Update on 12th May: this concert is now sold out: thank you for your support!
Again, we're chuffed to bits to welcome back another of our most popular acts who sold out over two weeks in advance in 2020 in what was to be our last concert before lockdown.
Traditional songs, contemporary tunes and original compositions from this multi-award winning band.
Securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts, Breabach unite deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative musical ferment of their Glasgow base. They have released six increasingly acclaimed albums.
2022 sees the release of their latest album Fàs (a Gaelic word meaning growth, developing & sprouting). The album is heavily inspired by the natural environment of Scotland and sees the band showcase more progressive elements in their music than ever before.
Yes, yes, yes!!! So excited to welcome them back. Another sold-out concert when they last played in 2019
The UFQ have ignited international audiences with their high-energy, genre-defying acoustic music since 2009.
This is fiddle-led music that draws heavily from celtic dance forms and traditional song but from there on it is unlike any folk band you have ever heard. The UFQ's approach to the folk ethos is to embrace any and every influence from funk grooves to middle-eastern melodies, Afrobeat to north Indian rhythms.
The UFQ features two phenomenal fiddlers. The first is Galician Paloma Trigas, who has shared stages and recorded with with The Chieftains, Sharon Shannon and Altan, during her tenure touring the stadiums of the world with Spain's biggest folk star, Carlos Nunez. The second is Joe Broughton (Albion Band, Bellowhead, Joss Stone) long established on the folk scene as the fieriest English fiddler and showman of his generation. Also an exceptional guitarist and mandolin player, in UFQ Joe deftly shares multi-instrumentalist duties (often mid-song) with Dan Walsh. Touted as one of the finest banjo players in the country as well as a gifted singer and guitarist, Dan (Seth Lakeman Band, The Levellers, Walsh & Pound) joined UFQ in 2014. The lineup is completed by Tom Chapman, widely considered to be the most accomplished and innovative cajonero the UK has to offer.
Update on 4th March: this concert is now sold out: thank you for your support!
So great to welcome back these consummate musicians and entertainers who sold out the venue two weeks ahead of their show in 2019
John Doyle, John McCusker and Mike McGoldrick first crossed paths as teenagers. "We all left school early, at 16, or 17, to join different bands," recalls McCusker of their early days. "We all met back then... we've grown up together, really."
All three musicians have gone on to global acclaim:
John Doyle (Dublin – vocals, guitar, bouzouki, mandola) is an Irish music linchpin and a founder member of acclaimed group Solas and has worked with Joan Baez, Linda Thompson and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner John McCusker (Glasgow – fiddle, whistles, harmonium) has played with The Battlefield Band, Mark Knopfler and Bob Dylan.
Mike McGoldrick (Manchester – flute, whistles, Uileann pipes, bodhran, clarinet) is also a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner and is a founding member of Lunasa and current member of Capercaillie.
Although they'd bumped into each other over the years, all three really hit it off when they started playing as part of the BBC's annual Transatlantic Sessions in 2007 . “That felt like it was a real coming together of the three of us," McCusker says. "It's always been really natural to play together, and, as pals, it always feels really natural to hang out. That's how the idea of us doing this as a trio came about: after The Transatlantic Sessions, we didn't want the fun and the music to stop. So we said, 'Well, why don't we just keep going?' "
All three retain their youthful excitement for making records and life on the road. "The whole thing's great fun," McCusker nods. "We have no agenda other than having a nice time and playing music. That's the way we tour as well - we throw ourselves in a little car, instruments on our laps, and off we go."
This concert sold out several days ahead: thanks you for your support!
Wow! Just wow! I've been after this lot for... oh... ages. And here they are!!
The Outside Track’s marriage of Celtic music, song and dance goes down a storm with audiences around the world. From Scotland, Ireland and Cape Breton, its five members are united by a love of traditional music and a commitment to creating new music on this foundation. They blend fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar, flute, whistle, step-dance and vocals with breathtaking vitality. Their blend of boundless energy and unmistakable joie de vivre is guaranteed to have the whole house spellbound.
