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CC OO LL UU AA NN IIVV TTRR SSTT2012 12 YY MMUUSSIICC FFEE Country y CaithnessCaithnessCaithness Country Country Countr MusicMusic Festival Festival FestivalFestival 201220122012 6th - 8th April Indoor Riding Centre Halkirk Caithness Scotland

SOUVENIR PROGRAMME This Programme may be Subject to Change Chairperson’s Welcome I would like to welcome all you country fans to this, our 9th Northern Nashville Festival. It’s great to have so many regulars back with us again and for all our first time visitors, we hope you enjoy your weekend. Last year's event proved to be another success with enthusiastic country music fans leaving Halkirk telling us we had undoubtedly topped the year before. No sooner had we recovered (or nearly) when it was full steam ahead and back to the drawing board putting together what we hope is the winning formula for another fantastic weekend of live country music. Sadly last year we lost our main sponsor, good friend and country music fan Jimmy Nic, setting up the venue this year just hasn't been the same without him. However our committee would like to sincerely thank his wife Catherine and their boys for continuing to support our Festival. MNE Media are back with us again this year to record the highlights of the weekend on behalf of BBC Alba for transmission as part of their Ceol Country series in the Autumn. Finally can I just say special thanks to all our sponsors, our hard working dedicated committee and everyone who provides a service or helps out before, during, and after the event. We couldn't do it without you. Christine Gray Chairperson NNCCMF

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A' guidhe gach soirbhicheas do Fèis Ceòl Dùthchail Ghallaibh 2012 N.N.C.C.M.F. warmly welcomes back mneTV who are returning this year to Best Wishes to again capture and record the atmosphere Caithness Country Music Festival 2012 of the weekend on behalf of BBC ALBA for transmission later in the year as part of the Ceol Country series.

Watch out for future coverage of the 2012 Festival on BBC ALBA on Sky 168 Freesat 110 Freeview 8 Virgin Media 188 www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer

BBC ALBA Co-bhanntachd eadar MG ALBA agus am BBC / A partnership between MG ALBA and the BBC. Proprietor: Robin Clarke RUNNING ORDER ROM-ARTROM-ART (Please note times are subject to change) COMPUTER SERVICES PC Troubleshooting Friday Evening Components • Repairs On or Off-Site Service Kate Bain Band 2000 - 2100 Ancillary Services Mary B Family Band 2115 - 2215 Terry White Band 2230 - 2330 Graphic Design • Print The Jacks 2345 - 0100 Laminate • Bind • Finish Saturday Afternoon Speedy, Friendly and Professional Service Thurso School Band 1300 - 1320 The Brothers 1330 - 1415 Simon Peters 1415 - 1445 (01847) 896879 Moore & Moore 1500 - 1600 Mobile: 0786 7744020 Terry White Band 1615 - 1700 E-mail : [email protected] Web : www.rom-art.co.uk Saturday Evening

Ashville featuring Frank Jansen 2000 - 2045 Moe Bandy 2100 - 2215 MacLean Joey + Rory 2230 - 2345 Manson Grant & The Dynamos 0000 - 0100 ELECTRICAL For Everything Electrical Sunday Afternoon from you Local Distributor For Your Home For The Trade George Malcolm 1300 - 1320 Ashville featuring Frank Jansen 1330 - 1415 L•IGHTING •SITEEE LECTRICAL QUIPMENT C’est La Vie 1430 - 1515 S•HOWERS •SWITCHGEAR A•LARMS Nashville Union 1525 - 1605 •STREETF URNITURE H•EATERS Chicken Pickers 1615 - 1700 DOMESTIC A•PPLIANCES •SIGNS &S IGNPOSTS SL•ECURITY IGHTING •LIGHTING C OLUMNS Tel: 01955 606611 Sunday Evening Fax: 01955 606636 Lisa McHugh & Band 2000 - 2100 www.maclean-electrical.com 2115 - 2230 NOSKAB Jerry Kilgore Unit 16D, Airport Industrial Estate, Johnny Rodriguez 2235 - 2350 Wick KW1 4QS Slange Ava 0005 - 0100 Speedy Skip Hire Ltd.

