Showstopping artistes at Blas in north
Several of the headline events in the Blas 2011 festival will be appearing at northern venues, with the performance of a special commission led by one of the UK’s top musicians, Julie Fowlis, at Dornoch Cathedral, bound to be one of the biggest draws.
Combining newly composed and traditional material influenced by the uninhabited island of Heisgeir (often referred to as The Monach Isles) and building on her own family connections to the island, Julie has taken her inspiration from its geography, history and legends.
Using lyrical, film, narrative and musical devices to bring different aspects of the work to life, "Heisgeir" will feature acclaimed musicians Éamon Doorley and Duncan Chisholm.
"Heisgeir" will open the Blas Festival on Friday, September 9, at Phipps Hall in Beauly. It will then be reprised in Torridon Community Hall, on Saturday, September 10, before coming to Dornoch Cathedral on Sunday, September 11.
As ever, several top musicians will be making their way north during the festival and on the first weekend, on Saturday evening (September 10), Lochinver Village Hall will be the place to be. Iain Morrison and Dàibhaidh Martin will bring their music and poetry, The Monach Isle Cèilidh band bring their great tunes, Christine Stone brings her winning voice and our young friends from Fèis a’ Chaolais bring their vibrant talents – all in one great night at Lochinver.
For those who "Cherish the Ladies", a diary date to make is Thursday, 15 September in Ardgay Hall. Celebrating 25 years as the most successful and sought-after Irish American group in Celtic music history, Cherish the Ladies share their timeless Irish traditions passed down from fathers to their daughters. The all-female ensemble’s spectacular blend of virtuosic instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing showcases all the facets of traditional Irish culture.
Cherish the Ladies are on a European Tour and will be making just four appearances in Scotland. All four of them are at Blas and Ardgay is definitely the place to be on Thursday night, where they will be supported by Kristan Harvey and The Sanna.
The ladies then move on to Wick’s Assembly Rooms on Friday night (September 16) where they will be joined by musicians from Fèis Ghallaibh, Christine Stone (the Moray Trophy winner for traditional Gaelic singing at last year’s Royal National Mod in Caithness) and the redoubtable Addie Harper.
In a culmination of a very special synthesis, Blas 2011 will celebrate the Year of Scotland’s Islands with a series of "Island Cèilidhs" showcasing some of the best known Gaelic singers from the islands along with great traditional accompaniment.
Amongst those appearing in Strathy at the Village Hall on Saturday night, the final date in the week-long extravaganza which is Blas 2011, are Paul MacCallum, Mary Catherine MacNeill, Iain MacKay and Sileas Sinclair.
In the style of the wandering minstrels of bygone generations, the Blas islanders are about to take the Highlands by storm and will give everyone a taste of what it’s like to be at an island cèilidh.
Now in its seventh full year, Blas has matured into a recognised cultural landmark and continues to forge links and work together with other organisations, celebrating the distinct Gaelic culture of the Highlands.
