Folk sessions
Live music sessions with a difference are taking place on Royal Deeside writes Susan Welsh. At these there’s no ‘performer’ or ‘audience’ but one big music session where everyone takes part
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OVER the next few weeks, some of the north-east’s top musicians will make their way to Royal Deeside to show off their talents and celebrate the heritage of traditional Scottish folk music.
Live music sessions will take place in various pubs and hotels in Royal Deeside as part of a special two-month programme called The Deeside Sessions.
Organised by the Royal Deeside & Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation (DMO), the Deeside Sessions are essentially informal music and social gatherings when traditional musicians and singers get together to play tunes and songs.
The sessions are inclusive, in that unlike regular gigs and concerts, they don’t have an artists and an audience as everyone there is regarded as a participant.
John Carnie, tourism development manager of the DMO, said: “The Deeside Sessions will give visitors to the area an authentic experience of local folk music culture.
“We have a variety of musicians performing and for people who already have a love for folk music or for those who have never heard it played live, they are in for a real treat.”
Mr Carnie added: “Royal Deeside has historic musical connections with fiddler James Scott Skinner as he was born in Banchory and has been described as ‘the greatest violin exponent and composer of Scottish National Music’.
“The events that will be held throughout August and September aim to celebrate our musical roots and give visitors to the area, a memorable experience that will bring them back again.
“There are lots of organised festivals and concerts, but sometimes visitors want to see more informal folk music events in pubs and this is what the Deeside Sessions are all about.”
The Deeside Sessions, which all start at 8pm unless otherside stated, have been put together by the DMO with the help of well-known fiddler Paul Anderson.
The next sessions take place this week, with a get together at the Coilacriech, Ballater tonight; The Loch Kinord Hotel, Dinnet on Friday and the Balmoral Bar, Ballater on Saturday, August 11.
Next week it’s the turn of the Aberdeen Arms Hotel, Tarland, the Loch Kinord Hotel, Dinnet, Crathes Hall, Banchory and the Balmoral Bar, Ballater to host the sessions.
For further information visit www.discoverroyal deeside.com/deeside-sessions or call 013397 55283.
