Carrbridge concert to help create opportunity for aspiring trad musicians
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Carrbridge Village Hall will set the scene for a concert designed to help deliver tuition to aspiring Scottish musicians in Badenoch and Strathspey.
An array of top trad talent is set to appear at the venue in April, which will be hosted in aid of Fèis Spè, an organisation aiming to develop traditional Scottish music performing opportunities for young people in the area.
Singer and fiddle player Eilidh Shaw and guitar supremo Ross Martin are set to entertain concert goers with their dynamic, modern take on traditional Scottish music – but not before they have spent the afternoon with Fèis Spè’s senior band, ‘Monadh Ruadh’, running a special music workshop just for them.
The concert on Friday, April 8 with Eilidh and Ross, will feature performances from ‘Monadh Ruadh’ and their dedicated band leader, Charlie McKerron of Capercaillie and Session A9 fame.
Eilidh Shaw, probably best known for her work with the all female folk group ‘The Poozies’ is now also a member of much loved Scottish band ‘Shooglenifty’, while Ross Martin is a member of Gaelic supergroup ‘Dàimh’ who have twice won Folk Band of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards and Best Folk Band in Europe at the prestigious Folkherbost awards in Germany.
Individually they have clocked up over 100 album appearances working with the likes of Scottish Gaelic star Julie Fowlis, as well as 70’s pop crooner Tony Christie!
In 2017 they made their first album together, Birl-esque, which was released on their own Rhubana Records label. Since the album release and the launch of their duo project they have been touring Scotland, the U.S., France and Germany, and performed at Celtic Connections in Glasgow.
Ms Shaw said: "We are really excited to be coming to Carrbridge and working with the fantastic Charlie McKerron and his amazing group of young students.
"We have a lot of live music to catch up on and hope to see lots of people there."
Charlie McKerron, who has toured the world with various bands during a long and varied career and now resides in Badenoch, is working closely with Fèis Spè, tutoring both ‘Monadh Ruadh’ and the organisation’s ‘Junior Band’.
He said: "I’m thoroughly looking forward to getting a few tunes with Eilidh and Ross, but more importantly – they will be offering our ‘Monadh Ruadh’ members a great afternoon’s workshop, preparing a piece of music which they will then perform at the concert.
"For our young musicians, to get to work with well established, talented artists like these, is very exciting indeed."
Entry is by cash only with tickets to be purchased at the door on the night. There will be a raffle and refreshments available by donation.