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Collectors of Glass and Cardboard for Recycling Industrial Gas Suppliers Sir Archibald Road, Thurso Caithness,KW14 8HN Tel/Fax: (01847) 893797 Moe BANDY One of the headliners of the weekend will be one of America's all time leading music recording artistes and performers Moe Bandy. This will be a welcome return to Halkirk for Moe who was with us in 2008 and wowed the fans, many of whom stood at the front of the stage captivated during his spot. Moe was born in Mississippi and moved to San Antonio, Texas when he was six years old. His father taught him to play the guitar when he was young and used to dress him up in a cowboy hat to play for relatives and in talent contests. Moe put his love of music aside to concentrate on a career as a bull rider, competing in rodeos all over Texas. However in 1962, after sustaining several injuries and broken bones, he felt a career in music would be safer, it appears Moe hasn't got the bull riding completely out of his system as he has recently purchased his own bull which appears to be performing well in rodeos. Moe fronted a band called The Mavericks and together they toured all over Texas, later after going solo and heading to Nashville he had his first hit I Just Hated Cheating Songs. A long string of hits were to follow, 10 of which went to number one - Bandy The Rodeo Clown, It's A Cheating Situation, and Just Good Ol Boys to name a few. Over the years Moe has maintained a hectic touring schedule averaging between 250 - 300 days a year, and after many years on the road he moved to Branson where he continues to perform for much of the year. When Moe is not performing he likes to spend time at home with his wife, family, grandchildren and dogs. Despite the recent country pop trends, Moe saw no reason to stray from the hard core honky-tonk that's as natural in Texas as cowboy hats, and continues to give his fans what they want.

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For further details please contact Dr George Green Tel: 01925 287 300 Fax: 01925 287 301 Many of you I am sure will be familiar with husband and wife duo Joey and Rory, who until JoeyJoey recently lived a simple but glorious life in Pottsville, Tennessee. Alongside being a mum Joey was ++ pursuing her career as a solo artist whilst Rory built his status as a hit songwriter, churning out chart Rory toppers like Blake Shelton's ‘Some Rory Beach’ and the number one for Easton Corbin ‘A Little More Country Than That’. However in 2008 their quiet life changed when they found quick success after reluctantly auditioning for TV talent show then finishing third. They released their debut The Life Of A Song which produced their top twenty hit Cheater Cheater, and subsequently earned them the title of the 2010 ACM Award for Top New Vocal Duo. The couple's second album simply called is built in much the same manner as the first because those are the kind of songs Joey & Rory like to hear. It contains songs about love, cheating, faith, cowboys and horses and the number That's Important ToMe summarises the down-to-earth values of Joey and Rory both as a couple and a duo, Teaming up with his wife has allowed Rory the freedom to become a different kind of songwriter and unleashed Joey's potential as a singer. Joey said recently 'It's such a blessing to get to play music, travel and the highlight is getting to do it together'. Overall wearing Rory and beautiful wife Joey are the real deal - not just as a musical duo but as a couple. I saw them perform last year and they have a great presence, very comfortable together. The deep connection they have doesn't just shine through their music it's the reason their music shines. SIMPSON (OILS) LTD. MacGregor Industrial Supplies Ltd. Would like to wish Northern Nashville Country Music Club Would Like to Wish Continued Success All The Best With Their Fantastic forthisyears’

