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Inverclyde’s Scottish Folk & Roots Festival Across The Generations 26th October – 23rd November 2013 Beacon Arts Centre,

Karen Matheson Alastair McDonald

Ted Christopher Scocha Alphabetical Order Orchestra Duncan McCrone

Yvonne Lyon The Wherries

Also featuring: String Driven Thing, Roy Henderson, Ten Gallon Bratz, Slippery Elm, Lynnie Carson, Gordon McKenzie, Martin Jones, John Morgan, Robin Adams, Reely Jiggered, Davy Nicol……. Introduction

Welcome to Inverclyde’s (hopefully 1st !) Scottish Folk & Roots Festival : Across the Generations, for which Riverside Inverclyde is grateful to Creative for the grant funding for what it terms a “quality production programme”.

From traditional songs to original songs, from acoustic folk to electric roots, from Gaelic songs to urban folk, from refl ective songs to foot-stomping anthems; from sing-alongs to high energy folk’n’roll; with some nods to Americana along the way – there’s something for all musical tastes and all ages, and at superb ticket prices!

Differentiation was key for funding success: y Experienced, Scottish quality folk and roots based national artists who tend to miss out on but are writers and performers of merit;

• Inverclyde artists on every bill;

• A theme of “across the generations”, with an age range of performers from their 20’s to their 70’s;

• Advance tickets (*) only £5 for Studio Theatre and £10 for Main Theatre to encourage participation in the area’s artistic hub, while having a superb value-for-money night out discovering excellent performers;

• Encourages the continued progress of local creative songwriters making a name for themselves beyond Inverclyde, and also affording recognition to more mature local musicians in the area’s prime venue; and

• Adds a new concept to the Scottish cultural calendar and to Inverclyde’s national profi le as an ambitious area of great potential.

All this plus wonderful ‘fl agship’ artists and Alastair McDonald for the event’s profi le.

So the funding is in place, the programme is in place, now your place awaits for a great night out! BOOK NOW! Tickets : 01475 723723 or www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/

Enjoy the shows! Neil Lochiel Riverside Inverclyde

(*) tickets cost an additional £2.50 on day of the show

1 Festival Schedule Tickets: 01475 723723 or www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/

26th October 26th October MAIN THEATRE STUDIO THEATRE Karen Matheson Band Roy Henderson in the with Inverclyde’s round with Inverclyde’s Yvonne Lyon John Morgan, Gordon Mackenzie and Martin Jones

2nd November 8th November STUDIO THEATRE STUDIO THEATRE The Duncan McCrone Band Ted Christopher Band with Inverclyde support with Inverclyde support Lynnie Carson Reely Jiggered

9th November 16th November STUDIO THEATRE STUDIO THEATRE Scocha, with Inverclyde’s String Driven Thing with The Wherries as support Inverclyde’s Ten Gallon Bratz

23rd November 23rd November MAIN THEATRE STUDIO THEATRE All Inverclyde bill with Alphabetical Alastair McDonald with Order Orchestra (the guys from My Inverclyde’s Davy Nicol Latest Novel), with support from Slippery Elm

2 Saturday 26th October Main Theatre Karen Matheson Band, with Yvonne Lyon. Advance tickets £10. On the day £12.50

Karen Matheson Widely recognised from her sell-out Celtic Connections shows, The on TV and live in concert, and of course as the haunting vocals of the million- selling Celtic super-group Capercaillie, what a treat to hear Karen Matheson in the superb new Beacon Theatre. The New York Times reviewed a concert with the words “spellbinding and evocative... she takes to a celestial high” . Sean Connery was mesmerised stating Karen has “a throat surely touched by the hand of God.” She also had a cameo singing role in the “Rob Roy” movie. Karen Matheson Awarded the OBE for her services to music, Karen will be in Greenock backed by her accomplished backing band (featuring ) - a combination you’ll fi nd spine-tingling.

