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31 July, 2010
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Published: 21 August, 2008
NOW A firm fixture in Scotland's cultural calendar, the Blas Festival has announced it will be staging 45 events across the Highlands this year, four of them at Sutherland venues. Friday, September 5, sees the first of the Blas events at Lochinver Village Hall – Tha sin groobhidh! Groove to the Shoogles! – with Shooglenifty and the Fèis Chataibh Cèilidh Trail. Shooglenifty are a top class live act on the international Celtic music scene, mixing traditional influenced instrumentals on fiddle and banjo with more contemporary rhythms on drums, bass and electric guitar. They will be joined by the young players of the 2008 Fèis Chataibh Cèilidh Trail. The show starts at 7.30pm. A free to enter event takes place at Dornoch Cathedral on Sunday, September 7, with Cèilidh Teaghlaich (A Family Cèilidh) being performed by Gizzenbriggs, Fiona J and Katie Mackenzie, and the Fèis Chataibh Cèilidh Trail. Tain band Gizzenbriggs have delighted audiences here and in North America over many years. They are joined by the 2005 Mod gold medallist Fiona MacKenzie and her daughter Katie who is currently studying clàrsach and singing at the RSAMD in Glasgow. The ceilidh runs from 3pm to 5pm. Tuesday the 9th sees the visit of Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham, with Maeve Mackinnon. Aly and Phil are internationally renowned on the traditional music scene. As well as highly successful recordings, their numerous television and radio appearances make this duo one of the best known acts in Scotland. They are joined by singer Maeve Mackinnon, current holder of the Scots Trad music awards' up and coming artist title. She recently released her debut album, Don't Sing Lovesongs, to critical acclaim and will be accompanied by talented guitarist Innes Watson. They can be found at Strathy Village Hall from 7.30pm. The Blas events come to an excellent finale in Sutherland on Saturday, September 13, with North Coast Cèilidh at Durness Village Hall, featuring the Donald Black Band, the Addie Harper Jnr Band, and the Fèis Chataibh Cèilidh Trail. Donald is a true master of the mouth organ, with a very distinctive piping style to his playing. He has entertained audiences the world over with his stunning slow air arrangements. Joining Donald and his band is the Addie Harper Junior Band, a real favourite of audiences in the North and in high demand for dances and accordion and fiddle clubs across the country.
Completing the programme will be a selection of songs and tunes from the Fèis Chataibh 2008 Cèilidh Trail crew. There are a number of other attractions throughout the 2008 programme which bolsters the festival's commitment to Gaelic and the links with Cape Breton. They include a concert by Ireland's kings of traditional music, The Chieftains. The six time Grammy Award winners will be led by legendary frontman Paddy Moloney. They will be joined by several guests on stage, including the Canadian acrobatic dancing team of brothers, Jon and Nathan Pilatzke. Other artists performing at Blas include J P Cormier from Cape Breton, top Irish-American group Cherish the Ladies, and Scottish talent The Peatbog Faeries, Julie Fowlis, Alyth and Shooglenifty. Festival director Donna MacRae said: "Blas is Gaelic for taste or savour, and this year's festival really is quite mouthwatering. It's only our fourth year but we will be delivering a programme of music, Gaelic, food and workshop events that really strengthen our contribution to the region's cultural identity. We are delighted to be staging events in Sutherland as part of that." Further information about festival events is available from the website. Tickets are available by telephone hotline 01463-782213, from venues staging the festival shows, or on-line (thebooth.co.uk). Related articles: 
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