Big names set to march into town for Pitlochry music fest
Johnny Cash-inspired Jericho Hill Organisers of this year’s March Into Pitlochry festival have unveiled an exciting line-up.
Last year’s star turn Hunter and the Bear return to top the bill on Saturday, March 25, along with Leeds band The Dunwells, while colourful combo Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove make the long-haul from Wales to headline the Friday night entertainment.
The two-day event is peppered with artists providing an Americana and Indie theme for the Highland Perthshire festival.
Steve Carruthers, one of the seven-strong organising committee who have pieced together the line-ups for a musical feast, said: “After the inaugural festival proved popular with locals and visitors, we took a deep breath and decided to press on with plans for bringing a 2017 festival to the town.
“It was also a hit with local businesses, with pubs, restaurants and hotels all getting a turn at a traditionally quiet time of year.
“We are delighted with the range and quality of acts which we have got on board.”
While Pitlochry Town Hall will again provide the focal point for the Belhaven-backed weekend, nearby McKays Hotel is the venue for afternoon and late night acoustic sessions.
Scots outfit Hunter and the Bear are counting down to a UK tour to promote their debut album while The Dunwells – Previously a hit during an appearance at Inchyra Arts Club – have already enticed U2 and Kaiser Chiefs producer Stephen Harris on board.
Rockability party band Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove have been attracting rave reviews, including the stamp of approval from Midge Ure.
Their reputation on the live circuit was boosted by being runner-up in Britain’s Best Live Band contest.
Belladrum and Wickerman veterans Jericho Hill are signed-up, along with 100 Fables – hailed as the Hard Rock Cafe’s best new band - and the festival has enjoyed a coup by tempting Devonbased alt-country singer Peter Bruntnell to stopoff for an acoustic set sprinkled with offerings from a Mojo Americana album of the month, Nos Da Comrade.
Peter has been featuring on Radio Scotland, with both Ricky Ross and Iain Anderson singing and the Bear Hunter his praises. Steve said: “We have been forced to turn down some bands who were keen to join the weekend line-up. That shows we must be doing something right.”
In addition to bands from further afield, the volunteer crew is keen to promote Big County talents, with Perth Battle of the Bands winners Purple Felts, local Americana favourites The Carloways and Pitlochry teenage singer songwriter Dannie Smillie all featured on the bill. Support for the event has come from TLC Laundry, MKM Building Supplies, Edmundson Electrical, AGB Developments, Morris and Young and RW Bell Pitlochry. The full line-up is as follows: • March 24, Pitlochry Town Hall - Altinak, Dannie Smillie, The Carloways, Jericho Hill and Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove; McKays: Dunwells The King of Birds and Dead Man Fall.
• March 25, McKays - JC and the Hopeless Sinners, Peter Bruntnell, Stetsonhead and The Lorelei; Town Hall - Purple Felts, 100 Fables, MIR, James Mackenzie and Band, Miracle Glass Company, The Dunwells and Hunter and the Bear.
For tickets and for further information visit marchintopitlochry.co.uk