Yvonne Lyon Inverclyde singer-songwriter Yvonne Lyon is among the best and brightest emerging talent from Scotland. Her new album, “More Than Mine” combines poignant lyrics with strong, creative melodies, demonstrating a voice that can be both fragile and intense. She has consistently drawn and stirred crowds across the UK with her emotive performances. Yvonne has shared the stage with the likes of Patti Griffi n, , Luka Bloom, Steve Forbert and toured the UK with Juliet Turner. In 2009 Yvonne won the Burnsong International Songwriting Competition. She has enjoyed Yvonne Lyon television appearances on BBC 1, BBC Alba and also had the privilege of 2 sessions and interviews with Bob Harris playing three songs ‘live‘ on his BBC Radio 2 show.

3 Saturday 26th October Studio Theatre Concert in the round, featuring Roy Henderson, with Gordon McKenzie, John Morgan and Martin Jones. Advance tickets £5. On the day £7.50

Roy Henderson Roy is a musician, singer and songwriter from , for whom a solo album is exactly that – he plays every instrument on his albums. Roy has performed extensively throughout Scotland, as well as in England and the USA in every conceivable type and size of venue, been much in demand as a session guitarist and singer. At the heart of everything though is the prolifi c songwriting talent and emotion-packed live performances . Releasing his fi rst album only 5 years ago, his current – and 4th – is his best yet and has led to support slots at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall with the likes of American acoustic legend Steve Roy Henderson Forbert, ex-Men at Work frontman Colin Hay, and The Strawbs.

Gordon McKenzie A weel-kent face around folk clubs and drama clubs in Inverclyde over the decades, Gordon is particularly adept at renditions of Scottish folk songs and Tom Paxton covers with his warm sonorous tone and tender deliveries, and will provide an excellent counterpoint to the original songwriters in this Martin Jones concert. He has played with, and supported many fi ne folksingers, Martin Jones including Peter Case from the Greenock Telegraph Stars USA and Duncan McCrone in Gordon McKenzie of Tomorrow winner in 1991 the last few years. when only eight, Martin has developed into a sensitive John Morgan singer-songwriter, writing in John has played in a number of bands locally and in many of English and Spanish whilst not Scotland’s popular music venues such as, King Tut’s Wah Wah averse to playing with bands Hut, Nice N’ Sleazy, Barfl y, in Nashville and Beale Street , O2 and honky-tonks ! He recently Whistle Binkies, Edinburgh to supported Nashville’s Kim name a few, as well as some Richey; has featured in the music festivals. John’s now Glasgow Americana Festival, focusing on writing songs that the Star Club and Irvine Folk can stand alone with little or no Club; and headlined at Lentfest. additional production required, He has made appearances on and his recent CD EP has been BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio John Morgan well received. Ulster and Radio.

4 Saturday 2nd November Studio Theatre Duncan McCrone Band, with Lynnie Carson. Advance tickets £5. On the day £7.50

Duncan McCrone Over 35 years of live performance, including 18 with The Clydesiders, Duncan has played on BBC 1’s The Wogan Show; performed a duet with Shane McGowan at the Matt McGinn Tribute Concert; his “Always Argyll” was an Australian Top 10 hit for Valerie Dunbar; had over 30 artists cover his songs; and had a concert transmitted live on Radio Scotland’s Iain Anderson Show. His 2012 exquisite “Colourblind” CD was critically acclaimed. His multi-instrumental band wonderfully complement his songs live. In Duncan’s words, “My songs are mostly story- based, focusing on my own life, my love of Duncan McCrone Glasgow and the West of Scotland. If there are poignant moments in some of them, I try to leaven this with a good chunk of humour’.

Lynnie Carson Lynnie has supported Paulo Nutini, Aberfeldy and Ocean Colour Scene (with Whiteout) and headlined King Tut’s New Year’s Resolutions in 2012. As well as writing, Lynnie has performed session vocals for Geoff Martyn & Chris Difford (Squeeze), Greg Kane (Hue & Cry) and features on Colin Taylor’s ‘Songs of Love, Hope and Hopelessness’. She appeared with Jim Diamond on the Cash for Kids album, ‘City of Soul’ and they performed together on Billy Sloan’s radio show. At Radio Clyde’s launch event she sang onstage with Annie Lennox, Lynnie Carson Midge Ure and Gallagher & Lyle. Lynnie’s 3rd album, “Eyes Kissed with Goodbyes” , a new 13th September release on Unicycle Records, is available to download from itunes.

