Northern Roots Festival Inverness 2012 June 1 - 3 Bogbain Farm

[Editorial]

This from Highland Fiddler and BBC broadcaster now festival organiser Bruce MacGregor   It may be on a minuscule scale compared to the enormously successful Glasgow music festival which draws in over 100,000 visitors over a three week period, but for virtuosic musicianship, the eclectic range of international artists involved and the sheer craic, the Northern Roots Festival in Inverness believes it can rival its big brother.   Acts from Quebec, America, England and Scotland all combine for a heady mix of roots, acoustic world and folk music to be held in the rustic setting of Bogbain Farm during the weekend of 1-3rd June. Its got a real Celtic Connections theme to the whole programme this year!my own band  own band, Blazin’ Fiddles kick things off on Friday night with acclaimed Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes. “This is the first time we’ve had such an international spread of acts. Le Vent du Nord from Quebc are our headline act for Saturday and they have recently won two Canadian Music awards for Best Live Act and Best Album.  They are quite simply superb. Furnace Mountain from America headline the Sunday night and bring with them that authentic old time Appalachian sound, mixed with virtuosic skills on mandolin and fiddle.”   LE VENT DU NORD (QUEBEC) FURNACE MOUNTAIN (USA) BLAZIN' FIDDLES (SCOTLAND) KATHLEEN MACINNES (SCOTLAND) EDWINA HAYES (ENGLAND) WIZZ JONES (ENGLAND) GROANBOX (USA) HALTON QUARTET (SCOTLAND) JOCK THE BOX (SCOTLAND) SANDY BRECHIN (SCOTLAND) ROYA MACLEAN (SCOTLAND) ANNA MASSIE (SCOTLAND) CAMERON KELLOW (SCOTLAND) ANGUS LYON (SCOTLAND) CHRISTINE HANSON (CANADA) BRUCE MACGREGOR (SCOTLAND)     We are delighted to have the living legend that is Wizz Jones up for the whole weekend. He’s such an amazing character - Eric Clapton said he was the most underrated guitarist in the world. Keith Richards idolises him. He is a genuine folk hero without any of the superstar ego! Edwina Hayes is another whose down to earth demeanour wowed audiences who witnessed her performance last year. She’s got a singing voice of an angel but in between her songs her banter is fantastic. She absolutely floored folk last year – she’s a true star.   EVENING SHOWS |AFTERNOON SHOWS | MUSIC SESSIONS | FESTIVAL CLUB   The festival, which gets no funding support, is a labour of love for us.  We're constantly asked why we bother organising gigs here, told it'll never work and so on.... (charming!) But we feel you have to do things you believe in, even if they aren’t always money spinners. We believe in letting folk hear brilliant live music, it’s a passion. Let’s face it, the world needs good music just now!     You'll all be pleased to know that we have lovely comfy seats for the Barn and it'll be cosier than ever.  There will also be standing room available for those of you who like to move about!   BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE or there are a limited number available from Celtic Music Corner in the Victorian Market, Inverness.   Those with pre-purchased tickets will get 1st choice of seats.

THE CROMARTY BREWING COMPANY   Craig Middleton set up the Cromarty Brewing Company after studying the craft at Heriot Watt Uni. He'll be showcasing his craft beer at the Northern Roots Festival! We can't wait - it's absolutely beautiful beer!     Visit the Northern Roots Festival on Facebook for updates and photos! Here!