The Arran Festival of Folk 2024: A Harmonious Celebration
Brace yourselves for a mind-blowing, heart-stirring, and toe-tapping experience—the Arran Folk Festival is back and better than ever!
From 7th to 9th, June 2024, prepare to be whisked away on a thrilling journey through the enchanting world of folk music.
We can barely contain my excitement, so let’s dive straight into the details of this unmissable event!
A Brief History
Hold onto your hats, my friends, because we’re about to take a trip down memory lane. Can you believe that the very first Arran Folk Festival took place almost 50 years ago? But wait, it gets even better!
After a little reinvention in 1989, this festival became a shining beacon of musical delight, firmly establishing itself as a highlight on Arran’s tourism calendar.
And guess what?
This year it will be celebrating the 28th festival
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS (Click Event To Find Out More)
Friday 7th June 2024
Saturday 8th June 2024
Sunday 9th June 2024
Headliners and Support Acts
In a vibrant tapestry of musical talent, Amy Laurenson, Kim Carnie, Rain of Animals, Beth Malcolm, and Iona Lane emerge as distinct voices contributing to the rich diversity of the contemporary folk scene.
Amy Laurenson, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2023, showcases her piano prowess with a fusion of traditional, classical, and jazz influences. Kim Carnie, honored as the Gaelic Singer of the Year in 2021, presents a unique blend of Gaelic tradition and contemporary influences, gracing the stage with her captivating voice. Rain of Animals, the collaborative effort of Pepita Emmerichs and Theodore Barnard, enchant audiences with their harmonious fusion of mandolin, fiddle, and guitar, creating a timeless musical landscape. Beth Malcolm, celebrated as the Scots Singer of the Year in 2022, weaves traditional Scots songs with her own compositions, delivering an enchanting blend of folk-inspired melodies. Iona Lane, with her debut album ‘Hallival,’ explores the wonders of the natural world through poetic songs, earning accolades and chart positions while captivating audiences with her delicate yet powerful vocals.
Together, these artists showcase the diversity and innovation within the folk genre, offering a melodic journey that transcends boundaries and resonates with the essence of tradition and contemporary creativity.
Workshops to Ignite Your Passion
Are you ready to dive deeper into the rich tapestry of folk music? Well, my friends, get ready to be enlightened by the incredible Rena Gertz. Her workshop on Orain Luaidh (Waulking Songs) is an opportunity of a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beauty of Gaelic song and learn the traditional practice of waulking the tweed. Let the music guide your hands and your heart as you experience the magic of this ancient tradition. But remember, spaces are limited, so book your spot now!
Ticket Information: Let’s Get the Folk Party Started!
Oh, my fellow music enthusiasts, it’s time to secure your tickets to this awe-inspiring festival. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something truly extraordinary. Head over to the official Arran Folk Festival website at www.arranfolkfestival.co.uk and follow the link to Eventbrite.
Trust me, my friends, spaces are filling up fast, and you won’t want to miss out on this magical musical adventure.
Conclusion
Can you feel it?
The air is buzzing with anticipation, and the Arran Folk Festival is just around the corner. Get ready for a weekend filled with sensational performances, soul-stirring melodies, and unforgettable moments of musical bliss.
Whether you’re a seasoned folk aficionado or a curious newcomer, this festival promises an experience that will touch your heart, lift your spirits, and leave you craving for more.
So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and join in celebrating the incredible Arran Folk Festival.
Let the music ignite your soul and take you on a journey you’ll cherish forever!
Meet The Artists
Amy Laurenson
Hailing from the enchanting Shetland Isles and currently calling Glasgow home, Amy Laurenson is a remarkable pianist whose musical journey weaves together the traditional melodies of her Shetland roots with the rich tapestry of Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian folk tunes. Raised in a household surrounded by classical influences, Amy’s unique style gracefully oscillates between traditional, classical, and jazz realms, challenging preconceived notions about the piano’s role in traditional music.
Crowned BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023 at Celtic Connections, Amy has graced stages across the UK, from the Shetland Folk Festival to the Edinburgh TradFest.
Her debut album, “Strands,” set for release on February 2, 2024, beautifully reflects on her Shetland heritage, intertwining it with contemporary threads. A first-class graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Amy not only performs with acclaimed acts like LÉDA and Tern but also imparts her knowledge as a Lecturer in Piano and Traditional Music at RCS Juniors, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
With an impressive repertoire that includes performances with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra during BBC Burns Night 2024 celebrations, Amy Laurenson stands as a captivating force redefining the boundaries of traditional music on the piano.
Preview Some of Amy’s Work From YouTube
Kim Carnie
Kim Carnie, a luminous force in the realm of Gaelic music, embarked on her solo journey in 2018 with the release of the mesmerizing EP, “In Her Company.” Not only has she graced the stage with prominent bands like Mànran and Staran, but she has also become a sought-after session vocalist, leaving an indelible mark on the Scottish folk scene. In a testament to her vocal prowess, Kim was awarded the coveted Gaelic Singer of the Year prize at the MG Alba Trad Awards in 2021. The pinnacle of her musical journey arrived in June 2022 with the release of her debut album, “And So We Gather.” Featuring a stellar lineup of Scottish folk luminaries including Julie Fowlis, Karen Matheson, Kathleen MacInnes, Megan Henderson, and Calum MacCrimmon, the album showcases Kim Carnie’s distinctive voice against a backdrop of musical brilliance. Heralded by BBC Radio 2 as “A STAND OUT INSTRUMENT OF HER GENERATION,” Kim Carnie stands as a captivating musician, songwriter, and the Gaelic voice of her generation.