5 Friday 8th November Studio Theatre The Ted Christopher Band, with Reely Jiggered. Advance tickets £5. On the day £7.50

Ted Christopher One of Scotland’s fi nest performers whether singing heartfelt originals to a concert audience, belting out Scottish favourites to the Tartan Army throughout Europe, or playing to 750,000 live in Washington and millions more watching on TV as a result of his No.1 hit single version of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” for Dunblane, on which Mark Knopfl er played guitar. From TOTP to the Beacon! His own songs have also had international success : the anti-gun Million Moms’ March in USA chose “Throw Those Guns Away” as their anthem; “Follow The Wild Geese Home” has been adopted by Nova Scotia; “Slainte Mhath 2000” was top ten in Australia’s country chart !; and “I’m Ted Christopher Coming Home” was especially commissioned for the epic Walk For Wallace in 2005.

Reely Jiggered Described as “perfect ambassadors for Scotland”; this dynamic, fi ddle led group have been wowing their audiences with their fast and furious performances of Traditional and Contemporary Celtic Music since 2008. Based locally, Reely Jiggered have played at many prestigious events and venues including Hafton Castle, Dean Castle, Oran Mor, CCA, The Tall Ship Glenlee, Largs’ Viking Festival, Gourock Highland Games, the Tall Ships Races, Gig on the Green, Glasgow University Union and the Royal Conservatoire Reely Jiggered of Scotland. Their debut Album was released in 2011 to acclaim, receiving air play on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 3 and as far afi eld as Germany, Australia, USA and Mexico.

6 Saturday 9th November Studio Theatre Scocha, with The Wherries. Advance tickets £5. On the day £7.50

Scocha Scottish Folk ‘n’ Roll! Original Scottish songs combined with new, dynamic arrangements of Scottish classics, peppered with banter, fun, and the feelgood factor. From soft ballads to rousing foot-stomping refrains, Scocha have something for everyone. One of the few bands in Scotland whose concerts attract all generations from kids to grannies and everyone in between. From festival stages to theatres and halls, Scocha have packed them in. Their unique performances, faithful to being traditionally Scottish in style and roots allied to a vibrant freshness, is infectious. Scocha A passionate blend of stirring new material and traditional classics, spiced with up-to-the- moment arrangements, a Scocha performance is never scripted and always original. You might stand or sit – but you won’t sit still!

The Wherries If The Wherries are the support, then Scocha must have some live show! Who doesn’t know The Wherries? Their informal, great fun and off-beat style of presenting traditional appeals to audiences of all ages wherever they’ve played throughout the world. The Wherries unique blend of ‘sing along’ traditional Celtic folk music, Clydeside humour and abundant audience participation has won them friends and fans wherever they have performed. From venues as diverse as The Wherries The Usher Hall in Edinburgh to a Scout hut in Kemnay, and from Singapore to Texas, the warmth and intimacy of a ‘Wherries’ concert will raise your spirits to a new level and leave you with fond memories for years to come.

7 Saturday 16th November Studio Theatre String Driven Thing, with Ten Gallon Bratz. Advance tickets £5. On the day £7.50p

String Driven Thing Led by Chris Adams from acoustic trio to folk rock to prog rock, SDT were signed by the Famous Charisma Label in 1972. Their ‘The Machine That Cried’ is now considered one of the lost gems of that era and New York Times named “Circus” as 1973 Single of the Year. Following US coast-to-coast tours with Foxtrot era Genesis, by 1975 Chris & Pauline Adams were back in Glasgow, focussing on raising their family. After releasing solo albums and family grown-up, Chris reformed SDT as a roots band, releasing, “Moments of Truth” (2007) and “Songs From Another Country” (2009). Though distinct from 1970’s style, they continue to play material from four decades in a uniquely free blowing style, wowing audiences wherever they perform.

