Posts for February, 2025

Strathfest is up and running again this year, with competitions from 24th February to 27th February, culminating in a Showcase concert on Saturday 1st March. Competitions, spread along the Strath, are open to all school age youngsters, in classes covering traditional instruments, classical instruments, singing and Gaelic.

Some of the winners will be performing in the Showcase Concert, 6.30pm in the YMCA Community Centre, High Street, Grantown-on-Spey. Everybody is welcome to come and enjoy the youngsters’ music for a suggested donation of £5. An appreciative audience will be a great encouragement to the young musicians.

See https://www.strathfest.org to discover the heritage and scope of this long-running festival.

Our fully inter-generational themed shows draw out the storytelling, music, poetry and song of the area, and feature an invited guest to share about their work in the arts, heritage, ecology or adventure spheres.

Our young performers will be programmed into the first half, but are welcome to stay the whole time, and our guest will feature in the second half.

Follow the booking link for guidance on how to contribute at a Storylands Sessions event.

We welcome:

– folk who just want to come along and listen. You don’t have to perform to be taking part and thunderous applause is always appreciated!
– all kinds of stories: historical, myth and legend, your own experiences – or a mix!
– poetry: ideally your own, but your faves from other poets are welcome, too
– music: traditional, contemporary, original or borrowed; instrumental or sung; solo or ensemble
– art, photography, video and other multi-media presentations

Thunder in the Glens, by Dunedin Chapter Scotland (9083).

The Biggest and best Chapter run Rally in Europe. This event is held in the grounds of the MacDonald Resort and the event is supported by the whole of Aviemiore.

A must-do part of the Harley-Davidson rally scene.

Images credit Andy Martin

Join us at Aviemore Resort for the one and only Scottish Elvis Festival from Friday 4 April to Sunday 6 April 2025. Celebrate the life and legacy of the greatest entertainer that ever lived, Elvis Presley.

Enhance your festival experience with our exclusive Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast offer at the 4-star Aviemore Resort, available exclusively to Elvis Festival ticket holders.

World’s Best Elvis Tribute Artists: Enjoy live shows from renowned artists such as Shaun Hamilton (Scotland), Juan Lozano (Wales), Jay Dupuis (USA), Emilio Santoro, Rob Willis, Louis Brown (England), and Johnny Lee Memphis (Scotland), backed by The Memphis Showband throughout the event.

Your Festival Experience Includes
Hosting by Gary Gobstopper: The event will be hosted by the one and only Gary Gobstopper (England), MC, with nightly afterparties managed by Johnny Elvis (England). Prepare for an unforgettable entertainment experience!

Exclusive Festival Features:

Champagne reception for all guests
Complimentary brochure showcasing the weekend
The E Factor Contest
A sensational live band for the full three days with live performances by our world class Elvis Tribute acts
The Priscilla look alike competition
The Live Gospel Show – not to be missed
Amazing after parties in our JUNGLE ROOM

Laura has toured across the world in various different groups and artists within the contemporary folk music scene, including Kinnaris Quintet, guitar-virtuoso Ian Carr, Ross Ainslie, Salsa Celtica, NITEWORKS and with Scots Singers, Claire Hastings, Beth Malcolm & Siobhan Miller.

As a founding member of Glasgow-based Jazz/Funk/R&B/Synth/Folk Juggernaut, Fat-Suit, Laura has been inspired to play with elements of improvisation in different styles, making her a versatile influence on each project. Collaborations include performing, writing and arranging with top bands and artists including Shooglenifty, Man of the Minch, Rachel Sermanni, The Elephant Sessions, Paul Towndrow’s Keywork Orchestra, Fatherson, GRIT Orchestra and many more.

Now is the time for Laura to shine in her own right and demonstrate what a versatile, creative and adept artist she is.

In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Orkney born folk quartet FARA embark on a whistle-stop tour around the UK in 2025, returning to some of their favourite venues and towns from a decade of touring.

Presenting an evening of highlights from their three critically acclaimed albums, FARA’s fiery fiddles, foot-stomping piano, and enchanting three-part vocal harmony will take you on a joyful journey through their time performing at the forefront of Scotland’s folk music scene.

‘Gifted, imaginative, complex and engaging…a sound that just exudes joy’ – FRUK

In 563 AD, St. Columba arrived on Iona from Ireland with 12 companions, changing Scotland’s history forever.

Iona weaves together music, poetry and visual art in this world premiere taking audience on a journey delving into the lives of Vikings, kings and saints vividly brought together by actor and director John Bett’s magical script.

Composer and maestro of the fiddle Paul Anderson MBE leads a gifted ensemble blending together new music with poetry by Francey Devine and visuals of John Lowrie Morrison. ‘Iona’ promises to be an enchanting evening bringing audiences an unforgettable experience.

TOMS finale concert for the 2024/2025 season features annual favourite, Maxi Martin (SCO Principal Clarinet) and The Maxwell Quartet who return to Boat of Garten after 4 years. The programme featuring this amazing combination will comprise Sir James MacMillan’s Tuireadh, a Haydn String quartet and the Brahms Clarinet Quintet.

Tunnell Trust prizewinners, the Asaka String Quartet, will be hosted by TOMS (The Osprey Music Society) as part of their celebratory Scottish tour. Their programme will include music by Schubert, Mendellssohn and Brahms.

Burns Night celebration with comperes David Nisbet & Ewan MacGregor doing the formalities and frivolities. A 3-course meal with haggis will be served at 7.30pm after you have bought your drinks from the bar.

Lyall Kinnaird is the piper and Burns’ songs will be performed by Stuart Anderson.

Buy your tickets (cash sales only) at Strathspey Legion, Grantown OR ring 01479 873690 to reserve your tickets, which must be paid for before commencement and preferably in advance. (N.B. Tickets bought for original date before re-scheduling of this event are still valid).