The Blend festival is special in so many ways; the quality and breadth of the programme, the fantastic series of Rural Blend concerts and the wonderful come & try events and free sessions.

The festival kicks off with the Rural Blend concerts on 1st, 7th and 15th of March before coming back to Stirling on the 27th for four days at the Tolbooth.

RURAL BLEND PASS!
£25 / £20
ALL THREE RURAL BLEND PERFORMANCES

THE BLEND PASS!
£50 / £40
ALL TOLBOOTH PERFORMANCES

Box Office 01786 27 4000
www.theblendfestival.com

Breabach
With Rachel Lincoln, Siobhan Anderson & Friends and Killin Primary Gaelic Choir

Tickets locally from News First, Killin

Breabach’s innovative celtic style, blending double bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, song and Scottish stepdance, brings to the stage flare, excitement and diversity rarely seen from such a young group.

Support is from two of Killin’s local young talent, Rachel Lincoln (clarsach) and Siobhan Anderson (fiddle), who are studying Scottish music and Scottish Studies at university. They are joined by a few of their friends in a mix of solo and ensemble pieces. The Killin Primary Gaelic Choir will start off the evening, led by Rev John Lincoln

“stirring tunes and top notch songs - there will be few who can sit still when listening to these brilliant tunes, brilliantly played.” Living Tradition

Box Club
With Gemma Thompson & friends

Tickets locally from Brig O’ Turk Post Office

With a front line of four young virtuoso accordion players and a remarkably strong rhythm section, Box Club are bursting with energy and enthusiasm.

Bright west coast traditional tunes intertwine with driving reels and jigs, eastern European polkas, beautiful airs and Strathspeys in joyful quirky, tight and imaginative arrangements.

Support is from local star fiddle player Gemma Thompson along with some of her friends from McLaren High School.

Organised by Stirling Farmers' Markets, a very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland, it is within easy access of the main streets and car parks. There is always a splendid family atmosphere and is well supported by the locals. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month

Bring your own instruments

SCOTS SONG £6
With Gill Bowman
2 - 4pm, Age 11+

FIDDLE £4
With Lori Watson

GUITAR £4
With Innes Watson

With Mike and Ali Vass and Get Reel Allstars

Lori’s musical roots lie firmly in the Borders of Scotland. Joined by Fiona Young and Innes Watson they form a dynamic musical trio of fiddle and voice, accordion and guitar. Their performance delivers a sparkling mix of traditional and original tunes and songs. This is a band that gets your feet stomping one minute, plays with heart-rending emotion the next and leaves the audience uplifted

Support comes from twins Mike Vass (fiddle, vocals) and Ali Vass (piano, vocals) who are making quite a name for themselves. Playing a varied mix of traditional and contemporary tunes, songs with close vocal harmonies and footstompin’ jigs and reels, their performances are bursting with energy, drive and vitality.

Tickets available locally from Balfron Library.

The Blend Festival club with DJ Thursday 27, Friday 28 & Saturday 29 March, 10pm - midnight FREE Tolbooth café bar

Thursday 27 March, 7 - 8 pm Sgiobalta - Our young local stars have now released their debut CD. Increasingly in demand, performances this year have included Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament!

Friday 28 March, 7 - 8 pm Jo Miller and Steve Sutcliffe - Jo Miller is a versatile singer and fiddler and Steve Sutcliffe plays accordion, English concertina and boogie woogie piano. They founded the Cloud Howe Ceilidh Band, and have performed and recorded with other musicians including The Whistlebinkies, and Alison McMorland & Geordie McIntyre.

Saturday 29 March, 12 - 2pm Shiftin Bobbins are well known in and around Stirling for their stirring performances - Tim, Helen and John play concertina, Scottish smallpipes, fiddle, guitar, and vocals.

Saturday 29 March, 7 - 8 pm Sharon Hassan & Friends - from the North-East of Scotland, Sharon is a fine young fiddler and composer of tunes, who is much in demand for her teaching skills as well as for her playing ability.

Sunday 30 March, 12 - 2pm Come and enjoy members of local group Skelpit Lug Ceilidh Band for a fun Sunday lunchtime session.

