Balvaig

Strathyre Music Festival

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Scotland's Largest Community Based Music Festival

 

And the evening falls gently on Bonnie Strathyre

FUN PACKED CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE

Weekend - 29th 30th and 31st May 2015 Strathyre Music Festival

 

The Strathyre Music Festival is a remarkable event with so many Musicians taking part. With many families enjoying the Festival's Carnival atmosphere, the Festival committee realise that its important to cater for all ages.

The following special attractions will run from the Market Square in tandem with the magnificent LIVE MUSIC Performances throughout the day

 

The Troll

of Strathyre Forest

 

Deep in the forest, so the story goes,

There lives a troll, with thirteen toes

Snuffs out Truffles, makes dandelion wine

Lies in a lair, of Mountain Thyme

Oh ~ Oh Oh ~ Oh

With a great big axe, he cuts down trees

And gathers logs, on bended knees

He chops a log, right down the middle

And carves the wood, into a fiddle

Oh ~ Oh Oh ~ Oh

The man of the earth. who has no name

Rides a horse, with a silver mane

He cuts a plaid, laid out in a row

With a sprig of Birch, he makes a bow

Oh ~ Oh Oh ~ Oh

 

 

Kim Seymour, Singer Song writer originally from Scarborough, now living in Cumbria, Kim attended the first Strathyre Music Festival in June 2013 and his music was very well received by all who caught his performances.

We are delighted to welcome Kim back to Strathyre on 24 & 25 May 2014.

Kim has a unique mellow voice and considerable song-writing skills.

Kim's NEW SONG - Call Out To You

Kim has just launched his latest EP "Call out to you" which can be obtained here

https://soundcloud.com/kimseymouruk" - Catch this and some other great songs at Kim's performances on Saturday and Sunday 24th & 25 May at the Strathyre Music Festival.

Mikey Higgins Balvaig Singer Song Writer

Mikey will play the Strathyre Music Festival as a solo Artist .

Mikey Higgins is also a member of Balvaig and joins the band whenever he can. His energy is significant and was found providing some stunning performances at several venues at the 2013 festival. As well as performing covers in his own unique voice and playing style.

Mikey is also a song-writer and does some impressive harmonising and guitar accompaniament with Balvaig.

Mikey is a popular Wedding singer providing his personal touch to Bridal marches and opening waltzes.

The Balvaig Music Group are always delighted when we are approached by young up and coming Musicians who show an interest in participating in the Music Festival. These local stars of the future will be offered playing opportunities at various venues around the Village. These kids can show us a thing or two on how to impress an audience. Below is a summary of the young artists who are supporting the 2014 Festival. Please give them good support.

 

Seth Lumsden (Lochearnhead)

Sophie Milne

 

 

 

 

Festival News - Updates

Happy New Year everyone:

 

1st January 2015.

 

After serving 3 years as Chairman of the Strathyre Music Festival, Kenny Higgins will be stepping down from official duties on the Festival Committee with effect from the AGM meeting to be held on Sunday 4th January 2015. Kenny helped to establish the Music Festival and is closely involved in the Band co-ordination process and Marketing of the event. Kenny will be passing on band coordination and booking matters to Nyree Watson: e.mail: nyree@balvaig.co.uk

 

Kenny and wife Barbara will continue to support the Festival over the Festival weekend with Barbara helping out on Tickets and Admin.

 

Kenny and Barbara are busy establishing Strathyre as an activity and events centre with their new business venture: Strathyre Outdoors - www.strathyreoutdoors.org and this will keep Kenny busy in the coming months.

 

New positions are available on the Festival Management Committee, please let any committee member know if you would like to be part of the management of this exciting Music Event. or come along to the AGM to be held on Sunday 4th January 2015 at 1pm sharp venue Strathyre Inn Restaurant. Committee Members are invited from the Strathyre, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead areas.

 

 

For all your Strathyre Music Festival 2015 needs and to purchase tickets then please go to www.strathyremusicfestival.co.uk

 

 

 

The Pro-Sound Sound Engineering team L-R Chris, Duncan, Ian and Duncan Snr popped in to check over the Festival main venue and gave an early preview of the kit they will bring along on Friday, Saturday & Sunday 29-31 May- Very Impressive Sound and Lighting to look forward to this magical weekend of music as we get the Village ready for the large crowd expected.

