As ever, it’s a packed program featuring some of the best music Shetland has to offer throughout each day and evening. For the full lineup visit www.flavourofshetland.com/music

Some of the many highlights I’m looking forward to include…

Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag, who are making two appearances this year; tonight at 22.00 and Saturday at 17.30 where they will release their new album. Entitled “Spreefix”, the recording was produced by omni-talented Jonathan Ritch (of Fiddlers’ Bid fame) at Wethersta Studio outside Brae.

Friday night is sure to be a spree with The Revellers and Hom Bru headlining.

Norman and the Folding Deck Chairs, Shetland’s young jazz prodigies take to the stage at noon on Saturday, with The Vinyls and Scaldin Bragg closing proceedings in the evening.

To round things off, Sunday afternoon features a bouquet of Shetland’s finest females singers including Sheila Henderson, Izzy Swanson (Mahogany), Freda Leask and Young Musician of the Year Erin Sandison.

Notable this year is the number of bands playing acoustic sets, in part due to Shetland’s most pervasive drummer, Archer Kemp, breaking his elbow a few weeks ago (wishing you a speedy recovery Archer).

See you on the pier…

Here’s a photo slideshow, which will be updated throughout the weekend, courtesy of Marvin Smith

Shetland Young Promoters Group will hold their first event, an over 12′s alcohol free gig, in the Aith Hall on Friday 20th February between 7 and 11pm. Dubbed “Rock vs. Rave”, the night will feature performances by local bands The Revellers, Pets In Jars and Happy Hour, together with DJs Nadia and Murray.

Shetland Young Promoters Group is a joint initiative between Shetland Arts, Shetland Youth Services and the Shetland Youth Music Forum. The group, who formed in late 2008, consists of 12 people between 14 and 18 years old. Committee members include chairperson Ryan Stevenson, Vice Chairperson Lana Thomson, Treasurer James Spanswick and Vice Treasurer Karl Smiles.

The group meet every Saturday to plan their events. Each week they receive support and advice from local music industry professionals including Fraser Mouat and Stevie Hook.

Other events the group are planning include the Shetland Youth Music Conference on 18th April and a Silent Disco on May 22nd, where the audience wear wireless headphones instead of listening to music through speakers.

Bryan Peterson, Shetland Arts’ Music Development Officer said, “the aim of the group is to give young people the real-world skills and knowledge to manage and promote their own events. It also gives younger audiences a chance to experience live performances in a safe, alcohol free environment.”

“They’ve a really enthusiastic bunch and they’ve been working hard in the run up to the gig”

Group chairman Ryan Stevenson said, “We have organised some excellent bands and DJs and it’s shaping up to be a great night. A lot of effort has been put into the night and I’m sure it will pay off”

Tickets for the “Rock vs. Rave” night cost £6 and are available from the Shetland Box Office, Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick – 01595 745 555

Notes:

The Shetland Youth Music Forum is an initiative to support and develop youth music and provision funded by the Scottish Arts Council.

Pock vs Rave poster

For further information contact:
www.bebo.com/sypg
Bryan Peterson,
Shetland Arts’ Music Development Officer
01595 743 843