 

sound – not to be missed! 

In Traverse 2 also performing on the opening 

weekend will be LA-based singer-songwriter 

Alice Howe, and the multi-award-winning singer/ 

harpist/composer Rachel Newton. 

Finally, on Monday 13 May, one of Scotland’s 

best loved traditional music stars, Julie Fowlis 

will perform with her band at what will be the 

festival’s biggest ever closing concert at 

Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms. 

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co 

-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: 

“Every year we look to up our game at 

Edinburgh Tradfest so we are very excited to 

share not one but two BIG venue concerts for 

2024. With Valtos and Special Guests at the 

Queen’s Hall to open and Julie Fowlis at the 

Assembly Rooms to close this year’s festival we 

know we are looking forward to a bumper year. 

Our opening weekend is also chock-full of 

superstars and gives a fine taster of what lies 

ahead for the rest of the programme. We can’t 

wait for it to start.” 

Creative Scotland’s Head of Music, Alan 

Morrison commented: “Spring has arrived 

early for music fans with news that Valtos, 

Martin Simpson, Julie Fowlis and The Nordic 

Fiddlers Bloc will soon be coming to the capital’s 

stages. In recent years, Tradfest has 

transformed Edinburgh’s festival calendar with a 

world-class programme that celebrates the rich 

past and exciting future of folk and traditional 

music. If the opening weekend is anything to go 

by, the 2024 edition is going to be one of the 

best yet.” 

The full programme for this year’s Edinburgh 

Tradfest will be launched in March, and will 

include an unmissable line-up of live music, 

talks, new commissions, and traditional 

storytelling thanks to continued support from 

Creative Scotland and the William Grant 

Foundation. 

www.edinburghtradfest.com 

www.twitter.com/EdinTradfest 

www.facebook.com/tradfestedinburgh 






The 42nd Shetland Folk Festival announces 

its hotly anticipated visiting artist line-up 

Shetland :: 2-5 May :: www.shetlandfolkfestival.com 

A medley of new acts will 

grace Shetland Folk 

Festival stages alongside 

some familiar faces between 

2-5 May this year, with 

performers representing an 

array of musical genres 

including jazz, country, folkmetal, 

indie and more! 

A showpiece feature of this year’s Festival will be 

a one-off performance of the “Celebrating Sail” 

commission by the Hjaltibonhoga Big Band, that 

was first showcased at Lerwick's Tall Ships event 

in July 2023. Supported by the Royal Edinburgh 

Military Tattoo Traditional Arts Programme 

(TTAP), the project has evolved into a touring 

initiative, providing youth development and 

lifelong learning opportunities for fiddle players 

from Shetland and beyond. Under the leadership 

of Margaret Robertson, the band will see around 

40 Hjaltibonhoga members and guest fiddlers 

taking to the Clickimin stage on Saturday 4th 

May, along with a 15-strong backline of 

esteemed Shetland musicians. With around half 

of the band’s musicians traveling to Shetland to 

perform at the Festival and from locations as far 

afield as New Zealand, the performance helps 

highlight the global resonance of Shetland's 

traditional music. 

Travelling across the Atlantic to perform are 

Prince Edward Island based trio Inn Echo – one 

of the most unique and captivating groups to 

emerge out of Atlantic Canada in recent years. 

They will perform dazzling arrangements 

including hint of blues, pop and dub, and 

definitely a pinch of something different. 

Hailing from the oldest settlement west of the 

Rocky Mountains, The Hackles will bring their 

sumptuous harmonies and song-writing. The trio 

of superb musicians from Oregon made their UK 

debut last year with a major tour and effectively 

stamped their name as a formidable force on the 

Americana/indie folk circuit. 

Completing our Transatlantic offering are 

returning act The Fretless – who blew away 

Festival audiences with their genre bending and 

progressive sound in 2018. This year the Juno 

Award winning quartet returns to Shetland 

shores with the addition of incredible vocalist 

Madeleine Roger. The Fretless live shows are 

infectious, dynamic, and impressively relentless 

and the addition of Madeleine’s breath-taking 

melodies will elevate their sound to yet another 

level. 

Also making a welcome return to Shetland with 

the addition of a stunning vocalist are Swedish 

trio Ahlberg, Ek & Roswall (AER) who will be 

joining forces this year with Ulrika Bodén, whose 

exquisite voice will immerse listeners in her 

country's rich cultural traditions. It has almost 

been a decade since AER brought their dazzling 

interplay and imaginative arrangements to the 

Shetland Folk Festival in 2015, wowing 

audiences with their repertoire based on 

traditional Swedish tunes as well as their own 

compositions. 

Another Scandinavian sensation to star at the 

Festival this year are Norwegian folk-rock band 

Gangar whose fresh take on Nordic roots music 

and formidable live performances are sure to 

exhilarate! The five-piece ensemble has dug 

deep into Norway's extensive folk music archives 

and given rare traditional tunes a modern 

arrangement influenced by rock, folk-metal, and 

jazz improvisation. 

Representing Asturias and Andalusia in Spain are 

exciting up and coming trio of musicians Deira, 

who were the first ever non-Scottish act to win 

Celtic Connection’s prestigious “Battle of the Folk 

grab ticket and membership info @ www.shetlandfolkfestival.com/membership 

Ross Couper Band 

www.facebook.com/rosscoupershetland 

:: photo by Elly Lucas 

Bands” competition. Their distinct sound 

explores the connections of Asturian and 

Scottish music from a modern angle. Winning 

the Battle of the Bands in 2022 earned them a 

flurry of subsequent bookings, which has since 

seen them performing at many of the most 

prestigious folk festivals in Europe. 

