Islay Sessions
\nThis years Islay Sessions will take place 18th – 20th November, and a very varied and exciting line up is planned.<\/p>\n
Kicking off the weekend of events will be Laura-Beth Salter & Friends, with an intimate concert in the Port Charlotte Hotel conservatory. The singer and mandolin player is a well kent face on the Glasgow Folk and Roots scene, a founding member of renowned folk band The Shee and was nominated for the MG Alba Composer of the year award in 2013 after the success of her Celtic Connections commission and debut album \u201cBreathe\u201d. Laura-Beth will be joined by Calum MacCrimmon & James Lindsay on this occasion for an eclectic blend of sassy tunes and songs. (www.laurabethsalter.com)<\/p>\n
Playing at the Saturday night concert in Bruichladdich Hall will be Breabach, Talisk and The Routes Quartet.
\nVoted \u201cBest Live Act 2013\u201d & \u201cBest Folk Band 2012\u201d at the Scots Trad Music Awards, and twice nominated \u201cBest Band\u201d at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards; Scottish five-piece Breabach deliver a thrilling and unique brand of contemporary folk music that has earned them international recognition on the world and roots music scene as one of the UK\u2019s most dynamic and exciting bands. With two highland pipers in the bands, this will surely be a sure foot stompin’ way to end the night! (www.breabach.com)<\/p>\n
Talisk: a fiddle, concertina and guitar trio, play fast paced arrangements of traditional and modern tunes. Winners of the 2015 BBC Radio 2 \u201cYoung Folk Award\u201d, Talisk are one of the fastest rising bands on the British folk scene. (www.talisk.co.uk)<\/p>\n
The Routes Quartet is a string quartet with a difference; made up of traditional folk musicians, Routes writes and performs a combination of contemporary compositions and innovative arrangements of traditional music. The ensemble bridges the gap between classical and folk music; exploring the vast textures, tones and intimate musical qualities characteristic of a string quartet. (www.routesstringquartet.com)<\/p>\n
On Sunday evening in the Port Charlotte Hotel will be a \u201cConcert in the Conservatory\u201d with Sarah Hayes. Sarah is an astounding singer, multi-instrumentalist and composer of dazzling versatility. Best known for her work with Admiral Fallow, over the past few years she has been in demand for many different projects. Sarah\u2019s debut solo album, Woven \u2013 a studio reimagining of her Celtic Connections New Voices commission \u2013 has received widespread acclaim since its release in November 2015. (www.sarahhayes.net)<\/p>\n
Alongside these many events will be informal folk sessions in the Port Charlotte Hotel bar over the weekend, including a \u201cslow session\u201d for beginners of all ages on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Workshops for youngsters, led by The Routes Quartet, will take place Saturday morning. The participants of this will also gain a performance opportunity with the band at the night time concert in Bruichladdich.
\nA mini whisky tour of Islay will also take place over the weekend. Keep up to date with the latest news and updates via our Facebook and Twitter (\/IslaySessions) and at www.islaysessions.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n