Distil is a twice yearly gathering of musicians rooted in folk and traditional music, but who are interested in expanding their creative horizons into other other areas of musical practice. With the continuing success of Celtic Connections’ New Voices programme, and with other commissioning opportunities, an increasing number of musicians is becoming interested in creating music that goes beyond … Read more
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2017 BLAS FESTIVAL SUCCESS
This year’s Blas Festival took place between 1 and 9 September with around 40 concerts as well as an array of work in Highland schools and care homes. Among those performing were Skipinnish, Breabach, Mànran and Duncan Chisholm. Ireland’s Sharon Shannon returned, following her debut Blas appearances last year, to join Skerryvore at Eden Court in Inverness. The Angus Nicolson Trio, Donald … [Read More...]
More News and Opportunities
Community Choir Leaders Training
Bill and Henderson and Kate O’Connell are running a weekend course designed to provide the tools and skills needed to develop as a community choir leader or bring more singing into your work. Friday 17th-Sunday 19th November Newbold House Forres Moray £250 non residential, all meals included. For more details visit www.katesvoices.co.uk or www.billsmusic.co.uk This […]
A callout for musicians to audition for LMN Scotland. Deadline 2ND OCTOBER
From LMN Scotland. It’s almost time for Live Music Now Scotland annual auditions once again, taking place in Glasgow on November 8th and 9th. We’re looking for talented musicians to play paid performances in unusual settings. If you’re a classical, Scottish traditional, rock, jazz, world or pop musician in the early stages of your career, […]
The John Byrne Award – £100 monthly prize + £1000 annual prize.
Byrne, John; Self Portrait; Manchester Art Gallery; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/self-portrait-204622 The John Byrne Award is a monthly competition open to 16-25 year olds in Scotland. We accept creative works in any medium that express the artists’ values. £100 monthly prize + £1000 annual prize. The John Byrne Award is a competition open to 16-25 year olds living […]
Battle of The Folk Bands 2018 is open for entries
Hands Up for Trad are inviting bands to send in a demo to take part in The Battle of the Folk Bands competition to be held at Edinburgh’s TradFest on Sunday May 6th 2018. This is the second year after last years successful event with winners DOSCA. Read about the last years event. Enter here […]
Here’s to All Our Common Wealth by Robyn Stapleton
This single was the track Robyn recorded for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. It was sung around Scotland following the Queen’s Baton Relay and sung by choirs from the Scottish borders to Shetland. Robyn Stapleton is a Scottish singer who performs traditional songs in English, Scots, and Gaelic. She studied music at the Royal Conservatoire […]
Open for entries – Battle Of The Folk Bands 2018
Hands Up for Trad are inviting bands to send in a demo to take part in The Battle of the Folk Bands competition to be held at Edinburgh’s TradFest on Sunday May 6th 2018. This is the second year after last years successful event with winners DOSCA. Read about the last years event. If you […]
This Saturday! HANDS UP FOR TRAD HIT THE RIGHT NOTE WITH TRADLIVE – Live on YouTube
TradLive – a new music festival from Hands Up for Trad which will be streamed entirely on YouTube – will go live on Saturday 23rd September. The one day spectacular will see 9 live music acts broadcast live from 2pm to 11pm (BST), music fans from across the globe can be part of the interactive […]
Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast no 162
Hi there, Hands Up for Trad are back with the latest Foot Stompin’ Podcast! Featuring 50 minutes of great Scottish music including Niteworks, Julie Fowlis, Fiddlers’ Bidf, Steve Byrne, Kim Carnie, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle, Lauren MacColl, Dougie MacLean, Alasdair MacCuish and the Black Rose Ceilidh Band and The Halton Quartet. Please […]
Hands Up for Trad TV 15th September 2017
Watch our latest Hands Up for Trad TV with Mark Maguire live from Quebec City Airport! Featuring Ryan Young / Martin Hayes / Denis Cahill, Strathspey and Surreal Society, Nae Plans, Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon (Quebec), Mairearad Green and Adam Sutherland at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Sophie Stevenson and Mischa MacPherson, Graham MacKenzie and MacMorin. Please […]
Blazin’ in Beauly
From Blazin’ Fiddles. October is on its way and Blazin’ in Beauly is nearly upon us again. We’re really looking forward to the week, and are delighted to welcome some fantastic musicians. Jenna Reid is on maternity leave, so Shetlander Ross Couper will be joining us in her stead. The wonderful Patsy Reid from Perthshire […]