57th Perth Festival 2006
by Joe O’Neill
B&F December 2006
Our arrival this year was a very gusty one, as the aircraft had to make two attempts to land because of the winds and heavy rain. We landed and collected our little rented car and set out for Perth. Well, we had not long left the airport when we caught up with the tailback of traffic miles long on our way to the Forth Road Bridge. The snails were passing us and at one point I felt like joining them! Once across the bridge we headed for Perth non-stop.
Having refreshed at the Perth Leisure Centre we had a bite to eat and dropped off our bags at our usual Cheswick Guest House and set out for Newburgh where Lindsay Weir and her Band were in full session at the Ship hotel, High Street. Lindsay was on lead accordion with Colin Garvin (her husband) on keyboard and Bill Buchan on drums. Lindsay played a great selection of pipe marches along with reels and jigs and some of Colin’s compositions. Congratulations to Lindsay and Colin on their recent wedding. The video camera men/women were out in force as there were four or five of them recording the session from which, I believe, they will make a film later.
During the intermission there were lots of players, including Alan Clark on accordion, Bill Ewan on keyboard and Ian Adamson on drums.
After the break Lindsay and her band continued the night with a great selection of tunes with some of her recent CD Celtic Steps. It’s the kind of music that gets your toes tapping and heart beating. After a very good night’s entertainment we headed back to Perth.
On Friday morning we called in to Bill Wilkie’s Music House and collected out tickets for the concert and information about the competition venues.
We then took a tour of Perth and I have to say that great improvements have been made to the appearance of the streets and buildings since last year. With just a few roadworks to finish, all should be in good shape next year.
The Ceilidh at The Grampian Hotel on Friday night was a great success, and from the very start to the finish it was non-stop entertainment to suit all. John Carmichael and his Band, along with visiting musicians put on a beautiful performance.
John’s band consisted of John on accordion, Angie MacEachern on fiddle, John Sinton on bass, Billy Thom on drums and Alan Kitchen on keyboard. The dancers never left the floor and every dance was lively and very energetic. You could see and feel that the dancers were really enjoying the music and dance. This feeling was carried over to the musicians also. The visiting entertainers were as follows:-
Laura Jane Rintoul – Puirt-a Beul (mouth music); Gary and Alan Sutherland on accordion and drums (Gary recently had his first ‘TTF’ broadcast with his Band and we wish them every success in the future); Roya MacLean on accordion and Heather Fraser on drums; Ewan Galloway on accordion; Susan MacFadyen on accordion; Shona MacFadyen on fiddle, Matthew MacLennan on accordion and Joanna Cockburn on keyboard.
The aforementioned made up duets and trios and also joined in to form a full band. It was great just to sit back and listen to such great talent, and many of them teenagers.
Mickie Ainsworth was MC and, between dances, gave us some of his usual jovial renditions which were well received by all. We could have danced all night but all good things have to end and Mickie left me the honours to thank all for their support.
Saturday morning and all around Perth you could see fellows and girls pulling boxes containing their instruments to the Concert Hall and The Salutation Hotel, where they would compete for cups and medals. Entries were up again in the all important contest – 32 in the Open Solo Championship and a record 9 entries in the Open Scottish Band Section.
This year I would like to focus on the adjudicators and the many award they have to judge.
The adjudicators this year were :-
John Carmichael
John Crawford
Alex McIntyre
Willie & Freda Gordon
Addie Harper & Alan Small
Angela MacEachern
A special word of thanks to the adjudicators for their expertise and judgment.
Now to the main event of the Festival. The new concert Hall was full to capacity by 6.45pm and the show got under way.
Bill Wilkie and his Accordion Orchestra with Pam Wilkie on piano opened the show. Guest singer Jimmy Turner sang some golden oldies and was followed by Gary Sutherland, 2005 All Scotland Open Solo Accordion Champion. The Minstrel Singers consisting of Maureen Rutherford, Di Coburn, Louise Bissett, Sheila Turner, Ken Smeaton, Bill Gratty, Alistair and Alan Stewart, then took to the stage and delighted us with songs from the past and present. The Sandra Wright Dancers, followed by Julie Young Dancers gave superb performances.
The finalists of the All Scotland Senior (Trad) Scottish Accordion Solo Open Championship 2006 came on stage one by one to play – a great performance by all.
Alan Small and his Lomond Ceilidh Band took centre stage and had our feet and hands going.
Dansarena then danced in ‘Riverdance’ style.
