Coming up at Folk at the Salmon Bothy

Coming up at Folk at the Salmon Bothy. Here are some great events during the next few months.

  • Friday 18th November – Stuart Campbell is our MC for this months Open Mic Event. Doors open 1900. £4 includes Tea/ coffee etc. BYOB.
  • Friday 16th December. Mike Blackburn is to MC our Xmas Extravaganza. More info to follow.
  • New Years Day 2023 – Session on New Years Day 2023. Portsoy Bowling Club. Free entry, however bring a raffle prize and some food to share. 8.00pm onwards. Please let Bob know asap if interested. This event will only run if enough support.
  • Saturday 18th February – Bothy Ballads and Burns. The Wonderful Lennox Family will once again host our Bothy Ballads and Burns event, Portsoy Bowling Club. More details to follow. Bookings now being taken.
  • Saturday 25th March. – Tommy Sands in concert in the Salmon Bothy. Tommy is no stranger to Portsoy and is  a superb singer songwriter, story teller and peace activist. 

For more details please get in touch on FaceBook or email Bob at bobportsoy@gmail.com

Folk Singer Jimmy McBeath Remembered Through Music And Song

Folk Singer Jimmy McBeath Remembered Through Music And Song

Bothy ballads echoed through Portsoy recently as musicians gathered to remember the legendary late folk singer, Jimmy McBeath.

The event on Saturday 1 October was organised by the town’s Folk at the Salmon Bothy, to mark fifty years since McBeath’s passing in 1972.

One of Scotland’s most memorable and talented personalities, McBeath bequeathed a priceless treasury of songs as part of Scotland’s heritage.  Many of his songs such as Come aa Ye Tramps and Hawkers, The Wind Blew the Bonnie Lassie’s Plaidie Awa and The Bonnie Lass o Fyvie, have been adopted by internationally known folk singers, and are still valued and sung around the world today.

A group of twenty people, many who had known McBeath personally, gathered at Portsoy graveyard to celebrate the grand legacy of song left behind by McBeath.

David Denoon, who had known McBeath well, gave a moving tribute to ‘The Scout’ as he was known, prior to laying a wreath of autumn flowers at McBeath’s grave.

The day of celebration and remembrance continued in front of extended audiences.  An excellent presentation on McBeath’s life was given, compiled by Tom Spires and led by Arthur Watson. Songs and stories were contributed by Geordie Murison, Maggie Spiers and Scott Gardiner.

A number of bothy songs performed by local champion singers Doug Hay and Bill Gray kicked off the evening event, followed by a fantastic and moving performance of Jock’s Jocks, which brought tears to many eyes. The evening programme was brought to a close by Choras, who harmonised beautifully across a variety of songs.

Reflecting on the day, Bob Philips, chairman of Folk at the Salmon Bothy, commented, “The event was a fitting celebration of Jimmy McBeath, one of Scotland’s most talented and memorable personalities on the traditional folk music scene.  Performers and audience members alike shared both laughter and tears during a host of superb performances from talented musicians and singers throughout the day. The evening event concluded with all the performers and some of the audience singing A Parting Glass, which proved to be a very apt end to a day during which many a glass had been raised to the folk music legend that is Jimmy McBeath.”

Folk Singer Jimmy McBeath To Be Commemorated Fifty Years On

Folk Singer Jimmy McBeath To Be Commemorated Fifty Years On

On Saturday 1st October Folk at the Salmon Bothy will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the passing of renowned Scots folk singer Jimmy McBeath.

McBeath was one of Scotland’s most memorable and talented personalities, bequeathing a priceless treasury of songs as part of Scotland’s heritage.  Many of his songs such as Come aa Ye Tramps and Hawkers, The Wind Blew the Bonnie Lassie’s Plaidie Awa and The Bonnie Lass o Fyvie, have been adopted by internationally known folk singers, and are still valued and sung around the world.

Born in Portsoy in 1898, McBeath served in France with the Gordon Highlanders during World War 1, followed upon his return to Scotland by casual work across farms in the north east.  During these times, he heard songs in barrack rooms and bothies, and soon himself began to perform songs of the north east. Supplementing his income by performing at hiring fairs, markets and in the streets, his distinctive voice and pawky sense of humour saw him became an easily recognised character.

Since his death in 1972, McBeath’s songs have remained popular, being frequently performed at traditional music venues and events all around the country.

Now fifty years on, the esteemed of the north east’s traditional folk music scene will come together to remember McBeath’s talent and legacy.

Following the laying of a wreath on his grave at midday, an event celebrating his life and contribution to folk song will take place at Portsoy Church Centre from 2pm.  Led by Arthur Watson, with support from Danny Couper, Geordie Murison, Scott Gardiner and The Spiers Family, a number of songs from McBeath’s repertoire will be performed, including a few recorded snippets from the man himself.

