MSP LENDS SUPPORT TO BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL


South of Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has lent her support to a local festival, by tabling a Parliamentary motion.
 
The Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival is a developing community music festival that specifically seeks to promote bluegrass music and encourages people of all ages to learn how to play an instrument associated with the genre.  The festival has reached its fifth year due to the commitment of a group of volunteers from across Scotland.
 
Commenting, the SNP MSP said:
 
“I can’t wait to attend this year’s festival.  I love the music and the beautiful village of Moniaive is the perfect setting.  Dumfries and Galloway is full of creative talent and events such as this only highlight that fact.
 
“I would encourage everyone who is able to attend.”
 
C. Paul Lyttle, organiser of the festival said:
 
“MMBF are showcasing 6 highly talented bluegrass and old timey bands from Scotland, Ireland and The Netherlands. This will be a family centred weekend and there are free instrument workshops on Saturday for all ages so get along to the Music Village of Southwest Scotland and enjoy it.”
 
The Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival will run from 27 to 29 September 2013.
 
Notes to editors:
 
The text of the Motion can be found here:
 
 
 
MMBF 2013 Weekend Programme
 
All concerts in The Memorial Institute:
7.30pm -11.30pm or thereabouts
Friday Night 27th September
  • Cup O’Joe
  • Watery Hill Boys
Interval
  • Mairi Orr and The Lost Tracks
  • The Broken String Band
 
 
Saturday 28th September Instrument Workshops
12 noon – 1pm
  • Banjo @ The Memorial Institute – Upstairs
  • Guitar @ The Old Bakery, Chapel Street
  • Mandolin @ The Paterson Rooms, North Street
  • Bass @ The Craigdarroch Hotel
  • Autoharp @ The Paterson Rooms, North Street
 
 
Saturday Afternoon Open Mix Session 2pm-5pm
Visiting musicians will have an opportunity to showcase their talents to an appreciative audience.
The Open Mix spots will be interspersed with tasters from:
  • Longway
  • Cup O’ Joe
  • Watery Hill Boys
  • Stringcaster
 
 
Saturday Night 7.30pm – Midnight
  • Mairi Orr and The Lost Tracks
  • Longway
Interval
  • The Broken String Band
  • Stringcaster
 
Sunday 29th September 10.00am-11.15am
The Big Bluegrass Gospel Service in
St. Ninian’s Kirk, North Street.
Recording by Alive Radio commences promptly so please be seated by 09.45am.
 
Followed at 12.00noon-3.00pm by
Bluegrass Gospel session in St. Ninian’s Kirk, North Street led by Alan and Louise Mairs.