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NN CC 9 2009 Country CaithnessCaithness Country Country MusicMusic Festival FestivalFestival 200920092009 10th - 12th April Indoor Riding Centre Halkirk Caithness Scotland
SOUVENIR PROGRAMME This Programme may be Subject to Change Chairperson’s Welcome Festival number six hardly seems credible where does the time go. Last years event was an outstanding success with the only complaint being in regard to the weather. Well unfortunately we had no control over that, however inside the venue the acts were certainly hot and the atmosphere warm and friendly. The NNCCMF committee would like to thank the Highland Council Homecoming Scotland 2009, who provided us with generous funding to add top Canadian star Michelle Wright to our already impressive line up. Thanks once again also to our local sponsors who came up trumps and supported the festival in these times of economic crisis. This Easter we welcome a crew from MNE media who are covering the festival to produce a series of TV programmes for the Gaelic language channel BBC Alba which will be screened in the autumn. Aside from promoting live country music hopefully it will help boost tourism for Caithness allowing viewers the opportunity to see what our county has to offer. Our line up this year will include some of your favourite acts but others that might not be so well known, however we the committee are sure that you will not be not be disappointed as all the acts have something that guarantees another excellent weekend. Enjoy Yourselves Christine Gray Chairperson NNCCMF
ABS Consulting (UK) are pleased to support the MacGregor Industrial Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival Supplies Ltd. Would like to wish Suppliers of Nuclear Safety and Engineering Services to local businesses Northern Nashville Country Music Club Continued Success With Their Fantastic Music Festival For further details please contact Dr George Green Free delivery to Caithness area Tel: 01925 287 300 every Tuesday & Thursday Fax: 01925 287 301 www.macgregorsupplies.co.uk
Tel: 01463 717999 Fax: 01463 7171888 Email: [email protected] DOOSAN Doosan Babcock Energy FESTIVAL PROGRAMME (Please note times are subject to change)
Friday Evening
Nickels & Dimes 2000 - 2045 Tony Kerr 2050 - 2150 Heather Myles 2205 - 2320 Robert Mizzell 2335 - 0100
Saturday Afternoon
The Chicken Pickers 1230 - 1250 Sunny Books (Wick Youth Media-Link Band) 1300 - 1320 Savannah 1330 - 1415 Cor Sanne & Savannah 1415 - 1500 Billy Yates & Savannah 1500 - 1600 Kate Bain Band 1615 - 1700
Saturday Evening
Proprietor: Robin Clarke Manson Grant & The Dynamos 2000 - 2045 ROM-ARTROM-ART Billy Yates & Savannah 2100 - 2200 COMPUTER SERVICES Mike Bella 2215 - 2330 Eamon McCann 2345 - 0100 PC Troubleshooting Components • Repairs On or Off-Site Service Sunday Afternoon Ancillary Services Billy Yates & Savannah 1230 - 1315 Thurso High School Band 1330 - 1350 Graphic Design • Print Slange Ava 1400 - 1445 Laminate • Bind • Finish Michelle Wright 1500 - 1600 Texas Gun 1615 - 1700 Speedy, Friendly and Professional Service Sunday Evening
(01847) 896879 Becky Hobbs 2000 - 2115 Mobile: 0786 7744020 Frank Jansen 2130 - 2230 E-mail : [email protected] Michelle Wright 2245 - 2345 Web : www.rom-art.co.uk The Jacks 0000 - 0100 Thanks to the generosity of the Highland Councils’ 2007 legacy fund - Homecoming Scotland 2009 - it has been possible for us to add Michelle Wright to our festival line up. The grant was awarded with the stipulation that it was used to fund an award winning star, and Michelle certainly fits the bill, being widely recognised as Canada's most awarded country singer. Michelle was born in Merlin, Ontario a small farming community where her parents were both country performers. As a young girl she tagged along with them, so her love of country music began. Michelle's primary success was in her native Canada where she charted more than 25 hit singles including No. 1's ‘Take It Like A Man’ & ‘One Time Around’. She relocated to Nashville in 1991 and continues to live in Tennesseetoday. Since the release of her debut album Michelle has been drawing rave reviews for her distinctive style and powerful voice. From her professional beginnings as a teenager to the