Scotland on Tour returns to Oban

Energetic and uplifting The Mad Ferret Band are stopping off in Oban as part of Scotland on Tour this Saturday.

 

Scotland on Tour is an exciting initiative to support the recovery of Scotland’s live music industry.

 

The contemporary Scottish folk duo will take to the stage at The View mixing traditional musical practices with modern techniques to produce an original sound. The pair take inspiration from classic folk acts, such as The Dubliners, as well as composers of this age such as Ross Ainslie.

 

Making up the duo are Chris Woods on mandolin, guitar and vocals and Sandy Stirton on guitar, cajon and vocals. Their music tells stories of times spent on the road touring their music and of Scotland’s unique character.

 

Chris said: 'We love to play live, it’s what we’re all about, so we are very excited to be part of an initiative which has helped to bring live music back to Scotland. Playing at The View will be very special. It’s our first time playing at the venue so we’re really looking forward to this performance.'

 

The View's director Daniel McIntyre added: 'We are delighted to have been picked by The Mad Ferret Band to be included in their Hoolie in the Hall tour. With the support of Scotland on Tour project, we are in for a great night of sound and dance at a time of year when artists and venues need support.'

 

Scotland on Tour supports the creation of hundreds of concerts and performances at much-loved arts centres, town halls and community venues across Scotland. More than 120 artists are set to perform at more than 100 venues across the country as part of the initiative.

 

The project, created and managed by Active Events, was made possible by £750,000 of Scottish Government backing and will focus on increasing the number of opportunities to showcase and enjoy live music, while bringing exciting acts to the doorstep of city, towns, villages and rural communities.

 

The year-long Scotland on Tour bill includes emerging and established artists with genre-spanning acts appearing across the breadth and width of the country, with rock, pop, jazz, classical, folk, trad and acoustic genres all being showcased.

 

Scottish supergroup Gnoss will also be performing at The Rockfield Centre on Friday November 25.

 

"attachment_822457" "" "300"] Superband Gnoss are gigging at The Rockfield Centre on November 25 as part of Oban's Winter Festival.
Photograph: Elly Lucas
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Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combining to create songs and tunes brimming with character. Triple MG Alba Scots Trad Music Award nominees, the band has built an invested following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows.

 

Aidan Moodie from Gnoss said: 'It’s fantastic to get the opportunity to be out playing music with the band again. It’s been a tough few years but this initiative is such a brilliant opportunity to play venues and towns that aren’t part of our usual touring circuits. We are delighted to be performing at The Rockfield Centre in Oban.'

 

Oban's final Scotland On Tour gig will be again at The Rockfield Centre with Eilidh Shaw and Ross Martin on Saturday March 4 2023.

 

Verity Roberts, culture and creative officer at The Rockfield Centre, said: 'We are thrilled to have Gnoss play our historic venue and especially during this year’s Oban Winter Festival. They are undoubtedly fantastic musicians but also bring a unique stage presence that will be sure to excite our audiences and guarantee a great night. They will be supported by fantastic local artist Clare Jordan, accompanied by Sileas Sinclair.'

 

Tickets for these and a raft of other shows are on sale now at www.scotlandontour.com.

 

Caption: Scotland On Tour comes to Oban with The Mad Ferret Band

 

NO_T46_MadFerretBand