Posts for September, 2025

Bringing his evocative sound to RSPB reserves this Autumn, Merlyn Driver celebrates his love of nature through his new album It Was Also Sometimes Daylight (released 10 October 2025).

Born in Orkney and raised in a home without electricity, Merlyn’s deep connection with the natural world shapes every note of his music. He captivated audiences across the UK with his critically acclaimed 2022 project, Simmerdim: Curlew Sounds in collaboration with the RSPB, earning national radio play and glowing reviews from MOJO, The Guardian, and Songlines Magazine.

Expect a moving blend of music and nature, with the wild voices of curlews, blackbirds, frogs, and more woven into the soundscape.

Join us for a lively evening of music, dancing and community spirit at the Nethy Bridge Community Centre.

With live music from the brilliant Cairngorm Ceilidh Band, and a licensed bar, this summer ceilidh is sure to be a great time! The evening promises traditional Scottish tunes, energetic dances and a chance to catch up with friends and neighbours in the heart of our community.

Bring your dancing shoes and come along for a fun and friendly evening for all ages. We look forward to seeing you there!

Originally hailing from the high desert of Northern New Mexico, Cahalen has been touring solo, as a duo with Eli West, and with his band Western Centuries over the past 15 years. Cahalen has performed on stage with the likes of Tim O’Brien, Kelly Joe Phelps, Hot Rize, David Grisman, Dirk Powell, Crooked Still, Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas, Phil Cunningham, Aly Bain and Kris Drever. Well known for his singular turn of phrase and curiously poignant songs, he dips deep into the well of tradition while continuously pushing boundaries of contemporary songwriting. Cahalen is equally at home on guitar, banjo, mandolin, singing three part harmony or unaccompanied.

Cahalen has played all over the United States, Canada, The UK, Ireland and Western Europe, and at festivals such as Transatlantic Sessions, MerleFest, Red Wing Roots, Rockygrass, Wintergrass, Celebrate Brooklyn!, Strawberry Music Festival, Sisters Folk Festival, Meadowgrass, Timber!, Shetland Folk Festival, Larmer Tree, Kilkenny Roots Festival, Celtic Connections, Bluegrass Jamboree and many more.Cahalen is based out of Glasgow, Scotland. Currently working on an exciting new project, he is also a regular at many sessions, eats as much black pudding as possible and can be found in one of the many beautiful parks or along the Clyde with his dog most evenings.

We join Carmen in her boudoir, as she tells her own story in words and music. Dare you consult the cards with her? What does she think of the men in her story? Did she foresee her gruesome ending?

Paul Mealor brings his Caritas Choir back to St Margaret’s for this popular, annual concert.

Named after Mealor’s composition, ‘Ubi caritas’ written for the Wedding of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, ‘Caritas’ means ‘love’ and the choir, made up of singers associated with Mealor over many years, presents a concert of popular and new choral classics.

Twenty years on from winning the Danny Kyle Open Stage Award at Celtic Connections, Breabach remain securely ranked amongst Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts and at the forefront of a burgeoning traditional music scene.

The band unite deep roots in Highland and Island Gaelic tradition with progressive musical influences and have cultivated a unique sound, anchoring double bagpipes, fiddle, step dance and vocals with energetic double bass and guitar accompaniment. This celebratory year will be marked by revisiting some of their favourite venues and festivals across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Come and join us for karaoke at The Star in Kingussie!

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…

Come and see Rachel at The OBI!

Wayward Jane’s music is a modern interpretation of American folk and Old Time traditions, blending roots music with fresh, nuanced arrangements and original songs.

Their rich sound features fiddle, clawhammer banjo, double bass, guitar, wooden flute and close vocal harmonies. Wayward’s live shows have a joyful energy, expressing the fine musicianship and playful chemistry of the four long-time friends.

Ranging in mood from bouncing, energetic tunes to tender and soulful songs, Wayward Jane tend to leave audiences with a glow in their hearts.

Come and see them at The OBI!

The Poozies have been mistresses of cosmic shape-shifting for a miraculous 34 years. Pioneers from the beginning, with a healthy dose of sass and irreverence, they paved the way for sparkly women folkies in a beardy man’s world.

The band continue to be anchored by the glorious bass of founding member Mary Macmaster’s electro-harp, while the irrepressible riotousness of Eilidh Shaw & Sarah McFadyen’s twin fiddles and the shimmering joyfulness of Mike Bryan’s guitars burst off to happily explore other musical dimensions.

Come and see them at The OBI this September!