Evening Events 2008
August
Sunday 3rd August 7.30pm
From USA – The Wilders
Hillbilly hurricane, The Wilders from Kansas City, Missouri, make a triumphant return to Scotland after last year’s sensational run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Winners of a 5-star review and a Herald Angel from the same publication, the Scotsman cautioned readers not to miss the show saying: "They play music that by rights should leave vapour trails". On tour to promote their latest highly-acclaimed CD, ‘Someone’s Got To Pay’ produced in Louisiana by the legendary Dirk Powell, and set for another seven-day run at The Famous Spiegeltent in Edinburgh, no matter where they show up, everyone agrees that this is “the band to see”. One enthusiastic reviewer summed it up: “If this were old Salem, they'd be burned at the stake. They play like they're possessed."
Sunday, August 3: The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour. Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets (£12) from www.tickets-scotland.com (tel: 0141 204 5151 ), or direct from 239 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8DL (Situated under the Central Station Bridge).
September
Sunday 7th September 7.30pm
The Groanbox Boys
Following their sensational debut on The Tall Ship in May, The Groanbox Boys make a triumphant return.
These musicians are used to hearing people paying them compliments. Writing in The Independent, Ben Chu described their amazing blend of Cajun/country blues/old-time/gypsy/folk/world music as "utterly enthralling".
They received a well-deserved standing ovation last time they were here and it was very much the same wherever they appeared.
After seeing the band in Inverness, the highly-respected Bruce Macgregor (Blazin’ Fiddles) said they were "absolutely fantastic…without doubt, one of the best live acts I've seen."
"This is the best we’ve had playing for us so far," said Fraser Wilson, organiser of the legendary Tin Hut Sessions in Aberdeenshire.
Writing in The Herald, Rob Adams described the performance as "an arresting blend of sophistication, foot-stompin' bonhomie and furious harmonica storms, finishing with the sort of elegantly understated tune that shows why they're starting to get film-soundtrack gigs."
Gordon Skelton of Inverclyde’s Harborlite Music, said: “These guys are of the best you'll ever see. You will not like The Groanbox Boys, you'll love them.”
After their appearance at a roots music festival in Leith, the organisers said: "The Groanbox Boys were absolutely unbelievable. We thought things couldn't get better after Laura Cortese + Crooked Still...and then they did!"
Sunday, September 7: The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour. Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets (£12.50) from www.tickets-scotland.com (tel: 0141 204 5151 ), or direct from 239 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8DL (Situated under the Central Station Bridge).
October
Sunday 12th October 7.30pm
From USA – Chris Smither
If you haven’t had the pleasure of being in the same room as Chris Smither when he starts to work his musical magic, it’s time to do something about that.
Ever since he appeared on our television screens as a Later With Jools Holland guest, more and more people have been getting turned on by his equal parts gravel and molasses style.
He is a particularly fine performer and accomplished song-writer, admired by many of the biggest names in the business long before the word filtered down on to the street here.
After all, he has been writing and recording since the early Seventies, and many, including Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Diana Krall and Esther Phillips have covered his songs.
Earlier this year, he was invited to participate in a television special, on stage alongside greats such as Doc Watson, Emmylou Harris, Earl Scruggs, Bruce Hornsby, Gillian Welch and Ricky Skaggs.
He carried off Outstanding Solo act in the 2007 Boston Music Awards and took the Contemporary Artist of The Year title at the North American Folk Alliance ceremony in Memphis.
Smither had already become well accustomed to winning accolades. The previous year, Rolling Stone had him in their Best of 2006 lists. Spelling it out for readers, they said: “Chris Smither delivers one of the most riveting live shows you're ever likely to see. His growling vocals, badass finger picking and uniformly brilliant songs are there in spades”.
Born and raised in New Orleans, and based in Boston, he has twelve albums under his belt and shows no signs of letting up.
Tell your friends to do themselves a favour and hop aboard for this one!
Sunday, October 12: The Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour. 7.30pm. Tickets (£12) from www.tickets-scotland.com (Tel: 0141 204 5151), or direct from 239 Argyle Street, Glasgow G2 8DL (Situated under the Central Station Bridge).
December
Mon 1st Dec 6.00pm
Glenlee Anniversary Lecture
Join the Trustees, staff and volunteers onboard Glenlee to celebrate 112 years since her launch in 1896.
Tea and coffee on arrival followed by a drinks reception and small buffet.
Invitation only. Please call for more details.
