Ex- pat Steven returns in a skanking big band set at The Bellfield Tavern
A Stewarton ska musician is making a 20,000 mile round- trip to play his first hometown show.
Steven Montgomery, who performs as part of Australian group Melbourne Ska Orchestra, is returning to Ayrshire for a one- off performance next week.
The group are touring the UK and playing at the Edinburgh Fringe to promote their new album, Sierra Kilo Alpha.
And some of the members of the 26- strong orchestra will cross to the west coast to play at the Bellfield Tavern.
Steven – responsible for “vocals, dance moves and rabble rousing” – is a self- confessed “ska tragic” for more than 35 years – and a massive Killie fan to boot, making the homecoming show all the more meaningful.
Known as ‘ Kilmarnock Steve’ to Aussie ska fanatics, Steve also fronts his own band The Ska Vendors as well as having led the Orchestra on tours, including Chilean dates in 2013.
The globe- trotting Melbourne Ska Orchestra will take time out of their UK touring schedule for the special Kilmarnock show, presenting a set of Australian/ Jamaican ska, rocksteady, reggae and rhythm and blues.
The Orchestra have wowed audiences around the world, with shows in New York and London and performances at top festivals such as Glastonbury and WOMAD.
Support on the night comes from Fudgie McFadden and Three Minute Heroes.
Tickets – strictly limited to 150 – cost £ 5, and are available from The Bellfield Tavern or online at bellfield. bigcartel. com.