Posts for August, 2026

Capercaillie and Session A9 fiddle player, Charlie Mckerron has been playing with Marc Clement and Tim Edey for over 20 years, and after playing with Ross Ainslie at various sessions Charlie asked him to join the group around 10 years ago.

Charlie explains, “the combination of the 2 guitar styles of Edey and Clement are electric and can only inspire and make you want to play!”

The musicians bring a world music backdrop to many of Mckerron’s compositions, which he likes to feature in his tours. As well as their guitars you can expect to hear the powerful voice of Marc Clement and Tim Edey’s brilliance on the melodeon. Ross Ainslie’s introduction to the outfit has been a great development. “His piping and whistle skills plus his love of contemporary, traditionally based composition is right up my street” says Charlie.

This combo likes to continually push and challenge each other. There is a musicial soulfulness, the fury of the up tempo madness and incredible improvisiation making every night a different experience. “I love the improvisation thrown in, there is freedom within the music”, comments Ross Ainslie.

Charlie, an award-winning composer, is at the moment working on his solo CD, which features some of the music from this line-up, as well as contributions from other Celtic and World musicians. “These intimate gigs are the perfect way to introduce some of our new music”, says Charlie.

You can expect a night of amazing music and entertainment from these award-winning musicians. Their virtuosity and the sheer joy of performing together will always shine.

“A joyous evening of virtuoso musicianship …” ​
Edinburgh Music Review ​​​​
“… played with emphatic vigour and precision”
​​​​​​​​The Scotsman

Get ready for an unforgettable in-person night of folk music at the historic Braemar Castle. Dive into the rich traditions of Bothy Ballads, where storytelling meets toe-tapping tunes. A rare opportunity to be part of a small audience in the 400 year old Braemar Castle. Come along, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy a true taste of heritage and song!

Enjoy relaxed Sunday afternoons filled with live music at Logie Steading Café, set within the beautiful surroundings of the Findhorn Valley. Café open 10am–4pm (please check individual event details for performance times).

Take time to unwind, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and soak up the atmosphere as talented local musicians provide the perfect soundtrack to your visit. From acoustic singer-songwriters and folk-inspired performances to toe-tapping ceilidh sounds, there’s something to enjoy throughout the season.

With regular live music sessions featuring a variety of performers, Logie Steading is the perfect place to spend a leisurely Sunday — combining great music, good food and the unique charm of this historic estate.

Mesmerizing folk duo Ordinary Elephant has spent the better part of the last decade on a never-ending tour that’s earned married couple Crystal and Pete Damore widespread critical acclaim and made fans of luminaries like Tom Paxton and Mary Gauthier. In 2017, the pair took home the International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year on the strength of their breakout album, Before I Go, and two years later, they returned with the similarly lauded Honest, which the Associated Press hailed as “one of the best Americana albums of the year.” The duo hasn’t slowed down, earning consecutive International Folk Music Award nominations for Album of the Year in 2024 for their self-titled release, and then Artist of the Year in 2025.

This latest eponymous record is the purest distillation of their sound yet, showcasing the arresting power of the couple’s gorgeous harmonies and intricate fretwork. The songs are timeless, rooted in rich, character-driven storytelling, and the performances are similarly transportive, fueled by delicately intertwined banjo, guitar, and octave mandolin. Though the songs were born out of a period of deep uncertainty, the record itself is a work of profound self-assurance, one delivered by a duo whose personal and professional lives embody the limitless possibility of honest, organic collaboration. Press play on Ordinary Elephant, or attend a live performance, and you’ll hear more than just a husband and wife; you’ll hear the sound of sincerity and commitment, of patience and gratitude, of learning to let go of expectation and revel in the simple beauty of the moment.

“This is the kind of music that lingers long after the last note fades.”
— Red Line Roots

“Two become one, in song. Stripped down, intertwined clawhammer banjo and guitar, and hand in glove harmonies surprise the listener with focused intensity and musical mastery. Songs are pouring out of them, and I suspect their rise will be steady. I’m a fan.”
— Mary Gauthier

“…beautiful, soulful, exquisitely simple, and totally essential.”
— Ben Salmon, Bandcamp Daily

“I’m a big fan of Ordinary Elephant—their intimate songs, the weaving harmonies, and the stories that draw you in as if you were gathered around an enchanted campfire.”
— Eliza Gilkyson

“[Their] songs speak, heal, and we need them more than ever.”
— Donald Cohen, No Depression

Join acclaimed Strathspey musician and composer Hamish Napier for an immersive day delving into top trad tunes, arrangements, and creativity. This daytime weekend workshop is designed for players who want to deepen their skills and explore traditional Scottish tunes in a welcoming group setting.

