Young musician Carter to top bill at country music festival

With Shetland Country Music Club about to embark on this year’s festival, Brian Robertson gives the lowdown on the visiting artists and what audiences can expect from the weekend.

This year’s Shetland Country Music Club Festival runs from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th September. Topping the bill is a young man with an Irish background by the name of Nathan Carter. At 19 years of age he has not had a long career, but in the short time he has won many awards for his performances.

With three albums to his credit Nathan is heading for a bright future. He recently appeared at the major country festival in Belfast, has been signed up by a major agency in Ireland and has been booked to support American stars George Jones and Vince Gill in the near future.

Nathan has a very good band behind him and he is a very accomplished musician, playing guitar keyboards and accordion, which will add variety to his performances in Shetland.

Guesting with Nathan and the band will be top pedal steel guitarist Sarah Jory. Sarah, whose musical career began when she was very young, is rated around fifth in the world on pedal steel. We are certain her ability will greatly add to the sound of Nathan and the band.

Making a welcome return to Shetland – and we make no apology for this – is Nicky James. We are certain he will provide his usual mix of good country sounds during his performances as he has done before. Joining Nicky at his appearance in the Walls Public Hall on Saturday night will be the Country Club Band.

We always appreciate having our local bands and musicians involved. On Saturday evening May & Mackie will be performing in the Lerwick British Legion, with tickets available from the door.

The festival kicks off on Friday night in the Garrison Theatre where Nathan Carter, Sarah Jory and Nicky James are all appearing. Tickets are available now from the Isleburgh Box Office. Nicky James will also appear in the Lounge Bar from 9pm.

Saturday night will see Nathan and the band plus Sarah Jory appearing in the Burravoe Hall at 9 pm. Tickets are available now from Ulsta Shop, RS Henderson in Cullivoe and Burravoe Post Office. Tickets for the Walls Public Hall on Saturday night are available from the Walls Shop.

On Sunday night all of our visiting artistes will be appearing in the Royal British Legion at 8pm. Tickets are available from the box office and also from the door.

The club appreciates the support of Shetland Charitable Trust, NorthLink Ferries, Shetland Arts, Allied Taxis and Bolts Car Hire for helping to make the festival possible.

As an added bonus members of the country club will be presenting Give Us A Tune on Friday night on BBC Radio Shetland and will be highlighting this year’s visiting artistes to get you in the country swing.