A “supergroup” and make no mistake, returning 

band The Friel Sisters will be performing 

alongside Festival first-timers The High Seas, 

showcasing seven fabulous musicians who will 

skilfully weave together the colourful strands of 

Irish music, song and dance into a tapestry of 

tradition. The Friel Sisters performed at the 

Festival in 2018 and proved tremendously 

popular with audiences. This is a collaboration 

not to be missed! 

Scotland is well represented at the 42nd 

Shetland Folk Festival with a smorgasbord of 

musical genres sure to delight audience 

members. The Edinburgh based Ciarán Ryan 

Band will be making their debut performance, 

and festival goers can expect a high-octane 

spectacle of ferocious banjo led music and sheer 

instrumental brilliance. Having already toured 

extensively as a founding member of world-folk 

band Dallahan, Ciaran Ryan is now making a 

name with his own show of all-original music, 

loosely grown out of his traditional Irish music 

upbringing that nods towards the idioms of rock, 

electronic dance and post-punk music. 

Also based in Edinburgh and bringing something 

a bit different to the Shetland Folk Festival are 

the Tenement Jazz Band. This five piece will take 

you back to the red-hot roots of jazz, ragtime 

and blues with scorching renditions of early 

recordings and fresh takes on lesser-known 

tunes. Powered along by the classic New Orleans 

front line of trumpet, trombone and saxophones, 

audiences are in for a truly swinging set. 

Bringing another genre to the Festival are 

Kirsten Adamson and The Tanagers, who will 

perform their tight harmonies and Americana 

sound that has impressed audiences throughout 

the country. Kirsten is an award winning singersongwriter 

and daughter of rock legend Stuart 

Adamson of Big Country and Skids. The 

Tanagers provide the perfect outfit to 

accompany Kirsten’s sublime voice and country 

style. 

Another sublime Scottish singer-songwriter sure 

to delight audiences is Beth Malcolm – last year’s 

winner of BBC MG Alba Scots Singer of the Year. 

Rising star Beth is a folk inspired singer and 

keyboard player from Perth who will perform 

alongside outstanding guitar player and singer 

Heather Cartwright. Together, they deliver tight 

harmonies and traditional songs. 

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com 

A welcome and familiar face will grace Festival 

stages once again in the form of local lad Ross 

Couper and his incredible band of folk musicians. 

The Ross Couper Band has already established a 

reputation for their distinctive energy and no 

holds barred approach. Ross is a well-known 

fiddle virtuoso who has performed at multiple 

Shetland Folk Festivals through the years, and 

has been fundamental to many of our famous 

Festival sessions and late night Festival Club 

appearances! 

Making their debut appearance in Shetland are 

rising Orcadian stars, Haverin, with their indie 

folk music, a touch of country and a whole lot of 

harmonies. Initially coming together for a 

friend’s wedding, the six members of the band 

discovered a shared love of harmonies and a 

musical chemistry that was too good to ignore. 

Also representing our inter-county rivals and 

completing our visiting artiste line-up are Orkney 

party band Stereo Lobsters who will be 

performing at late night scheduled events at the 

Festival Club and Legion. With the musician 

overlap with Haverin, it seemed entirely 

appropriate that the Festival invite the 5 piece 

act that play music and covers that will certainly 

get the audience on the dancefloor and singing 

their hearts out in the small hours. 

A full programme including all local acts will be 

announced over the coming weeks, and festival 

goers can expect the usual diverse assortment of 

styles and talent including some returning 

favourites and some new acts making their 

debut performances. While the Festival Club will 

be based again at Islesburgh Community Centre, 

concerts will happen across the isles as in 

previous years. 

The 42nd Shetland Folk Festival kicks off on 

Thursday 2 May, and organisers are keen to 

encourage young players and audiences to come 

along and enjoy live performances, sessions, 

workshops and more! Memberships are now on 

sale. 

Festival spokesperson, Louise Jamieson 

hopes that locals and visitors alike will snap up 

the opportunity to get involved and relish the 

variety of styles on offer during the four-day 

musical extravaganza: 

"Making the festival happen each year is no 

small task – we are so grateful to our local and 

global audiences who continue to support us by 

buying memberships and tickets well in advance, 

as well as hundreds of volunteers, local partners 

and sponsors.” 

www.shetlandfolkfestival.com 

www.twitter.com/shetlandfolk 

www.facebook.com/ShetlandFolkFestival


www.glasgowmusiccitytours.com 

info@glasgowmusiccitytours.com 

www.dougiemaclean.com 

Glasgow fb @ www.facebook.com/glasgowmusiccitytours/ 

Edin fb @ www.facebook.com/EdinburghMusicTours/ 

web @ www.dougiemaclean.com 

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and reach Scotland's music world! 

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page 14 


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links @ www.linktr.ee/kirstenadamson 



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www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/ 

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Elephant Sessions, Julie Fowlis, Mànran 

and more join lineup for The Reeling 2024 

Glasgow :: 8-9 June :: www.thereeling.com 

The Reeling 

Festival, Glasgow’s 

summer celebration 

of Scottish traditional 

music has confirmed 

its lineup up for, with 

some of the biggest 

names on the music 

scene taking to the 

Rouken Glen Park on 

8-9 June. 