 

The Main stage and Stage 2 wil be served by a 16 Channel Sound system with a significant speaker array and stage monitors. The Light effects will also bring the main venue to life in a great party atmosphere. If not

purchased tickets already, the On line ticket office at

www.balvaig.co.uk/strathyre-music-festival.html will open in Early December 2014, with advance ticket prices available up to 31 Jan 2015.

 

The Forest comes, alive at night

With wailing tunes, that don’t sound right

The Troll dances wildly, round a fire

His screeching tune makes the flames rise higher

Oh ~ Oh Oh ~ Oh

 

The Troll dances, through the night

And he plays to the stars, till they go with the light

Daylight comes, drives the Troll underground

Then Tranquil peace, in the forest is found

Oh ~ Oh Oh ~ Oh

The Troll is real, but he’s never seen

He dances with fairies in the forest green

His wailing sounds, echo's through the Trees

Like the painful screams, of a wild banshee

Oh ~ Oh Oh ~ Oh

 

How old he is, You cannot tell

They say that he, was born in Hell

His wailing sounds, echo's through the Trees

Like the painful screams, of a wild banshee

Oh ~ Oh Oh ~ Oh

 

The Troll

 

by

 

Kenny Higgins

Carribean Cove

Visit the Carribean Cove in the

Festival Market Square and

search for Hidden Treasure.

 

Yo Ho Ho Ho - A pirates Life for me

 

Sponsored by Flutterbuys Gift shop

 

Ted Christopher

No Music Festival would be complete without a guest appearance of the popular Ted Christopher and we are looking forward to Ted's appearance again in 2015.

 

Ted Christopher is one of Scotland's finest performers. He is a well travelled and extremely versatile singer songwriter. He is equally at home whether singing heart felt originals to a concert audience, belting out Scottish favourites to the Tartan Army or playing some of his huge pop/rock repertoire to a packed dance floor.

 

Unphased by any size of audience, he played to 750,000 people on The Mall in Washinton DC. A week later there were 12 in Cowie Miners Welfare. How's that for a quick reality check? and they were both great gigs. Ted is renowned for his good sesne of humour and this comes out in some of his songs - such as " Where's the River Mel" aimed at Mel Gibson who forgot to include the River Forth in his Film "Braveheart"

 

Ted has been involved in the Scottish live music scene since he was fifteen. He is proud to be a native of The Royal and Ancient Burgh of Stirling (Stirling is now a city but he much prefers the former description of his hometown) and was born and raised a mere claymore's length from Stirling Castle and The National Wallace Monument.

Ted and his band Bannockburn, have for many years been dedicated to good causes. They also play on a regular basis in Azerbaijan where the band has adopted an orphanage in Baku. In that country they are jokingly referred to as the Caledonian Society's resident band. Ted and fiddler Davie Sinclair have been awarded honorary membership of The Baku Caledonian Society.

In 1996 and with the consent of Bob Dylan, Scottish musician Ted Christopher wrote a new verse for "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" in memory of the schoolchildren and teacher killed in the Dunblane massacre. This has been, according to some sources, one of the very few times Dylan has officially authorized anybody to add or change the lyrics to one of his songs. This version of the song, including children from the village singing the chorus with guitarist and producer of Dylan's album Infidels (1983), Mark Knopfler, was released on December 9 in the UK and reached number1 in the UK charts.

The proceeds went to charities for children. The song was featured on the compilation album Hits 97, where all royalties from the song were given to three separate charities.

K T Kross

 

KT is a young singer song-writer of some distinction currently studying Music at Reid Kerr College. She has appeared ay various open mic venues and has also appeared for the last 3 years at the Dougie MacLean festival , Amber fest.

KT will star at the Main venue and the Jazz venue on Saturday 24th May. On the Sunday she pops up North to join the distinguished company of Status Quo at the Montrose Festival.

KT works at Bishopbriggs School where she is a one on one guitar tutor. KT is currently working on her first album. In 2012 at the age of only 15, KT reached the semi finals of the UK open Mic competition in Manchester.