10.30am – 4.30pm

We will focus on:

🎵 Expanding your trad session tune repertoire
🎶 Learning a few cracking local tunes from Badenoch & Strathspey
🎻 Exploring ornaments and variations to bring melodies to life
🎼 Learning how to arrange music for small folk ensembles

Open to adult instrumentalists (ages 16+) with some experience in traditional music. Suitable for both by-ear players and readers (those who can read a little music). Players of all melody instruments (e.g. fiddle, flute, whistle, accordion, etc.) and accompaniment instruments (e.g. guitar, piano) are welcome!

A community gathering bringing together local creatives inspired by the theme ‘ROOTED’, bringing together artists, makers, and musicians to share creative responses to the landscapes and communities around us.

Artists will share their work in 10-minute slots, speaking about process, inspiration, environment, and the stories held within their work. The evening will also feature live music woven throughout the programme, helping create an atmospheric and reflective space for conversation and creativity.

Whether you come to exhibit, speak, perform, listen or simply spend an evening surrounded by creativity and conversation, we would love to welcome you.

A day to celebrate the community and heritage of Braemar with performances and displays from different community groups. A Fun day for all the family!

The day includes a dog show, a teddy zipline, stalls from local businesses, hand-on crafting sessions, displays from dancers, pipers and traditional crafters, a march from the Invercauld and Duff Highlanders.

After an incredible show with us last year, these guys booked to come back straight away, so get your dancing shoes on Boat of Garten, its time for a Rock N Roll party!

Three Artists celebrate the music of Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly & Elvis Presley all driven by a lively Rock n Roll Band!

All the classics from I Drove all Night , Oh Boy & Return to Sender!

We dare you to stay in your seats!
Will Rock n Roll in Boat of Garten ever die ? That’ll be the Day!

❤️ Suits all ages
🚪 Doors open at 6.30pm
⏰ 7:30pm-10:30pm approx

We will have a licenced bar running on the might with non alcohol drinks also available.
We have paper tickets available to buy at the Hall, priced at £18.50 each – CASH SALES ONLY PLEASE!
Or wegottickets online also has tickets for sale.

Join Rachel Sermanni on an enchanting tour of the outdoors this summer, performing in settings that celebrate the beauty of nature and community. From vibrant festival stages to docklands and piers, woodland tranquility, unique urban gardens, and sustainable Earthship spaces, each stop offers an intimate listening experience in unforgettable surroundings.
Rachel Sermanni is a Scottish based singer/songwriter that makes the mundane moments mystical: shock-positive pregnancy tests in train-station toilets, coffee machine breakages, cold river swims, the regret of not saying ‘I love You’, the moon & how it pulls, bare feet on wood floors, the soft glow of a house plant, ‘what even is consciousness?’, strange dreams lingering in quiet mornings…
She brims with dreamy indie-folk pop that speaks of the struggle and desire to Flow, to love, to live, to feel. Sometimes, her songs speak of the rare moments of quiet-still, found in the midst of this struggle & desire.

Always a sellout, so head to the link to book. Doors open at 6pm with music starting at 7pm

Returning to the Dell for the last time this summer, Karawane brings us another amazing guest to make this Sunday ‘In the Woods…’ one to remember.

ButhoTheWarrior is known for his diverse global sound sets with house grooves, high hitting vocals from soulful to spiritual sounds effortlessly mixed, Butho is a mixmaster of carrying crowds through their emotions while locked in. Having supported Giles Peterson, Louie Vega, Awesome Tapes from Africa, DJ Paulette, Shimza and many more in recent times Butho has vast knowledge in creating somewhat of a different vibe bringing his charm to every room. Rooted in the origins of black music, he celebrates and showcases upcoming artists & pioneers of house music with his JAIVA residency at Sub Club.
Karwane brings dancefloor music from around the world: highlife, cumbia, soukous, samba, salsa, funk, reggae, afrobeat, edits and originals to make bodies move and minds travel. Regulars on the Scottish festival circuit, and venues from beach clubs in Andalucia to the late-night clubs of Berlin, the Karawane DJs are constantly on the move, collecting music, and bringing people together.
Yet another special collaboration that we can’t wait for and we would love for you to come and dance with us! We will also be joined by the wonderful Penny Bun food truck to see to your Sunday lunch/dinner needs and the Dell bar will be running all day. Doors open from 12pm, with Karawane and ButhoTheWarrior playing from 2pm.
Head to the link to book