Music Festival Warm to Our Service Festival FUCHS Free Delivery to Caithness Area Every Tuesday & Thursday South Quay • The Harbour • Wick www.macgregorsupplies.co.uk Caithness • Scotland • KW1 5HA Tel: (01955) 604444 • Fax: (01955) 602316 Tel: 01463 717999 Fax: 01463 7171888 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.simpsonoils.co.uk Born in 1951, Johnny was the youngest of a family of ten living in a small Texastown close to the close to the border. After being heard by Nashville artists Tom T Hall & he was encouraged as a 20year old to fly to Nashville. From getting off the plane with nothing more than his guitar in hand and $14 in his pocket, he was soon fronting Tom T Hall's Band and writing songs. Pass Me By was Johnny's first single to reach number 1. It raced through the country charts putting him in the fast lane of the country music world...there were another 15 to follow. In 1973 his debut album went to the top of the charts and Johnny was nominated by the C.M.A. for male vocalist of the year award. Over the years he has gone on to release over 35 , his latest earlier this year, and charted 45 singles, producing many successful hits such as North Of The Border, Rose Of My Heart & Run For The Border. Johnny has toured every state in the U.S. and enjoyed enormous response when performing in countries such as , Spain, Japan, and many more. Throughout the years Rodriguez has risen from the rural lifestyle to the top of the country music world, and crammed more living into these years than most people do in a lifetime. The hardships Johnny Rodriguez has experienced throughout his long and lucrative career are reflected in the no nonsense strength of his vocal style. Almost 40 years after he first arrived in Nashville Johnny is right back where he started, coming full circle to making the kind of honest country music that he and his fans enjoy. Moore && MooreMoore Twins Debbie and Carrie Moore hail originally form Belton, Missouri and from an early age it was easy to see they were destined for musical careers. As young girls they performed for relatives and family and by the time they were teenagers they began singing in the church choir at weddings and entering talent shows. After playing the clubs all over the States and Canada the sisters made the permanent move to Nashville in 1991, and released their first single called Out With The Old which stayed at number one for seven weeks, and this is still the longest running debut single in Independent Chart history - a further five number one's were to follow. In 1994 they opened for The Statler Brothers and the following year they made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. From 1996 to present the girls have performed in Asia, Australia, Canada and Europe and received the International Duo and International Entertainer of the YearAwards. Along the way they have worked with country greats including Ricky Van Shelton, , Kenny Chesney George Jones & Gene Watson. It's been said that the best performances are from people who work well together and that's an understatement for Debbie and Carrie - their musical blend of voices were born to sing together. I heard them perform in Ireland a few years ago and it was evident there is something special about their close knit harmonies and sibling sense of humour. Their part of the Festival will feature many of their self penned numbers and they will give the kind of show that comes from the heart, leaving us wanting more and more.

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INVESTORS IN PEOPLE Jacobs is pleased to continue our involvement in the development of the new Low Level Waste Facilities solution for Dounreay, geotechnical isolation of the Dounreay Shaft, 24 Hour Emergency Service decommissioning of the Prototype Fast Reactor, and provision of solutions, services and staff through our Framework Agreements. Additionally, our work for Scrabster Harbour Trust continues through support to the redevelopment of the old Fishmarket Pier. Our growing team at Scrabster has vacancies for a number of professional disciplines. WICK For further details please contact: David Craig, Jacobs, Scrabster Business Centre, Scrabster, Caithness KW14 7UJ. Tel: 01955 603240 Tel 01847 895974 Fax 01847 807060 www.jacobs.com Jerry grew up in rural Oregon with country music fans for parents. At 18 years old, after hearing George Strait perform live, he decided that he wanted to be a country singer and he put a five piece band together. Following a romantic break up Jerry was inspired to write his own songs which were soon getting more requests than his covers. He moved to Nashville when the live country scene was at its peak and he continued to pen numbers for the likes of Tracy Bird, John Michael Montgomery & Clay Walker. Jerry's first album Love Trip, released in 1999, brought together his music influences such as Buck Owens, Gene Watson & George Strait and he produced a album. Several years later he formed his own and released his second album Loaded And Empty songs like What's It Take To Get A Drink In Here, & Looking For A Highway, continue in Kilgore’s traditional classic yet contemporary country style. Jerry says he's been lucky enough to have lived out many of his dreams including playing on the Grand Ole Opry and going on tour as an opening act for George Strait. I have been hooked on this guy since hearing his CD ‘Loaded And Empty’ a few years ago and have tried unsuccessfully until now to have him play as part of our Festival. He might be one of the less well known acts, but guaranteed he'll go down a treat! JerryJerry Kilgore Kilgore CLARK THOMSON INSURANCE BROKERS LTD

