DISTIL SHOWCASE SET TO ROLL INTO TOWN
The hugely popular Distil Showcase - Hands Up for Trad’s annual celebration of some of Scotland’s leading traditional composers – is returning to Stirling’s Tolbooth on Friday (March 31), bringing with it an eclectic bill of top performers.
Nine celebrated composers Lorne MacDougall, Rick Standley, Jack Smedley, Sally Simpson, Mike Vass, Alasdair Paul, Rhona Smith and Sean Gray – are set to perform on the night, using their unique talents to bring their pieces to life.
Since it began 15 years ago, Distil has helped many emerging musicians develop their compositional skills by giving them opportunities to continue learning.
The Hands up for Trad project has also commissioned over 100 new pieces of music since it began as a residential course in 2002.
Hands Up for Trad continue to be at the forefront of promoting Scottish traditional music, providing much-needed platforms for artists to thrive. They recently celebrated the 14th year of the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, with a glittering ceremony held in Dundee.
It exists to promote Scottish traditional music through education, information and advocacy to artists, audiences and participants throughout Scotland and beyond.
Hands Up for Trad are supported by Creative Scotland, the development body for the arts and creative industries in Scotland, who enable people by helping them to develop great ideas and bring them to life. Event founder and Hands Up for Trad creative director, Simon Thoumire, said: “Each Year, Distil brings some of the best Scottish musicians to Stirling and this year is no exception.
“We’re thrilled to continue to strengthen and develop the incredible scope of talent in Scotland’s trad music scene.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of Creative Scotland and we thank them for their continued support.”
Tickets are £10 and available now via www.projects.handsupfortrad. scot/distil/distil-showcase- 2017themusic/.