present day Michelle has steadily grown into an entertainer of the highest rank she has sold 2 million albums and collected a trophy room of awards to prove it; CCMA female Vocalist of the Year in 2000; Entertainer of the Year in 1993 & 1995; and RPM magazine Top Female Vocalist 1994, 1995 & 2000 to name a few. Michelle's latest album ‘Everything and More’ is a collection of powerful and provocative numbers which mirrors many of the changes in attitude and emotion Wright has experienced during the chapters in her life. Michelle has given back generously to the community and has been awarded for her fund raising efforts. Since seeing first hand what life was like for children struggling to survive during trips to Zambia and Honduras Michelle has lovingly sponsored a family from both places. She continues to help World Vision whenever and however she can. Michelle is today at a point in her career where there is much to look forward to & much to reflect upon. She says “I just want to make records, make music, write songs tour and do it the way I want to do it.” Michelle's career has taken her to every continent except Antarctica and we at NNCCMF are delighted she has made the 'Wright' decision to pay us a visit on route. E&ME&M Speedy Skip EngineeringEngineering Services Services Hire Ltd.
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Riverside • Thurso Collectors of Glass and Cardboard for Recycling Caithness • KW14 8BU Industrial Gas Suppliers Sir Archibald Road, Thurso Tel: 01847 893702 Caithness,KW14 8HN Fax: 01847 896511 Tel/Fax: (01847) 893797 Billy was raised on a small farm in Doniphan, Missouri, where the family pretty much lived off the land, they had a cow for milk and butter, and raised their own animals for beef, pork and poultry. Both of his parents came from musical families and Billy got an early initiation into performing live during a Sunday morning broadcast, his dad would play guitar and the rest of the family would sing. Billy began singing harmonies whilst digging through his parents record collection which Moeincluded was Jim born Reeves, in 1944 George in Jones,Mississippi Buck Owens however andwhen Merle Haggard,he was six evolving the family later into artists movedlike Emmylou to San Harris Antonio and Don Texas. Williams. He was Following taught to his play high the school guitar graduation during Billy his had a spot schoolfor three days years and, on thealthough Lake Wappapelo he made some Opry appearances - a family orientated in his fathers show country in Missouri. This bandhelped he Billy showed deal with little his interest nervousness in music on stage but aand great he figured deal in out rodeos. what an By audience the time looked for. he was sixteen he began competing in rodeos all over Texas riding broncos andBilly's bulls. dad was a barber and he had always encouraged Billy to learn the trade, so after he got his licence he moved back home where he cut hair for five years in his own shop. After years of contemplating a move to music city Billy moved to Nashville in 1987, where he cut hair to Tiredsupport of himself. injuries After and broken years of bones, struggling Moe in Nashville assembled the a initialband calledrecognition “Moe made and Billy realise the importance of unceasing optimism in the themidst Mavericks” of hard work, and “Had found I given work up playingin the first in five honky yearsnothing tonks and would clubs have around happened” South Texas. During the day Moe worked for his father as a sheet metal workerBilly's first and cut performed as a songwriter at night was for the such George stars Jones as Loretta smash ‘Don't Lynn andNeed the Your late Rocking Bob Chair’ and Billy says “Getting George Jones to record Willis.your record is the most coveted honour for any Nashville songwriter”. Those who have written countless hits for other artists openly admit that a track on a Jones album is their greatest dream. In 1974 Moe decided that if he was going to make it as a country singer he hadPlenty to hasmove happened to Nashville. since then So including he pawned four his more furniture songs recorded to cover by the George cost of Jones a including the grammy nominated ‘Choices’, among recordingother cuts bycontract. George The Strait, gamble