CONTRACTORS FARMS SHOPS North of Scotland NEWSPAPERS Publishers & Commercial Printers OFFICES HOTELS Home of the John O’Groat Journal Contact Alan Currie & Caithness Courier for all your commercial insurance requirements NEWSPAPERS • MAGAZINES BOOKS • COMMERCIAL PRINT 52 Princes Street • Thurso • Caithness • KW14 7AE Tel: 01847 891570 • Fax: 01847 890222 E-mail: [email protected] 42 Union Street, Wick, Caithness KW1 5ED Telephone: (01955) 602424 Members of the Financial Services Authority Chartered Insurance Broker E-mail: [email protected] Chris Scruggs Sharon Nixon

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Justin Trevino featuring Frank Jansen Many of you will be familiar with the fine musicians and super guys who make up the band Ashville from Holland. Four were members of Frank Jansen's Band who over the years made frequent visits to Caithness (nothing to do with me being a big fan)! When Frank came off the road in 2009 to spend time more time with his family the band decided they wanted to stay together and subsequently found themselves a new lead singer called Rene Meijer. The band were all set to have Rene join them on their return visit to play at our weekend and were devastated when at the last minute he told them he was leaving the band to pursue a solo career. For what could have been a disaster for the band and the Festival the perfect solution was found when Frank agreed to step in as front man. The bands roots are that of traditional country music, and along with Frank's very popular self-penned numbers from his excellent albums You're a Phone Call That I Need To Make, My Way Or The Highway, & Lolene they will enhance our weekends entertainment. The boys are very excited about making this their third trip to the Festival and Cor van der Plum told me recently 'we are delighted to be coming back to beautiful Scotland for us its always a vacation we don't feel we're working we have so much fun' Frank's many fans will be delighted to have him back with us in Caithness, and since we were around at the beginning and the end of his touring career, to have him join Cor, Ron, Joost & Wil for our Festival will be like old times. Thanks Frank. This 6-piece band, from different corners of the Netherlands, will be making their first visit to Scotland to play for us, and are looking forward to it as much as we are. We know that acts from Europe have always been very popular and offer something a little bit different, and I am sure this band will be no exception. They are all very experienced musicians, who have enjoyed careers with different bands before coming together to embark on a new musical experience as The TerryWhite Band. Danny has played pedal since he was 17, years old with several pop bands before crossing over to country and the Dixie Aces. Born in Rotterdam lead guitarist Eppo was a drummer and played in rock’n’roll bands before deciding he preferred country music. Amongst other things he was part of a Roy Orbison tribute act. Frank Smith is bass/vocals was originally from Indonesia and started his career in Indi music doing the circuit as a wedding and party band, then played in rock bands before following his love of country. Dick, on rhythm, started to play music from an early age and, despite always having a preference for country music, it wasn't until 2005 he joined his first country band called Redhawk. Wout, who at the age of 6 went to music school, knew that drums were his thing, he was part of a Big Band for a while after leaving military service and also played with the Dixie Aces until they disbanded. Female vocalist is Gerry van Koot (wife of Wout). She has been singing since she won first place in a talent show at the age of 15. When her career took off she adopted the stage name TerryWhite hence the name of the band. They have only been together since 2010 but have already become very popular playing many major events in the Netherlands. They have recently finished working on their first CD but sadly it may not be released in time for the Festival. WhiteWhite BandBand

