It feels like we have hardly had a chance to catch our breaths since the Mòd and, already, there are some highly anticipated musical nights on the horizon.
This month of November is looking like a very good one indeed for anyone in Glasgow who enjoys Gaelic concerts, cèilidhs, or dances.
This Friday, it’s all about the Outer Hebrides as the Glasgow Lewis and Harris Association hold their 133rd annual gathering concert and dance – details below in the What’s On Section.
As well as a fantastic concert line up of Alistair Iain Paterson, Joan Morrison, Claire MacLeod, the Lewis and Harris Association Pipers, and Ruairidh Gray, accompanied by Ciorstaidh Beaton, a team from the Isle of Harris distillery will be in attendance to provide a welcome Isle of Harris gin and tonic to kick off proceedings. Hopefully the MC for the evening, Donnie “Maroot” MacLeod, will steer clear of the G&Ts or else his onstage yarns will be even more elaborate than usual!
The dance will follow to the sound of Beinn Lee and will be opened by Highland dancers, Maria Monk and Caragh MacKinnon.
Although the gathering will be all done and dusted on the Friday, the Park Bar will be hosting a “curer” on the Saturday for anyone who feels the need!
I am currently on tour with Tide Lines so will miss the craic over the weekend, however, as always, I have planted sources to report back so I can review the concert in next week’s column in which I will also be previewing the upcoming events that feature in this week’s What’s On section.
Meanwhile, through in Edinburgh on Saturday November 4, Comunn Tìr nam Beann Dùn Èideann will be hosting a cèilidh in Augustine United Church on George IV Bridge. Doors open at 7pm and the cèilidh begins at 7.30pm – finishing around 10pm. There is no need to book. ]
Linn Phipps will be singing Gaelic songs and Catherine Baikie will be singing in English. Music will be provided by the Marcus Turpie Combo featuring accordions, small pipes, fiddle and guitar. I am told the association had more than 100 attendees at their latest cèilidh in September, which is their biggest audience in many a decade.
Long may their upwards trajectory continue. Singers or musicians who wish to perform at a cèilidh can get in touch with the association on 07984 943192.
What’s On
Friday November 3: Glasgow Lewis and Harris Annual Gathering concert in the GU at 7pm
Friday November 3: Glasgow Lewis and Harris Annual Gathering dance in the GU at 10pm
Saturday November 11: Donald Black Band Live in Wellington Church (77 Southpark Avenue, off University Avenue) at 7.30pm featuring Donnie MacKenzie, Màrtainn Skene, and Calum MacColl.
Thursday November 16: Tiree Association Annual Gathering Concert at 7.30pm in Kingsborough Gardens Sanctuary (formerly Hyndland Parish Church) on 79 Hyndland Road.
Friday November 17: Tiree Association Annual Gathering Dance in Glasgow University Union at 9pm to the music of Gunna Sound.
Saturday December 9: Hoolie in the Hydro