Saturday night at the festival will see two of the 

scene's most electrifying acts topping the Main Stage 

bill, with Elephant Sessions and Niteworks treating 

fans to their incredible live shows. This unmissable 

night will be made all the more poignant by it being 

one of Niteworks’ final performances as a band. 

Sunday’s Main Stage lineup is headed up by two of 

Gaelic music’s most celebrated acts, with worldwide 

sensation, and Scots Trad Awards Musician of the 

Year, Julie Fowlis mesmerising the crowds before the 

musical powerhouse Mànran close the entire weekend 

with one of their signature upbeat crowd-pleasing 

sets. 

Further additions to Saturday’s lineup include genrebusting 

quartet Mec Lir, neo-trad sensations Project 

Smok, award-winning Uilleann piper Calum Stewart, 

up and coming indie-folk duo Càrnan and Glasgowbased 

six-piece TRIP. 

Newly added to the Sunday bill are Orcadian folk 

quartet FARA, Scottish harpist Chloe Matharu, 

Glasgow-based folk-singer Iona Lane and Gaelic 

singer Mairi McGillivray. 

They join a lineup already bursting with talent – with 

Saturday’s previously announced artists including 

energetic five-piece Kinnaris Quintet, iconic Gaelic 

singer Kathleen MacInnes, Scots singing sensation 

Siobhan Miller with her band, as well as Hannah 

Rarity, Donald Macdonald, Deira, DLÙ and Rosie H 

Sullivan. 

Sunday’s lineup already sees the likes of Celtic 

supergroup Ímar, leading Scottish smallpiper 

Brìghdhe Chaimbeul & Aidan O’ Rourke, trad-fusion 

pioneers Croft No. Five, multi-talented Gaelic singer 

Kim Carnie, plus Kris Drever, Gnoss, The Magpies, 

Claire Hastings, and Cala. 

The 5,000-capacity event burst onto the Scottish 

festival scene in June 2023, becoming the biggest 

single weekend of traditional music in the Central Belt 

and welcoming attendances of 8,000 across the 

Talisk play at last year’s Reeling 

www.facebook.com/TaliskMusic 

:: photo by Ryan Buchanan 

weekend for its inaugural year. 

The Reeling 2024 will see the Glasgow southside park 

brought to life again with world-class performances 

spanning two stages, a dedicated kids area, perfect 

for families of all ages, and quality Scottish food and 

drink offerings to suit every taste. 

The Reeling Festival Director Michael Pellegrotti 

said: “I’m buzzing to reveal the full lineup for the 

second edition of The Reeling – it’s huge! We’re 

delighted to be returning to Rouken Glen Park after 

the success of our first year, and to have secured 

many of the Scottish trad scenes leading lights for 

another huge celebration of Scottish music in this 

incredible park. 

"We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to top 

last year and deliver an even better experience for 

everyone, with the expansion of the kids area – one 

of our favourite parts of the first year – as well as 

even more quality Scottish food and drink catering to 

all tastes!” 

Alasdair Taylor of Elephant Sessions said: “We’re 

buzzing to get back and perform in Glasgow this 

summer and to play at the Reeling festival for the first 

time. Having an outdoor festival like this in the city is 

just fantastic, we heard such good things about this 

event last year so can’t wait to join such a brilliant bill 

for 2024.” 

Julie Fowlis said: “This week it’s been such a 

privilege to be surrounded by traditional music and 

that special festival energy at Celtic Connections. So, 

I’m just delighted at the thought of returning to 

Glasgow and to The Reeling Festival in June, 

especially as part of such a vibrant lineup.” 

grab tickets @ www.thereeling.com/tickets 

The Reeling is a true celebration of creativity and 

community and the inaugural event delivered on all 

fronts with over 30 performances from some of 

Scotland’s most exciting musical talent taking place 

across the weekend. 

The debut festival’s warm, inclusive atmosphere 

earned organisers a nomination for Event of Year at 

the 2023 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and 

organiser Michael Pellegrotti, also the brains behind 

Skye Live Festival, featured in The List’s Hot 100 – a 

list which recognises those who have made the most 

significant contribution to Scotland’s cultural 

landscape. 

The Reeling 2024 will boast an expanded family area, 

with daily sessions with Ceilidh Tots and workshops 

for budding musicians as well as a fantastic array of 

Scottish food and drink offerings and secret sets from 

some very special guests. 

Early bird ticket prices are available until the end of 

February, with group booking discounts also available. 

Head to https://thereeling.com/tickets for full 

information. 

The Reeling is part of the Keychange initiative, 

committed to at least a 50% women and gender 

minority lineup, and is part of 1% for the Planet which 

sees 1% of all revenue generated by the festival go to 

environmental causes – 2023 saw the festival make 

donations to Trees for Life and the John Muir Trust. 

www.thereeling.com 

www.twitter.com/TheReelingFest 

www.facebook.com/TheReelingFest 





Aberdeen Jazz Festival: This City 

is Going to Make Some Noise! 

Aberdeen (various venues) :: 14-24 March :: www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com 

Aberdeen Jazz Festival returns 

for 2024, bursting with exciting 

and dynamic acts. Building on the 

huge success of previous years, 

and with support of The National 

Lottery through Creative Scotland 

and Aberdeen City Council, the 

festival promises 10 days packed 

with engaging and energetic live 

events across the city. 