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EXECUTIVE TRAVEL FOR THE Buldoo Contracting NORTH OF SCOTLAND Supports the NNCCMF ORMLIE LODGE, ORMLIE ROAD THURSO, KW14 7DP Fencing, Land Drainage, Tel: 01847 896888 • Fax: 01847 896851 Site Clearance & Foundations E-Mail: [email protected] Contact Graeme on 0770 8075743 In addition to those sponsors with adverts in this programme the NNCCMF committee would also like to thank the following businesses for their involvement:-

Small Town Audio Clydesdale Bank Victor Fraser Accountants Derek Anderson (Electricial) Nicol Maclean Joinery Special Thanks to all local hotels and B&B's who show such kind local hospitality to our artistes and visitors

They would also like to give a big Thank You to the following organisations & individuals for their involvement:-

Halkirk Football Club Halkirk Ross Institute Committee Pentland United Football Club St. Andrews First Aid Triple C CMC Caithness FM Caithness Indoor Riding Association Caithness Riding for the Disabled Halkirk School (Access & Car Park) Gerry & Helen Henderson (Catering)

Thanks to all Country Music Radio and TV Presenters, and editors of Country Music magazines for their help in promoting our Festival.

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 George Malcolm I'm sure George Malcolm needs little or no introduction to our festival weekend. Once again we are very pleased to welcome George back as our ever popular and charismatic compere. George has been a firm favourite amongst our club members spanning many years and continues in his great effort ensuring our weekend goes according to plan. George always looks forward to our festival and takes great pride sharing the stage with so many stars. Since returning home from his various trips working abroad George continues his involvement in and around the country music scene travelling the length and breadth of the country with his polished performances including many clubs and festivals. Throughout his long career either as a solo artist, playing in bands or in duets with other artists George rarely abandoned his love for traditional country music. He expanded his repertoire during the 90s to include many favourite and well loved songs and is known for his distinctive voice and charmed singing. He has made several Country Albums and CD's over the years which include many songs written by himself and co-written by the well known celebrity Big Tim Lane. Today, George continually strives to build up his current fan base with his uncanny ability to straddle between contemporary and traditional country music. When we asked George who were his biggest musical influences. His reply was ''I have too many to mention. However my biggest influences came from my own musical family background'' There is not much left to say about George that has not already been mentioned in previous years suffice to say that no doubt we will continue to see George popping up all over the place. George says 'here's to another fantastic weekend of live country music and to all future events'

Lisa McHugh Flying the flag for Ireland this year and adding glamour to the stage is young Lisa McHugh or as she is affectionately called Ireland's Sweetheart Of Country. Although living now in Letterkenny we can claim Lisa as Scottish being born in Glasgow to Irish parents. Since launching her own band 23 year old Lisa is being complemented everywhere she appears, she has a brilliant voice and a great personality - on and off stage - and is a natural successor to the legends of country, both at home in Ireland and in Nashville. Since setting out on her musical journey Lisa has released five singles and two albums, has reached number two in the ECMA charts. In Ireland she has been awarded the Hot Country New Horizon Award for 2011: Best New Female Artist 2010: Best Country Newcomer 2011: Best New Female Vocalist for 2011: quite a success story. Lisa put on an outstanding performance at Country Fest last year resulting in her being asked to headline many UK events. Lisa's latest single The Court Of Love has proven very popular on both national and local radio around the world, and she has just recorded her latest album. The latest hot news and greatest achievement for Lisa is that in March she has been scheduled to appear in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry and record a duet with Gene Watson. Lisa and her band performed for us in the NNCMC Club last February when her whirlwind career had just taken off, and we recognised why she's one of the busiest artists in country music and why she is set for a long term future. Mary B, Paul Gallagher + the Family Band From Donegal in Ireland Mary and Paul have a long association with NNCMC, going right back to the early 90's when, as a five piece band called Mary B and Bakersfield, they won our Band Of The YearAward twice. They continue to be friends and regular visitors here, they are a great couple, Mary is bright and bubbly and still looks no older than the first time I met her. As a duo, husband and wife, Mary and Paul have toured extensively on the east coast of America playing alongside acts including Hal Ketchum, Charley Pride, Mary Chapin Carpenter to name a few. The couple began touring as a duo in 2007, and are kept very busy doing the country club circuit in , Scotland and Ireland they were delighted to have been awarded The Band Of The Yearin Elgin for 2010. The duo have the versatility to play both country and Irish clubs, making them a very popular choice to play at weddings, so much so they were chosen by Daniel O’Donnell and Majella to play at their wedding. When Mary and Paul are not on the road they are kept very busy in their recording studio working with various acts across all types of music. On this visit to Caithness, the first to our Festival, the couple will be joined on stage by their two very talented sons, Rory and Shaun, both musicians in their own right. Shaun works with an Irish TV company called Telegael in their graphics and animation department, whist Rory lives and works in Lanzarote where he is resident singer in Charlie's Irish Bar in Puerto Del Carmen. Mary and Paul are looking forward to returning and give us the unique opportunity to hear them perform with their boys - a new musical experience for us in Caithness