Winner of 'Best Group' in both the Live Ireland awards and the Tradition In Review awards, The Outside Track are one of the top Celtic acts in the world. They were also 'Best Live Act' nominees in the MG Alba Scots Traditional Music Awards.
We're incredibly pleased to have something of a scoop with Midnight Run, a blistering bluegrass band from Tennessee, on one of their very few UK dates in their 2022 European tour
Despite the official band pictures, they are a five piece, with Max on fiddle. The full line-up is Seth Mulder on mandolin, Max Silverstein on fiddle, Colton Powers on banjo, Ben Watlington on guitar and Max Etling on double bass. And everyone on vocals.
From the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run began its journey in February of 2015, at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Made up of four like-minded musicians and graduates of college music programmes, this group of friends and musicians created a band tied to the rich traditions of bluegrass music, yet one that offers a fresh approach to that "High Lonesome" sound. With each member drawing from a variety of influences, including bluegrass, country, and rock
The band stays true to their musical roots with tight harmonies and reverence for "old-style" bluegrass music, all the while stretching the boundaries of the genre with their song selection, stage antics, and exciting performance
They keep the energy high. The band knows that it is not only about the music, it is about connecting with the audience and leaving a memory that will last a lifetime. Seth Mulder & Midnight Run are one of the most entertaining new acts on the bluegrass scene today
We are delighted to welcome back our favourites, Fara, who were our first ever band at BCFRM and got us off to such a strong start.
Fara brings together four leading musicians at the forefront of today's young Scottish folk scene. Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price's three fiddles combine with Rory Matheson's piano to produce a fiery sound rooted strongly in their upbringing among the music of Orkney. With a mixture of original and traditional Orkney tunes as well as stunning vocals, Fara's musical experiences and friendships produce an exciting and individual sound. With vibrant arrangements full of rich harmonies, energetic fiddle playing and driving piano.
Scotland's Paul McKenna has long been ranked among our finest younger singers and songwriters. He's armed with a powerful yet intensely emotive voice and passionate social conscience, often expressed through his songs: a combination that's brought frequent comparisons to the great Dick Gaughan.
Paul and his band – comprising Robbie Greig (fiddle), Conal McDonagh (pipes/whistles), Conor Markey (banjo/bouzouki/guitars) and Ewan Baird (percussion) – draw on both Scottish and Irish roots in a dynamic, full-bodied array of original and traditional material along with songs by like-minded authors including Peggy Seeger, Alistair Hulett and Jim Reid.
"The best folk band to have come out of Scotland in the last twenty years" - New York Times
"The best band of their generation" - The Living Tradition
"A band with the potential to dominate the Scottish/Irish traditional scene for the next twenty years" - Fatea Magazine
"the Led Zeppelin of the folk world" - The Scotsman
Update, late on Friday 19th: we have only two single tickets remaining!
Encompassing a rare and virtuosic selection of the fiddle's diverse Highland and island voices, with ensemble and solo-led sets both backed by powerhouse guitar and piano, the Blazers pack all the power, passion and sensitivity of Scotland's traditional music into a single show.
The four-fiddle frontline of Inverness' Bruce MacGregor, Shetlander Jenna Reid, Nairn's Rua Macmillan, and Orkney's Kristan Harvey ignites atop second-to-none accompaniment from Anna Massie and Angus Lyon. Whatever the hall – whether of the Highland village or Royal Albert variety – they'll turn it into the liveliest and warmest of hootenannies, setting the hearts of their audience alight.
Multiple winners of Scotland's Folk Band of the Year - most recently in 2019 - the six-piece have long been one of country's foremost and most recognisable folk groups, touring far beyond their deep northern roots.
Dynamic Scottish folk four-piece... fiddle, flute, guitar, and percussion.