Kenny worked Chesney, and Ricky from Van that Shelton recording and came many Moe's more. When you listen to his music including his latest self firstproduced hit song recording “I Just ‘Favourites’ Started Hating which Cheating includes a Songs duet with Today”. his hero His Jones, career you then can see why George Jones says of Billy “When I asked the skyrocketedquestion ‘Who's with Gonna hits like Fill “Bandy Their Shoes’ The Rodeo it was before Clown”. I knew about Billy Yates. When it comes to great country songwriters they don't get any better than Billy.” I guess you could say the ol' possum is a Billy Yatesfan - you can't come more highly recommended than that! HEATHERHEATHER MYLESMYLES In this Scotland's Year of Homecoming who better than Heather Myles, to be included as one of the headliners at this years festival. Heather gets her musical inspirations from a background as diverse as the artist herself. Her family originally from Scotland settled in Canada before migrating to Southern California where they operate a ranch specialising in the breeding and training of racehorses. As a child Heather thought she would follow the family business and even considered becoming a jockey. However it was the sound of her dad's ukulele and her granddad's old Scottish bagpipes that have been responsible for shaping her into the artist that she is today. Heather grew up immersed in the sounds of country music radio at a time when legends were being born, and artistes such as Loretta Lynn, TammyWynette played a large part influencing Heather as a songwriter and outstanding performer. But fate, an extraordinary talent for music, along with her haunting voice would take her elsewhere. After years of playing the honky tonk circuit and opening for several of country's biggest names such as Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, and Waylon Jennings, she was poised for stardom in her own right. Not since the glory days of country when Loretta and Tammy could be found on the airwaves, has there been a finer example of a female country singing artist. Heather twangs, rocks and croons in all the right places - there's no sweet over glossy sentiments here . Heather played for us in NNCMC back in November 2003 when she proved herself to be an outstanding songwriter and performer, who gets straight to the nuts and bolts of what a good country song should be. She demonstrates what country fans are looking for, her songs are popular with line dancers which will be added bonus for the dancers in Halkirk.
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Mike Bella may be a new name to many but guaranteed if you enjoy hard core honky tonk music delivered by a splendid voice then like me you'll be hooked. Mike may live in Nashville but his heroes are from the west coast, in particular music giants such as Merle Haggard, George Jones and Buck Owens. Mike started his career at the very early age of eight playing drums with two sticks of wood in his fathers band, later going on to learn the guitar, bass and trumpet. By the age of thirteen he started his own three piece band playing clubs, bars and honkytonks. As a young singer Mike was strongly influenced by the Bakersfield Sound, Buck Owens having the most impact on him, and as a young musician he would play the great songs of Buck and the Buckaroos. Mike made the move to Nashville in 1994, and achieved his goal and desire to keep country music alive throughout the US and Europe. When asked what he enjoys most about singing on stage Mike replied “Seeing someone in the audience singing along with my songs is one of the greatest thrills in performing” Mike is not a songwriter but some of the great country songwriters in Nashville including Billy Yates provided Mike with tracks for his albums, along with covers from his heroes. The enjoyment Mike feels and expresses in his music has been noted by reviewers and audiences alike, as it shows in his high energy shows and heard in his heartfelt vocals on record. Mike is very popular in Europe where he tours regularly and has won numerous awards. He attributes the down to earth personality traits of traditional artists with having been brought up with a strong family back ground - he calls it being country raised!
