STAGE IS SET FOR MAJOR MUSIC BOOST
Distillery and arts venue link up to put on gigs
A project designed to boost Crieff’s cultural offering will bring some high- profile musical acts to the region later this year.
The Glenturret Series will see four top gigs take place across two Strath capital venues.
The programme of live music has come about through cooperation between Crieff’s Strathearn Arts and Glenturret Distillery and will see renowned Scottish star Eddi Reader perform locally, as well as Yorkston Thorne Khan, The Langan Band and Thomas Gabriel – the latter of whom is the eldest grandson of the late country music legend Johnny Cash.
Phil Mestecky is the director of Strathearn Arts, which will stage three of the concerts.
He said: “Not only will these concerts bring huge benefits to local people by giving them the chance to see some really exciting and well-known acts right on our doorstep, they will also give visitors yet another reason to come and enjoy all Strathearn has to offer before or after the gigs.
Glenturret managing director John Laurie said: “We are delighted to be working with Strathearn Arts on this project and look forward to seeing these excellent acts perform.”
Four top gigs featuring a number of high-profile performers are to take place in Crieff later this year.
Scottish folk musicians Yorkston Thorne Khan kick off the Glenturret Series on June 4, while Thomas Gabriel – the eldest grandson of the late country music legend Johnny Cash – is lined up for September 17.
The following month, progressive folk group The Langan Band will take to the stage on October 14 and renowned Scottish star Eddi Reader will round the series off in style on November 26.
The programme of live music has come about through cooperation between Comrie Street- based organisation Strathearn Arts and Glenturret Distillery, a relationship further strengthened by funding from the Culture and Business Fund Scotland – which is managed by Arts and Business Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.
The shows will mostly take place at Strathearn Arts’ base apart from the Eddi Reader gig, which is to be held in Crieff’s Academy Hall.
Strathearn Arts director Phil Mestecky said: “Not only will these concerts bring huge benefits to local people by giving them the chance to see some really exciting and well- known acts right on our doorstep, they will also give visitors yet another reason to come and enjoy all Strathearn has to offer before or after the gigs.
“This support from The Glenturret gave us the confidence to pitch for the highest possible level of performers, four of which we are delighted to have signed up for the series.”
Glenturret managing director John Laurie said: “As Scotland’s oldest working distillery, we feel a keen sense of responsibility to preserve the ancient traditions of Scotch whisky-making while ensuring that our whiskies remain relevant and appeal to continually changing tastes.
“So, we are delighted to be working with Strathearn Arts on this project and look forward to seeing these excellent acts perform right here in The Glenturret’s home town.”
Those behind the Culture and Business Fund Scotland have thrown their support behind the project as they are keen to encourage partnerships between arts organisations and businesses in their local area.
Moira Chapman, of Arts and Business Scotland, declared: “The Glenturret Series is a great example of how cooperation between business and the arts can produce benefits, not only for each other, but also for the wider community.”
A pass for the whole series has been priced at £60.
For more information, including individual gig ticket prices, search for ‘Glenturret Series’ on the website www. eventbrite. co. uk or contact Strathearn Arts.