All current and former students of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Graham Rorie, Aidan Moodie, Connor Sinclair and Craig Baxter have been tipped as 'ones to watch' by Songlines magazine for their lively, engaging and honest performances.
I've now seen these guys quite a few times, and they are bang-on for the BCFRM audience: they epitomise what we're about.
Update on 30th January: this concert is now sold out. Thank you for your support!
Breabach have begun their 15th anniversary celebrations by winning Album of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2019!
Traditional songs, contemporary tunes and original compositions from this multi-award winning band.
Acknowledging and respecting the origins of both the music they play and the roots of the band whilst embracing the future with new ideas and energy, Breabach unite the talents of Megan Henderson (Fiddle, Vocals), James Lindsay (Double Bass, Vocals), Calum MacCrimmon (Bagpipes, Whistle, Bouzouki, Vocals), James Duncan Mackenzie (Bagpipes, Flute, Whistle) and Ewan Robertson (Guitar, Vocals, Cajon).
'Best Group Finalist' - BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017
Songlines Magazine Awards Europe Finalist 2017
'Folk Band of the Year' - BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2016
'Album of the Year' - BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2016
'Live Act of the Year' - BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2014
"As polished as it was passionate, matching fiery intensity with exquisite finesse, this was a magnificent set." The Scotsman 2017
"This award-winning band is forging ahead into fresh pastures new with their forward-thinking musical attitude, which flies the proud banner for Gaeldom." FolkWales Magazine
Update early on 22nd November: this concert is now sold out. Thank you for your support
The UFQ have ignited international audiences with their high-energy, genre-defying acoustic music since 2009.
This is fiddle-led music that draws heavily from celtic dance forms and traditional song but from there on it is unlike any folk band you have ever heard. The UFQ's approach to the folk ethos is to embrace any and every influence from funk grooves to middle-eastern melodies, Afrobeat to north Indian rhythms.
The UFQ features two phenomenal fiddlers. The first is Galician Paloma Trigas, who has shared stages and recorded with with The Chieftains, Sharon Shannon and Altan, during her tenure touring the stadiums of the world with Spain's biggest folk star, Carlos Nunez. The second is Joe Broughton (Albion Band, Bellowhead, Joss Stone) long established on the folk scene as the fieriest English fiddler and showman of his generation. Also an exceptional guitarist and mandolin player, in UFQ Joe deftly shares multi-instrumentalist duties (often mid-song) with Dan Walsh. Touted as one of the finest banjo players in the country as well as a gifted singer and guitarist, Dan (Seth Lakeman Band, The Levellers, Walsh & Pound) joined UFQ in 2014. The lineup is completed by Tom Chapman, widely considered to be the most accomplished and innovative cajonero the UK has to offer.
Update on 18th October: this concert is now sold out. Thank you for your support
Our partners BP Sanders proudly present, in association with BCFRM...
Dynamic bluegrass and roots from Toronto, The Slocan Ramblers blend impressive bluegrass virtuosity with a fresh and entertaining modern appeal. In the last few years they've become a leading light of Canada's roots music scene, built on their reputation for energetic live shows and impeccable musicianship. The Slocan Ramblers blend devilishly intricate instrumentals with evocative vocals on songs ranging from fine originals to rowdy old-time numbers.
Their third album Queen City Jubilee was released in June 2018. With their customary raucous energy, this latest recording presents The Slocan Ramblers at the top of their game, and earned a prestigious Juno Award nomination in January 2019 (in the Traditional Roots Album of the Year category), adding to the band's long list of Canadian awards and plaudits.
As well as being featured as an official showcase artist at the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA) conference and festival this September, they've also received a coveted nomination for the 2019 IBMA Band Momentum Award.
The Slocan Ramblers are: Frank Evans - banjo/vocals Adrian Gross - mandolin Darryl Poulsen - guitar/vocals Alastair Whitehead - upright bass/vocals
Update on 7th September: this concert is now sold out. Thank you for your support
Dervish have been bringing Irish traditional music to the world for more than 25 years. Described by the BBC as "an icon of Irish music", the band have played at festivals from Rio to Glastonbury. Dervish includes some of Ireland's finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country's best-known singers, Cathy Jordan.
The Guardian says: "Dervish are simply brilliant... they carry Irish history with them." They are long-established as one of the biggest names in Irish music internationally. They're renowned for live performances, which match dazzling sets of tunes with stunning interpretations of traditional songs.
They were the first Irish band to play the world's biggest music festival, Rock in Rio, performing to an estimated 250,000 people. Over the years they've been on the same bill as artists such as James Brown, Neil Young, Sting and even Iron Maiden!
All six members of Dervish are steeped in the musical traditions of north-west Ireland. Dervish was formed in 1989 when four of the founding members met while playing informal sessions in the pubs of Sligo. Shane Mitchell (accordion), Liam Kelly (flute/whistle), Brian McDonagh (mandola/mandolin) and Michael Holmes (bouzouki) were soon joined by Roscommon born singer and bodhran player Cathy Jordan, and later by all Ireland Fiddle Champion Tom Morrow in 1998. It's a remarkable and at times electric combination "capable of playing with note-perfect accuracy and perfect control at nearly supersonic levels" (Irish Voice, New York).
YES! We are delighted to welcome back Fara who gave us such an incredible opening night in February 2018
If you loved Blazin' Fiddles then you'll really love Fara. Add stunning rich vocal harmonies to their energetic fiddle playing and driving piano: Fara's show is an exciting one. Original and traditional Orkney tunes and songs.
Fara brings together four leading musicians at the forefront of today's Scottish folk scene - Jennifer Austin, Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie and Catriona Price's three fiddles and a piano - to produce a fiery sound rooted strongly in their upbringing among the music of Orkney.
Following a nomination for Up And Coming Act of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2015, the success of their debut album Cross The Line in 2016 led to a nomination for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards' Horizon Award.
Orcadian folk Quartet FARA are touring the UK with material from their second album, Times from Times Fall. Comprised entirely of self-penned songs and instrumental tracks, FARA celebrate the community which inspired them to become musicians. It's an album rooted in the spirit of the Orkney Isles and its people; it combines the unique Orkney fiddle tradition with contemporary and original songs and tunes.
With the mission of creating something entirely new and collaborative, the four members of FARA have co-written many of the melodies on the album, blending all four distinctively different musical voices together, whilst also celebrating the unity of their musical beginnings. The songs incorporate words by Orcadian poets: George McKay Brown, Edwin Muir and Christina Costie, as well as one original and one traditional text. The Orcadian imagery running through these songs, alongside new melodies brimming with the islands' tradition whilst also pointing in new directions, celebrates the ever-expanding Orcadian folk tradition. Fara's new album is set to excite and delight.
The four contrasting personalities and individual musical voices in Fara make for a colourful melting pot - each member brings a different musical pallet to the table. But the strong Orkney fiddle tradition that the four women grew up on together is the glue that binds them and is at the heart of each of their musical characters.
The four members of Fara hold degrees from The Royal Academy of Music, The Royal Northern College of Music, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Strathclyde University. Their diverse activity with their other projects such as Blazin' Fiddles, Jeana Leslie & Siobhan Miller, Rachel Sermanni and Twelfth Day as well as accolades including BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Deutsche Bank Award in Performance and Composition and the Danny Kyle Award hold them up as leading members of today's Scottish music scene.
Completely blown away by Iona's set supporting The Rail Splitters at Celtic Connections where a full house of about 500 were held spell-bound throughout. I've since seen her trio in the more intimate setting of The Slaughtered Lamb and was mesmerised from first note to last.