True to this year’s festival slogan ‘This City is Going to Make 

Some Noise’, the programme is set to rouse the city from its 

winter slumber and fill a host of venues with decidedly 

diverse sounds. This year’s venues include the well-loved 

settings of The Blue Lamp, Lemon Tree, Spin, Cowdray Hall 

and Queen’s Cross Church, plus the addition of the Tunnels 

for some late night club vibes, and the sophisticated 

surroundings of the Sandman Signature Hotel and The 

Advocates Library. 

The huge variety of musical styles on offer will range from 

blues to big bands; swing to soul; vintage vocals to cuttingedge 

composition. Highlights include a solo performance by 

internationally acclaimed guitarist Martin Taylor. Described 

by the legendary Pat Metheny as ‘one of the most awesome 

solo guitar players in the history of the instrument’, Taylor 

has had a remarkable musical career spanning five decades, 

with performances across the globe and has won a recordbreaking 

14 British Jazz Awards. His show at the Lemon Tree 

promises to be an unmissable opportunity for guitar 

enthusiasts to experience this jazz giant up close! 

Another of the festival’s highlights will be the ‘Doric Suite’ 

performed by the Aberdeen Jazz Festival Orchestra - a 

specially formed ensemble in which classic big band 

instrumentation meets the skirl of traditional fiddles. Under 

the guidance of the inspirational Richard Michael, the 

ensemble will perform his ‘Doric Suite,’ inspired by the 

countryside around Inverurie. The performance will bring 

together numerous community music groups from across the 

city, including Jazz at the Blue Lamp Community Jazz Big 

Band plus players from SC&T, Aberdeen Music Service and 

Aberdeen Jazz Festival Youth Ensemble alongside The 

Struttin’ Futrets – the North East’s leading trad jazz band. 

The festival is also issuing an exciting open call for fiddle 

players of at least Grade 4 standard to take part. 

Community involvement is a strong feature in the work of 

the festival, not only in this year’s public programme, but 

also behind the scenes. Recently appointed Community 

Engagement Worker and well-known local jazz singer 

Melodie Fraser has been hard at work getting to know 

different communities across the city to understand their 

musical lives as well as expanding opportunities for 

participation. Initiatives including a concert in Middlefield 

Community Hub and work in Sheltered Housing complexes 

allow new groups to experience and enjoy jazz in its many 

forms. 

grab tickets @ https://jazzscotland.com/collections/aberdeenjazzfestival 

Sun-Mi Hong, Brodie Jarvie and Alastair Payne Trio 

Several innovative festival features established in recent 

years are also set to return. These will include the immensely 

popular Soundbath performances in the atmospheric Bon 

Accord Baths and the ‘musical tapas’ of Jazz the Day - this 

year expanding to fill different venues in the city centre and 

takeover Great Western Community Centre in the west end. 

A strongly international flavour is a feature this year, both in 

regards to the festival’s performers and their influences. 

From Stockholm-based pianist Britta Virves, to the Laird- 

Jarvie Hong Payne Trio fresh from Amsterdam, several 

international acts will appear for the very first time in 

Aberdeen. 

Vocalists are well represented in the programme with Ali 

Affleck’s Spicy Lil’ Devils, New York-based singer songwriter 

Michelle Willis and Paisley powerhouse kitti all set to 

serenade the city. 

Closer to home, an abundance of top Scottish talent will be 

showcased with three exciting new bands to be unveiled by 

Colin Steele, Graeme Stephen and Alex Hitchcock 

respectively. Renowned saxophonist Tommy Smith also 

returns to Aberdeen along with pianist and former Young 

Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year Peter Johnstone. 

The Aberdeen Jazz Festival is funded by Creative Scotland 

and Aberdeen City Council. Clare Hewitt, Music Officer at 

Creative Scotland commented: “Aberdeen Jazz Festival is 

an event that takes pride in its city, with an amazing 

programme that creates spaces where audiences and 

performers can connect through sound. Whether it’s listening 

to notes floating through the Bon Accord Baths, feeling the 

heartbeat of the music in The Blue Lamp, or making the best 

kind of noise with the Doric Suite Big Band, this festival 

captures the distinctive flavour of jazz in the north-east.” 

Cllr Greig, ACC Culture Spokesperson commented: 

“Aberdeen City Council are pleased to once again support 

Aberdeen Jazz Festival as it delivers another exciting 

programme across a range of city venues. We’re particularly 

pleased to see the growing community programme delivering 

new opportunities for participation in Sheltered Housing and 

across our communities, showing the importance of culture 

to wellbeing in Aberdeen. The Jazz Festival is an important 

part of our city’s vibrant festival and events calendar and I’m 

sure it’ll be a huge success once more.” 

Ticket prices range from free to £22.50, and are available via 

the link above. 

www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com 

www.twitter.com/jazz_scotland 

www.facebook.com/scotlandjazz 

https://witheredhand.bandcamp.com/ 

fb @ www.facebook.com/witheredhand 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/witheredhand 



:: a MNS business profile feature 

The Radio Rooms :: Tweedmouth, Berwick-Upon-Tweed. TD15 2AW :: www.facebook.com/theradiorooms :: www.radiorooms.co.uk :: info@radiorooms.co.uk 

:: The Radio Rooms is an independent grassroots venue 

and event space that was created in March 2019 in Berwick 

-Upon-Tweed - serving north Northumberland and the 

Scottish Borders we are the main platform 

for new and up and coming artists in the 

area, and strive to create a safe and 

inclusive space for everyone. 