An evening concert from 7.30pm offers an equally impressive array of talented folk musicians and singers who will cover McBeath’s works, including Bill Gray and Doug Hay, as well as Aileen Carr, Barbara Dymock and Janice Clark, who perform together as Choras.

The concert will also include a performance of Jock’s Jocks, a one-act play based on the wartime stories of around sixty World War 1 soldiers who were interviewed by north east folk singer Jock Duncan, who was highly influenced by McBeath’s work.

Over fifty years of Jock Duncan’s life was spent seeking out and interviewing ‘the Jocks’, Scottish veterans of the Great War. Transcribing the recordings word for word on an old manual typewriter over two thousand Sunday mornings, his labour of love provides a truly unique glimpse into the lives of those who left the farms of Buchan, Aberdeenshire, Angus and Perthshire for the fields of Flanders and France and the shores of Gallipoli. These memories have been lifted off the page and put on the stage in the musical play, Jock’s Jocks, featuring Scott Gardiner, Charlie West and Gary West.

Looking ahead to the full day event, Bob Philips, chairman of Folk at the Salmon Bothy, said, “Jimmy McBeath is without doubt one of Scotland’s most memorable and talented personalities, his influence is still apparent in the songs performed on the traditional folk music scene internationally today. It seems only fitting that in the fiftieth year since his passing, performers and musicians from across the north east’s folk music scene will get together to celebrate his life and works.  We are also delighted to be hosting Jocks Jock’s, in the most northern showing of the play to date, where audience members should be prepared to laugh, cry and sing as they watch the drama unfold. We are very much looking forward to an enjoyable and uplifting day of music and entertainment.”    

Tickets available now, priced at £10 for the afternoon event, £15 for the evening concert, or £20 for both, can be bought by contacting Bob Philips at bobportsoy@gmail.com or 07968 872 217.

More information at www.bothyfolk.org

Cancelled – Kenny Spiers – Sat 10th September

Unfortunately this event has been Cancelled

Kenny Spiers – Sat 10th September

Kenny Speirs is one of the leading figures of the Borders folk scene, from his early days reforming Peebles Folk Club and presenting the weekly folk programme on Radio Borders to the founding of Denholm Folk Club in 1993 which he still runs today.

An evening of fine songs not to be missed.
https://www.kennyspeirs.com/ 

Salmon Bothy, Sat 8th Sept.,
Doors 7.30pm £10.

Remembering Jimmy McBeath

Remembering Jimmy McBeath

Our day of events Remembering Jimmy McBeath (postponed from January) is to be held on Saturday 1st October 2022.

The day will consist of a selection of presentations, concerts, sing-arounds and a performance of the play based on the late Jock Duncan’s Book, Jock’s Jocks.
Our star-studded line up includes …

  • The Spiers Family,
  • Geordie Murrison, 
  • Bill Gray,
  • Doug Hay,
  • Danny Cooper,
  • Arthur Watson,
  • Scott Gardner,
  • Gary and Charlie west and
  • Choras.

Only £25 for a superb days entertainment. Booking would be appreciated.
Tickets available from Bob as usual.

Kenny Spiers – Sat 10th September

Kenny Spiers – Sat 10th September

Kenny Speirs is one of the leading figures of the Borders folk scene, from his early days reforming Peebles Folk Club and presenting the weekly folk programme on Radio Borders to the founding of Denholm Folk Club in 1993 which he still runs today.

An evening of fine songs not to be missed.
https://www.kennyspeirs.com/ 

Salmon Bothy, Sat 8th Sept.,
Doors 7.30pm £10.

Luke Jackson. Wed 17th Aug

Popular singer-songwriter Luke Jackson is set to bring his Unlocked and Solo Scottish tour to the Salmon Bothy, Portsoy on Wednesday 17th August.

Luke, who hails from Canterbury in Kent, has steadily developed a reputation for himself in the folk, roots, Americana and acoustic circuits.

Nominated for the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Horizon Award’ for best emerging talent, he has gained huge acclaim for his work to date.

A seven track EP of songs titles ‘Of The Time’, which was penned during the Covid-19 lockdown, has been very well received as an addition to Luke’s existing catalogue of music.

Demand for performances at venues and events across the globe is at an all-time high, as is his rapidly growing national and international fan base.

Having toured extensively across the UK, Europe and USA, this is Luke’s eighth year touring in Scotland, but his first ever solo tour north of the border.

The event, organised by Folk at the Salmon Bothy, will be held at The Salmon Bothy on Wednesday 17 August.

Support will be provided by Chris Grant, who hails from Keith. A talented and prolific songwriter, Chris possesses one of the richest and instantly recognisable vocals in music, and is worthy of the many plaudits he receives from fans and peers alike.

