‘Nort Ower Da Roost’ is the bringing together of Orkney & Shetland musicians for two concerts taking place on Fri 31st October at the Aith Hall, and Sat 1st November at Mareel. The collaborations began in 2012, when well known Orcadian musicians Jennifer & Hazel Wrigley, invited Shetland band ‘Eart Kyent’ to travel to Orkney with a group of their Shetland musicians friends to play a weekend of concerts at their venue ‘The Reel’ in Kirkwall. A great time was had by all and the group returned in the Spring of 2013. Two of the Shetland musicians involved, Tom & Michele Deyell who run the Crofthoose sessions in Burra, have now returned the invitation, to bring Jennifer & Hazel, and other Orkney musicians to Shetland.
The line-up that will be travelling ‘Nort Ower Da Roost’ is an exciting collection of well known Orcadian names, with a collection of Shetland musicians also performing. In true island style, each of the concerts in Aith and Lerwick will be followed by an informal session, in the Rankin Lounge on Fri 31st and Mareel Cafe Bar on Sat 1st November.
Jennifer & Hazel Wrigley are an internationally acclaimed fiddle and guitar/piano duo with original material invigorated with jazz, blues and ragtime favourites. Having undertaken 3 world tours and visited 47 countries, the sisters are unquestionably two of the highest profile cultural and creative arts ambassadors to emanate from Orkney. After years of touring, they returned to Orkney in 2004 to set up ‘The Reel’, their acclaimed music school and venue. Jennifer & Hazel will be joined for this trip to Shetland with a group of friends known collectively as ‘Wrigley & The Reel’
Hullion are Billy Jolly, Micky Austin, Andy Cant, Owen Tierney and Ingi Jolly and play harmonica, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and guitar with songs. They formed in 1991 after an invite to play for the Faroese Folk Festival. They are much loved around Orkney and beyond for their unique performances of traditional songs and tunes, with Orcadian humour.
Bruce Mainland is a firm favourite at ‘The Reel’ and regular performer at many local events. His first class singing, guitar and recorder playing is highlighted on his debut 2009 album release ‘The Lang Road Doon’ of traditional tunes and songs with a Rousay/Orkney twist.
Eric Linklater is a talented young fiddle player and a pupil of acclaimed Orkney fiddler Jennifer Wrigley. A student at the Royal Conversatoire of Scotland, Eric shows his deft touch on a range of tunes from his native Orkney as well as tunes from further afield. Some excellent playing to be found on his debut CD, released a few years ago.
All ages are welcomed.
To book wheelchair bays, or to book specific seating, please contact Shetland Box Office on 01595 745 555, or book in person at Mareel or Islesburgh.
