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Ainsley Hamill
Mix Heather Small and Julie Fowlis and you've got singer songwriter Ainsley Hamill.
One of the UK’s leading and most diverse singers, Ainsley has a long list of nods including the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Finalist and Gaelic Singer of the Year Finalist at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
She represented Scotland at Eurovision in Gothenburg and has appeared at folk festivals the world over, including The Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Celtic Connections and du Bout du Monde for the last 10 years. Hamill has recently been included in The List’s 2024 Hot 100, of the most influential Scottish cultural contributors.
With the release of her debut feature album Not Just Ship Land. Produced by BBC composer Malcolm Lindsay, Ainsley showcases her songwriting ability, inspired by the surroundings and unsung heroes of Govan and Glasgow. Ainsley’s new album will be released in Summer 2024 and centred around trad Scottish Gaelic, Scots and self-penned songs that are inspired by the Scottish landscape and people.
Hailing from the West Coast of Scotland, Ainsley specialises in song writing and songs in Scottish Gaelic and English. Her love of Gaelic song was nurtured whilst studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Trad roots are close to her heart. With this new album however, Ainsley is exploring new sounds and ideas as she pushes out from these roots to create personal material that encompasses big topics close to her heart, including feminism and equality, while unearthing forgotten stories and places that deserve a voice.
For many years Ainsley performed and toured with folk bands Barluath and made appearances with The Unusual Suspects. During this time, her accomplished song writing skills were evident in Barluath’s two studio albums; Source and At Dawn of Day as well as various singles including Touch the Gate and At the Fair.
Ainsley is a current member of folk band Fourth Moon, performing Gaelic, English and her own material, as well as step dancing.
‘Her voice thick with velvet and mirk…hovering between the comforting warmth of The Breath and the whip-smart forlorness of early Adele…Hamill has a big intriguing voice, it’s Scottishness ever present’ The Guardian
‘One of the best of her generation’ RnR Magazine
Studio
£16 I £14 (Supporters)
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Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre. Led by a professional West End performer and director.
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Course 1:
Thur 9 Jan - 13 Feb (6 weeks)
Course 2:
Thur 27 Feb - 3 Apr (6 weeks)
£48 for 6 week course (1 adult and 1 child)
£9 drop-in per session (1 adult and 1 child).
£5.40 drop-in per sibling per session
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Age guidance: 2-5 years
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Singing is a great way to relieve stress and promote well-being.
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These uplifting classes are led by conductor/composer (and mum) Marta Radwan. There's no auditions, no singing experience is needed and you don't need to have a 'good voice' - just an openness to have a go! You'll be sure to know the songs and there will even be some which include your little one.
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* Free on-site parking
* Café (open all day)
* Baby changing facilities
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Fri 10 Jan - 14 Feb (6 weeks)
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Fri 10 Jan - 14 Feb (6 weeks)
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About the tutor
Dr Marta Mathea Radwan is an award-winning vocalist, composer and musical director. Heralding from Poland and with over 30 years' experience in musical performance, Marta conducts choirs around London, including: jazz group Alle Choir London, Offbeat a cappella community choirs in Acton and Richmond, and Singing for Fun groups at Brunel University London.
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Tues 14 Jan - Tues 1 Apr (exc 18 Feb)
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Burns Night Ceilidh
Take your partners please for our Burns Night Ceilidh!
Join the Craigievar Ceilidh Band our Courtyard Theatre for a sociable evening of music and dancing. The seats will be taken out - meaning there's plenty of room for dancing!
Guaranteed to have you stamping, reeling and birling – their on-the-floor caller will guide you through the Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow and other dances.
Featuring musicians from the acclaimed film Four Weddings and a Funeral this lively, fun event is not to be missed!
Event Note
If you have been to one of our Burns Night Ceilidhs before, this is a slightly different event. There’s no food this year and tickets are cheaper. You can buy a dram of whisky or other beverage from the bar to toast the haggis.
Courtyard Theatre
£16
Craigievar Band website
@nordenfarm
Photo credit: Andrew Scotland
Cara Dillon
This extraordinary, multiple award-winning Irish folk singer is joined by acclaimed musician and producer Sam Lakeman.
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