Wednesday, 23 June 2010

Artist Profile - Fair Witness

The Scottish acoustic duo generate words and melodies full of light and shade, featuring strings, percussion and piano in arrangements reminiscent of Nick Drake and Bruce Cockburn.

Suzanne’s remarkable voice and Sandy’s driving, expressive guitar combine in a sound that is all their own, and yet links clearly to their musical heritage.

They will be performing on Sunday, and also across the weekend as part of the Homecoming String Band and Fischy Music.





Fair Witness - As I Went Walking

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Local Solas Bus Timetable For The Weekend

Lanark Station to Wiston bus times (Peak times)

Friday
4.25pm Lanark to Wiston Local bus
6.20pm Lanark to Wiston Local bus
7.00pm Lanark to Wiston Solas minibus

Saturday
8.20am Lanark to Wiston Local bus
9.30am Lanark to Wiston Solas minibus
11.20am Lanark to Wiston Local bus

Sunday
9.30am Lanark to Wiston Solas Minibus
5.30pm Wiston to Lanark Solas Minibus

My Solas - A Day In The Life...

So, with 3 days to go until gates open, we have here the first of a few 'Day in the Life' plans.

Some more detailed day plans will be available soon, watch this space!







Solas Saturday

So, having emerged from my tent, had a shower, and worked up a cooked breakfast with my mates (yup, there’s distinct advantages in knowing someone who lives in Wiston!), the rest of my day should look something along the lines of…

10.00 gospel singing workshop – seems a bit early to possibly have a voice, but hey, it could be fun

11.00 John Swinton – this man’s work crosses the bounds of theology, spirituality and health and wellbeing – such real practical theology excites me, and resonates with my own journey, so I’m interested to hear what he has to share

12.00 not sure about this point in the day. It might be time for a wee cup of tea, catch up with friends, or sit somewhere and watch the world go by… but if I still have some capacity to concentrate I might go hear Richard Holloway

13.00 I’ll be going to go hear the writer Bernard MacLaverty

14.00 At this stage again I think it will depend on how the rest of the day has gone… I’d quite like to go to the Faith in Scottish Culture Panel, but if I’m in the mood for something entirely different, i’ll go to hear some Ghanaian music and storytelling with Gift Amu Logotse

15.00 I (and you reading this!) might have realised I’ve not eaten lunch by now, so will go in search of some fine local produce, and then head over to Northstar to catch Old Solar who I’ve yet to hear, followed by the magic of Calameteur who excite me with their experimental and creative vibe

16.30 The acoustic session at Northstar is where I’ll be for the next wee while for sure. I’ve not seen Alex Cornish perform, but from what I’ve heard– I think he could be one of the highlights of my festival. And then there’s Yvonne Lyon, who never fails to capture me into a journey meandering through soul searching places to fun and inspiring heights with her distinctive voice and song writing

18.00 I’m sure there will need to be space for a wee drink and some dinner as I move into the evening, but I’m not sure quite at which point that fits in! I will spend my evening at the main stage, where I’m particularly looking forward to catching the sounds of The Lowly Knights, We See Lights, Jo Mango… actually, it all looks pretty good! I will stay at the main stage to the end, desperately hoping that McIntosh Ross might, alongside their new material, grace us with some singalong songs from their earlier guise. Dignity, an anthem of my youth, would make my weekend!

23.00 I think some reflective worship with Holy City folks will be a fitting place to conclude the day’s programme…

But then afterwards, to try and find some friends with guitars perhaps having a wee sing-song round a fire… that would be an ace end to a day jam packed with all the things I love!

Alison Urie.

Monday, 21 June 2010

Artist Profile: Juliet Turner

We are very lucky to have as one of our headline acts this Saturday the beautiful Juliet Turner.

Described thus: 'a wry charm, a beautiful voice and fine lyrics, making her a compelling and witty live performer'.

We agree. And we also love this track, very apt... that juliet has sent us for you - 'Elder of the Tribe'

The Solas Tribe gathers in 4 days.... weather forecast is looking pretty good too!




Juliet Turner - Elder of the Tribe

Sunday, 20 June 2010

Interview with Radio Scotland - Have a Listen

Earlier today, the 'Sally On Sunday' show with Sally Magnusson, broadcast an great interview with our very own Doug Gay and also Iain Morrison, who will be headlining @ Solas this coming Friday.

You can listen to the whole of the show by clicking this link, (the Solas piece starts around the 29 minute mark).
We have grabbed the interview for you to listen below - just click the Play button to stream.



