Just got in details of how the Music Programme will pan out over the festival weekend, its looking very strong - more on timings as we get them, but here is what we have so far...
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In the newsletter is the beginnings of some of the timetabling, (updates expected on that very soon...).
One of the Artists who will be appearing over the weekend, and one we are very much looking forward to seeing is Jo Mango, perfectly described thus: "uniquely gifted, as a musician and as a performer. She writes the most beautiful songs and her sense of fun in life has made this last year that I have been on the road with her a luminous one. Kind, original, musical and clever, I know Jo will go far.“ Vashti Bunyan
We would like SOLAS to have a good range of books for sale. At festivals like Greenbelt, many people buy books, especially books by speakers, but a lot of other stuff too. So far we have not found a supplier willing to come and run this for us at the festival.
Could you help with this? Suggest a shop or organisation who could do it? It's late in the day, but maybe one of you has a great solution to this (And we'll keep on working on it as well at our end!). If you have a suggestion/solution, send it in to office@solasfestival.co.uk.
Solas has been coming into focus gradually for me over the past year, but there's nothing like a real live gig to create some proper anticipation of a good time to be had! The showcase night last Saturday at Kog Cafe (central Glasgow) was great to play - a warm and cheery audience enjoying the BYOB venue status, old friends around, new sounds to enjoy - at times like that, being in a band feels like the best job ever. Even my wee baby (age -2 months and yet to make her external debut) seemed to enjoy herself, judging by the internal kicks and back flips going on! You'll be able to spot me easily at Solas - the only one wearing my tent rather than pitching it.
I know Sandy and I (playing as Fair Witness, and also The Homecoming String band) are just two of many musicians who are getting behind this new festival by waiving our usual fees and in some cases, helping out with the planning as well. I reckon one reason is that we believe there should be an alternative to 'T in the Park' at one extreme (huge, corporate, dodge-the-vomit and see your band from a mile away) and various monochrome Christian gatherings at the other (beige, no booze, nicey-nicey unexciting music etc). I just hope we can get enough people along to break even, (500 or so) and create a buzzing temporary community in a month's time. Ooooh it's going to be good.....
Today being the 25th May this time next month the first Solas Festival will be all set to go!
As the anticipation mounts with those who have been ‘living’ with it from the onset of TheProject the challenges are being ticked off one by one.
Each speaker, band, worship group, volunteer steward – in fact every contributor and participant – brings us one step closer!
As chair of the steering group, I’m mending my tent, looking for my tin mug and anticipating a great family weekend at Wiston (oh, I’ll have to remember to pack my two teenaged children!).
The steering group are working hard to make this first (always the hardest) festival a great experience for all who attend – you can help by spreading the word and encouraging friends and family to join you to explore our central themes, art, faith and justice.
In celebration of a beautiful sunny morning, and hoping this great spell of weather continues :) - here is another track from this years featured Artists.
Track is 'Good Morning' by talented 18 year old singer/songwriter from Northern Ireland Paul Shevlin.
feat. Yvonne Lyon, Fair Witness, Brian McGlynn and Paul Shevlin
After the success of last month's showcase gig we've decided to give you one more chance to sample the musical delights on offer at Solas. Tickets are £4 and are available on the door.
YVONNE LYON
Yvonne has performed live on the Bob Harris Show and past support slots have included Karine Polwart, Teenage Fanclub, Juliet Turner, Kate Rusby, Martyn Joseph, Patty Griffin, Luka Bloom and Steve Forbert. Yvonne's new album, 'Ashes & Gold' is now available, featuring ten original songs and again produced by Graeme Duffin & Sandy Jones at The Foundry Music Lab. http://www.myspace.com/yvonnelyonmusic
FAIR WITNESS
Scottish acoustic duo generating words and melodies full of light and shade, featuring strings, percussion and piano in arrangements reminiscent of Nick Drake and Bruce Cockburn. "...poignant folk-pop songs tackling love and loss " The Skinny. http://www.myspace.com/fairwitness
BRIAN McGLYNN
Songwriter, singer and performer based in Glasgow with a good twist of blues and gospel in his songs. Once described by Melody Maker as 'Elvis via Van Morrison'. http://www.myspace.com/brianmcglynn
PAUL SHEVLIN
Talented 18 year old singer/songwriter from Northern Ireland who has a fresh, strong take on piano-led alternative pop with a Ben Folds/Duke Special influence. http://www.myspace.com/paulshevlin
Hands On WorkCrew is for 16-18 year olds who want to enjoy the best of Solas Festival but have some on site volunteering responsibilities too.
WorkCrew will work in shifts as small teams that respond to immediate on site needs and carry out practical tasks like recycling, stewarding, moving equipment and unloading/setting up.
They will help us keep the Solas site smooth running and beautiful ! No particular skills are needed, just a lot of energy and enthusiasm and a willingness to work alongside others.
WorkCrew will be led by a team of experienced youth workers whose mission is to help young people build new friendships, enjoy serving others and get the most fun out of the Solas Festival experience.
A great opportunity to do intriguing and impossible things in strange and inventive ways - and be part of the coolest, most creative team on site!
Solas was born out of ThePROJECT, which in itself emerged through relationships formed and nurtured at events such as Greenbelt Festival over a number of years.
What is your Solas story? Are you planning to go this year? Are you involved in the planning, or maybe as a volunteer?
Which band or speaker is it that you are most looking forward to seeing and hearing?
Send us an email with your own Solas story, have you been to the site at Wiston Lodge yet?
Send in some photos and videos and we can maybe set up a Flickr and Youtube group that can serve as a home for your images as the festival weekend fast approaches, and happens.
Are you a techy type that wants to get involved in helping to gather and edit media as it happens over the festival weekend, and beyond?
Check out this little video snapshot of the event named 'the project 2: in the flesh' from June last year that took place in Edinburgh. A stepping stone along the road that will take us to Solas 2010 in a few weeks time....
Second track for your ears from artists who will be appearing at Solas this year.
Monica Queen consist of Monica, singer & writer and Johnny Smillie, guitarist, producer & writer. The track is 'When Love is Brought to Birth' from the album 'Return of the Sacred Heart.
You can find out all about Monica Queen over at their website
A couple of Exhibitors stands have just become available for this years festival, so if you or your organisation are thinking of coming along to Solas, and may be interested in selling your wares, then just send off an email to the office for details.
Welcome to the new blog page for Solas 2010!
In the run up to this years festival we will be offering up some exclusive tracks right here from some of the artists that are appearing at this years event.
Today's offering is from the sublime Kim Edgar, with a track called Heavy Skies