Sunday 30 March, 7 - 8 pm Reel Ale Trio - Local favourites Lorna Swan (fiddle), Elenor Macdonald (guitar) and Alex Gowans (bass) will keep the atmosphere alive tonight with a lively mix of traditional and contemporary tunes.

Jenna Reid is an astounding young Shetland fiddle player who plays with stunning flair and maturity. Taught by Shetland masters Tom Anderson and Willie Hunter, Jenna has been gathering awards and accolades as she tours with Dochas, Filska and her own band.

'Young, gorgeous and inordinately talented, utterly captivated the audience from start to finish' - Sue Wilson, The Scotsman

Described as vibrant, dynamic, exciting, original, sensitive and lyrical, the line-up of acoustic trio Bellevue Rendezvous is Gavin Marwick (fiddle), Ruth Morris, (nyckelharpa) and Cameron Robson (bouzouki) who share a mutual love of beautiful, quirky and varied tunes from all over the world.

Local young group and Tolbooth stalwarts, Sgiobalta will open the evening to mark the launch of their debut album.
FREE IN THE CAFÉ BAR FROM 7PM: PRE-GIG MUSIC FROM SGIOBALTA AND POST GIG FESTIVAL CLUB WITH THE BLEND DJ UNTIL MIDNIGHT.

Siobhan Miller from Penicuik and Orcadian Jeana Leslie are emerging talents on the Scottish scene who have just won the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2008. Siobhan has a stunning voice and Jeana is a fine singer, piano and fiddle player! They are both third year students on the BA Scottish Music Course at the RSAMD. Tonight they are joined by well-known guitarist and Siobhan’s Dad, Brian Miller.

To start the Fling, we welcome our own local emerging talent re-visiting a piece composed by Allan MacDonald for Wallace 700 - Andrew Cunningham, Gemma Thompson, Andrew Watt, Sarah MacNeil, Charlie Wells, Craig Muirhead.

Reinventing the Reel brings together an explosive mix of talent from Scotland's current wealth of world class traditional musicians. As well the unique repertoire of these two thrilling trios they will join as one magnificent ensemble to perform some brand new music with a contemporary slant on Scottish traditional music.

Lau are Kris Drever (guitar and vocals), Tolbooth musician-in-residence Aidan O'Rourke (fiddle) and Martin Green (accordion). They have quickly established themselves as a major force in modern traditional music. Their debut album "Lightweights and Gentlemen" was greeted with critical acclaim and they have already secured major festival bookings across Europe and North America as well as two nominations for the upcoming 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

FREE IN THE CAFÉ BAR FROM 7PM: PRE-GIG MUSIC FROM JO MILLER AND STEVE SUTCLIFFE AND POST GIG FESTIVAL CLUB WITH THE BLEND DJ UNTIL MIDNIGHT.

JUNK TRAD MUSIC with Sarah Kenchington Sat 29 March, 10 am - 12 noon, £5
Children 7+
Come and create your very own bagpipes or hurdy gurdies in this Womble inspired music workshop!

Come & Try FIDDLE with Marie Fielding Sat 29 March, 2 - 3 pm, £5
Adults or 14+ yrs
Our regular fiddle tutor leads this come & try for absolute beginners - Fiddles provided

Come & Try WHISTLE with Donal Brown Sat 29 March 3.15 - 4.15 pm, £5
Adults or 14+ yrs
A fun, accessible intro into traditional whistle - Whistles provided

Come & Try STEPDANCE with Donal Brown Sat 29 March 4.30 - 5.30 pm, £5
Adults or 14+ yrs
Scottish stepdance is enjoying a resurgence in interest - come and learn some basic steps. Flat-ish hard-soled shoes preferable.

Waulking Song Workshop with Rona Lightfoot Sunday 30 March, 12 -2pm, £5 Adults or 14+ yrs Brought up in one of the most culturally rich families in South Uist, Rona is a great piper, a hugely talented singer and a veritable treasury of Gaelic songs, as well as a great story teller with a great sense of humour.

