Ceilidh’s link with Hollywood blockbuster

Jun 20 2008 by Alison Anderson

THE first half of The Fiddle Tree's 2008 programme draws to a close tomorrow evening with a Midsummer Ceilidh Dance at the Baronial Hall, Birnam House Hotel.

The music will come from two bands – the ever-popular Bella McNab’s Dance Band from Edinburgh and the young, locally-based, Noughts and Crosses Ceilidh Band.

The five members of Noughts and Crosses are all third-year pupils at Breadalbane Academy. They have been playing together for about a year now, during which time they have delighted ceilidh-goers throughout the Big County with their skilled, enthusiastic playing. The band is augmented by two more senior members, both of whom teach at the school.

Their achievements have now been recognised by Aberfeldy Probus Club, who will present the group with an award for Music In The Community at a ceremony in the town on Wednesday, June 25. Noughts and Crosses will be playing for dancing from 8pm at tomorrow's dance in Birnam.

Next up will be the Bella McNab’s Dance Band, who have played for dances in the area on numerous occasions, invariably to great acclaim.

Two of the group's members, fiddler and singer Mairi Campbell and guitarist/dance caller Dave Francis have unexpectedly found themselves in international limelight lately, as their recording of “Auld Lang Syne”, sung to Burns's original tune, has been included in the soundtrack of the blockbuster Hollywood movie “Sex And The City.”

Other members of the Bellas include Sarah Hoy, Derek Hoy and Anna-Wendy Stevenson on fiddles, Robin Galloway on double bass and Fiona Moore on piano.

Tickets are available from Birnam House Hotel (01350 727462), Zigzag's, Dunkeld (01350 728666), Birnam CD (01350 727158) or on the door. They can also be bought online at www.thebooth.co.uk

Prices are £8 (adults) and £3 – or two for a fiver – for under-18s. Doors open at 7.30 pm and the dancing will start at 8pm.

The Fiddle Tree's concert series recommences in August with the dynamic young Shetland Band, Filska. Other attractions include Eliza Carthy (September) and Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham (December).

For further details, or to join the Fiddle Tree emailing list, visit www.thefiddletree.com