Our recently renovated space is designed around a collection of vintage 

radios ranging from the 1920s onwards, and we place an emphasis on 

quality and local products throughout our bar and kitchen. 

The Radio Rooms host a variety of quality performances, gigs and 

events throughout the year and our space is also available for private 

events such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate events. We 

can help you plan, organise and host your perfect event - from 

weddings to lectures; birthdays to plays. Our knowledgeable team can 

help with decor, music, audio and lighting equipment, food and drink, 

entertainment; and any other detail to ensure a brilliant time is had by 

all. 

Here are some of our quality small business suppliers: Bari Tea 

(Alnwick), Fentimans (Hexham), Giacopazzi's (Eyemouth), Hepple Gin 

(Morpeth), Holy Island Gin (Holy Island), The Kelso Gin Company 

(Kelso), Left Field Kombucha (Eyemouth), Tempest (Galashiels). 

Our openings hours are 4pm to late, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 

extended hours in the summer, please check the Event Listings on our 

website and Facebook page to see what is happening every week. For 

booked events we can open at any time you wish, just drop us an 

email if you have any questions! Email: info@radiorooms.co.uk 

www.radiorooms.co.uk // www.facebook.com/theradiorooms 

The Radio Rooms is an 

independent grassroots venue, 

serving north Northumberland and 

the Scottish Borders

page 18 


www.skerryvore.com/tour/ 

tour info @ www.skerryvore.com/tour/ 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/SKERRYVORE 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/skerryvore 



James Arthur, Ocean Colour Scene, Jake 

Bugg & More Added To Belladrum Lineup 

Belladrum Estate (nr Beauly) :: 25-27 July :: www.tartanheartfestival.com 

James Arthur is the latest headliner to 

join the Belladrum Tartan Heart 

Festival’s 20th anniversary celebration 

in the Highlands next summer. 

James Arthur is one of the world’s biggest streaming artists, with over 38 million 

monthly listeners on Spotify alone. ‘Say You Won't Let Go’ became his 

breakthrough hit in the US. It was officially the UK's most streamed song in 2016 

and has gone on to be enjoyed via 4 billion streams while the song's official video 

has achieved 1.5 billion views on YouTube. Earlier this year, the track became his 

first RIAA Diamond Single with 10 million certified units – making James one of 

just 100recipients of an RIAA Diamond Single certification in the programme's 

history. 

Other huge hit singles include: ‘Impossible’, ‘Can I Be Him’, ‘Sun Comes Up’, 

‘Naked’, ‘Empty Space’, ‘Rewrite The Stars’, ‘Falling Like the Stars’, ‘Train Wreck’ 

and‘Lasting Lover’, which are all certified platinum records. 

Also added to the bill are previous Bella headliners, the one and only Ocean 

Colour Scene. OCS remain one of the most successful -and most loved-bands of 

the modern era. Having spent six years fine-tuning their sound, they lit up the 

Britpop party, chalking up three Top 5 albums-1996’s Moseley Shoals, 1997’s 

Marchin’ Already and 1999’s One From The Modern and a run of nine successive 

Top 20 single’s including the immortal ‘The Riverboat Song’ (in total they have 

seventeen Top 40 singles and six Top Ten singles). 

Making his Belladrum debut is British singer-songwriter Jake Bugg. Over the last 

few years, the 29-year-old, who has 5 albums and numerous hit singles to his 

name,has grown into himself and gone from strength to strength. He has stepped 

out of his comfort zone and is in the form of his life. 

Hi latest album ‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning’ marks a bold and exciting new 

chapter for Jake Bugg. His 5th studio album is filled with catchy guitar hooks, 

rhythmic bass lines & anthemic choruses giving the record a huge euphoric feel. 

Cleverly set against more introspective songs with beautifully crafted lyrics, the 

album plays with a spectrum of emotions that we can all relate to. 

Also making her first visit to Bella is folk royalty Kate Rusby. Forever proud to call 

herself a folk singer, Kate Rusby’s vocals never fail to connect the heart of a song 

to that of her audience. Named as one of the Top Ten Folk Voices of the Century, 

a Mercury Prize Winner, 6-times BBC Radio 2Folk Award Winner and a warm, 

Yorkshire sense of humour to boot, Rusby has achieved an unprecedented crossover 

appeal. Celebrating over 30 years of touring and 22 albums including her 

latest stunning Christmas album, Light Years, Kate and her band visit Belladrum 

in her 50th birthday year with songs old and new. 

Appearing across the weekend is Edinburgh based singer-songwriter Calum 

Bowie. Callum has a huge online following, infamous for his acoustic sessions 

leaning out of his Edinburgh flat. 

N’Famady Kouyate the young energetic master musician from Guinea (Conakry) 

whose primary instrument is the balafon – the traditional wooden xylophone, 

sacred to West African culture and his family heritage of the griot/djeli will bring 

his solo show to the festival. 

Lily Lyons is a singer songwriter from London and Cornwall has also joined the 

bill. Lily released her debut EP in 2022 followed by a string of shows in the UK 

and US with Grammy award winning pianist Kevin Hays. She recently supported 

Roo Panes at two sold out shows at Union Chapel in London. 

grab tickets @ https://tartanheartfestival.gigantic.com/belladrum-tickets 

Inverness band The Joshua Hotel, whose recent singles have been receiving 

great support from BBC 6 Music and BBC Scotland, play Bella 2024 

www.facebook.com/thejoshuahotel 

Other new additions include, Inverness band The Joshua Hotel whose recent 

singles have been receiving great support from BBC 6 Music and BBC Scotland; 

Highland indie-rock 4 piece Forgetting The Future; Scotland’s premier tribal band 

Clann An Drumma; exciting emerging act Low Light Listening Lounge and 

delivering late night Grassroots sets on Friday and Saturday night respectively 

McLeetwood and MacFloyd. 

