5 feelgood things to do in Inverness this weekend
So many things to choose from this week – original music from summer touring favourites, a premiere of music that started off in Galicia, techno night with special guest, The Gathering on Saturday, big musical Sister Act, and two traditional legends way out west
1 So hello again, Scotlandia!
On Friday, May 26 it's the return of the masters of folk, classical and klezmer, to name a few musical genres, the Budapest Cafe Orchestra with the first North date of many over the summer at Rogart Mart, 7.30pm. They like to revisit “their spiritual homeland of Scotlandia” and it is now a record 12th year with plans to play 30 shows on their "Grand Scottish Tour de Gorse"! The first batch of dates begin here: Friday, May 26, Rogart Mart; 27, Drumnadrochit’s Glenurquhart Hall; 28, Torridon Estate; 31, Plockton Village Hall; June 1, Findhorn Universal Hall; 5, Rosehall Village Hall; 6, Lochinver Village Hall; 7, Achiltibuie, Coigach Hall; 8, Ullapool, Ceilidh Place. The infectious sound from the four-piece includes traditional folk and Roma-flavoured music from the Balkans and Russia. Led by jazz violin supremo Christian Garrick, the band conjures up images of Budapest café life and old-style gypsy campfires. The Budapest Cafe Orchestra combines violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, saz and balalaika.
2 Spain meets Scotland in music premiere
On Friday, May 26, musician Ruben Jarramplas premieres Camino, his musical journey from Galicia to Scotland at Inverness Cathedral from 7.30pm with a piece that will feature the Galician pipes, which are called Gaita. Also playing with him will be Ollie Moffat on guitar, Neil Ewart on fiddle and Kyle Powell on accordion. There will also be some guests, including Adrian Marple on Inverness Cathedral organ, Emma Wright on the clarsach and Janet Macdonald on cello. Ruben said: "We will explore the rich cultural traditions of Scotland and Galicia in the northwest of Spain, from the lively Spanish folk rhythms to the haunting melodies of Scottish ballads. Camino means both path and journey in Spanish, so that is the idea of the concert, the musical journey that brought me here and all the influences I have had along the way." They include Galicians Anxo Lorenzo and Daniel Bellón and Ruben has also collaborated in concert with Carlos Núñez, one of Spain's most famous bagpipers.
3 Dance it out with AISHA
Club collective Household's home plays host to RuckusRave & Connect presenting AISHA at Upstairs, Inverness on Friday, May 26 from 9pm-2am, last entry midnight. Who's AISHA? Known for "high-octane techno", she has released tracks on Soma Records and has a residency at the Glasgow's Sub Club.
3 Lots of laughs ...
Two comedy nights to check out this week. First up, The Comedy Bothy star at a special fundraiser night for Jade Taylor at the Waterside from 8pm on Saturday, May 27 with Matt Black, Hazel Urquhart, Lorndog, Kieran Lochore and Mike Hendry. More on Jade's story. Then on Wednesday, May 31, Mark Simmons: Quip Off The Mark comes to Eden Court at 8pm with Mark showcasing the trademark one-liners that have helped him win this year's Comic's Comic title decided by a poll of stand ups.
4 Write into walking ...
On Sunday, May 28 the last day of the week-long Inverness Festival Of Walking And Wheeling, These Books Are Made For Walking: SG MacLean at Eden Court from 4pm-6.30pm has the Highland author of Sunday Times bestseller The Bookseller Of Inverness talking about the importance of walking and cycling in her creative process. Full details of what's on during the festival, HERE:
5 Highland Halls Tour first night!
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This should be a special night on Thursday, June 1 at 7.30pm to open the Highland Halls Tour, when Duncan Chisholm & Hamish Napier – two legends of the traditional/ contemporary scene get together for a night of music at Coigach Community Hall, Achiltibuie. It's the first in a series of community hall gigs including: Strathy Village Hall on Friday, June 2; Applecross Community Hall on Saturday, June 10; Universal Hall, Findhorn, on Sunday, June 11; Rosehall Village Hall, on Thursday, June 15 and Gairloch Community Hall, on Friday, June 16. Duncan has said of these gigs: "“Both myself and Hamish relish the adventure of heading out into the rural Highlands. For us these intimate concerts are about connection. They allow us to connect directly with communities that we love whilst enjoying and connecting with some beautiful landscapes that surround us here in the Highlands.” Hamish adds: “These are some of the finest community halls in the Highlands. Duncan and I each have many happy memories of ceilidh dances and concerts in these places over the years. The music and the landscape go hand in hand."
TICKETS: Email for Coigach Hall gig: inverpolly@aol.com
HEADS UP
The Gathering is on Saturday at the Northern Meeting Park headlined by Tide Lines who played there in 2019, plus there's a full line-up of traditional music stars, from noon to 10.30pm. Tickets still available. The latest big musical act bound for Eden Court from Tuesday, May 30 is Sister Act, starring Birds Of A Feather star Lesley Joseph as Mother Superior. Laughs, great big numbers – has there ever been a more divine feelgood experience? Eight shows at various times for a 7+ audience.
SISTER ACT TICKETS:
