Niteworks
Firm favourites of the Scottish musical festival circuit Niteworks are no strangers to the stage of Fèis Na Mara. Their debut EP Niteworks : Obair Oidhche was released on 15 October 2011 and has finally been followed up with their debut album, NW, in October 2015. The album draws further on the band's Skye roots and Gaelic upbringing whilst maintaining the band's highly distinctive blend of Celtic electronic fusion.
With high-profile guests including Ellen MacDonald on vocals, Fiona MacAskill on fiddle, and Andrew MacPherson on percussion, it will be impossible not to dance to this. Please note the committee may try and make more of an effort to keep the punters off the stage this time. But if you're dancing's good enough then maybe not.
niteworksband.com |
The Scott Wood Band
Boasting some of Scotland’s finest young musicians, and fronted by one of the worlds leading young pipers, the Scott Wood Band bring their own Scottish styled compositions to life using influences of jazz, pop, rock and world. Having collectively toured the world with bands including Mànran, Wolfstone, Skerryvore, Rura, The Mischa MacPherson Trio, Fat-Suit and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the band’s impressive and diverse following has already seen them entertain at many major festivals throughout the UK and Europe, and now, finally, here in Mallaig.
scottwoodband.com
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Fras
Fresh from the release of their outstanding debut album ‘Dile’, local heroes Fras are a band forged in mighty west coast sessions and great friendships. From thunderous tunes to sublime melodies, the music is performed with the charisma and swagger befitting the abilities of the five band-mates. Cromarty’s Angus Binnie is the Angus Young of pipers, Glenelg’s Murdo ‘Yogi’ Cameron's guitar drives the tunes forward like a steam train, Kirsten Macleod on accordion and Colin Masterton on flutes and whistles display dazzling dexterity, and Arisaig’s own adopted son Thomas Kinsella is the worlds greatest banjo player, according to him.....!
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The Mischa MacPherson Trio
All graduates of the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton, this multi award holding trio met through the acclaimed Fèis Rois programme which provided the opportunity for them to tour the world, before finally arriving at the most prestigious venue of all, the mighty stage of Fèis na Mara.
Lewis born Mischa Macpherson’s lilting vocals and exquisite clarsach playing are complimented perfectly by the guitar of Innis Watson, and the pipes and whistles of Ali Levack. It’s passionate, vital music, reflecting a deep love and understanding of the three young musicians’ empathy of their culture and heritage. Evocative and stirring, it is true Gaelic soul music.
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The League of Highland Gentlemen
Here to bring a touch of class to the proceedings come the impeccably mannered and immaculately attired League of Highland Gentlemen, upholding the values of true Highland gentlemanliness whilst continuing to experiment with “ceòl-dealain” (lightning music). Bedecked in tweed, regardless of temperature, the foursome of Ross Wilson, Seonaidh MacIntyre, Ewen Henderson and Alec Dalglish showcase their unique perspective on contemporary Scottish music with style, high energy, and just a touch of panache.
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The Federation of the Disco Pimp
With a name like ‘The Federation of Disco Pimp’ you can probably imagine music that is a heady mix of jazz, psychedelic, disco, and balls out slamming funk. You wouldn't be wrong either.
Championed by renowned actor and funk legend Craig Charles (BBC 6), Stephen Duffy on ‘The Jazz House’ (BBC Radio Scotland) and Christian Bragg (Jazz FM), FOTDP have gained a solid reputation in the UK funk scene resulting in further live performances supporting Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Show across the UK. Get ready to see the Fèis na Mara stage rocked in style.
fotdp.com |
Dàimh
What is there to say about our resident Gaelic supergroup and unchallenged champions of cheuch that you don’t already know? The melodic mightiness is led by Angus Mackenzie on pipes and the virtuoso fiddle of Gabe McVarish, while fellow founding member and red phone-box enthusiast Ross Martin brings the groove with his guitar. Murdo ‘yogi’ Cameron, a musician so talented no one band can contain him, completes the instrumental line up, while Gaelic’s rising star Ellen MacDonald takes the vocals.
daimh.net |
Hannah MacRae with Charlie Galloway
Hannah MacRae, from Lochyside, Fort William, is a granddaughter of Dougie MacRae and grandniece of Farquhar MacRae, of Roshven Ceilidh Band fame. Although just the tender age of 18 she has gained a fearsome reputation as an outstanding fiddler, deservedly earning a place in the final of this year’s BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year. She began studying at the Royal Conservatoire last year and will be joined on the Fèis na Mara stage by fellow student and happening young guitarist, Charlie Galloway.
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The Hector Henderson Quattro
So popular last year we just had to bring them back – and we’re not the only ones: it was noted that they were also the first band ever to get the repeat call for the Mallaig prom this year! What is it about these guys? Well they’ve got all your favourite tunes, all your favourite songs, and all your favourite banter – just four guys from Skye, living the dream. Catch them in their prime in the coveted Saturday afternoon slot at the Steam Inn.
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