String Driven Thing

Ten Gallon Bratz Ten Gallon Bratz exists in two forms, as a three- piece acoustic and as a fi ve-piece band. To date, they have released 2 CD’s, the acoustic “Ghost Stories” and its 2012 full band follow-up “The Wilderness”. A new album (untitled at going to press) is being recorded by Mark Freegard (, Manic Street Preachers, Marillion, Del Amitri etc). Their music, three-part harmonies seamlessly combined with infectious hooks and intelligent lyrics, has aired on BBC Radio Ten Gallon Bratz Scotland, Black Diamond FM, Leith FM, . Ten Gallon Bratz have supported renowned artists such as legendary guitarist Albert Lee, Colin Hay (Men At Work) Glen Tilbrook (Squeeze) Jan Akkerman (Focus), Eleanor McEvoy and JJ Gilmour (Silencers).

8 Saturday 23rd November Main Theatre Alphabetical Order Orchestra (ex My Latest Novel), with Slippery Elm. Advance tickets £10. On the day £12.50

Alphabetical Order Orchestra Four years since the release of “Deaths and Entrances”, the second album from Scottish indie rock experimentalists My Latest Novel on the prestigious Bella Union label, the band return today under the Alphabetical Order Orchestra moniker – an entirely new side-project featuring a slimmed down line-up (brothers Chris and Gary Deveney alongside drummer Ryan King) and a more sprightly, carefree direction. A ‘chirpier’ affair than that of My Latest Novel’s oft bleak material, with breezy acoustic guitars, brisk drum backing, tender folk-pop songs and a more straightforward approach than My Latest Novel’s previous dalliances in post-rock and epic arrangements that saw them support The Pixies Alphabetical Order Orchestra at Murrayfi eld. After a few warm-up gigs, this is their showcase debut.

Slippery Elm Slippery Elm is a new project from former Whiteout guitarist Eric Lindsay, his fi rst since Eli brought us the album “Dreams are the Foundations of Reality”. With similar roots in Americana, folk and sixties For more information, updates, pop, tales of infi delity, loss, post-modern contact, videos etc see Facebook dislocation and undying love are delivered “Inverclyde’s Scottish Folk & with trademark simple melodies, close Roots Festival” harmonies and guitar- lickery. With the help of the best local musicians, including Paul Carroll, Lynnie Carson and Gram Allan, the new set promises intimate acoustic delights and sonic wig-outs. Still daring to dream….

9 Saturday 23rd November Studio Theatre Alastair McDonald, with Davy Nicol. Advance tickets £5. On the day £7.50

Alastair McDonald It was the long-running TV show “Songs of Scotland”, with his Greenock pal Peter Morrison, which propelled Alastair to being fi rmly established as Scotland’s leading musical minstrel, with thousands of television, radio and stage appearances worldwide following - a true legend of the Scottish folk scene, whilst also being an award winning jazz banjo player.

As a prolifi c recording artiste, Alastair`s programme is selected from a vast repertoire of traditional, contemporary and original material. His commitment has always been to entertain, but he has fought to do so on terms he believes to be valuable. He offers a wholesome, helpful, uplifting, cautionary, loving and entertaining concert in his inimitable warm style but with an Alastair McDonald uncompromising, thought-provoking repertoire with no bounds or apology.

Davy Nicol Davy is a local singer-songwriter, whose self- penned acoustic style songs range from stories about living and working in Scotland to songs which also have a universal pop and country- tinged feel. This eclectic style borrows from folk, country, soul and pop/rock genres. Recently Davy has been working on a new album and video projects to support his music. This new CD will include “Greenock Road”, a tribute to the shipbuilding heritage of Greenock, which won a newspaper songwriting competition. As well as Davy Nicol his own headlining, Davy has supported various well known musicians including Justin Townes Earle, Tom Russell, Ricky Warwick and Martin Stephenson. Davy has also played in popular Inverclyde bands The Lazarenkos, The Pies and The Urban Folkers.

10 Roy Henderson Ten Gallon Bratz

String Driven Thing Reely Jiggered Lynnie Carson

Gordon McKenzie John Morgan Martin Jones

Davy Nicol

For more information, updates, contact, videos etc see Facebook “Inverclyde’s Scottish Folk & Roots Festival” For tickets, contact the Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock 01475 723723