29th April – The Kirsty Law Band

Making their debut appearance at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 29th April is The Kirsty Law Band – three young women all with impressive musical pedigrees and making their mark on the ever expanding Scottish music scene.

Borders born Kirsty Law grew up learning traditional songs mainly in the Scots dialect. As well as being a performer – and with the likes of Karine Polwart and Margaret Bennett in her fan club – Kirsty writes songs and poetry and does workshops in vocal techniques. Her distinctive style is rooted in storytelling and indeed she starts off some songs in the spoken word. Kirsty has a rich and warm voice and her debut album Shift was launched at the end of last year.

Rona Wilkie is a Highland Fiddler and a Gaelic singer too. She was BBC Young Trad Musician of the Year in 2012 and graduated from Newcastle University with a Distinction in her Masters in Music. Gaelic, Scandinavian and Appalachian music are key interests of Rona – expect that interest to be reflected in how she plays.

From Norway of Swedish parents, Marit Falt plays Swedish Latmandola and Cittern. Aaron Reid of Old Blind Dogs is a fan of Marit’s, saying that she understands the essence of exactly what a good accompanist should provide. Also a Newcastle University graduate, Marit gained the highest performance mark ever awarded whilst a student there. Along with Catriona McDonald and Patsy Reid, Marit is also a member of the trio Vamm. As is rapidly becoming the norm, gifted musicians often play in more than one line-up.

So, to hear this talented female trio get along to Irvine Folk Club on 29th April for 8pm at Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road.

New club flyer is now out.

The new Irvine Folk Club info flyer is now out. It gives Club guests from now until beginning of September plus a list of artists that have been booked to appear at this year’s Marymass Folk Festival 19th – 23rd August. Pick one up at the club and pass them out to your friends.

15th April – Siobhan and Brian Miller

Siobhan Miller has a remarkable singing voice and along with her Dad Brian, will top-the-bill at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 15th April. It’s a change to the scheduled programme but one that will suit the Irvine Club audience very well.
From Penicuik in Midlothian, Siobhan has been singing since her early teens and eventually went on to study Scottish Music at the RSAMD in Glasgow. She is a twice-winner of The Scots Singer of The Year Award plus, along with Jeanna Leslie won BBC Radio 2’s Young Folk Award in 2008. Siobhan sings, plays piano, composes songs and is an experienced singing tutor.
Her debut solo album Flight of Time was released at the end of last year and, in a departure from her traditional repertoire, the album features 10 contemporary songs but all with emphasis on telling a story. Three of Siobhan’s own compositions are included on the album.
Juggling solo gigs, tutoring singing, composing, appearing with new band Salt House plus numerous collaborations with many of Scotland’s top musicians are some of the things that keep Siobhan very busy. She tours extensively in the UK and has added Germany, USA and Barbados to her gig list!
Appearing with Siobhan at Irvine will be her Dad Brian. He is a much respected figure in Scottish Trad music and his chosen instrument is the Guitar. Over a long career, Brain has been a member of many bands including The Laggan, Swan Arcade, The Great Fife Road Show, The Occasionals and, of late, The Stars Band. In fact, Brian will be at this year’s Marymass Folk Festival as part of The Stars Band supporting Arthur Johnstone.
Be at Irvine Folk Club on Wednesday 15th April for 8pm to hear Siobhan Miller & Brian Miller. The Club meets in Vineburgh Community Centre in Quarry Road and it’s BYOB.