Come & Try YOUNG TRADS with Amy Geddes Sun 30 Mar 2 - 3.30 pm, £5 Children 7+ yrs Come and get a taste of traditional song and dance - a hugely popular session last year. Wear flat shoes

YOUNG TRADS - Group session Led by Amy Geddes 4 - 5.30 pm, £5 Children 10+ with 2 or more years experience For those who want to enjoy the fun of playing as a group - open to all instruments.

The scene is very much alive in Stirling with lots of young people interested in and playing traditional music.

Stirling Council’s Children’s Services, funded through the Youth Music Initiative, currently have two groups working with the next generation of players. The RSAMD run classes on a Saturday morning in Callander with tutors Jeana Leslie (song, fiddle, accordion), Sara Cull (fiddle) and Michelle Stewart (Bodhran). While the Cultural Co-ordinator programme in partnership with the Tolbooth run classes here on a Monday evening with tutors Lori Watson (fiddle), Claire Mann (whistle/flute) and Ewan MacPherson (guitar).

This special Blend Festival Youth Gaitherin’ will feature performances from both of these groups. Come along to hear how they are getting on and maybe see the young stars of the future.

Now officially a six piece, the charging pipe and fiddle led assault that has seen the ‘Pirates of Puirt’ rocking far and wide is now joined by the stunning vocals of Calum Alex MacMillan from Lewis adding the depth and power of Gaelic song to an already phenomenal instrumental arsenal.
One of the fieriest bands on the traditional scene today - Sue Wilson, the Scotsman

Lisa Knapp has emerged as a highly distinctive voice with a radiant style of traditional folk and self-penned song, with fiddle, hammer dulcimer, strings, banjo and sonic delights from the technological age. Her debut album ‘Wild And Undaunted’ was recognised by Mojo as the Folk Album of the Year 2007 and Lisa has also recently been nominated for two 2008 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

FREE IN THE CAFÉ BAR FROM 7PM: PRE-GIG MUSIC FROM SHARON HASSON AND FRIENDS AND POST GIG FESTIVAL CLUB WITH THE BLEND DJ UNTIL MIDNIGHT.

A great coup for The Blend, director Timothy Neat presents and talks about his 1989 film set in Barra and Venice, Play Me Something, and is joined by singer and cast member Margaret Bennett who will perform some of the songs arranged by Hamish Henderson from the film.

The line between story and reality is blurred in this arch drama. While waiting for a plane at an airport on an island in the Scottish Outer Hebrides, a group of would-be passengers are entertained by a stranger's long tale of a romance in Venice between a secretary and a singing Italian peasant, illustrated by his on-the-spot screening of his black and white film about that romance.

Dona Rosa’s journey to international performer has been a remarkable one. Blinded by meningitis as a child, she left her impoverished family and eventually sold lottery tickets and magazines on the streets of Lisbon, singing as she did so.

Her amazing singing voice proved popular and soon she was earning extra money from her busking and was eventually ‘discovered’, leading to many recordings and over 200 performances world-wide.

Savourna is acknowledged internationally as one of the most exciting and creative harp players today and Alyth is widely known for her 'sublimely sweet' vocals and her subtle, intimate delivery. Savourna's latest CD sparked this new collaboration, with both sharing a passion for storytelling in music.

'A brilliant duo with amusing on-stage rapport' - Scotsman

We Are Together - in cinemas from 7th March 2008

March 7th sees the much-anticipated cinematic release of what is set to be this year's most heart-warming documentary. Filmed over three years, We Are Together tells the remarkable and moving story of a group of AIDS orphans from South Africa who use the power of song to overcome hardship and loss. With unforgettable characters, soaring music and a plot full of surprises, We Are Together has been wowing audiences at film festivals around the world, winning an impressive 13 international awards last year, including Audience Awards at both Tribeca and Edinburgh!

We Are Together is the debut film from Rise Films co-founders Teddy Leifer and Paul Taylor. Through the Rise Foundation, a registered charity, the two have pledged to donate all proceeds from the film and accompanying soundtrack to support the Agape orphanage featured in the film and other AIDS related charities in South Africa.