Welcome Failte Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival Tha Club Ceòl Dùthchail Nashville Ghallaibh a’ cuir fàilte committee would like to welcome Gaelic speakers to this gu luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig gu seo, ar siathamh our 6th event. tachartas. The festival boasts a wealth of talent fast earning it the Tha an Fhèis, a tha air ainm a chosnadh dhith fhèin mar reputation as one of the most respected on the country fear de phrìomh fèisean ann an saoghal ceòl dùthchail, a’ music circuit. cuir fàilte air seinneadairean agus luchd-ciùil air leth thàlantach. This year MNE Media are covering the festival to produce Air a’ bhliadhna seo, thèid an Fhèis a chlàradh le MnE a series of TV programmes for the Gaelic language Media. Thèid nam programan an craoladh mar sreath aig channel BBC ALBA which will be screened in the àm s t-fhoghar air an sianal Gàidhlig BBC ALBA. autumn. Fhuair sinn gealladh airgid bho Chomhairle na Highland Council 'Homecoming Scotland 2009' Gaidhealtachd agus “Homecoming Scotland 2009” mas e generously awarded us funding on the understanding that ‘s gum faigheadh sinn neach-ciùil air leth thàlantach agus we added a major award winning artist to our already cluiteach a chuireadh sinn ris na h-ainmean mòr a bh’ impressive line up. againn bho thus. The council is currently committed to the further Tha a’ Chomhairle an-dràsta gu mòr an-sàs ann an development of the Gaelic language in the Highlands. leasachaidh cànain air a’ Ghaidhealtachd. We know you will be made very welcome by Tha fhios gu faigh sibh lan-fhailte the festival audience. Christine Gray bho luchd-amhairc na Feise. Chairperson Enjoy the music. NNCCMF Tha sinn an dòchas gun cord an ceòl ribh. Moe Bandy
Danni Leigh
Memories of Festival 2008
The Indians Country Legends
Ronnie McDowell Becky was part of our first festival and recently said “I had a wonderful time in 2004, the audience was super I can't wait to come back” we at NNCCMF B HOBBS certainly can't wait to have her back. ECKY Becky, or ‘the Beckaroo’ as she is affectionately known, was born and raised in Oklahoma and started playing the piano and writing songs when she was nine years old. After spending 9 years in L.A. she made her home in Nashville in 1981 where she found fame as a song writer. Becky has seen her songs recorded by Alabama (’Angels Amongst Us’) Conway Twitty(’I Want ToKnow You Before We Make Love’), George Jones and Loretta Lynn amongst many others. In 1983 she had a hit with Moe Bandy called ‘Let's Get Over Them Together‘. Becky's career peaked during the late 80's when her ‘All Keyed Up’ album was released - she became known for her appearances on the various Nashville Network TV shows and on The Grand Ole Opry stage. Becky released her album ‘Songs From The Road Of Life’ (produced by husband Duane) in 2005. It contains self-penned songs about people, places, love, war and peace. Her latest release ‘Best of the Beckaroo’ is a 21-track collection of her most popular recordings, including ‘Jones on the Jukebox’ and my favourite ‘She Broke Her Promise’ a must for all Becky fans - looking forward to getting a copy of that one. Becky loves to travel and has performed in many countries, she says the most inspiring and revealing was in ‘92 when she performed in 9 countries across Africa and met the most wonderful people. She said that one night they performed in Zambia and almost half the audience had AIDS which was heartbreaking. She also shares her gift of music by playing as many charity events as she can. For those of you that saw Becky perform when she was here before will know that she is a captivating entertainer.Her voice is unique and gravelly which makes it very distinct. She pounds the piano like no other female on stage and also plays the accordion and acoustic guitar, her show is full of energy but she can also rope you in with her poignant ballads. Welcome back Becky!
Frank Jansen and his very talented band are no strangers to Caithness or indeed our festival - he made his debut at a Northern Nashville club night then went on to play at our first festival, and then again in 2006.
Frank was born in Steenbergen, Holland, and always had a great passion for country music, but until 1994 it was only a hobby. He then took guitar lessons and decided he wanted to make a career out of his love of music.
Frank's first two singles both made it into the No. 1 position for two months in the Europe Top 100 charts. This took Frank to the States to record his first album 'You're a Phone Call That I Need To Make' which was very successful (in my opinion his best - every track a winner). Subsequently it was chosen for Album of the Year in Holland, and Frank received a Grammy award in 1998 and four nominations by the European C.M.A.
His popularity has increased and he has recorded four award-winning albums including his latest - a 14 track tribute to Marty Robbins which includes hits like 'Devil Woman' & 'White Sport's Coat'.
Frank has toured Britain almost on a yearly basis and has played festivals all over Europe - playing on stage with some of our other artistes including Heather Myles and Mike Bella. He played as part of the Manson Grant fan club weekend last October in Aberdeen, then returned the following month for the Craig Tarafestival in Ayr,where by all reports he went down a storm with the audience.
