Folk festival line-up announced

Mariachi Tequila from Mexico.

Thirty-four is knocking at the door. Yet again it’s another year and the internationally renowned Shetland Folk Festival has surpassed itself with a tantalizing variety of acts sure to delight locals and visitors.

This year sees 16 visiting acts and 50 local turns performing over the weekend of 1st to 4th May during a festival dedicated to the memory of its stalwart and ambassador Davie Henderson whose funeral was last weekend.

At today’s launch of the 34th festival line-up Mhari Pottinger from the committee said it would be a time of mixed emotions, but it was the first time she had really felt positive lately about promoting the acts.

Worth a special mention and bringing something new to the variety of events are Mariachi Tequila, a London-based Mexican outfit, who play a mixture of Latin folk Music complete with sombreros and colourful costumes.

The Asham Stompers, native North Americans from Manitoba in Canada, do a high-energy jig and square dance routine and the Sojourns, a gospel trio from the States, are sure to broaden the appeal of this year’s festivities.

There is even a four-piece mandolin combo from Belgium included in the programme.

Mhari said there was a welcome return by Madison Violet, an acoustic pop, folk, and country music duo from “across the pond”, by popular demand.

All told, it is another impressive line-up with a fine blend of local talent and music from “aa da aerts”.

Stephen Gordon

• See this week’s Shetland Times for a full list of visiting acts and more photographs.