Star support for SOFA festival
Actor Denis gets behind online arts showcase
Strath residents can sit back and let a festival come to them this weekend.
A packed programme with something for everyone has been lined up for Strathearn Online Festival of the Arts (SOFA), which kicks off on Friday.
The local initiative, organised by Strathearn Arts, includes online concerts hosted by Chris’s Gigs, Crieff Folk Club and Strathearn Music Society – with more than 30 well- known national and local performers and musicians involved – meet the author events, interactive workshops and Strathearn’s Got Young Talent, among many other activities.
Organisers want to celebrate the extraordinary range and quality of the local arts, music and cultural scene in the area and bring the whole community together for a weekend of fun and entertainment.
Crieff Arts Festival ( CAF) is delighted to be taking part.
Chairman Nigel Gatherer told the Herald: “Last year we had to postpone CAF because of illness, but we were looking forward to bouncing back in 2020.
“Alas, like many other events, the Arts Fest had to be cancelled because of coronavirus.
“It was very disappointing and we just prayed that next year we’d be able to bring fun and culture to the town. Strathearn Arts contacted us with the idea of an online event, and we took to it straight away. Of course it’s not the same, but it’s a unique chance to maintain a participation in the arts while the crisis persists.”
One of CAF’s projects lined-up for the weekend is three short interviews where June McEwan engages in conversation with artists working in Strathearn.
“We’ve called it ‘ June Talks Art’,” continued Nigel. “If there’s one thing June is good at, it’s talking, but in these interviews she discusses art and inspiration with David Campbell, Alex McAdam and the famous Pedro.
“You see examples of their work while they have a good old natter and a laugh.”
June Talks Art is scheduled from 3.30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Another element of SOFA provided by CAF is a special showing of the popular film ‘Crieff at the Movies’ on Sunday at 7.30pm.
“It’s a compilation of old cine clips featuring Crieff and Strathearn,” explained Nigel. “We’ve had a couple of successful screenings of it before at the Artspace, but this time it’s being shown on YouTube, so people can view it from the comfort of their own homes.”
In addition, it is hoped those taking part in the SOFA events and watching the concerts will make a donation, which can be made via www.justgiving.com/campaign/sofa.
It will be shared equally between the artists and musicians taking part, LOGOS youth project and Strathearn Arts.
A preview of the weekend’s activities is being aired at 7pm on Friday and will feature an exclusive interview with Crieff actor and producer, Denis Lawson.
Denis, who is a longterm supporter of the Comrie Street arts hub, said: “I want to throw my support behind this terrific initiative.
“We all know how difficult things are at the moment in many walks of life, none more so than in the arts themselves – for musicians, actors, performers backstage staff, stage crew and front of house.
“Any donations you can make, however modest, will be gratefully received to help support local performers in the Strathearn area.”
• For more information, see the website www. strathearnarts.org
It’s a unique chance to maintain a participation in the arts while the crisis persists