This year’s four day Flavour of Shetland Festival got cracking on Victoria Pier earlier today, and those lucky enough to be out making the best of the fine day would have so far enjoyed the young bands Calishang, Kollifirbolli and Fishing Notes, the all star Whalsay accordion band. My colleague Donald Anderson, who has just come in the door after playing his 3pm set, informs me of the “festive feel” around the town.
As ever, it’s a packed program featuring some of the best music Shetland has to offer throughout each day and evening. For the full lineup visit www.flavourofshetland.com/music
Some of the many highlights I’m looking forward to include…
Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag, who are making two appearances this year; tonight at 22.00 and Saturday at 17.30 where they will release their new album. Entitled “Spreefix”, the recording was produced by omni-talented Jonathan Ritch (of Fiddlers' Bid fame) at Wethersta Studio outside Brae.
Friday night is sure to be a spree with The Revellers and Hom Bru headlining.
Norman and the Folding Deck Chairs, Shetland’s young jazz prodigies take to the stage at noon on Saturday, with The Vinyls and Scaldin Bragg closing proceedings in the evening.
To round things off, Sunday afternoon features a bouquet of Shetland’s finest females singers including Sheila Henderson, Izzy Swanson (Mahogany), Freda Leask and Young Musician of the Year Erin Sandison.
Notable this year is the number of bands playing acoustic sets, in part due to Shetland’s most pervasive drummer, Archer Kemp, breaking his elbow a few weeks ago (wishing you a speedy recovery Archer).
See you on the pier…
Here's a photo slideshow, which will be updated throughout the weekend, courtesy of Marvin Smith
