Mairs Family Band set for Stonelaw gig
Rutherglen act the Mairs Family Band will be the headliners at the latest instalment of the Acoustic Nights at the Meeting Place series of gigs.
The family trio take the stage this Friday, September 29, at Stonelaw Parish Church.
The band - dad Alan, mum Louise and daughter Hazel - features all instruments and all styles from contemporary to traditional with full bluegrass vocal harmonies, including a gospel repertoire.
All members of the band have had many years experience in the live music scene and have toured three times in the USA.
Alan Mairs is a fiddler, mandolin and guitar player and was one of the founder members of Old Hickory, which was the very first bluegrass band to be formed in Scotland.
The band came together after seeing the late, great Bill Monroe, known as the father of bluegrass music, playing with The Bluegrass Boys at their one and only Scottish gig in April 1975.
Louise Mairs played double bass with Old Hickory during the 1980s.
During this time, they recorded two albums and appeared frequently on Scottish television.
Louise also plays rhythm guitar, and is a fine songwriter, while her main instrument with the Mairs Family Band is dobro.
Hazel Mairs provides a rock steady rhythm on double bass and mandolin and sings wonderful lead and harmony vocals.
Hazel is also currently the bass player and vocalist with the Glasgow-based bluegrass band, the Daddy Naggins.
The group have been praised over the years by the likes of Irish Music magazine and the Glasgow fiddle workshop, while they are well known throughout the local music scene. Friday’s gig starts at 7.30pm. Entry is a £5 donation and children go free, while filter coffee, tea and home made cakes are included.
Seating on the night is limited so arrive early at the church to avoid disappointment.
Visit www.facebook.com/bluegrasslive for more information on the band.
The group have been praised over the years by the likes of Irish Music magazine