Festival producer Dougie Brown said: ‘We are delighted to announce the next 

wave of artists joining us at Bella’s big 20th anniversary celebrations next 

summer. James Arthur sold out his entire UK arena tour in a week and we look 

forward to welcoming him to the Highlands for the very first time. It is also 

wonderful to bring back previous Bella headliners Ocean Colour Scene to the 

festival having delivered one of our most popular headline sets ever! We can’t 

wait to welcome all our Bella family to what is going to be a very special 

weekend!.’ 

www.tartanheartfestival.com 

www.twitter.com/BelladrumFest 

www.facebook.com/belladrum 

www.doghouseroses.net 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/doghouseroses 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/DoghouseRoses 


page 20 


www.hittheroad.org.uk 

info@hittheroad.org.uk 

www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland 

www.facebook.com/musicplusmentoring 

www.musicplus.org.uk 

facebook: www.facebook.com/musicplusmentoring 

twitter: www.twitter.com/musicplusmentor 

web @ www.hittheroad.org.uk 

fb @ www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland 

ADVERTISE IN OUR MNS PUBLICATIONS 


To advertise email Carol - carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/HelpMusiciansUK 

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Riverside Festival launch 2024 edition with massive club night 

Held across two venues and Eight hours, artists including Skream, FJAAK, Slam and BETH 

Glasgow :: (Launch 17 February) + (Festival 25-26 May) :: www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com 

Riverside Festival 2024 is 

kicking off with a bang as 

organisers announce an epic 

night of celebrations across 

two Glasgow venues. 

Bringing together some of the biggest names in 

electronic music, the official RF24 launch party 

will be held on Saturday, 17 February at Red 

Sky Bar and SWG3, providing fans with eight 

hours of high energy tunes. 

The first part of the night will see Skream and 

BETH wow fans at Radisson Red Sky Bar from 

7pm to 10pm, before the party continues at 

SWG3’s Galvanizers and TV Studio, where the 

DJs will be joined by FJAAK, Paranoid London, 

Slam and more special guests for the late shift 

from 10pm to 3am. 

Playing disco, house, techno, dubstep and 

everything in between, Skream – real name 

Oliver Jones – has become one of the UK’s bestloved 

DJs and producers, playing all night long 

at venues around the world. Since becoming a 

pivotal figure in the early development of the 

dubstep movement at the tender age of 16, 

London-based Skream began experimenting 

with bass-driven sets, and went on to produce a 

global number-one album with Magnetic Man, 

release several chart-topping records across 

multiple genres, and remix La Roux's In For The 

Kill, which has remained a genre-defining 

classic. Furthermore “Skreamizm 8” , his latest 

album, was up for GRAMMY nomination 

consideration for Best Dance/ Electronic Music 

Album. Over the years, the iconic artist’s 

Skreamizm parties have been legendary, and 

the RF24 launch night will be no exception. 

Up and coming local talent BETH has already 

taken the industry by storm, playing on line-ups 

alongside the likes of Patrick Topping, MK, Denis 

Sulta, Sam Divine, and Armand Van Helden to 

name a few. The Glasgow-based DJ, who plays a 

mix of house, disco and underground, performed 

at last year’s 10th anniversary edition of 

Riverside, and looks set to become one of the 

biggest new names on the scene. 

grab tickets for 17 Feb launch party @ https://skiddle.com/e/37149167 

grab festival tickets @ www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com/#buy-tickets 

BETH will wow fans on launch night at Radisson red Sky Bar 

www.instagram.com/djbethuk/ 

An electronic music duo born and raised in 

Berlin, FJAAK – aka aka Aaron Röbig and Felix 

Wagner – have been releasing music since 

2012, quickly amassing a string of club hits, 

including It’s Time Again, Don’t Leave Me, and 

District 8. Familiar faces on European club lineups, 

the pair are known for their electrifying live 

shows and stomping techno sets. 

Slam are a tour de force on the global electronic 

music circuit. The duo’s unique, six-deck, backto-back 

DJ performances and explosive live sets 

have seen them amaze clubs and festivals 

across the world. Pioneers and innovators of the 

techno scene, Slam’s Orde Meikle and Stuart 

McMillan are renowned for both experience and 

a powerful, contemporary sound. Co-owners and 

co-curators of Riverside Festival, the pair also 

host the legendary Pressure parties in Glasgow 

and have a long standing RTM residency at the 

city’s Sub Club, which focuses on delivering raw, 

hypnotic techno every month. 

Mark Mackechnie, co-festival director, said: 

“The Riverside festival is always a huge date in 

the Glasgow calendar, so we are delighted to 

launch with two great events - one at our hotel 

partners rooftop bar with its amazing scenic 

views and soundtrack by Skream and Beth, and 

later part at SWG3 with a Skreamizm and 

Pressure hosted rooms. Its gives a taste of 

things to come as we get ready to announce the 

festival line up in the very near future” 

Tickets are available now via the link above. 

www.riversidefestivalglasgow.com 

www.twitter.com/RFGlasgow 

www.facebook.com/riversidefestivalglasgow 

www.eddireader.co.uk/shop/ 

label @ www.facebook.com/RevealRecords 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/eddireader 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/eddireader 


page 22 


www.davearcari.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/davearcari 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic 

www.alextronicrecords.co.uk 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/alextronicrecords 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/AlexTronicDJ 



Curtain closes on Celtic Connections 

Glasgow :: 16 January - 2 February 2025 :: www.celticconnections.com 

World-renowned folk, roots 

and world music festival 

Celtic Connections drew 

to a triumphant close in 

Glasgow last night after 18 

days of spectacular soldout 

concerts, innovative 

musical sessions and starstudded 

collaborations. 

