Folk Favorites Lined up for the Fruitmarket in Glasgow this Autumn

One of Glasgow’s most atmospheric venues, the Old Fruitmarket, will open its doors to an eclectic line-up of Scottish and international folk talent this autumn. On 1st September, the autumn Fruitmarket Folk season kicks off with the return of folk veteran Eric Bogle. Due to overwhelming demand following his sold-out show at the Old Fruitmarket in June, Eric and the guitar and mandolin player John Munro will play a second date in Glasgow as part of their final tour of Scotland.

On Saturday 5th September, an all-star cast will unite for a one-off Celtic Music Radio Fundraiser Concert. The show will be headlined by the acclaimed musician and singer Eliza Carthy, and will feature performances by Irish singer-songwriter Ciaran Dorris, Scottish harp duo The Duplets, and Scottish singer-songwriters Kim Edgar, Dean Owens, Craig Jeffrey and John Malcolm.

Fiddlers’ Bid will demonstrate why they are internationally respected as the leading exponents of Shetland’s musical heritage on 11th September. The band combines a dynamic four fiddle front line with a powerhouse of piano, bass, guitar and Scottish harp to create a display of stunning virtuosity.

Scots fiddle master Alasdair Fraser and American cellist Natalie Haas return to Glasgow on 16th September following their sell-out show at Celtic Connections 2008, which was acclaimed as a “feast for the ears” by The Herald. Their resurrection of the classic musical marriage between big and small fiddles – a familiar feature of Scottish music in the 18th century – results in a fascinating combination that occasionally sounds like a baroque duo. Support comes from Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award winners Pipedown.

The inimitable fiddle and accordion duo Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham arrive at the Fruitmarket on September 19th. Having toured together since 1988, they have a reputation for an irrepressible sense of fun and quick-witted storytelling as well as delivering virtuoso performances.

On 1st October, a dream team of musicians unite to take part in Music like a Vitamin, which launches the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. Retaining the home-grown, intimate feel of last year’s show, this year’s Music Like A Vitamin is curated by two of Scotland’s best loved singer-songwriters and guitarists, Karine Polwart and Emma Pollock, both performing on the night alongside Alasdair Roberts and James Yorkston. Dublin’s Adrian Crowley will join James on stage to sing the songs of Daniel Johnston.

Boston-based alternative bluegrass band Crooked Still perform on 20th October. With a fearsome live reputation, they are known for their high energy, technical skill, unique instrumentation and innovative acoustic style. Scottish chanteuse Emily Smith opens the evening.

Ground-breaking Scottish mavericks Shooglenifty push the word “traditional” to its limits with their blend of dance vibes and roots music. One of the best live bands on the Scottish scene, their genre defying sound has been described as everything from “acid croft” to “hypnofolkadelia,” and they bring the Fruitmarket Folk season to a close on 11th November.