Portsoy’s Folk at The Salmon Bothy got their live events schedule off to a great start recently with a Bothy Ballads and Burns event at Portsoy Bowling Club.
The club welcomed a crowd in excess of 60 guests, who were treated to a host of Burns songs, tunes and poetry, interspersed with bothy ballads during the evening.
The Lennox family hosted and performed during the evening, proving once again they are one of the most talented musical families in Scotland. Jill Lennox performed with daughters Cait and Annie as music group Tripple, to deliver a unique arrangement of traditional Scots songs. The songs, in particular those taken from the pen of Robbie Burns, were exquisite, with harmonies performed to perfection.
Bill Lennox piped in the haggis, which Cait addressed and stabbed with great gusto. A light hearted toast to the lassies from Bill and Mac Lennox was batted back with fine wit by the girls, before the crowd enjoyed the traditional meal.
Singers and past Bothy Cup winners, Bill Gray and Doug Hay performed to the crowd, followed by a very fine rendition of Dylan’s take on The Bonnie Lass o’ Fyvie from club stalwart Paul Kersley. The evening was drawn to a close with a rousing delivery of Freedom Come-All-Ye and Auld Lang Syne.
Thanks go to Portsoy Scouts for providing meal service duties, resulting in a donation to their group funds.
Bob Philips, chairman of Folk at the Salomon Bothy, commented, “It is fantastic for both performers and audiences to be back attending live music events after a long hiatus. Our Burns and Ballads event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and proved to be an excellent kick start to what we anticipate will be a busy year of events and entertainment for the Bothy Folk.”
From March, the Bothy Folk return to the Salmon Bothy venue for their regular Open Mic nights, which take place on the third Friday of every month. The first event is on Friday 18 March from 7.30pm, hosted by Bob Sharp. All welcome.
The club will then welcome Tommy Sands, Northern Irish singer, songwriter and social activist, who will perform at the Salmon Bothy in Portsoy on Saturday 26 March. Renowned worldwide, Sands performed with his siblings as The Sands Family, and has developed into one of the most powerful songwriters and enchanting solo performers in Ireland today. Tickets for this event are available now. Doors open 7.30pm.
Bob Fox will perform on Saturday 2 April, followed later in the month by an evening with award winning singer Dougie McKenzie who will be accompanied by Brian Miller.
Further information on all Folk at the Salmon Bothy events is available at www.bothyfolk.org or on the Folk at the Salmon Bothy Facebook page. Enquiries and ticket requests to Bob Philips at bobportsoy@gmail.com, or by telephone, 07968872217.
ENDS
Photo: The Lennox Family. (Left to Right) Cait, Bill, Annie, Mac and Jill
Photo: Chef Doug Hay presents the haggis
Credit for both photos to: Richard Elliott
Notes to Editor
Folk at the Salmon Bothy in Portsoy hosts a variety of traditional music events and gatherings throughout the year.
The monthly Folk Club Sessions continue to grow in popularity, showcasing a range of music, songs, ballads and poems. Sessions are held in the Salmon Bothy in Portsoy on the third Friday of each month from 7pm – 11pm. Details can be found at www.bothyfolk.org
The annual HAAL music festival continues to attract the best performers from around the regions to take part in a variety of concerts, music sessions, workshops and sing-arounds for all ages and abilities in venues across Portsoy. The 12th HAAL will take place on 3, 4 & 5 June 2022.
Full details at www.bothyfolk.org
All enquiries to:
Bob Phillips
Folk at The Salmon Bothy / HAAL Organiser
Email: bobportsoy@gmail.com
Tel: 07968 872 217
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