Preview Some of Kim’s Work From YouTube
Rain of Animals
Rain of Animals, a harmonious fusion of musical talents brought to life by Pepita Emmerichs (Oh Pep!) and Theodore Barnard (Wire & Wool), is a celebration of all things mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and harmony vocals. Their shared passion for bluegrass, old-time, swing, and an eclectic mix of tunes and songs forms the foundation of their euphonious collaboration. With a repertoire that spans original compositions to reimagined classics and hidden gems, Rain of Animals weaves a sonic tapestry that feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary. The duo’s instrumental wizardry and unwavering musical integrity create a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new, inviting listeners on a journey through a landscape of melodies where every note tells a story.
Preview Some of Rain of Animal’s Work From YouTube
Amy Papiransky
Amy Papiransky, a rising star in the Scottish music scene, has solidified her place since reaching the final of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year. Hailing from Keith in the North-East of Scotland and now calling Glasgow home, Amy, a music teacher by profession, has been crafting her own material for the past eight years. With influences that echo a blend of Dolly Parton and Carole King, her piano-driven compositions seamlessly intertwine with her stunning Scottish accent, creating a unique and enchanting sonic tapestry.
As praised by BRIT and Ivor Novello Award-winning singer/songwriter KT Tunstall, Amy’s music embodies the essence of good country writing. A classically trained multi-instrumentalist with folk roots, she has graced stages around the world, from Canada and America to Ireland and Germany, including a performance at the iconic Lotus Temple in New Delhi. Her debut album, “Read Me Write,” released in September 2019, showcases flawless vocal dexterity and heartfelt songwriting, delivering a contemporary, hypnotic, and soaring sound infused with sass, funk, and class. Described by Roddy Hart of BBC Radio Scotland as a “born storyteller,” Amy Papiransky is an artist whose musical maturity and growing confidence promise an exciting journey ahead.
Preview Some of Amy’s Work From YouTube
Beth Malcolm
Beth Malcolm, hailed as the Scots Singer of the Year 2022 at the Scottish Trad Music Awards, is a singer-songwriter and keyboard virtuoso hailing from Perth. Infused with a passionate commitment to her craft, Beth’s music seamlessly weaves together traditional Scots songs with her own compositions, earning her accolades and acclaim. A journey that started with a familial influence led Beth to perform from an early age, and after a brief teenage detour into pop, she rediscovered her love for folk music.
Beth’s breakout moment came with a coveted ‘Danny’ award at Celtic Connections 2019, catapulting her into the spotlight. Collaborating with diverse outfits like Fat-Suit, Adam Holmes, Lewis McLaughlin, and featuring on Niteworks’ album, Beth’s versatility shines. After winning BBC Scots Singer of the Year, she released her debut album ‘Kissed and Cried’ in Spring 2023, receiving a stellar 5-star review. Now in her ‘mid-life crisis’ era, Beth is crafting her next album, ‘FOLKMOSIS,’ with producer Dorian Cloudsley, promising a musical coming-of-age story that explores belonging, life’s heartaches and hilarities, and the profound connections found in shared music. Beth Malcolm’s artistry, marked by a glowing future, serves as a reminder that music remains a steadfast companion on the journey home.
Preview Some of Beth’s Work From YouTube
Iona Lane
Iona Lane, the Glasgow-based folk singer and songwriter, unveils a world of poetic songs that intertwine the untold stories of nature with the contemporary landscape in her debut album, ‘Hallival.’ Fueled by a deep appreciation for the natural world, Lane’s contemplative melodies and subtle musical touches create a sonic journey inspired by folklore, equality, human relationships, and the supernatural. ‘Hallival’ soared to #36 in the Official Folk Album Charts, earning the 27th spot in Folk Radio UK’s ‘Top Albums of 2022.’ The album, praised by The Guardian, BBC Radio 2, and The Scotsman, reflects Lane’s love for wild places and her fascination with scientific discoveries. As she extensively tours ‘Hallival,’ Lane recently shared the stage with Karine Polwart, an awe-inspiring collaboration that showcased their exceptional vocal talents. Lane’s lead single, ‘Humankind,’ penned in the Lake District just before the first lockdown, beautifully captures the essence of human connection and kindness. The album also features standout tracks like ‘Schiehallion,’ shedding light on the historic Schiehallion Experiment, and ‘Mary Anning,’ paying tribute to the pioneering paleontologist. Iona Lane, a recipient of the Taran Guitars Young Players Bursary, presents an intriguing debut that combines her sweet vocals with lyrics and arrangements that crackle with wide-eyed curiosity, leaving an indelible mark on the folk music scene.
Preview Some of Iona’s Work From YouTube
Rena Gertz
Discover the captivating journey of Rena, a remarkable figure in the realm of Gaelic music. Rena’s arrival in Scotland in 1996 led her to join a Gaelic choir, igniting a deep love for the music. Determined to understand the songs she sang, she pursued a degree in Gaelic, and now shares her expertise through immersive workshops on Gaelic singing and Waulking songs at festivals and museums nationwide.
In recognition of her talent, Rena was awarded the esteemed Women’s Silver Pendant at the Royal National Mòd in Perth. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of Rena’s musical adventure as she presents two captivating workshops on Saturday, June 10th. Free tickets are available, but spaces are limited. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gaelic music under Rena’s expert guidance and experience the profound beauty of this ancient tradition.
