8th -12th September, 2010

TOP BAND WILL BE "TOP DOGS" AT FOLK FESTIVAL!

One of Scotland's most highly rated traditional Folk bands - OLD BLIND DOGS - will be the headline act at this year's Linlithgow Folk Festival in September. The band has recently returned from a highly acclaimed tour of the United States.

First held in 1999, the Linlithgow Folk Festival has become firmly established on the UK scene and in its short history, has attracted some of the biggest names in Folk music to the Royal & Ancient Burgh. The 2010 event will take place from the 8th until the 12th of September.

The concert with the award-winning OLD BLIND DOGS in the Academy Theatre on Saturday September 11th will be the highlight of five days of traditional music, dance and song which the organisers believe will offer something for all ages. Many of the events on the programme are free!

Since forming in the early 1990s, OLD BLIND DOGS have stood on the cutting edge of Scotland's roots revival. The band has developed its own trademark style, with an energetic mix of songs and tunes. Dynamic percussion, polished vocals, soaring fiddle and stirring pipes fuel the delicately-phrased melodies and traditional songs.

OLD BLIND DOGS are not known for shying away from change. A strong, shared musical vision has allowed the band to ride out inevitable line-up changes to the extent that the only original member is Jonny Hardie (fiddle, guitar and vocals). The Dogs' popularity has never dimmed though, and the current foursome of Hardie, Aaron Jones (bouzouki, guitar, vocals), Ali Hutton (Border pipes, whistles, vocals) and Fraser Stone (drums, percussion) have proven more than capable of carrying on the tradition of the band that has been described as a Scots neo-traditional supergroup with a bracingly modern musical attack.

The programme for the 2010 Linlithgow Folk Festival will include concerts, an Outdoor Ceilidh at the Vennel, an Open Stage for budding performers, musical cruises and sessions at the Union Canal centre, singing and instrument workshops, Bluegrass music, and sessions in local pubs. There will also be children's events and free outdoor performances by a variety of musicians and singers on the NORA DEVINE STAGE at the Cross.

New events for 2010 include LITHCA'S GOT TALENT - a showcase of local performers on Wednesday September 8th, a Bluegrass Concert with Scottish band LONGWAY on Friday 10th, and MUSIC IN THE PEEL on Sunday 12th, in conjunction with Pedal for Scotland

Among the many old favourites making a welcome return will be the musical cruises on the Union Canal, the Bluegrass Gospel Session and the children's show with the famous MR BOOM.

Throughout the five days of the Festival, there will be a whole variety of free events, ranging from a Festival Showcase in the Masonic Hall and entertainment on the Nora Devine Stage at the Cross, to an Outdoor Ceilidh at the Vennel.

A 12 page full colour Festival Guide is now available from the usual local outlets and it can also be downloaded from the Linlithgow Folk Festival website
www.linlithgowfolk.com

Programme

Headline Concert with Old Blind Dogs. Other performers include: Lucy Pringle and Chris Wright, Ian Davison acclaimed Glasgow singer-songwriter plus 'regular favourites' The Linties, Tryst, Jim Byrne and Skirlie.

Workshops include DADGAD guitar with Ken Hastings, Song with Amy Lord, Fddle with Jonny Hardie and Prcussion with Fraser Stone. Plus informal singing hosted by Sangschule.

Other events include Informal Bluegrass and the Craft Fair. Children's Morning Matinee with Ewan McVicar and Mr Boom.

Download Brochure PDF