C'est La Vie Before these guys arrived in Halkirk last year to support Gene Watson on stage I had noticed that they were gaining quite a reputation for them selves on the British country scene. We had a brief introduction to their music when they played a couple of numbers and understood why their name kept cropping up, so this year we are looking forward to hearing more from these fine musicians. The band, C'est La Vie are the original members of the Jon J Paul Band-agroupwhoenjoyed premier league success in country music during the late 90's. Having gone their own ways at the onslaught of the line dancing craze and their disenchantment with the way the country scene was going, they settled into other musical environments. However they later decided to reform and continue to deliver their brand of country music. Last year we noted their musical ability and their skills as a backing band, Gene Watson was delighted with them and said 'It was as easy as working with my own Farewell Party Band, they knew all my songs backwards and forwards' The band is fronted by multi instrumentalist John J Paul and boast an abundance of song styles and instrumentation which is complimented by Derek Thurlby, one of the UK's top steel guitarists. The driving force behind these fine musicians lies Tony Hornsby on bass and Lee Guyler on drums again both renowned musicians. Their shows are a rare opportunity to see these four guys together again and a stunning musical performance, delivering a cross section of all styles in country's rich genre performed by UK's greatest. Simon Peters The young man from Donegal, Ireland who made a big hit with last years’ audience will be 12 years old when he makes a return visit this year. Simon has released a new 15 track album appropriately called Young Country and has just finished recording his new 12 track DVD entitled Irelands Country Kid. During his visit to Nashville last year he performed live on W.S.M. Radio to over three million listeners and recorded a single called The Gambler with some of Music City's finest musicians. Since his return Simon has scooped 5 Country Music Awards, 3 up and coming Country Star Awards, 1 for best Young Country Star at the Hot Country Sky Showcase Awards, and Ireland’s Youngest Entertainer at the West Limerick Awards. Simon has also made a number of TV appearances including twice on the RTE Late Late Show, great achievement for a young man who is not yet a teenager. At the moment he is in the studio recording a new CD which will include another self penned number making a total of 4 to date. He also continues to travel all over Ireland each week performing at country music events. Simon is delighted to be returning to Halkirk telling us, it's the best Festival he's played at, I'm sure this year again he will be a big hit, charming the audience from the wee lassies to the old wifies.

Manson Grant & the Dynamos Manson Grant & The Dynamos a truly professional outfit long associated with the music business. “As the band are not traveling the highways and byways as much, the Festival offers us the chance to catch up with our many supporters and old friends also make new ones. We thoroughly enjoy every festival it is quite something to see these top American and European artistes with their own bands in our home county. Looking forward to Easter.”