To watch the trailer, hear the music, find out about screenings or just to learn more about the film please don't hesitate to visit www.wearetogether.org

Organised by Stirling Farmers' Markets, a very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland, it is within easy access of the main streets and car parks. There is always a splendid family atmosphere and is well supported by the locals. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month

Tot Art Classes Educate, Build confidence, Improve Fine Motor Skills and Hand Eye Co-ordination.

A Spring holiday workshop for 6 -12 year olds, will be running on Monday 14th April. 90 minutes of creative fun for your aspiring Artist and someone else clears up the mess!

Musicians Fiona Lander and Paul Mason collectively known as Landermason started writing and recording songs together in 2000. Fiona (vocals, piano, whistles and saxophones) and Paul (vocals and guitars) have developed a unique sound displaying their undoubted talents as musicians. They also show the ability to draw influences from a number of styles and then create something new that defies rigid definition.

Their latest CD 'The Reason' (launched June 2007) is a 14 track contemporary folk / jazz album of original songs and tunes. Landermason are currently touring the new album across the UK.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

The name of the band is taken from the name given to people who are born within the old city walls of Stirling. The fact that none of the band qualifies as an actual 'Son' is purely incidental.

Norrie and Bob started singing together in their teens. Like many other young men in the Sixties, they formed a four-piece band. The band was called 'The Kossacks'. The lineup was Norrie on lead guitar, Bob on rhythm guitar, Derek Kinnaird on drums and Cookie Harrison on bass guitar. Unfortunately, the life span of 'The Kossacks' was short as the band had neither drums nor bass guitar!

'Sons of the Rock' was formed by the boys in 1988. Elaine joined in 1994, increasing the harmony range and enabling a wider repertoire of songs to be performed.

Their latest CD 'The Reason' (launched June 2007) is a 14 track contemporary folk / jazz album of original songs and tunes. Landermason are currently touring the new album across the UK.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Ben Sands hails from the frontier town of Newry, County Down on the East coast of Ireland.

Ben’s branch of the Sands clan has a long history of music, singing, and storytelling and his father, Mick, was a legendary character whose songs and fiddle playing were spiced by a wealth of wit and adventure. His mother, Bridie, a fine singer and accordion player, was the daughter of the noted Burren poet, Owen Connolly, whose wife was related to the Bronte family.

Ben tried his hand at any instrument that came about the place and after early excursions on piano and fiddle he added further adventures on guitar, whistle, uillean pipes, tenor banjo, bazouki and mandolin. In due course he became a cornerstone of the illustrious Sands Family, performing and recording with that widely travelled and acclaimed band since the early 1970s.

Ben Sands’ songs, music and stories paint pictures of an ongoing legacy inherited in those early, influential years on a small farm in County Down and enriched by his colourful, musical, adventure-some journeys through life.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Concert of anthems, ancient and modern, choir Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis

Marie Curie Cancer Care is proud to announce that it will be holding a Devoted to Life Walk, at Birkhill Castle, Fife on Saturday 10th May.

TV presenter Julia Bradbury is calling on all enthusiastic walkers, young and old, from across Central Scotland, Tayside and Fife to take part in this event and raise money for the charity. Julia said: "Devoted to Life Walks are a great way to remember a loved one whilst enjoying a wonderful day out with family and friends in some beautiful locations around the UK, and raising much needed funds for a great cause."

The Birkhill Castle Devoted to Life Walk is a 6 mile walk that is open to people of all ages and abilities. Located on the shores of the river Tay a short distance from St Andrews, set in glorious countryside, right on the coast in North East Fife, Birkhill was built in 1780 and is the family home of the Earl and Countess of Dundee and their family. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and walkers can wander through these and see a number of rare trees and plants.

The majority of people taking part in Devoted to Life walks do so to remember a friend or loved one. This year all walkers will be given a helium balloon to walk with if they wish. Those celebrating the life of a loved one will be able to write the name of the person they are walking in memory of on their balloon and carry it with them as they walk.

Last year the Marie Curie Nurses working in Central Scotland, Tayside and Fife made this possible for 423 people, and provided over 25,000 hours of care. I’d like to urge as many people from the area to take part, raise sponsorship, and make a real difference to those affected by cancer.

