Glasgow Letter
It is with great relief that I finally type this Glasgow Letter on my laptop as opposed to my phone – as I have been doing for the last three weeks ever since my own computer got mixed up with an identical model in Edinburgh airport.
It has now arrived safely back in Partick after a fairly extensive world adventure of its own, I am led to believe.
And what a time to make its return. The sun is out, the cherry blossom tree that has been the prominent colour on my street for the spring has now been surpassed by the fresh, green beech trees, and the West End’s many beer gardens – which seemed to increase about 10 fold in the aftermath of Covid – were once again overflowing with customers at the weekend.
This prelude to summer brings a real sense of excitement for what lies ahead in the city.
The first month of the official summer season has at least three massive shows that I have included in the What’s On section below because they all relate to bands from the Highlands or islands.
Peat and Diesel kick off June with their Barrowlands show to raise funds for the Western Isles Island Games Association. The organisation aims to make it affordable for budding young athletes from the Western Isles to attend the International Island Games and Peat and Diesel are endeavouring to raise £20,000 for the cause from the profits of their Barrowlands show.
The very next weekend, Rouken Glen Park will play host to a new traditional music festival called The Reeling. If you would like a veritable “who’s who” of folk music, just go and have a look online at their poster.
Soon afterwards, in another Glasgow park (Queen’s Park), our own Tide Lines show takes place in a big top tent. This is the biggest show we’ve ever done as a band and we’re delighted to be joined by Idlewild, Calum Bowie and Quiet Houses for a full festival-style programme of music from 4pm onwards. I really can’t wait!
Elsewhere, one need only glance at the poster for Regular Music’s Summer Nights at the Bandstand to get a flavour for the wide variety of music instore along the Kelvin Way. From the Sugababes to the Saw Doctors, there really is something for everyone and I plan on trying to cover a couple of these shows as the summer progresses.
Anyway, before we get ahead of ourselves, don’t forget the Glasgow Skye Association’s Cothrom na h-Òigridh (Children’s Concert) which has been rescheduled to this Friday evening in the Crawford Hall, Beith Street.