Let the good rhymes roll
A terrific line-up of artists will help spread the joy of entertainment at Burnsfest! next weekend
THE songs of Robert Burns are at the heart of our culture, and are as relevant today as when they were written. It’s fitting then, that Burnsfest! puts music at the centre of the celebration, and this year presents top Scottish names such as The Silencers, Marmalade and BMX Bandits alongside special guests The Christians, celebrating their 30th year with a special acoustic performance.
Taking place at Rozelle Park in Ayr on Saturday, May 6, Burnsfest! is one element of the Burns an’ a’ That Festival, which also includes Burnsfringe, a programme of events that runs throughout the month.
From 1pm to 10pm Burnsfest! offers not only free entry with activities for all the family, but also the Live Music Tent showcasing the best in Scottish music plus special guests.
Aside from the main music tent, there is the opportunity to see up-and-coming talent in a more laidback setting. Look out for the decorated coo welcoming all into the A-Coo-Stick Tipi from 1pm to 8pm.
Opening the Burnsfest! Live Music Tent with a bang will be North Atlas from Glasgow, with alternative rock that has seen comparisons to the likes of Biffy Clyro.
Following them will be a local band paying homage to one of the most influential groups ever. The Kinks Experience don’t only sound like Ray Davies and his bandmates but try to ensure the look is also part of the Experience. IN THE POET’S CORNER Tide Lines then bring their version of the sound of the Highlands and Islands to the stage, driven by a full band sound.
They are followed by one of Scotland’s most influential bands. For more than 30 years BMX Bandits have held a special place in Scottish music. There has been a shifting line-up over that time, always with the classic songwriting of Duglas T Stewart at its centre. At around 5pm, the Burnsfest! Live Music Tent welcomes Liverpool’s The Christians as special guests. This is their 30th anniversary and are performing acoustic versions of hits such as Ideal World, Forgotten Town, and When the Fingers Point.
The Rising Souls start the evening with a blend of rock, blues, and soul – when they hit the big time, you will remember you first saw them at Burnsfest! Then, following a short break for some comedy from Fingal and Angus and The Scottish Poetry Corner TV show at 6.45pm, one of Scotland’s classic bands takes the stage. Marmalade had chart success starting in the late 1960s and were sometimes referred to as the “Scottish Beatles”. Even those who weren’t around will recognise hits such as Reflections of My Life, Falling Apart At The Seams and Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.
The Live Music tent is headlined by The Silencers, a band that has taken the soul of Scottish traditional music into the pop and rock arena, then taken it around the world.
Founder member Ji mme O’Neill is still front and centre and over the band’s 30 years has created an eclectic mix of songs that have retained a Celtic influence, including Painted Moon, Scottish Rain, a moving version of the traditional ballad Wild Mountain Thyme, and the huge European hit Bulletproof Heart.
For more details of the music programme and all events at this year’s Burns festivals, visit www.burnsfestival.com