Q: What is the name of a music festival that happens in Perthshire, sells out in advance, draws audience from all over the world…but happens in the autumn?
A: “Perthshire Amber- The Dougie MacLean Weekend” (October 26-29 2006)
After its wonderfully successful first year in October 2005, Perthshire Amber has been described as “a jewel of a festival- where contemporary song meets folk, roots and tradition” and “an irresistible tapestry of tunes, rhythms…harmonies and textures” (Herald). A collaboration between Butterstone Management & Events (MacLean’s office) and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, with concerts in the theatre’s main auditorium as well as other intriguing locations throughout Scotland’s heartland (including an Iron Age Crannog and a Medieval Castle!), 4 out of 7 of the concerts scheduled have already sold out. (with tickets already purchased from 14 different countries!)
It was a brave move in 2005 for Perthshire born and internationally acclaimed Songwriter Dougie MacLean to establish his own music festival, MacLean said. “I’d long dreamt of a ‘festival-type’ situation where I could really enjoy performing a wide body of my own work….with my band, with an orchestra or with the many fine musicians I have been involved with over the past 25 years.
"After years of accumulating quite a lot of songs and tunes, it can be frustrating that concerts can normally only last for a couple of hours! We are thrilled that Perthshire Amber has already grown organically through demand from a 3-day festival last year to 4 days this year ”.
Dougie MacLean (famous for his song Caledonia; his music has been used in The Last of the Mohicans as well as radio, TV and concert appearances with artists like Lou Reed, James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, Kathy Mattea, Capercaillie) will perform during the course of the weekend solo, with his electric band, his acoustic band and also with strings. Other featured artists will include award winning Irish star Cara Dillon with her band, Session A9, the Tannahill Weavers, Andy M Stewart and other members of Silly Wizard, Sheena Wellington (famed for her singing at the opening of the Scottish Parliament), Patsy Seddon, Ewen Sutherland, Gina MacLeod, the Perthshire Ensemble and other surprise guests who will be announced nearer the time.
Apart from the concerts, there will be an Open Mic in the spacious theatre foyer, an after concert Ceilidh on the Saturday night, a Session tent, Sing-around space, a Young Songwriters Showcase and various talks and workshops. These are specially chosen for their interest and relevance including a talk by Nick Dixon (a well respected archaeologist often seen on ‘Time Team’) about Scottish Crannogs, and a photographic journey with Andy Hall whose two recent books “A Sense of Belonging” and “Further Journeys” have become photographic best sellers!
The festival concerts will be recorded and sections will be broadcast from the beautiful and remote Pitlochry location to over 300 NPR radio stations in the USA (as well as online to the whole planet!) via the incredibly popular celtic radio programme “Thistle & Shamrock”, hosted by Fiona Ritchie who is introducing the finale concert.
The whole town of Pitlochry has joined in the festival spirit: over 20 shops are participating in this year's Perthshire Amber Shop-window Competition and there will be buskers at selected spots. B&Bs and hotels are filling fast!
For full programme and booking details, visit www.perthshireamber.com.