After the 15-minute break The Mums of the Julie Young Dancers gave a marvelous performance of ‘Mac the Knife’. There’s lots of mileage in those mums yet! Angela MacEachern on violin gave a great selection of Scottish tunes. Eddie Devine, in his airline uniform, had us laughing with tears running down our cheeks at his very funny jokes. You would have to write them down to remember them.
John Carmichael gave the Adjudicators’ Summary on the finalists of the 2006 All Scotland Senior (Trad) Scottish Accordion Solo Open Championship 2006.
Oleg Sharov came from St Petersburg for this special occasion. The Russian virtuoso accordionist gave a super performance of Russian and continental music.
The young members of Julie Young Dancers then did the Charleston followed by songs from Perth’s own Donald Maxwell with John Scrimger at the piano.
Michael Philip (2002 champion) and his SCDB led us in some very lively Scottish Dance Music. The concert ended with Auld Lang Syne.
We then went over to the Salutation Hotel where the Festival Dance was being held with Craig McCallum’s SDB playing to a packed hall.
There was Craig on lead accordion, Gillies Crichton on second box, Alison smith on fiddle, Alasdair MacLeod on bass, Duncan Henderson on drums and Hazel McCallum on piano. The dancers were in for a great night’s dancing as the band had them on their toes and heels doing the various dances. A great gathering from the concert was in attendance.
Bill Wilkie’s house was next port of call and a large gathering of musicians and dancers and singers were enjoying Bill’s hospitality. Sunday night took us to Forfar A&F Club, which was held in The Royal Hotel. Their guests were the Lynn Gould Trio from Aberdeen. Lynn was on lead accordiom, Graeme Mitchell on keyboard and Graham Sherrit on drums. There was a large attendance and some great performances from the Club members during the evening.
We wish to thank all the people we met during our few days for their Cead Mile Failte.
57th All Scotland Accordion Festival 2006
All Scotland Senior Amateur Traditional Solo (John Crawford Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
All Scotland Open Traditional Accordion Solo Championship (Jimmy Shand Shield)
1) Alex Mackenzie (Perth)
2) Stewart Walker (Cawder)
3) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band (John Gibson, Ronnie Cooper Memorial Trophy)
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Gary Sutherland (Ladybank)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band (Alex MacArthur Cup)
1) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
2)
3)
Own Composition (Jimmy Blue Trophy)
1) John Bone (Inverallochy)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Ewan Galloway (Coldingham)
Scottish Trio (Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club Challenge Cup)
1) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
Scottish Traditional Button Key Accordion Solo
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Veterans’ Solo (40 and over) (Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich)
1) Keith Duncan (Aberdeen)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
3) Bill Findlay (Dunfermline)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Angus Accordion College Challenge Shield)
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Junior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Under 16) (Charlie Cowie Memorial Cup)
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Senior Ladies Accordion Solo (Margaret Hendrie Silver Salver)
1) Megan Henderson (Fort William)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Claire Noble (Biggar)
Senior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Bill Black Challenge Cup)
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Junior Girls Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Jimmy Stephen Salver)
1) Mairi McLeod (Fraserburgh)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Scottish Ceilidh Band (Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 12) (Black Isle Shield)
1) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
2) Gregor Allan (Tarves)
3) Murdo Elwis (Kinross)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 16) (Albie Tedham Trophy)
1) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Tom Gold (Douglas)
Junior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (Under 16) (Sheila Rankine Memorial Trophy)
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Lorna Edward (Keith)
3) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 12) (Jim Ritchie Challenge Cup)
1) Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Innes Kennedy (Thornhill)
3=) Neil Tollan (Carluke) & Susan McGinlay (Thornhill)
Senior Fiddle Solo (16 and over) (Ian Powrie Cup)
1) Megan Henderson (Fort William)
2) Anne Nicol (Insch)
3) Kathryn Matthews (Turriff)
Senior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (16 and over) 1) Kathryn Matthews (Turriff)
2) Raemond Jappy (Buckie)
3) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Junior Fiddle Under 12
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Under 16
1)
2)
3)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
Open Classical Musette Solo
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
3) Alex Young (Houston)
Open Classical Polka Solo
1) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
2) Luke Crawford (Ladybank)
3) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Under 14 Classical Musette Solo
1) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
2) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
3)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo
1) Callum Muir (Carnwath)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Senior Classical Accordion Championship (Accordion World Cup)
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
3)
Junior Classical Accordion Championship
1)
2)
3)
Under 12 Classical Accordion Solo (Kool Accordions Sussex Cup)
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
2) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
3) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
Having refreshed at the Perth Leisure Centre we had a bite to eat and dropped off our bags at our usual Cheswick Guest House and set out for Newburgh where Lindsay Weir and her Band were in full session at the Ship hotel, High Street. Lindsay was on lead accordion with Colin Garvin (her husband) on keyboard and Bill Buchan on drums. Lindsay played a great selection of pipe marches along with reels and jigs and some of Colin’s compositions. Congratulations to Lindsay and Colin on their recent wedding. The video camera men/women were out in force as there were four or five of them recording the session from which, I believe, they will make a film later.