 

 

BLACKWATER

Blackwater is an accomplished and justly well-respected duo (Ruth Wells and Tony Dargan), based in the Wakefield area of West Yorkshire; their trademark sound is a gentle, enchanting and highly polished blend of two acoustic guitars and two voices, their partnership demonstrating an almost uncanny togetherness of musical spirit.

The tasteful, intricately woven, impeccably managed guitar work is at once almost spontaneously conceived and yet carefully rehearsed; delicately dovetailed, ringing and mellifluous; accomplished yet unassuming; never obtrusive, and - importantly, wholly supportive of the songs, while the vocal work is light-textured, attractive, easy on the ear and similarly even-toned, the part-sharing both well-thought-out and convincing (both Ruth and Tony equally capable of taking the lead).

Ruth and Tony will attend the Festival Saturday and Sunday 24 & 25 May.

 

Mudslide

 

Mudslide are a five piece band based in Argyllshire on the west coast of Scotland with a wealth of experience from diverse musical backgrounds. Their set list encompasses all styles of blues and includes songs from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Clapton, Gary Moore to Joe Bonamassa plus some original material and old classics.

 

Collectively they have over 150 years of musical experience and , in most peoples opinion , look incredibly good on it !

 

With a set list that encompasses all styles of Blues with songs from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Clapton, Gary Moore to Joe Bonamassa plus some original material and old classics MUDSLIDE prove that the Blues is still alive and well - Mudslide - "Stormin Blues from Argyll".

Jock the Box

The Unique and sensational sounds of Jock the Box can be heard on Sunday afternoon 25th May. Jock will also play in the closing Ceilidh party on Sunday Night which promises to be fantastic atmosphere and not to be missed.

Jock the Box is an accordionist, performer and composer with 25 years of musical accomplishments. He is an extraordinary musician and accordionist with a very individualistic style covering Scottish, Irish, Cajon and Rock styles.

ex Ceilidh Minogue, Box o'Bananas Jock is well remembered for his sensational warm up performances at many of the Stranglers Concerts in UK and Europe. Jock makes the Accordion do some amazing things.

Stefan van de Sande is a Troubadour from Groningen Holland will perform at the Strathyre Music Festival on 24 & 25 May 2014.

Stefan Troubadour will add the Strathyre Music Festival to his impressive European Tour programme.

The day that changed his life was in 1972, when at the age of 13, his brother took him to the cinema to see the Apple films Concert for Bangladesh. He was so impressed with Bob Dylan and George Harrison playing together that it was then his love for music and songwriting was born. He borrowed his sister’s guitar, a little chord songbook, and taught himself Dylan’s Blowing In The Wind. He gained little job satisfaction in the wide world since music was always his first love and decided to pick up his guitar again and recorded a CD just before his 50th birthday.

He was inspired by a Scottish woman who told him to “share his songs with people as that was his duty on earth”. Stefan performs reflective acoustic songs about life, love, sadness, mountains, nature and has been described as a visionary who can restore hope. Not rarely an exchange of energy and emotions is taken place during a concert. His voice is warm and his music mellow.

In Austria, Stefan is known as the man with the Velvet Voice

 

Muckle Flugga will play at the Strathyre Music Festival on Saturday & Sunday 24/25 May 2014.

 

About Muckle Flugga

 

Muckle Flugga was formed by Dave Gifford & Bob Crosbie in 2004.

Prior to formally creating the band, they had played in various traditional sessions around Edinburgh. For a number of years, they played as a duo before being joined for a short while (2009 - 2010) by Abbie Patterson (Bodhran). Other local musician friends occasionally expanded and enhanced the line-up.

In 2011, Claire Murdoch (Dave's daughter) joined the group, and brought a new dimension to the group membership. The format was a good one, and was quickly adopted as a lasting arrangement.

Sadly, the membership changed again in 2013 due to Dave's untimely passing. However, his spirit lives on within the group - in our music, and in our humour.

Claire and Bob plan to continue as a duo and we are delighted to welcome such a popular band to the Strathyre Music Festival.

 

 

 

Riverside Ceilidh Band will play at the Strathyre Music Festival on Sunday 25th May.