Sadly for his many fans Frank has decided that he no longer wishes to continue touring so unfortunately this might be one of his last appearances in this country. Since we were around at the beginning of his career then we are delighted that Frank and his four piece band, Cor,Ron, Joost & Wil, have agreed to be part of this year's event. Five piece band Savannah have been billed as the most popular band in Benelux since they formed in 1986. They are very enthusiastic about their music which you can see and hear when they knock down their audience with their roots filled country music. They are at their best when performing live - they play to the audience and are very versatile and visual. The group, which consists of Wilma & Marcus Smulders, Joe Brozio, Bob Willemnstein and Johan Lemmers, play at many festivals and have opened for numerous American acts including Suzy Bogguss, Buck Owens, & Freddy Fender. In 1991 they released their debut CD ‘For You’,voted album of the month by KRO national radio. Most of the tracks were originals. Further albums followed and in 1998 they were voted number one band by Country Gazette magazine along with members of Dutch country music. The band received a Gram Award for Band of the Year in 1997 and have gone on to receive it five times in a row - quite an impressive list of awards. In 2005 they recorded one of their shows in Holland and the results can be seen and heard on a fantastic DVD. A new CD is planned for 2009. Savannah has toured Europe extensively now will be adding Halkirk to that list. The band CorCor Sanne Sannerecently said “We all know Scottish fans like real country music and that's what we will deliver” Aside from being the manager for Savannah, Cor Sanne is also an artist in his own right, during the festival he will be doing a solo spot, joining Savannah on stage, and together they will be providing the support for Billy Yates. He performs regularly with Savannah or with his own band Grand Ole Country, preferring the authentic style of country music from the 50's and 60's. In 2005 Cor made his debut CD called ‘Time’ which clearly shares his love for his roots, as he chose material from early Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard & Hank Williams etc. Cor has performed all over Europe, however this will be his first visit to Scotland. He said recently “I can hardly wait to finally make it to Scotland. Myself and the band have heard how beautiful it is so are looking forward to the trip north from Glasgow Airport”.
Fàilte !
A' guidhe gach soirbhicheas do Fèis Cèol Dùthchail Ghallaibh 2009
Builders of Quality Homes Best Wishes for a successful for Over 30 Years Caithness Country Music Festival 2009
Burnside Cottage, Gills, Canisbay By Wick, Caithness, KW1 4YB T: 01955 611316 F: 01955 611451 Sky Channel 168 Freesat Channel 110 E: [email protected] www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer Co-bhanntachd eadar MG ALBA agus am BBC. www.green-cameron.co.uk A partnership between BBC and MG ALBA. In addition to those sponsors with adverts in this programme the NNCCMF committee would also like to thank the following businesses for their involvement:-
Clydesdale Bank • Park Hotel • Norscot Weigh Inn • George Dunnet (Transport) Station Hotel • Commercial Hotel (Halkirk) North of Scotland Newspapers • Eurest Derek Anderson(Electricial) • W. & D. Ross (Painters) British Nuclear Services • St. Clair Hotel (Castletown) Pentland Hotel • Stagecoach • Meiklejohn’s Taxis Simpsons Oils • Clark Thompson (Insurance)
They would also like to give a big Thank You to the following organisations & individuals for their involvement:-
Thurso Red Cross • Air Training Cadets Bettine Sinclair (Tickets) • Caithness FM Pentland United • Halkirk Football Club Scottish Ambulance Service Caithness Indoor Riding Association
and finally a very Special Thank You to the countless others who have been involved in the Festival in one form or another, especially our
Band of helpers from within our Club membership OTHER ACTS APPEARING AT THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE... Robert Mizzell Robert was born in Louisiana and after graduating from High School served in the U.S Army. Following several jobs, events took him to Ireland a decade ago, where he has made his home and pursued his dream of becoming a country singer. Robert along with his band The Country Kings are one of the top country acts in Ireland with his popularity spreading to Europe, Australia and the USA. Robert has recently released a DVD entitled 'The Louisiana Man' he travelled all over Ireland and America filming footage. This recording will serve to showcase Robert's music career bringing it to a whole new audience and will also enable established fans to enjoy their favourite songs in their own homes. Over the years Robert has recorded many albums his latest 'Thanks A Lot' released in 2008 very quickly climbed to the top of the charts both in Europe and Ireland where it remained in the number one position for several weeks. The 13 track album combines lesser known songs with many of his most requested and is a collection