It costs £10 to register for the Birkhill Castle Devoted to Life Walk and walkers are also encouraged to raise sponsorship. High street retailers, Next, are sponsoring the event this year and all walkers will receive a free Devoted to Life t-shirt.

Organised by Stirling Farmers' Markets, a very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland, it is within easy access of the main streets and car parks. There is always a splendid family atmosphere and is well supported by the locals. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month

Fairport Convention won the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2002 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Their seminal album Liege & Lief was voted 'Best Folk Album Ever' by Radio 2 listeners. Free Reed Records, an independent label, released Fairport Unconventional, a four-CD boxed set of rare and unreleased recordings from the band's 35-year career in 2002. The band had achieved legendary status, "outliving" scores of similar musical aggregations.

Fairport Convention are still one of the busiest bands on the folk-rock scene in the UK. The current line-up of Simon Nicol (lead vocal, rhythm and electric guitars), Dave Pegg (backing vocals, bass guitar, mandolin), Ric Sanders (violin), Chris Leslie (lead vocal, fiddle, bouzouki, mandolin) and Gerry Conway (percussion and drums) still packs venues on its frequent tours.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Johnny's main aim as an entertainer has always been to make people happy. He has continuously succeeded in this over the years by mixing excellent music, brilliantly performed, with a large measure of humour.

In 1965, when the Folk movement blossomed, he started singing in Folk Clubs which were springing up all over the country. Since then, as a solo artiste, and for nine years as part of a duo with Dave Moses, he has remained almost certainly the leading all round entertainer on the Folk scene, singing a wide variety of songs ranging from jazz, folk, blues to country and soul, selected to suit each and every audience. The songs are presented in an extremely professional manner, but with great humour.

Johnny's main aim as an entertainer has always been to make people happy. He has continuously succeeded in this over the years by mixing excellent music, brilliantly performed, with a large measure of humour.

In addition to playing the Folk Clubs he has performed in Village Halls, Arts Centres, Concerts and Festivals all over the land and in many parts of the world. He has been rewarded with appearances in hundreds of TV and radio programmes over the years, an early one of which was as a frequent presenter of “Playschool.”

These days, on his annual visits from Norway, his performances just get better and better, so much so that he is fast becoming a living legend.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

STIRLING'S NO LIMITS MUSIC FESTIVAL
The voice is the most intimate instrument of expression and at this year’s festival we have at least two of the most beautiful around in Victoria Bergsman from Taken by Trees and the iconic haunting sound of Annette Peacock who has not performed in the UK for over 20 years.

Le Weekend ventures outside of the heavy Tolbooth walls this year into an even more imposing space of the Church of the Holy Rude. David Fennessy’s new piece for organ and percussion will explore this beast of a machine filling the church’s gothic halls.

This year the hub of the festival will be the café bar, where the National Jazz Trio of Scotland will keep the intimacy direct with their delicate melodic twisted grooves. Bill Wells, from the trio, will also launch his very own Real Book, DJs will play some discreet tunes and Monorail will have well chosen product for sale.
Join us for three days of no limits music experience.

Visit the Tolbooth and le Weekend 2008 website

FRI 23 MAY
Daily Pass: £15 / £10
Festival Pass: £35 / £25

The National Jazz Trio of Scotland
Tolbooth, 6.45pm
Bill Wells - guitar
Abby Vulliamy - viola & voice
Lorna Gilfedder- percussion
Kate Sugden - melodica

Tape
Tolbooth, 7.30pm
Andreas Berthling
Johan Berthling
Andreas Soderstrom

Taken By Trees
Tolbooth approx. 8.35pm
Victoria Bergsman
Hanna Fritzon
Nino Keller
Andreas Soderstrom

The Pastels
Tolbooth approx. 9.45pm

SAT 24 MAY
Daily Pass: £15 / £10
Festival Pass: £35 / £25

The Loathsome Reel Book Launch
Tolbooth, 3pm

BIG LUNG by David Fennessy
The Church of the Holy Rude approx. 7pm
with
Kevin Bowyer - organ
Asuka Hatanaka - percussion
Tom de Cock - percussion