 

The Popular Riverside Ceilidh band with all ten members will again play at the Strathyre Music Festival leading off the Sunday Night Ceilidh party.

 

The Stirling based band were well received in June 2013 and will perform a wide selection of Ceilidh music.

 

 

Jimmy Lee and the Edge of Chaos Orchestra confirm they will be playing at the Strathyre Music Festival 2014. Jimmy and his band have attracted fantastic reviews :

 

This composer and his group of musicians sail through an eclectic repertoire of original music from ballads, instrumentals, folk-rock and more. There are great stories told in lyrics woven in beautiful melodies and their live performances simply 'creak' with talent.

Frank Gutch Jnr. Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange

 

"A 'humdinger' of a CD ....... a creative genius! ... his own self-penned material will surely see Jimmy receiving 'kudos' beyond his wildest dreams"

Maverick Magazine

 

"Stay close to the edge .... great stuff!"

Max Reinhardt .... BBC Radio 3

 

"We love your music!"

Iain Anderson Show .... BBC Radio Scotland

Stefan van de Sande is a Troubadour the man with the Velvet Voice

 

ADRIANA Returns to the Strathyre Music Festival in 2014

Balvaig are delighted to welcome Adriana Spina back to the 2014 Music Festival. Adriana who officially opened and was also the opening act of the 2013 Festival cast, won many fans over with some fantastic music and we are delighted to welcome her back in May 2014.

Adriana was well received and like others had her songs playing all round the village well after the 2013 Festival event with a few CD sales. Adriana has performed in the company of Paulo Nutini, Joan ArmaTrading, Eddi Reader and was selected to support US Country and Western Star - Sheryl Crow in her only European Tour. We are delighted to welcome Adrian back as one of our Headline Artists

 

The DEADLY WINTERS

Return to headline the Strathyre Music Festival

The Deadly Winters were a real hit at the Strathyre Music Festival and we are delighted to welcome them back to Bonnie Strathyre.

Their fantastic selection of alternative Folk was enjoyed by everyone who had the pleasure of hearing them. Its been very much onwards and upwards for "The Winters" who recently placed Dougie Macleans Amber Festival and the whole community is delighted to see them returning in May 2014.

Listen out for some new fantastic songs including their latest "16 Days" based on an amazing true story.

Members

  • Christopher Blair – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
  • Graeme Chyla – Drums
  • Michael Edie – Bass, Vocals
  • Christopher Gibson – Percussion, Vocals
  • Gregory Jones – Acoustic Guitar, Vocals

     

Scottish Ferals -

Margaret and Gavin brought a real unique blend of beautiful traditional music to the Strathyre Music Festival back in June 2013.

 

Since the Festival, Margaret and Gavin have been regular guests at Balvaig's Sunday Music Sessions and we have listened to a stunning Music portfolio that continues to grow, with songs written by both Margaret and Gavin constantly being added to their impressive song list.

 

Margaret and Gavin both provide harmonious vocals and play guitar. Gavin's classical style on the fret board is impressive and he also adds Low D pipe and Accordion to good effect. Scottish Ferals are now recently joined by Balvaig's Stevie Black on Accordion.

 

 

Jane Booth

 

Balvaig singer - song writer played as a Solo artist at the 2013 Strathyre Music Festival sharing some excellent music backed up with her mellow and melodic voice.

 

Jane is a key part of the Festival Hosts Balvaig and provides fantastic support to the band with great harmonies as well as playing Accoustic and Bass Guitar. Jane has played Gigs and Festivals in England but now resides locally.

 

Jane also has hidden talents as an excellent song-writer having scribed some excellent material. Jane will play with Balvaig and makes us all sound better :-)

 

 

Scott McWatt

Scott McWatt glasgow based folk singer comes to the Strathyre Music Festival with new album A Ceíst Amá, his most accomplished work yet.

A year is a long time in politics, in affairs of the heart and in songwriting. A world away from the angst of his debut Jekyll And Hyde, Scott's album, A Ceíst Amá bristles with such maturity and depth it’s difficult to believe there’s less than 18 months between records.

With each of its twelve tracks representing a calendar month, A Ceíst Amá is a captivating Album and journey through a year of life.

