The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
All-star gig a Big Noise boost
THE CAMPAIGN to bring Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise Orchestra to Dundee, which gained city council approval on Monday, will receive a further boost at a memorial concert for Michael Marra in the Highlands on Saturday.
The education committee unanimously agreed to support the campaign to bring Sistema Scotland to the city.
The sold-out gig is raising money for Optimistic Sound, the charity set up in the wake of Michael’s death to raise funds for the Sistema campaign.
The concert is in the tiny Resolis Memorial Hall, on the Black Isle near Dingwall, where Michael performed his last ever solo show.
It features Dundee’s the Hazey Janes, Rod Paterson and Saint Andrew and the Rare Wee Helps alongside Scottish stars Eddi Reader, Riley Briggs, the Mackenzie Sisters and Frank McConnell.
Michael’s widow Peggy said: “Although Michael’s last ever gig was, as we know, at the Rep with his beloved Hazey Janes, this was the last venue Michael played as a solo artiste, almost two years ago to the day.
“Michael was instrumental in the local community starting up the Resolis Community Hall project and the folk up there just want to honour him in this small way, and have worked really hard to pull this off.
“They have produced a fabulous souvenir programme which will be on sale on the night, with funds also for Optimistic Sound.
“It is made up of tributes from many people who admired Michael and were in turn admired by him.
“We hope to have some left over to bring back to Dundee for sale here.
“Michael’s family just think it’s a wonderful thing for them to do, raising money for us here in Dundee.”
In addition to the all-star cast, the organisers plan to show some of Michael’s animations on a big screen.