DUOS X 3
Tolbooth, from 8pm
Raymond Macdonald reeds
Miguel Carvalhais electronics
Hamid Drake percussion
Raymond Boni guitar
Elliot Sharp guitars, reeds, piano, electronics
Franck Vigroux guitar, turntables, keyboard

SUN 25 MAY
Daily Pass: £15 / £10
Festival Pass: £35 / £25

Annette Peacock
Tolbooth, approx. 7.30pm

7K Oaks
Tolbooth, approx. 9pm
Alfred 23 Harth - saxophone, clarinet, electronics
Luca Venitucci - piano, accordion, objects
Massimo Pupillo - bass
Fabrizio Spera - drums

Organ/Percussion Concert and afterwards at the Tolbooth as part of Le Weekend Festival Tickets from Tolbooth for whole day,

Car Boot Sale, Bring and Buy, Football tournament, bouncy castles, stalls, birds of prey, pipe band, haghland dancing, side shows, silent auction and much more.

Maryville College choir from Tennessee to sing at 11.30 am Sunday service

The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland's premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Organ recital by Prof John Kitchen, City of Edinburgh Organist. Launch of a CD recording Prof Kitchen on the organ.

Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers and Cathedral Organist Matthew Beetschen

Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers will combine forces with Dunblane Cathedral Organist Matthew Beetschen in presenting a visually exciting lunchtime concert on Saturday 31 May in Dunblane Cathedral at 12-noon.

The musically diverse 45-minute programme will showcase arrangements and original compositions for handbells and organ together. Music will include original works for handbells and organ by contemporary US composers Douglas E Wagner, Kevin McChesney and Derek Hakes, as well as a well-known Vivaldi concerto melody in a new setting for handbells and organ. And there will be sparkling arrangements of Andre Campra's Riguadon and the hymn classic Old Hundredth. There will also be a setting of the much-loved melody How Great Thou Art especially aranged by London-based composer Sandra Winter, who will be in the audience.

Handbell ringing is a highly cooperative performing art. Think of a handbell ensemble as a living piano, with each of eleven ringers taking responsibility for several notes. Treble ringers may hold as many as four bells in their hands at one time, while bass ringers use their whole bodies to move 8-pound bronze bells with rhythmic precision. Ringers combine synchronised aerobic movement with musical energy to create what might be described as a larger-than-life and highly visual musical box.

DUNBLANE CATHDERAL HANDBELL RINGERS are widely regarded as Scotland's leading handbell ensemble and have Scotland's largest range of acoustic handbells - a 61-note 5-octave span of Malmark, Whitechapel and Schulmerich handbells. Since formation over 30 years ago they have made 15 television appearances, 22 radio broadcasts, travelled over 35,000 throughout the UK to give over 650 performances from Exeter to Inverness, won a UK-wide competition open to all 1000 handbell groups in the UK, shared stages with 15 well-known orchestras, bands or choirs, performed in 9 different countries, produced 3 commercial recordings and been featured on those of 2 other groups, been selected to perform at national showcase concerts of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain on 4 occasions, and performed in 5 international symposia. Notable performance venues have included Scotland's major concert venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Edinburgh's Usher Hall, Glasgow City Hall, and Dundee's Caird Hall. They have performed alongside many celebrated soloists such as Donald Maxwell, Linda Ormiston and Peter Morrison.

MATTHEW BEETSCHEN was born in Kent and educated there and at Bristol University, where he was Organ Scholar. After holding various posts including that of Sub-Organist at Leeds Parish Church, he was appointed Organist and Choirmaster at Dunblane Cathedral in 1992. A Fellow of the Royal College of Organists he has given organ recitals at venues throughout the UK and abroad. In addition to being Organist and Choirmaster at the Cathedral he is Conductor of the Rosenethe Singers and on the music staff at Morrison's Academy, Crieff.

For more information:
Telephone: 01786 825387
E-mail: handbells@dunblanecathedral.org.uk

Ivan and Duncan are established as one of Scotland's top duo's, playing mainly traditional venues and festivals across the UK, Europe and recently the USA. The media are amazed by the " excitement level the two can reach with just acoustic instruments " hear them, and you will be too!