Hear Scot and his band play on Sunday 25th May

 

Stevie Black from Strathyre was originally from Argyllshire and built considerable skills on the Accordion playing at Weddings, Ceilidhs and other Gig venues.

Stevie is also part of Balvaig and Vice Chairman of the Strathyre Music Festival. Stevie also adds accordion Accompiament with the Scottish Ferals.

Stevie is often found attached to his Box at balvaigs Sunday Music Sessions in local pubs

50 Shades of Blue

Lorna - Jane Gracie is a Singer Song-Writer with the band title of 50 shades of Blue. Lorna-Jane is from Partick.

 

Partner Mark plays, cajon, bodhran , spoons, washboard, kettle drum and basically anything else he can get rhythm out of. They have been together as a musical act for a few months, but already we have had a lot of success .

 

As well as playing in bars around the central belt and small gigs at folk festivals, Lorna-Jane recently won the songwriting contest at Glenfarg Folk Feast and also at Girvan Folk festival, they came runner up at Girvan open stage.

Brian, Dave and DeeJay

Brian and Dave and David (DeeJay) are keen hikers and one day popped into the Strathyre Inn during one of Balvaigs early Music Sessions. The two boys offered to do a couple of songs and impressed the audience with their impromptu music. Balvaig kept in touch with David and Brian and they agreed to attend the Strathyre Music Festival and provide some music.

They came along with a friend Dave on percussion and made many friends and we are really pleased to welcome them back to Strathyre in May 2014.

Dwight Pereira and Jo-Ann Pereira - Return to the Strathyre Music Festival

The Strathyre Music Festival was blessed with some fantastic weather during the 2013 Festival and the entire Festival was very well received by an appreciative audience who were very complimentary on the quality of the entertainers that participated. One set of Artists that really brought the Festival to life were the brother and sister from Kuala Lumpar who shone through as very special people that were liked by everyone that had the pleasure to meet them.

Their very likeable nature was enhanced by some stunning music and fantastic harmonies in a unique style that was more than very pleasant to listen to.

The people of Strathyre took Dwight and Jo-Ann very much to their hearts and their superb music is well remembered. We are delighted to welcome them back to the 2014 Strathyre Music Festival.

Jenne McClure Jazz band

Balvaig are delighted to welcome Jenne and her Jazz band back to the Strathyre Music Festival

About Jenne

Jenne has a strong musical background having studied piano from an early age and her vocal tutors include Jay Clayton, Fionna Duncan, Lianne Carroll and Anita Wardell. She can perform with any combination, ranging from a piano/guitar duo through to quintet up to big band and will work with you to put together something to suit your event and, most importantly, budget but always with professional musicians of the highest calibre.

Jenne is vocalist with 7-piece band the Stirling Crisis as well as with her own quintet. Credited with an approach that is totally professional, focussed on the audience and the setting, her music is grounded in jazz but she confidently embraces styles ranging from Latin, soul, funk, blues and easy listening through to pop, rock and folk - she says, "I hear jazz in everything."

Influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Antonio Carlos Jobim and more contemporary artistes including Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Randy Crawford and Kate Bush. Songwriting achievements include new English lyrics that remain faithful to the original Portuguese of Jobim's, "Favela,"lyrics to Miles Davis', "So What" and she is currently developing new material.

Dudach playing at the 2014 Strathyre Music Festival

 

Local Girl band from the Braes Of Balquhidder came together for the 2013 Festival and provided some great entertainment. The multi talented girls can combine their music instrument talents with their Choral capabilities to great effect whilst having loads of fun all at the same time.

 

We are delighted to welcome the girls: Gill, Abbey, Gaylor and Alexandria back to the Strathyre Music Festival in May.

 

Strumelele

 

Glasgow based Ukelele band Stumelele were very popular attraction at the 2013 & 2014 Festival. The band took everyone by surprise on the quality and range of the music produced which covered everything from Blues to Rock and Roll.

 

The band also ran Music Workshops which were great fun for all who attended and we are delighted towelcome Strumelele back to the 2015 Strathyre Music Festival

 

Balvaig

 

Stevie Greg Kenny Jane Rock-on Tommy

 

 

Niamh Lee Balquhidder Kieran Macnicol Balquhidder