Trad music and comedy for Up-Helly-A’ gigs

Line-ups have been announced for Shetland Arts’ annual Fiery Sessions and Stand Up Helly Aa events next month.

The Fiery Sessions will comprise two daytime concerts, featuring music from Shetland duo Maggie Adamson and Brian Nicholson. The fiddle and guitar duo are regulars on the local music scene and will be performing on the back of the release of their latest album Here n’ Now.

Also on the bill is local act Vair – who will be performing at Celtic Connections in Glasgow earlier in the month. The band was formed by Shetland musicians Jonny Polson, Erik Peterson, Lewie Peterson and Ryan Couper. They play music which draws influence from musical styles ranging from Scottish and Irish folk to American bluegrass.

The line-up for the annual music event will be rounded off with performances by students of High Level Music.
Stand Up Helly Aa will be hosted by Stand Up Helly Aa regular Sandy Nelson, and will feature a slot from Scottish Comedian of the Year 2014 Bruce Fummey.

Also included is improv and stand-up from local comedian Marjolein Robertson and Shetland’s new improv group The Imposters.