Live At The Star are the twenty first recipients of Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight Award. The “Limelight’s” are a monthly initiative (launched in October 2012) that recognises the outstanding contributions made by businesses and organisations who contribute, shape and influence the arts and cultural sector in Scotland today. Live At The Star have supported and promoted folk music of all genres in Glasgow since 1978.
We asked Tom Holmes of the Live At the Star the following questions.
What is your principal company activity?
‘Live at the Star’ (known to everybody as The Star) purpose is to deliver the best in acoustic folk and roots music. Our venue is The Admiral Bar, Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA and we meet weekly (Tuesday evenings) for most of the year. Whilst there is a strong element of Scottish Traditional music in all its forms, we also include artists from much further afield along with other related genres.
When and where did the company first start trading?
The Star Folk Club was founded in 1978 by Arthur Johnstone. The venue was the Star Social Club at the rear of the Communist Party building in Carlton Place on the south bank of the Clyde.There has been numerous venue changes and name changes over the years, but the aim remains the same; to deliver the best in acoustic folk and roots music.
What made you want to work in Scottish culture?
When The Star was founded, Arthur Johnstone commented “Part of running The Star is not just to put on popular artists, but to give an opportunity to other good artists who are about , who will become more popular as people hear them.” This is still the belief held by the present committee of ‘Live at the Star’.
Can you tell us of any particular company highlights?
It is always difficult to emphasise any particular highlight, but over the years, it has been particularly pleasing to see the emergence and development of many exiting young artists who in many cases have performed as support actsfor the club and are now headline acts in their own right. Barluath, Paul McKenna Band, Robyn Stapleton & Claire Hastings, Mischa McPherson Trio, Siobhan Miller (sorry for any omissions) are just some of the acts that have done support and have now developed into major acts.
What are your company’s plans for the future?
We will carry on with the same aims and objectives as our predecessors and continue to deliver the best in acoustic folk and roots music including both traditional and contemporary styles. We welcome advice or suggestions from our members and regulars.
How will you celebrate receiving Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight award?
We are delighted to receive this award and, of course, we will celebrate this by notifying our members and highlighting the fact on our publicity and website as well as notifying the press.
Visit Live At The Star
The Admiral Bar, Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA
www.starfolkclub.com
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