Bob Philips, chairman of Folk at the Salmon Bothy, commented, “We are delighted to once again be bringing a high calibre of talent to Portsoy for local music enthusiasts to enjoy. We are really looking forward to enjoying a great night of entertainment from two excellent musicians. The gig is proving very popular, with tickets already limited, so we encourage anyone who is thinking about coming along to buy their ticket soon to avoid disappointment.”

Advance tickets for the strictly ticketed event are available now priced £10 each. Any remaining tickets will be available on the door priced £12. Doors open at 7pm, for 8pm start and attendees may bring their own bottle on the night.

Press release

In case you missed it here’s the article released to the press last week

Traditional Music Festival Ready To Hit High Note

Organisers are gearing up for the Haal, the annual traditional music festival, which takes place from 3 – 5 June in Portsoy.

Folk at the Salmon Bothy have finalised a bumper programme of music, poetry, storytelling and workshops, which will take place at venues throughout the town during the festival weekend. 

The event kicks off on Friday 3 June with the Jimmy McBeath memorial concert, an evening of bothy ballads, Scottish traditional, Gaelic and contemporary songs and tunes.  Opening the concert is Jodi Beaton from Rothiemay, winner for the second year of the Wheeler trophy, presented for excellence in traditional music at Aberdeen Music School.

Also on the bill is Steve Byrne, a traditional singer from Arbroath, who along with Scott Gardner, MC for the weekend, will showcase songs and poems made famous by the late Jim Reid.  Performances will also feature Bruce MacGregor and Anna Massie of Blazin’ Fiddles, and melodeon player Tim Edey.  The concert will be followed by late night club singarounds and tunes sessions.

A breakfast of porridge, brose and bothy ballads on Saturday morning leads to a variety of workshops throughout the afternoon. Arthur Coates hosts a fiddle with guitar accompaniment session, Charlie West will lead a beginners whistling workshop, and Sheena Blackhall will recount a variety of stories to be enjoyed.

Singing duo Margaret Bennett and Jimmy Hutchison will teach waulking songs during their workshop, utilising a tweed specially woven by Jimmy himself, as well as performing traditional songs with a hint of Gaelic.

A host of talented competitors will battle it out for the WWC trophy in the Greig-Duncan song competition by performing a song of their choice from the Greig-Duncan collection of folk songs.  Folk music stalwart Bob Sharp will present ‘all things Glasgow’, including song, music, folk club tales and more. 

Saturday evening hosts the main festival concert, which will be opened by Amy Papiransky from Keith.  Amy is making a name for herself on the Glasgow music scene and has appeared across the UK and internationally. A superb singer and songwriter, she has supported KT Tunstall and has signed to her record label.  Headlining the concert is Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy.  A legendary ballad singer and guitarist, Martin has influenced generations of artists including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, while daughter Eliza has been twice-nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and is a multiple-award winner at the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards.

Sunday offers a number of singarounds, instrumentals, storytelling and poetry sessions, as well as a music sale.  An audience with Norman Kennedy will showcase a film of Norman at his home in Vermont, in conversation with Margaret Bennett and Arthur Watson, where Norman’s love of song and weaving will feature.

The festival will be brought to a close on Sunday evening with the grand farewell concert, a chance for Folk at The Salmon Bothy regulars to perform some songs or tunes, and winners from competitions across the weekend to showcase their talent.

Bob Phillips, chairman of Folk at the Salmon Bothy, comments, “We are delighted to once again be hosting the annual Haal festival, an authentic celebration of the best of traditional music and entertainment.  The festival is always well attended and provides an opportunity to enjoy a superb line up of performances, with opportunities to take part, as well as a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones too.  As always, we are extremely grateful to our sponsors and the local businesses for their support and kindness in enabling us to make the festival happen.  We look forward to welcoming festival visitors from near and far to share this great programme of entertainment.”

Main sponsors for the event are Kenway Tyre Services and Hydrasun, who along with Portsoy Thrift Shop, Portsoy 75 Club, the Station Hotel Portsoy, Hamlyns of Scotland and a host of local businesses, enable the organisers to bring top quality performers and musicians to the north east for this event.

Advance tickets have been in demand, with capacity crowds anticipated for the main concerts during the event.

To book tickets, contact Bob Philips by email at bobportsoy@gmail.com, or by telephone, 07968 872 217. 

Information on the Haal and all of the other Folk at the Salmon Bothy events is available at www.bothyfolk.org or on the Folk at the Salmon Bothy Facebook page. 

Our 12th Haal Guests

The 12th Haal festival returns live on 3rd, 4th & 5th June 2022

Eliza and Martin Carthy,
Amy Papiransky Band,
Tim Edey,
Bruce McGregor,
Anna Massie,
Margaret Bennett,
Jimmy Hutchison,
Steve Byrne,
And many Folk at the Salmon Bothy regulars.

Tickets from Bob Philips bobportsoy@gmail.com

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