Aberdeenshire folksinger Iona Fyfe has become one of Scotland's finest young ballad singers, rooted deeply in the singing traditions of the North East of Scotland.
2018 Scots Singer of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, Iona has been described as "one of the best Scotland has to offer." (Global-Music.de)
With a number of high profile appearances under her belt, Iona has spent 2018 performing in the UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Canada.
A sell-out show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival for two consecutive years, Iona was a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year and won the Molloy Award at Birmingham Irish Trad Fest.
In 2018, Iona performed at Interceltique Festival De Lorient where she was described as "magical and charismatic" (Rolling Stone, France).
She was nominated for "One to Watch" and "Best Live Performance" at the Sunday Herald Scottish Culture Awards 2018.
With Aidan Moodie (guitar) and Charlie Grey (fiddle).
Incredibly pleased to be able to bring you the folk super-group to top them all!
John Doyle (Dublin - vocals, guitar, bouzouki, mandola) is an Irish music linchpin and a founder member of Solas, who has worked with Joan Baez, Linda Thompson and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner John McCusker (Glasgow - fiddle, whistles, harmonium) has played with The Battlefield Band, Mark Knopfler and Bob Dylan, recorded with Paul Weller, and recently produced albums for Eddi Reader, Heidi Talbot and Kris Drever.
Mike McGoldrick (Manchester - flute, whistles, Uileann pipes, bodhran, clarinet, congas) is a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, founding member of Lunasa, and current member of Capercaillie, and has worked with Mark Knopfler, Eddi Reader, John Cale.
"We try and keep it as fresh and exciting as we can," McCusker says. "Live, we'll often go onstage with no set-list, just to try and keep that energy up, that freshness. It's about playing from the heart."
Siobhan seems to collect awards for fun. Nominated in two catgories in this year's BBC radio 2 Folk Awards, she was pipped by Karine Polwart for Folk Singer of the Year but won the Best Traditional Track for her version of Banks of Newfoundland. She has also been awarded the Scots Trad Awards 'Scots Singer of the Year' for an unprecedented third time.
I've been a fan since my neice introduced me to her music in 2011 when she was in the wonderful duo with Jeana Leslie who many of you will know as being 25% of Fara. They came to prominence as winners of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2008, which was followed by both the Hancock Horizon Award and Up and Coming Artist of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2009.
Siobhan will be accompanied by Euan Burton (double bass), John Lowrie (piano) and Aidan Moodie (guitar)
James Hill - check out his jaw-dropping version of Billie Jean - has made a career as an award-winning ukulele player and songwriter, an artist who 'gives the ukulele its dignity back without ever taking himself too seriously' (Songlines). The Old Silo, produced by indie rock hero Joel Plaskett, sees him charting a course into deeper, rockier waters. The album has an edginess and swagger unlike anything Hill has ever recorded: the thundering baritone ukulele riff in She's Still Got It wouldn't be out of place on a Black Keys album and the grinding slide ukulele in Tie One On would make Jack White proud. Catchy, energetic cuts like New Moon, Promenade and Lovebirds would be at home at any outdoor summer music festival.
"Sam has such a beautiful voice and sings with so much soul." - Cara Dillon
Sam Kelly (guitar and lead vocals) and Jamie Francis (banjo) have a reputation for an incredibly high class and dynamic live show, and the guys are rapidly becoming firm favourites at venues and festivals in all parts of the country.
Sam's musical journey has ranged from reaching the final of ITV's Britain's Got Talent as a teenager to being selected for the first ever EFDSS Artist Development Scheme. Whether playing to 13 million people on prime-time television, or to 10 people in a tiny pub, Sam's child-like fascination with music shines through.
Fara produce a fiery sound rooted strongly in their native music of Orkney. If you loved Blazin' Fiddles then you'll really love Fara. Add stunning rich vocal harmonies to their energetic fiddle playing and driving piano: Fara's show is an exciting one. Original and traditional Orkney tunes and songs.