of country numbers which reflects his singing talent and ability to deliver exactly what the public want to hear. It was also voted Album of the Year at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards and, while Robert was unable to attend as he was in Nashville, he appeared via video link direct from the Grand Ole Opry to receive his award. In April 08 Robert topped the European charts in three countries with his beautiful duet with Philomena Begley called 'Your Waltzing With Me'. Robert organises country music weekends in London and also tours to the USA whilst there he has had the opportunity to perform in some elite venues. I met and chatted to Robert whilst at the Dungannon festival last August. He said he was looking forward to playing at the festival and wondered was he being wound up when he was told it was snowing last year. We are certainly looking forward to seeing Robert perform for us I can assure you he puts on an energy filled show brimming with country flavour. TonyKerr I must confess to not knowing very much about Tony Kerr until we went along and caught his spot at the Dugannan Festival last year. I enjoyed him very much - he has a unique vocal style and delivers good old country standards by legends like Merle Haggard and Marty Robins. Tony, the youngest of eight children - four boys and four girls - was born in County Antrim in a small farm house close to Ballymena. His love of music started at an early age as he grew up listening to Johnny Cash, George Jones & Marty Robbins, but he was also influenced by his sisters' love of the top female country singers including Pasty,Tammyand Dolly. He started to learn the guitar at the age of eight and his introduction to performing was at family gatherings. However music was not considered a viable career choice so he had to get a proper job and served his apprenticeship as a joiner. After getting married Tony was in a position to dedicate more time to his music and took every opportunity to play and sing in local country bands. In 2006 Tony was involved in a building accident which left him unable to continue in his job so he decided to commit himself to his singing career. Tony has played all over the country with his band, not to mention supporting country legend Gene Watson on his Northern Ireland tour last year. He was delighted when asked to appear as part of UK Country Fest in Dungannon last year and said “To appear on the same bill as the legends of country music makes me feel quite humble in their presence”. He has released four CD's to date, all of which showcase his excellent vocal talents. In my opinion his most recent,'Kentucky Gambler', is his best yet and they just seem to get better and better with each release. Eamon McCann Eamon hails from Creggan near Omagh in County Tyrone. He was influenced at an early age by his father who played in a ceilidh band. It was natural for him to learn to play the guitar when he was still very young and a five year old Eamon would entertain visitors to his home by playing music and singing. He bought his first guitar with money he received from winning a local talent contest with his two younger brothers, and at sixteen he started playing around County Tyrone. Eamon is no stranger to NNCMC. He won our Band of the Year Award twice in a row in 2001 and again the following year,and remains a very popular and a much requested act in our club. He continues to win awards and, at the Irish Entertainment Awards in 2008, he received one of the most prestigious titles - Ireland's Number One Country Singer. At the same event the year before Eamon and his band 'Pure Country' received the Band of the YearAward. After much persuasion from his friends Eamon made his first recording in 1990. He has gone on to record many more, one of which includes thirty of his self penned songs, earning him the title of Irelands No. 1 Country Singer/Songwriter. Eamon is very busy at home but he also tours extensively playing all over Europe and Australia.. When performing live with his very talented band, his lively dance programme includes country, Irish, 60's & 70's music, all making for a greats night entertainment. When you see him perform you'll agree that he deserves the title of Ireland's Voice of Country. TexasGun I'm sure I don't need to introduce these guys who go under the name of Texas Gun to you any more. They have played a crucial part of our event for the last two years as Small TownAudio who manage our sound and lighting so proficiently. Last year the father (George Snr.)and two sons (George Jr.