Interview with Doug Gay and Iain Morrison BBC Radio Scotland - Sally on Sunday 20 06 2010

Artist Profile - Brian McGlynn

Brian McGlynn is a songwriter and singer based in Glasgow, writing and performing songs that have a folk-rock feel with a good twist of blues and gospel in them.
He tells us : "Over many years of performing I have retained a deep love of playing live to an audience".

Brian has sent us this track especially for your ears on this Sunday, with the festival only 5 days away... - Wings.



Brian McGlynn - Wings

Saturday, 19 June 2010

LAST CHANCE TO GUARANTEE A TICKET & A BED

Advanced ticket sales closing on Sunday night; last few beds available

Don’t panic! Of course we’ll still be accepting your money on the gate (frankly, we’re in our first year and we’ll take whatever’s going), but we won’t be able to manage online ticket booking after midnight on Sunday 20th June 2010. Buying your tickets in advance not only saves you from queuing when you arrive onsite, but it really, really helps us out with our planning and cashflow. Day tickets for Saturday and Sunday are available on the website and you can find out more information on who’s appearing each day by clicking the 'What's On' links at the top of this blog. We will also be offering a reduced rate ticket of £25 for people who just want to come and see the mainstage bands in the evening, but these tickets can only be purchased onsite after 5pm on the day.

If you’ve just received your tickets in the post and are starting to think about accommodation, get in touch by emailing the office – we only have a few hotel rooms left. £69 will get you a room for the night (including family rooms) in the nearby Days Inn and we’ll be running a shuttle bus between the hotel and the site.

6 days to go…

Artist Preview - Augusta Fireball

Another artist we are looking forward to seeing on Solas Saturday is duo Augusta Fireball.

They describe their sound "like a stripped down, psyched out sons of a long lost rock behemoth", - they punch well over their weight with songs that belie the limitations that should come with only a guitar and a set of drums.


 You can also catch them live at Box in Glasgow tomorrow night Sun. 20th June.



Augusta Fireball - Dreaming

Friday, 18 June 2010

Are You Knowledgeable About Health & Safety?

Onsite Health and Safety paperwork is causing problems for the health and safety of Solas board members… Can you help!?
Health and Safety on site is not something we’re taking lightly – we know that it’s absolutely fundamental to making Solas a success – but, as you can imagine, an outdoor festival is generating a big top’s worth of paperwork in this department and we’re struggling to keep up. We’re looking for some help from someone with the knowledge and expertise to guide us through this crucial task. If you or someone you know might be able to give us some time (particularly on Thursday 24th June 2010) – please email us - CLICK HERE

Thursday, 17 June 2010

Some Words From Our Vice-Chair

Solas will be a celebration of the best in Scottish musical talent, including you!
We have a great line up Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening in Aurora (our Big Top); we have afternoons full of talented bands in Northstar – the sun will shine and you can chill out to the best of Scottish Americana on Sunday; we have late afternoon acoustic sessions in Northstar from the likes of Yvonne Lyon, Kim Edgar, Alex Cornish and Fair Witness; we have even more acoustic sessions in the Milky Way (our hospitality lounge); and of course there’s room for you to do your thang at our two open mic slots each day.


If you feel so inclined you could literally sing your way through the weekend – join the Gospel choir with some help from the Passion singers; learn to sing in Gaelic with Mary Anne Kennedy (no linguistic skill needed); waulk the tweed with Bannal; sign up for the Glee Club; get nostalgic singing Scottish street songs like Red yoyo, Jeelie Piece and the like; or go for some good old-fashioned hymns (complete with drums and harmonies). So bring your best singing voice ...
I’ve spent the last 6 months dreaming all of this up and the last few days sending out the contracts. I can’t quite believe it will happen in 8 days.

Dot Reid, Vice Chair of Solas

Solas Artist Profile - Calamateur

Calamateur is the name under which singer-songwriter Andrew Howie records and performs. Based near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Andrew has been recording and releasing his own music since 2000.
He has just released his 13th and best collection of songs to date, Each Dirty Letter. With all the usual Calamateur sonic palette present (electronica, mellow acoustic guitar, aggressive electric guitar, drum loops, etc.)

Andrew will be performing on Solas Saturday, and here he is performing on BBC Scotland recently:


Wednesday, 16 June 2010

Solas Auction

As part of the Ceiledh on Solas Sunday, we are holding an auction of items and services donated by the Solas Community (we aim to try and raise £500)

Are you able to donate something? All proceeds will go towards the costs of making the festival happen.

Please email any offers to the Solas Office - goods or services with an indication of possible value.