Kate Bain and The Kate Bain Band Kate Bain and her Band have recently started work on a new album, being recorded in Nashville by Philip Anderson, to be completed hopefully by the end of 2012. They have a large repertoire of music and provide an extremely varied & popular programme of music. Kate along with Andrew, Gordie, Richard & Addie are looking forward to being part of the 9th Northern Nashville Country Music Festival and wish the committee the best of luck with the event. Slange Ava For the second year in succession Slange Ava were worthy winners of The Sandy Swanson Memorial Award for top local band of the year as voted by the members of N.N.C.M.C “Once again the time is here for one of the main highlights of our year. We are delighted this year to be asked to do the last spot to finish off the festival and hope we can do it justice. We have had a great year and are looking forward to seeing everyone who has supported the band throughout it. We hope to have a few new ideas for our spot so see ya all there! Keith, Jim, Chris & Donny.”

The Jacks “The Jacks have been a part of the Festival since it began, seeing it grow each year to become the most outstanding International Country Festival in Britain. With the added TV coverage by BBC Alba, it is fair to say that this Festival, along with all the artistes - including The Jacks - and of course the Caithness scenery are reaching new audiences far and wide, and collectively make it the 'place to be' every Easter. Congratulations to all the volunteers and supporters from The Jack family.”

Robbie & The Brothers Robbie & The Brothers join us most years as part of the Festival audience, but this year they will be on stage on Saturday Afternoon to entertain us. Lead singer Robbie Petrie has been part of the band for 23 years and has been joined by his two sons for the last ten years. The band hail from Aberdeen and around the east coast and are very popular in Caithness, making frequent trips to play for us in the NNCMC and also The Triple C in Wick. No matter where they play you will be guaranteed a great night, they enjoy themselves on stage and do their upmost to ensure everyone else does the same. The Brothers very quickly get the dance floor busy with their up tempo dance tunes alongside belting out ballads for the romantics in the hall. Robbie, Darren, Ryan, Ronnie & Ian feel privileged that they have been asked to play as part of our weekend and can't wait. Nashville Union Last year saw the debut appearance of newly formed local band Nashville Union well we are pleased to say they are back again presenting their current line up. Joining local lads Nigel, Colin and Alisdair is respected guitarist Pete Myles who was once a Duke Boy. The band were delighted when, following their first official gig together at the White Horse Festival, they were promptly voted The Band Of The Festival. Nashville Union did the honours of playing for us this year at our Club Christmas shows and given they'd only been together a short time they really showed their versatility - not only in backing Sharon Nixon but covering a wide range of material during their own spots. The boys were asked to play at the Up Helly Aa celebrations in Shetland in January, and they told me they'd had a ball despite it being hard work with not a lot of sleep. Nigel said recently “The (N.N.C.C.M.) Festival does a great deal for the Caithness economy - the committee do a great job securing high quality acts from the U.S.A. and it's a great opportunity for our local talent.”

The Chicken Pickers Hard to believe only three years ago as shy young boys The Chicken Pickers went on stage in Halkirk representing the Wick Youth Music Link Media Group. They are now confident young men, accomplished musicians and singers who have come so far in a short period of time. We are pleased to say that they have just finished recording their first CD appropriately titled The Chicken Pickers and are delighted that, given we played a part in helping them launch their career, the boys have decided to launch it with us over the weekend. Mikie, Chris, Andrew, Michael & Ryan thoroughly enjoy the experience of playing at the Festival and have been greatly influenced by some of the acts. They wish the committee every success this year.

Thurso High School Band Members of the Thurso High School Band this year are Martyn Campbell (bass), Alex Calder (drums), Robbie McArther (guitar), Damon Christie (guitar), and the two young ladies playing guitar and providing the vocals will be Joanna Harper & Kirsty Rollinson. The Festival will be a totally new experience for these teenagers but I am sure, despite some nerves, they will put on a fine performance and will be supported all the way by our audience on Saturday afternoon. Seeing our young local bands sharing the stage with world class musicians provides encouragement and inspiration to these young country music bands of the future. UNIT G3, SCRABSTER BUSINESS PARK, SCRABSTER,THURSO, CAITHNESS KW14 7UJ TEL. 01847 893702 FAX. 01847 896511 [email protected]

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Thank You for coming and hope to see y’all next year! www.nncmc.co.uk

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