& Simon Payling) delivered us a spot proving what very popular and talented entertainers they are. This year again they will be doing both but George Sr.will also be adding another string to his bow. Following Gerry Ford's announcement that he was retiring from the music business left us with a major headache - what about a compere! Thankfully the problem was solved for us when George offered his services, and we were delighted to accept. It looks like they will be in for a busy weekend, but I'm sure they'll take it in their stride and handle things as efficiently as they have done in the past. The boys have had a busy time since last year. They took part in BBC Alba's Ceol Country series (perhaps you caught them when it was televised) so the cameras won't faze them this time - they're old hat at it. They have also continued being part of all major festivals around the country. When speaking to George Jr. recently he said “The Northern Nashville Festival is one of the best in the country today; great atmosphere, great audience, a warm welcome from all those involved in this jewel of the north” and of course, with true Texas Gun sense of humour added, “Great sound and lighting”. The Jacks Who better to finish the weekend's entertainment than the band that took the Indoor Riding School by storm last year, Geordie, Kevin, Trevor and Dado or The Jacks. Since they formed as Colorado in 1978 they have toured in over twenty-six countries with some of the biggest names in country. They have released ten albums and been voted Top UK Country Band for nine years in succession. The Sutherland lads have always been a firm favourite with us here in Caithness and last year they surprised us when another member of the Jack family (definitely the best looking one) joined them on stage. Nicola Jack had never performed with the band in public before but thought she would sing a few numbers and what a treat it was. She wowed the audience with the quality of her voice during her renditions of Emmylou Harris material. The Jacks, well sometimes it's hard to take them seriously! They always have time for a bit of banter and crack with the audience and tell a joke or two when they're deciding what to play next. However they are seriously talented musicians and it doesn't matter where or at what type of function they are playing, you know that they are not going to let you down. They love a good time atmosphere and always leave an audience happy. When asked for a few words about the festival they said “Truly an international event showcasing so many varied artistes from around the globe and now attracting BBC television coverage - it just keeps getting better. We know folk travel from far and wide to enjoy the music and we are glad to be part of it”. We are also glad that The Jacks have agreed to be part of this year's event. Manson Grant and The Dynamos No country music event in Caithness would be complete without without Manson Grant and the Dynamos being part of it. Over the last couple of years the band have not been travelling as much but have certainly not been idle - they have been more active in the recording studio. A song entitled 'The Best Years Of My Life', written by Robert Macmillan from Nevis radio, has been enjoying success in the European Country Music Association's top 100 airplay chart, and has been in the charts for ten weeks reaching number twenty. Manson's, Buck Owens Tribute Album titled 'Golden Memories' has received huge airplay in America, New Zealand, Canada and Europe. The song 'Let The World Keep On Turning' entered the charts at ninety seven, climbed to seventy then fifty and the last time I spoke to Robert it was at number twenty seven. That's great - they are to be congratulated on that as they are up against fierce competition from all the big American artistes who pay mega bucks to get their material recorded - so well done to our local band. The band ran another successful holiday to Bennidorm last year and held their ever popular fan club weekend in Aberdeen. This year they will be playing dates in Aberdeenshire, Glasgow and of course locally. There are no Spanish trips arranged but the fan club weekend will be going ahead. The band are looking forward to playing at the festival and said that in past years country fans had to travel to Wembley on a yearly basis to see multi-national artistes, so it's fantastic to have an event of this calibre at home. Nickels and Dimes This band will be keeping themselves busy at the festival again this year. They will start the weekends' entertainment off for us on Friday night by playing a spot as Nickels & Dimes, then will support Tony Kerr on stage and, on Sunday, will back Becky Hobbs! Nigel told me recently that they will also be playing in the Ulbster Hotel in Halkirk during lunchtimes over the festival weekend. It is no easy task supporting artists with only a very brief practice; however it doesn't seem to faze these guys they just take it in their stride They also help us out on club nights by doing the same. They played with the American duo 'The Calhouns' earlier in the year, and again last month with Brendan Quinn, so we at NNCMC are very grateful to them. When not being the resident band for NNCMC they are very busy locally, and they also travel up and down the country playing clubs around the central belt and further north. Despite the travelling they enjoy meeting new people and catching up with old friends. The band recently said that they were very pleased to be part of the festival and the history it will become in later years. They wish us every success for another brilliant event. The Kate Bain Band Last year Kate made her debut at the festival