Respected Orkney musician, Ivan Drever is well known throughout the world of traditional music for his songwriting as well as his work with Scottish band Wolfstone and his highly successful partnership with fiddler Duncan Chisholm. Not only will you find his songs on Wolfstone albums, but the Dubliners and Davy Arthur have also recorded them. Recently he has been writing music for US based dancer Liam Harney.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

SCOTTISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

MOZART Divertimento in D K251
MENDELSSOHN Konzertstück No 1 in F minor, op 113
MOZART Serenade in D K203

Alexander Janiczek violin/director
Maximiliano Martín clarinet
Ruth Ellis basset horn

Enjoy a delightful summer evening of music by Mozart - and a little Mendelssohn - in the company of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. This irresistible programme is directed by virtuoso violinist Alexander Janiczek, a native of the Mozart's home city Salzburg. Following this concert, the Orchestra heads into the studio to record this music for release next year on Linn Records.

"There is not a band in the land that can hold a candle to the SCO They are a wonderful band, world-class." The Herald

Born and raised in the Scottish Highlands, Frank Burkitt has been writing songs and performing for over 10 years now. Frank has an unrivalled ability to effortlessly churn out classic Folk songs. Since moving to Edinburgh, Frank has completed a degree in Acting from Queen Margaret University - he is indeed, more than just a singer/songwriter, but an all round performer.

Heavily influenced by the Edinburgh Folk scene, he combines the traditional Scottish sound with his own inimitable blues style. His repertoire varies from anti war ballads such as ‘Military Band’, to energetic love songs like ‘Safe and Sound’ and ‘Glory Be’. His tributes to Edinburgh’s real pubs such as ‘Old Timer’, ‘Murphy’ and ‘A Fine Drink’ are a nod in the direction of the drinking dens which have inspired his music - Edinburgh’s ‘Royal Oak’ and ‘Sandy Bells’. Frank is an acoustic musician with a big sound.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Organised by Stirling Farmers' Markets, a very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland, it is within easy access of the main streets and car parks. There is always a splendid family atmosphere and is well supported by the locals. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Doune Gala - Saturday 21 June. Parade led by Callander Pipe Band, leaving Red Lion Hotel at 12.30pm to Moray Park. Theme for the day is "Bygone Days in Doune". Stalls, entertainment, competition, silent auction, displays etc etc. Contact Alison McAlpine 07810 628 512

On Sunday 22 June there will be a Duck Race from the Bridge of Teith to the pier. Ducks will be on sale in Library and at Gala.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Stirling Castle Esplanade 7.15-8.15pm. FREE ADMISSION (Voluntary Donations) Come and enjoy a short half hour display of Highland Dancing provided by a local dancing school and piper. This is followed by a stirring half hour performance by a local pipe band playing traditional jigs, reels and strathspeys.

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Organised by Stirling Farmers' Markets, a very busy and well organised market, with a superb cross section of producers from all over central Scotland, it is within easy access of the main streets and car parks. There is always a splendid family atmosphere and is well supported by the locals. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month

Promoted by STIRLING TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2008
at new venue for 2008
BANNOCKBURN HERITAGE CENTRE

Ticket Prices:
Adults - £6.00
Adults Purchased in Advance Online - £4.00
OAPs and Children (5-17 yrs) - £4.00
Parent Accompanied Children - FREE
Student (with Student Card) - £4.00
Discounts Available for Groups of 10 or more Booked in Advance
Free Car Parking Nearby
Full Colour Souvenir Programme - £1.00
A great day out for all the family - something for everyone to enjoy

Chieftain
Centre Arena Events
Pipe Band Contest (Starts 12.30)
Drum Major Contest
Solo Piping Competition (Starts 12.00)
Highland Dancing Competition (Starts 11.30)
Scottish Backhold Wrestling Competition (Starts 1.30)
Heavyweight Competition (Starts 1.30)
Scottish National Tug-of-War Championship (Starts 11.30)
There is NO Athletics or Cycling at Stirling Highland Games
Trade Stands
Craft Tent operated by Loch Lomond Craft Association
Kid's Funfair (Inflatables etc.)
Hot Food Stalls and Beer Tent