From Thursday 18 January to Sunday 4 February, the city 

came alive with over 300 incredible events involving 1,200 

artists across 25 of the city’s venues. 

The biggest winter festival of its kind in Europe, known for 

its eclectic mix of genres and inclusive atmosphere, is 

celebrating over 100 sold out shows across its 300 events 

alongside welcoming over 115,000 attendees. 

subscribe to newsletter for 2025 news @ www.celticconnections.com 

Once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, rare performances from 

global sensations, moving tribute concerts and some of the 

biggest shows ever played by homegrown talent were all 

showcased across the city for the incredible 31st edition of 

Celtic Connections. 

Among the hundreds of sensational concerts, each of which 

celebrated the tradition, innovation and unifying power of 

music, were: 

Skipinnish 

www.facebook.com/Skipinnish 

:: photo by Kris Kesiak 

● The dazzling Opening Concert, which welcomed the 

expansive and genre-defying European premiere of 

ATTENTION! from American Grammy winner Chris Thile 

(Nickel Creek) and guests including festival favourites Rachel 

Sermanni, Dreamers’ Circus and Sarah Jarosz. A fitting start 

to the festival, the night was one of unparalleled musical 

creativity, leaving audiences in awe 

● The Red Clydeside: John MacLean Centenary Concert, 

which celebrated the music, poetry and legacy of Scottish 

schoolteacher and legendary revolutionary socialist John 

MacLean, was an evening of passion and inimitable talent. 

Led by the brilliant Siobhan Miller, Eddi 

Reader, Billy Bragg and Karine Polwart, a surprise 

performance from Scottish social protest singer Dick 

Gaughan was a hugely emotional and iconic moment during 

the evening 

● Roaming Roots Review, this year with the theme Songs of 

Modern Scotland, brought together music from a who’s who 

of Scottish talent for a night which celebrated some of the 

most phenomenal artists and iconic tracks this country has 

produced. Joining the event’s curator and host Roddy Hart 

on stage were Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil, Idlewild’s Roddy 

Woomble and Rod Jones, Del Amitri’s Justin Currie, Camera 

Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell, celebrated singer-songwriter 

Emma Pollock, uber talented Hamish Hawk, Admiral Fallow’s 

Sarah Hayes and Louis Abbott and the inimitable Brownbear 

among other hugely talented musicians. The night was 

accompanied by a Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 

Orchestra, arranged and conducted by John Logan 

● The Bothy Band, one of the most influential and revered 

Irish ensembles to revolutionise the playing of traditional 

music in recent generations, made their mark on Celtic 

Connections 2024 with a highly-anticipated, long-awaited 

performance. For the first time since 1979, Donal Lunny on 

bouzouki, Tríona ní Dhomhnaill on keyboards, Matt Molloy on 

flute, Paddy Keenan on Uilleann pipes and low whistle, and 

Paddy Glackin and Kevin Burke on fiddle came together to 

perform their first full-scale public concert, joined by Seán 

Óg Graham on guitar 

● Always a Celtic Connections highlight, Transatlantic 

Sessions celebrated the rich musical traditions that connect 

Scotland, Ireland and the US. Featuring an outstanding lineup 

of artists, including AmericanaFest’s “Can’t Miss Act” 

Lindsay Lou, Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Carlene 

Carter, Belfast-based progressive Irish folk singer-songwriter 

Joshua Burnside, previous Scots Trad Music Awards Gaelic 

singer of the year Kim Carnie and captivating Canadian duo 

Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves, the night saw 

audiences soak up an exceptional assortment of tunes, 

songs and genres 

● A special evening celebrating the life and legacy of Tiree 

accordionist Gordon Connell was A Ceilidh for Gordon at the 

iconic Old Fruitmarket. The revered musician and teacher 

was remembered through music and dance, and the 

memorable night was led by a host of his former students, 

including Angus MacPhail of Skipinnish, Gunna Sound’s 

Campbell Brown, Skerryvore’s Daniel and Martin Gillespie, 

Trail West’s Ian Smith, Tide Lines’ Ross Wilson and many 

more 

● Grammy nominee and multi-award-winning musician 

Allison Russell wowed crowds at Òran Mór with her 

purposeful music, portraying a soulful expression of 

liberation, love and respect. The Canadian songstress’ 