with her newly formed band and they certainly didn't let themselves down. The band have earned a following with their highly acclaimed vocalists and musicians consisting of Kate Bain on piano and lead vocals, Gordon Davidson on lead guitar, mandolin and vocals, Andrew Polson on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, and Richard Bain on drums. Kate has been on the country music scene for a number of years, the band is very active locally but also plays at many clubs and events further south. They produce a mixed programme; Kate offers her own distinctive vocals to the American side of country, and Gordon and Andrew enhance this allowing them to accommodate any function. The band is delighted to have been asked to play as part of the festival and wish the committee every success with the event. Slange Ava Slange Ava are another local band who made their debut at last year's event and went down a blast earning them bookings in clubs around Scotland. The band consists of Donny Matheson (drums and vocals), Jim Davidson (bass guitar), Chris Macintosh (rhythm guitar and keyboards), and Keith Macleod (lead guitar, mandolin & vocals). They had a set back last year due to illness, however thankfully things are fine now and they are busier than ever. In March they were part of the yearly Embo Weekend, and the weekend after our festival they are off to Shetland - it's great to see a local band getting bookings out with the local area. However we are delighted they are staying at home and able to play at our NNCMC club night in April along with Mick Flavin. The boys were influenced by the music of Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Aside from country they also play 60's, Scottish etc. which makes them an excellent choice of band for any function. Keith will also be on stage with the Dynamos during their festival spot and was telling me that he is in the process of recording an album of songs written by his dad. The band said recently “We had a good year thanks to the support of the local people and clubs, not forgetting the people we met from over the ord. We are looking forward to playing at the festival - it looks like a brilliant line up once again, and it's always a great atmosphere. Can't wait to see everyone again, we have concentrated on some new material for this year so hope your all going to enjoy our spot”. If their performance last year was anything to go on then I know we are going to enjoy their spot. Thurso High School Band Thurso High School music instructor John Newton has brought along a new band to represent the school this year. They consist of Greg McEwan, Andrew Macaskill, Danny Mackenzie, Ailsa Quirie, Caitland Sinclair, Jayne Paterson and Alisdair Glen. The band I am sure will be very nervous but excited playing in front of such a large audience, particularly since they are relatively recently formed and have never played in public before. The band will display their individual musical talents, and have chosen to play a mainly acoustic set. I am sure there will be some very nervous (but suitably proud) parents supporting these youngsters all the way, and I know they will have the full support from the audience. Sunny Books Sunny Books are the band chosen to represent Wick YouthClub's Music-Link Media Project at this year's festival. The band is made up of Angela (vocals), Craig (lead guitar), Andy (rhythm guitar), Kevin (bass guitar) and Douglas (drums). They're all seventeen but are already experienced musicians, having played in bands for five years. Some of the band played at the festival last year but for others it will be a new experience. They were delighted to have won the audition and been chosen to play at this years NNCCMF. Sunny Books are a fresh young band with an innovative approach to country music and I'm sure the audience will be eagerly awaiting their performance. The Chicken Pickers These young guys contacted me way back at Christmas time asking if we had a spot for them at the festival. Unfortunately the programme was full. I then heard from two people, both of a musical background, how good the boys were and that they were really disappointed they couldn't appear at the festival. The lads were also too young to audition for the music-link media band, so that was another avenue not open to them. However we decided to try and help out and offered The Chicken Pickers the opportunity to play on Sunday when the audience are coming in as our warm up act. The boys jumped at the chance! They are made up of Mikie Henderson, Andrew Reynolds, Daniel Storton & Michael Simpson. These lads are all studying at Wick High School, love country music and are influenced by artistes such as Dwight Yoakam, Rhett Atkins and Johnny Cash. I for one am really looking forward to hearing them. NES Engineering Ltd, has been operating for over 25 years, and is considered one of the North of Scotland's leading Engineering and Fabrication Service Companies offering a comprehensive range of services from the smallest bespoke fabrications to large Sub-sea support modules.
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