Kilsyth International Carnival 2007

- August 2007

Colzium park is an intimate park for a festival, with people dotting the grassy slopes down towards the main Colzium, stage. There was a Japanese tea ceremony in the Walled garden, an enclosed area for dancers and drummers, the waterside stage surrounded by stalls and rides and the Acoustic stage. KIC was set on 4 stages and fortunately the rain held off. The colourful fun festival provides something for everyone. There were colourful dancers energetic drummers, young rock bands and lots of fun events for families. Billed as a day out for families it attracts a good turn out.

Headlining was chart topping singer songwriter David Sneddon and in demand Ceilidh band the Peatbog Faeries. David’s set was around 3. He has a distinctive sound and voice - with strong dynamic piano playing and sincere emotionally passionate vocals and melodies that reach into your heart. A subtle blend of sensitive melody and rhythmic moods. David’s songs conjure up vivid images. He sang his 2 hit songs and Eltons’ Rocket Man, as well as songs from his new EP. The crowd lining the grassy slope at the Colzium stage enjoyed his set.

A highlight is the Parade from the Colzium house and down through the park, including Rhythm Wave drummers, Pipers, dancers and Majorettes. The festival was very pleased to be able to bring over from Africa ‘Gandawi’ from Ghana, who proved a highlight of the day, bringing their African culture to Scotland.

The Peatbog Fearies ended the day’s entertainment about 7pm, with a blistering set of tunes. They mix Celtic and jazz, with a full brass section. They have an energetic fiddle player, and vary this with the flute. The crowd were on their feet dancing to end a fun and colourful festival.

DIWAN and Samba Sene Mugdock Festival 2007

*DIWAN & Samba Sene at Mugdock Music Festival 2007

Diwan bounced onto the bandstand in colourful African outfits to lift the looming clouds with some sunshine and dancing rhythms. I had met their bass player, Kamli N’goni from Wassonlon Southern Mali earlier, when he and their American percussionist were dancing to Partick Beats drums in the courtyard. I asked him about their music, and he told me their music is what he called ‘Afro jazz grooves.’
The band have a wide assortment of percussion instruments from Africa, one called the ‘djembe’ drum.

*Edinburgh International Festival 2007

Ah how does it feel – another year has passed – and the EIF is here again. I have put in my order for warm sunny days. On a dull Tuesday I ventured rather late in the day up the High Street – There was John Kielty, writer, actor, musician, leaning in the St Giles doorway. John is now shuttling between San Francisco and Edinburgh the past year. The Martians performed their cover songs. The designer and the producer of their musical the Sundowe are there and we chat for a bit. He tells me some of his lyrics for songs in a show at the Underbelly are nominated for a Lyric Fringe award. The really GOOD news is that he is doing one of his ghost tours on Thursday evening at 10! I hadn’t warned my friend about the Martians! She was quite taken aback I think – I mean about how funny they are.

‘INTERPOL’ gig tonight at the Corn Exchange with Macabee supporting who were also good.– although they kept us waiting an hour rudely. Very hot, sweaty venue with light coloured walls ( used to be a slaughter house!) They were powerfully dynamic and full of energy with strong harmonies and interweaving rhythms – recommend them.

Thursday – ‘The Jazz Bar’ and John’s Ghost tour The sun’s here! Martians busking on the High Street 1.45 pm. This is the weather I expect for my festival visits, it makes all the difference. I saw the Andy Warhol exhibition at the mound.

Mugdock Music Festival 2007

The Festival brought young and old, Indian and Scot, European and African together in a celebration of world, modern, classical, traditional music, and ‘jazz Afro grooves!’ The festival braved many hazards! From wind, rain, midges, accidents and more ….. so that music from the cool of Norway to the warm breezes of Africa might bring us all together. We had Chinese and Indian dancers, Scottish and Gaelic singers and pipers, Norwegian songs, fiddlers and African drums. Headliners were Karen Matheson (Capercaillie), Caledon the three tenors, and world famous fiddler Ali Bain and Alle Muller.