Jamie Smith began playing violin at the age of 8, performing for a number of years with the Hillhead Strings Orchestra around Scotland. He began attending Glasgow Fiddle Workshop in 1992 before beginning to learn Irish fiddle music in 1995. Entirely self-taught, he counts among his key influences Kevin Burke, Liz Carroll, Paddy Glackin and Frankie Gavin. Jamie won the senior fiddle category at the all-Britain fleadh in 1998 and 1999, and in 2002 was a finalist at the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year. He toured around Scotland in the late '90s with renowned ceilidh band Inishowen, before forming his own band, Beneche, in 2001. Beneche released their first album at Celtic Connections in January 2003, winning a Danny Kyle Open Stage award. They went on to tour all over the United Kingdom and in summer 2004 reached the band finals at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany.

Jamie released his first solo album at Celtic Connections in January 2006. It received excellent reviews in Irish Music Magazine and the Irish World and won airplay in the UK and overseas. Jamie went on that year to play at the Golowan festival in Cornwall, Return to Camden Town festival in London and Fiddle 2006 in Edinburgh. Jamie has now teamed up with accordionist Colette O'Leary (formerly of Irish girl group the Bumblebees) and banjo and mandolin virtuoso Brian Kelly (Shane McGowan's Popes). 2007 has seen them tour throughout the Scottish Highlands as well as play the Gosport and Fareham Easter Festival and make trips to Mulligans Irish Bar in Amsterdam."

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Organ Recital, Avis McIntyre, organist Renfield St. Stephen’s

North Sea Gas are Dave Gilfillan PHOTO (Centre) Ronnie MacDonald (left) Grant Simpson (right). On occasion within Scotland, North Sea Gas are augmented by the wonderful talents of Gerry McKenna. North Sea Gas has now been performing for 27 years, during which time they have enjoyed great acclaim for their high standards of professionalism.

With a combination of instruments including guitar, mandolin, bodhran, banjo, whistle, mandola, bouzouki, mouth organ complementing fine vocals, harmonies and a keen sense of humor, an entertaining evening is guaranteed. Their interesting and varied career includes live performances in a variety of venues from compact hotel lounges to national theatres, as well as private functions, oil rigs, folk clubs, performing arts centers, open air concerts and colleges.

Over the years their exciting blend of Scottish and Irish music has appealed to audiences all over Great Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, Canada and the United States. For nine consecutive years, North Sea Gas has attracted large audiences to concerts held during the Edinburgh Festival. In 1993, the band received both the Gold and Silver Disc awards from the Scottish Music Industry for their album "Caledonian Connection". This was followed in 1994 and 1995 by Silver Disc awards for albums "Keltic Heritage" and "Live from Edinburgh" making it three in a row. 1996 has seen their album "Scottish Destiny" attain yet another Silver Disc Award.

In the spring of 2000 their album "Spirit of Scotland" was released and the fall of 2002 marked the release of the band's 12th album, "Dark Island", which received the band's 6th Silver Disc. With 2005 celebrating the 25th anniversary of the band, "Lochanside" was released in May. In 2006, North Sea Gas' recordings were added to the Folklore Library, School of Scottish Studies, at the University of Edinburgh. August 2007 saw the release of their latest album "Rosslyn"

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

Visit Stirling Folk Club website for details

Stirling Folk Club
Now held at
Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Bridgehaugh Park
Causewayhead Road
Stirling FK9 5AP

James VI lecture by Prof Lynch, an expert on both contemporary religion and history

Come and enjoy a short half hour display of Highland Dancing provided by a local dancing school and piper. This is followed by a stirring half hour performance by a local pipe band playing traditional jigs, reels and strathspeys.

Organ Recital, Peter Backhouse, asst organist St Giles Cathedral.

Service of Choral Evensong by the Deeside Choristers.

Organ Recital, Andrew Caskie, Director of Music, Palmerston Place Church.

Organ Recital, Stephen Doughty, Director of Music, St John’s, Princes Street.

Organ Recital, Cyril Baker, organist Lerwick, Shetland Islands.