mastery of her craft was on full display as she commanded 

the spotlight with her soul-stirring vocals, unrivalled musical 

talent and powerful words 

● In a commemorative celebration, the Traditional Music and 

Song Association revisited the landmark Scots Women 

concert from the 2001 festival. Scots Women - Generations 

o' Change honoured the original singers of the first 

performance, while welcoming a new wave of Scottish 

female folk singers, showcasing a blend of a capella and 

band-accompanied songs. Featuring an esteemed lineup, the 

event was overseen by Musical Director Iona Fyfe and 

hosted by Scots Poet Len Pennie, providing a vibrant, 

collaborative journey through Scottish folk music 

● Showcase Scotland, another core event within Celtic 

Connections, highlighted international partners Norway 

during the five-day programme which took place between 

Wednesday 24 January and Monday 29 January. The 

initiative welcomed international delegates from all over the 

UK, Europe, Australia, America and Canada to join in 

appreciation of the Scandinavian talent playing at the 

festival, including Tromsø-born violinist, singer and 

composer Julie Alapnes, award-winning Hardanger fiddle 

player Alexander Aga Røynstrand, Norwegian traditional trios 

Erlend Viken and Ævestaden, Nordic folk five-piece Gangar, 

and Sámi band Gabba. Paired with Norway partners at 

Showcase Scotland was the Sounds of Scotland Showcase, 

supported by Creative Scotland, highlighting Gaelic and 

Scots artists performing in traditional and folk music spaces. 

Next year will see Ireland once again take up the mantle as 

Showcase Scotland partner 

● Barony Hall proved to be a spectacular setting for the first 

time at this year’s Celtic Connections. The stunning building, 

ideally located in the city centre, was newly introduced as a 

venue for the 2024 festival, welcoming world-class 

performers such as award-winning trad band Breabach, 

revered folk musician John McCusker, Irish fiddler Martyn 

Hayes and multi-talented Damien O’Kane, to name a few 

● Music workshops and teaching sessions were also in full 

swing over the past 18 days. From composing tunes from 

scratch to having a go at the bagpipes and learning the 

ukulele, participants had the chance to fully immerse 

themselves in every facet of the festival, while the festival’s 

free school concerts programme shared the joy of live music 

of 8,000 school children from across Scotland over the 

course of four morning shows 

Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic 

Connections, said: "This year's Celtic Connections was a 

testament to the creative power and enduring importance of 

the arts and the music of the people. The richness of talent 

on display, the diverse range of genres and the infectious 

enthusiasm of the audiences made this year’s edition truly 

special. It's heartening to see the festival grow and evolve, 

bringing together artists and audiences from all walks of life, 

joined by a shared appreciation for music, art and cultural 

expression. 

“The continued success of Celtic Connections reflects the 

passion and commitment of everyone involved. My thanks 

goes to each person who bought a ticket, performed on our 

stages, volunteered their time, worked on or backed the 

event, and to the people of Glasgow who welcomed the 

world with open arms. Your support is the heartbeat of the 

festival, and it's your enthusiasm and dedication that make 

this celebration of music possible year after year. 

“Scotland has a rich tapestry of musical traditions, and Celtic 

Connections is a platform that showcases the beauty and 

diversity of our own folk music, as well as that of other 

countries, and the expansive connections it has created. I 

am immensely proud of how well Scotland continues to 

champion folk music on the global stage, and feel truly 

excited about the path that lies ahead for what we’re proud 

to say has become a world-renowned event.” 

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Celtic 

Connections always provides a brilliant start to the year and 

as another successful edition draws to a close I want to give 

my thanks to everyone who made it possible and all those 

who attended. 

“I was fortunate enough to be able to see several fantastic 

performances over the course of this year’s festival, 

including the opening concert, the Norwegian acts that 

played at Showcase Scotland, and the wonderful Red 

Clydeside Centenary Concert for the great John Maclean. The 

talent, warmth and energy that Celtic Connections always 

brings never fails to impress and I’m sure I’m not alone in 

eagerly awaiting next year’s programme.” 

Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Celtic 

Connections 2024 has been a resounding success, and a 

spectacular showcase of some of the very finest musical 

talent that Scotland, and almost every corner of the globe, 

has to offer across a wealth of genres. 

“This year’s wonderfully expansive, exciting programme, and 

superb international line-up of established and emerging 

artists, has delighted a very broad range of audiences and 

attracted festival goers in their thousands. A remarkable 

range of shows, special performances and inspirational 

events have been staged at our venues over the past 18 

days – further enhancing Glasgow’s reputation as a worldclass 

cultural events destination and shining the spotlight on 

its status as a celebrated UNESCO City of Music. 

“This 31st edition of Celtic Connections has not only 

demonstrated how internationally renowned and much-loved 

this unique festival is, it has also emphasised how 

immeasurably important it is to Glasgow and to Scotland – 

and we look forward to building on its incredible legacy in 

future years.” 

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland 

said: “Powered by the energy of its artists and enthusiasm 

of its audiences, Celtic Connections has given Scotland’s 

music scene the best possible start to 2024. From the 

Opening Concert onwards, fans have sung the praises of 

some of the best gigs they’ve ever seen at this or any other 

festival. It’s a triumph for our own traditional music and a 

prime example of how connecting with artists from all over 

the world can brighten the darkest days.” 

Celtic Connections began in 1994 when it offered 66 events 

at one venue. It has since grown more adventurous, 

experimental and diverse each year, with an unwavering 

ambition to showcase the very best traditional folk, roots, 

Americana, jazz, soul, indie and world music and nurture 

unique local, national and international cultural partnerships. 

Celtic Connections is now a core part of the city’s annual 

cultural events programme, delivered by charity Glasgow 

Life. Opportunities to support future editions of the festival 

can be found at www.celticconnections.com/celticconnections-supporters. 

Celtic Connections 2025 will take place from Thursday 16 

January - Sunday 2 February 2025. 

www.celticconnections.com 

www.twitter.com/ccfest 

www.facebook.com/CelticConnections 


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