Musicans arrived off the Aberdeen to Shetland overnight ferry on a beautiful calm and sunny morning after an evening spent jamming in the on board lounge bar. We spoke to some visiting artists many who were returning performers. Shetland Folk Festival is regarding by everyone we spoke to as the place to perform and the pinnacle of many musicians festival aspirations.
One of the Thursday opening night performances was held at St. Columba's Church (known locally as Da big Kirk). The venue providing great acoustics and a unique environment to listen to three of the acts performing at the festival including local group Kansa with tight harmonies and and Americana style blend of their own songs.
Next to perform were Kyla brox from Manchester. The powerful soulful vocals blew me away, accompanied by skilful guitarist and bass. The headlining act were seasoned professionals from Portland, Oregan, America, Foghorn string band, with a real blend of old-time traditional American music. We had the pleasure of speaking to them earlier on in the day and he shared his passion for the Shetland Folk Festival and his aspiration to set up a similar folk festival back home.
Mareel
We popped over to Mareel to catch Shane Cook and the Wood chippers performing at the Ringin Strings Concert. Shane was joined on stage by fellow performing artist.
