Catriona McKay & Olov Johansson to perform concert on Scottish harp & Swedish nyckelharpa, plus stand-up comedy with academics from Bright Club North this March in Mareel
Shetland Arts is pleased to announce two unique live events at Mareel this March: a concert by Catriona McKay & Olov Johansson on Scottish harp and Swedish nyckelharpa on Sunday 23 March, and comedy from Bright Club North, a group of academics taking a break from their research to do stand-up on Thursday 27 March.Catriona and Olov met in 2002 when Väsen and Fiddlers’ Bid shared a concert in Stockholm. A new sound was experienced that they felt had to be explored further. They have toured extensively in recent years with their unique collaboration of Scottish harp and Swedish nyckelharpa. The two harpists have developed a common core, combining experience of different traditions with a drive to energise and inspire.
Their music consists of both traditional and newly composed songs from Sweden and Scotland, all adapted to suit their unique style. Catriona explained: “Olov plays the traditional Swedish nyckelharpa, a keyed fiddle which has 16 strings. The nyckelharpa is an old Swedish instrument which was once used as a weapon in medieval times.”
Catriona & Olov
And less than a week later, audiences can return to Mareel to enjoy the Bright Club North Comedy Show. Described as “the freshest thing in stand-up,” Bright Club North is an academic comedy cocktail. Their twist of pun-fact variety show blends comedy and research with diverse subjects ranging from Art to Zoology. They present unique jokes and perspectives, sharing gags and silliness about what they know best - their own work.
Bright Club North logo
Shetland Arts’ Marketing Officer, Lisa Ward, said: “March is shaping up to be a great month at Mareel with amazing events already announced such as Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire and the Shetland Schools’ Music Festival, and these two unique events are sure to round off the month in style. Catriona and Olov are world-class musicians with numerous awards to their names and great praise for their duo work; they’re sure to put on a concert to remember.. And Bright Club North will be a unique and funny evening – stand up like you’ve never seen or heard before!”Tickets for both these events will go on sale on Wednesday 5 February via Shetland Box Office. Tickets for Catriona & Olov live cost £16/£14 and tickets for Bright Club North Comedy Show cost £10.
