Martha Wainwright at Old Fruitmarket Celtic Connections 2009

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I took these shots of Martha Wainwright at the Old Fruitmarket Glasgow - she played here during Celtic Connections 2009. The venue was packed and there was only Martha an her guitar, this small figure on the wide open stage. This venue is one of the best - it has a wooden balcony and is full of old world charms. Yet she gave us her all, and you can see in the images how top class a performance she gave.

Celtic Connections festival Glasgow 2009

Dave Gibson Bedford

Dave Gibson played the Beanscene coffee houses in Scotland and then headed to London where he picked up attention for his soul voice. Dave has a strong sense of what works - both with rhythm, vibe and melody.  Dave at the Bedford London in 2008.

Kirsty McGee & Mat Martin/ Karine Polwart & Inge Thomson - the Tall Ship 8th June 2008

Mat invited me to this gig months before and I had the most magical evening! It was one of those perfect summer days - with clear air and clear blue skies. The Tall ship sits on the Clyde, and inside the bowels of the old ship I found the most intimate venue, with guitars and banjos and other fretted instruments set on their stands. The below deck is painted pale yellow, sloping off to the port side, and making one feel we may be off at sea on this old vessel. Kirsty’s songs feel light and easy, but are full of mystery and clever meanings. Mat is a lively shadow to Kirsty’s serene calm – yet she has a questioning edge to her voice. Kirsty and Matt were supported by well known Scottish songstress Karine Powart and the very talented Inge Thomspon.

festival streets

festival

edinburgh fringe festival 2008

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It always amazes me how Edinburgh festival rolls round again. It is one of my favourite times of year. Held in August the weather is often sunny- yes unusual for Scotland I know! I grew up in Edinburgh so the city is very familiar yet unreal to me. I travelled over town to my secondary school, and also attended university there. I often hung about in Princes street or the high street. In those days there were hippy shops in Cockburn street up from the station and they used to smell of incense and were full of those flowery skirts and scarves and brown leathers brought over from India or some other exotic places. For the 3 weeks of the festival the city is taken over by tourists and performers.

Michael Marra

Michael Marra plays piano at Mugdock theatre.

Mugdock Music Festival 2008

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Mugdock Music festival was the idea of Erne Parkin who ran the successful 'Place for Music' in Milngavie for several years. His thought was a festival with colour and a wide range of artists much as he'd known back in the north of England. He was a larger than life character. His drive, energy, enthusiasms and ideas were boundless. The festival began in 2007 and ran for 3 years. Sadly in July 2010 Erne died suddenly. His passing was greatly missed by the community. My son plays in a rock band with Erne's younger son Michael - hoping for gigs soon! One of the highlights for me was Michael Marra singing at the perfect small theatre there for the Saturday night concert.