Post by Admin on Dec 11, 2020 17:06:15 GMT
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A weekly two minute catch-up for members from the
TMF Director's desk
These are some of the things that have caught my attention this week.
Some not so good news in amongst the fitba euphoria. Sadly the Wrigley Sisters have had to give up on The Reel, the venue they have been running in Kirkwall for many years. Shop, cafe, teaching rooms, gig - a key part of Orkney musical life has fallen victim to Covid. Unfortunately Orkney Islands Council, the owners of the building, have been no help at all. Full story and a link to a crowdfunding campaign here.
Last call for the What If... conference this weekend. Presentations from Jenn Butterworth, Steve Byrne, Malcolm Reavell, Donald Smith and Steve Byrne on some future scenarios for trad music, and lots of opportunity to discuss some chewy topics. Over 50 booked so far, which is very good. A test of my Zoom management - wish me luck.
The topic of brass (instruments that is) in trad music came up recently, and had me going to Jim Cameron's band, with the irrepressible Dod Michie, who comes in with the melody on cornet every eight bars. One of the great dance bands. Another great band whose presence on the scene is sorely missed - the Unusual Suspects.
This week saw the anniversary of Hamish Henderson, who was born on Armistice Day, 1918. The annual Hamish Henderson Lecture takes place this Sunday (online) with Kirsteen McCue speaking on the topic of Hamish Henderson, Burns and Serge Hovay, the American composer who made the arrangements of Burns songs with Jean Redpath which caused such a stir some thirty odd years ago.
Speaking of Hamish Henderson, this rendition of his 'John MacLean March' re-surfaced this week. Best ever version, according to some.
Pianist Suzanne Fivey is offering bundles of tune books for reduced prices to schools in particular. 40 odd compositions, and some full piano arrangements, many of them suitable for SQA music exams. Contact the TMF and we'll put you in touch if interested.
The most recent round of the Tasgadh small grants fund was very undersubscribed this time round, probably due to you know what. There is only one more round in the current financial year, with a February deadline, and quite a lot left in the pot. Bids to a maximum of £1k for music, dance and storytelling projects.
The Scottish Government has spent £91m so far on covid-related culture funding, leaving £6m still to be distributed. Contact me if you would like a full breakdown of how the money has been allocated.
Delighted to see that TRACS board member, Mara Menzies has been nominated for a Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland. Her show, Blood and Gold, based on traditional storytelling from her Scottish and Kenyan background, explores the legacy of colonialism and slavery.
RIP Bruce Lindsay Sr, a pillar of the Scottish music scene in Fife in particular, and founder of the famous Windygates Button-Key Accordion and Fiddle Club; and singer Jim Radford of Veterans for Peace. Jim served at D-Day as a 15 year old galley boy. The song in this clip was written by one Ian Kilmister.
All the best
DF
David Francis is Director of the Traditional Music Forum
Copyright © 2020 Traditional Music Forum, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as a member of Traditional Music Forum
Our mailing address is:
Traditional Music Forum
c/o Scottish Storytelling Centre
43-45 High St
Edinburgh, Scotland EHI15 2AU
United Kingdom
A weekly two minute catch-up for members from the
TMF Director's desk
These are some of the things that have caught my attention this week.
Some not so good news in amongst the fitba euphoria. Sadly the Wrigley Sisters have had to give up on The Reel, the venue they have been running in Kirkwall for many years. Shop, cafe, teaching rooms, gig - a key part of Orkney musical life has fallen victim to Covid. Unfortunately Orkney Islands Council, the owners of the building, have been no help at all. Full story and a link to a crowdfunding campaign here.
Last call for the What If... conference this weekend. Presentations from Jenn Butterworth, Steve Byrne, Malcolm Reavell, Donald Smith and Steve Byrne on some future scenarios for trad music, and lots of opportunity to discuss some chewy topics. Over 50 booked so far, which is very good. A test of my Zoom management - wish me luck.
The topic of brass (instruments that is) in trad music came up recently, and had me going to Jim Cameron's band, with the irrepressible Dod Michie, who comes in with the melody on cornet every eight bars. One of the great dance bands. Another great band whose presence on the scene is sorely missed - the Unusual Suspects.
This week saw the anniversary of Hamish Henderson, who was born on Armistice Day, 1918. The annual Hamish Henderson Lecture takes place this Sunday (online) with Kirsteen McCue speaking on the topic of Hamish Henderson, Burns and Serge Hovay, the American composer who made the arrangements of Burns songs with Jean Redpath which caused such a stir some thirty odd years ago.
Speaking of Hamish Henderson, this rendition of his 'John MacLean March' re-surfaced this week. Best ever version, according to some.
Pianist Suzanne Fivey is offering bundles of tune books for reduced prices to schools in particular. 40 odd compositions, and some full piano arrangements, many of them suitable for SQA music exams. Contact the TMF and we'll put you in touch if interested.
The most recent round of the Tasgadh small grants fund was very undersubscribed this time round, probably due to you know what. There is only one more round in the current financial year, with a February deadline, and quite a lot left in the pot. Bids to a maximum of £1k for music, dance and storytelling projects.
The Scottish Government has spent £91m so far on covid-related culture funding, leaving £6m still to be distributed. Contact me if you would like a full breakdown of how the money has been allocated.
Delighted to see that TRACS board member, Mara Menzies has been nominated for a Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland. Her show, Blood and Gold, based on traditional storytelling from her Scottish and Kenyan background, explores the legacy of colonialism and slavery.
RIP Bruce Lindsay Sr, a pillar of the Scottish music scene in Fife in particular, and founder of the famous Windygates Button-Key Accordion and Fiddle Club; and singer Jim Radford of Veterans for Peace. Jim served at D-Day as a 15 year old galley boy. The song in this clip was written by one Ian Kilmister.
All the best
DF
David Francis is Director of the Traditional Music Forum
Copyright © 2020 Traditional Music Forum, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as a member of Traditional Music Forum
Our mailing address is:
Traditional Music Forum
c/o Scottish Storytelling Centre
43-45 High St
Edinburgh, Scotland EHI15 2AU
United Kingdom