West Lothian Courier

Tribute show returns after two year absence

- DEBBIE HALL

Folk music fans will pay tribute to the memory of the late great Matt McGinn at an evening of songs and music in the Linlithgow Academy Theatre on Saturday March 4.

The Glasgow singer, songwriter, poet and raconteur was Scotland’s undisputed ‘King of Folk’ in the 1960s and 70s.

The rare talents of Matt McGinn made him a household name in Scotland and in Folk circles throughout the world.

In 1962 he sang in a concert in New York’s Carnegie Hall with Pete Seeger and a young Bob Dylan.

Matt went on to be regarded as one of Britain’s most powerful songwriter­s band became one of Scotland’s leading folksinger­s of his time.

He died in 1977 at the age of only 49, but left some 500 songs, many of which, such as the ‘Red Yo-Yo’ and ‘Coorie Doon’ have become classics.

In recent years, Linlithgow Folk Festival Associatio­n has played a pivotal role in reviving

Matt McGinn's work and presenting it in an innovative and entertaini­ng way.

Previous tribute nights in the town have played to packed houses.

The event returns after an enforced absence in 2021 and 2022 due to covid.

The Matt McGinn Night is a major fundraiser for the Linlithgow Folk Festival and all entertaine­rs give their services free as a gesture of support.

Proceeds from the show are used at the Festival to organise an outdoor music initiative - the Nora Devine Stage - which gives budding artists the opportunit­y to perform at the very heart of the Festival.

For many years, the late Nora Devine ran the famous Linlithgow Folk Club and brought Matt McGinn to the town on several occasions.

Tickets for the Matt McGinn Night, priced £12, can be obtained from Far from the Madding Crowd,Wilson’s Newsagents and from Linlithgow Folk Festival Associatio­n on 07910 729 736.

An online ticket service is available through the website www. linlithgow­folk.yapsody.com.

 ?? ?? Toe tapping The Ian Walker Band is just one of the acts performing at the Matt McGinn tribute
Toe tapping The Ian Walker Band is just one of the acts performing at the Matt McGinn tribute

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