During the intermission there were lots of players, including Alan Clark on accordion, Bill Ewan on keyboard and Ian Adamson on drums.
After the break Lindsay and her band continued the night with a great selection of tunes with some of her recent CD Celtic Steps. It’s the kind of music that gets your toes tapping and heart beating. After a very good night’s entertainment we headed back to Perth.
On Friday morning we called in to Bill Wilkie’s Music House and collected out tickets for the concert and information about the competition venues.
We then took a tour of Perth and I have to say that great improvements have been made to the appearance of the streets and buildings since last year. With just a few roadworks to finish, all should be in good shape next year.
The Ceilidh at The Grampian Hotel on Friday night was a great success, and from the very start to the finish it was non-stop entertainment to suit all. John Carmichael and his Band, along with visiting musicians put on a beautiful performance.
John’s band consisted of John on accordion, Angie MacEachern on fiddle, John Sinton on bass, Billy Thom on drums and Alan Kitchen on keyboard. The dancers never left the floor and every dance was lively and very energetic. You could see and feel that the dancers were really enjoying the music and dance. This feeling was carried over to the musicians also. The visiting entertainers were as follows:-
Laura Jane Rintoul – Puirt-a Beul (mouth music); Gary and Alan Sutherland on accordion and drums (Gary recently had his first ‘TTF’ broadcast with his Band and we wish them every success in the future); Roya MacLean on accordion and Heather Fraser on drums; Ewan Galloway on accordion; Susan MacFadyen on accordion; Shona MacFadyen on fiddle, Matthew MacLennan on accordion and Joanna Cockburn on keyboard.
The aforementioned made up duets and trios and also joined in to form a full band. It was great just to sit back and listen to such great talent, and many of them teenagers.
Mickie Ainsworth was MC and, between dances, gave us some of his usual jovial renditions which were well received by all. We could have danced all night but all good things have to end and Mickie left me the honours to thank all for their support.
Saturday morning and all around Perth you could see fellows and girls pulling boxes containing their instruments to the Concert Hall and The Salutation Hotel, where they would compete for cups and medals. Entries were up again in the all important contest – 32 in the Open Solo Championship and a record 9 entries in the Open Scottish Band Section.
This year I would like to focus on the adjudicators and the many award they have to judge.
The adjudicators this year were :-
John Carmichael
John Crawford
Alex McIntyre
Willie & Freda Gordon
Addie Harper & Alan Small
Angela MacEachern
A special word of thanks to the adjudicators for their expertise and judgment.
Now to the main event of the Festival. The new concert Hall was full to capacity by 6.45pm and the show got under way.
Bill Wilkie and his Accordion Orchestra with Pam Wilkie on piano opened the show. Guest singer Jimmy Turner sang some golden oldies and was followed by Gary Sutherland, 2005 All Scotland Open Solo Accordion Champion. The Minstrel Singers consisting of Maureen Rutherford, Di Coburn, Louise Bissett, Sheila Turner, Ken Smeaton, Bill Gratty, Alistair and Alan Stewart, then took to the stage and delighted us with songs from the past and present. The Sandra Wright Dancers, followed by Julie Young Dancers gave superb performances.
The finalists of the All Scotland Senior (Trad) Scottish Accordion Solo Open Championship 2006 came on stage one by one to play – a great performance by all.
Alan Small and his Lomond Ceilidh Band took centre stage and had our feet and hands going.
Dansarena then danced in ‘Riverdance’ style.
After the 15-minute break The Mums of the Julie Young Dancers gave a marvelous performance of ‘Mac the Knife’. There’s lots of mileage in those mums yet! Angela MacEachern on violin gave a great selection of Scottish tunes. Eddie Devine, in his airline uniform, had us laughing with tears running down our cheeks at his very funny jokes. You would have to write them down to remember them.
John Carmichael gave the Adjudicators’ Summary on the finalists of the 2006 All Scotland Senior (Trad) Scottish Accordion Solo Open Championship 2006.
Oleg Sharov came from St Petersburg for this special occasion. The Russian virtuoso accordionist gave a super performance of Russian and continental music.
The young members of Julie Young Dancers then did the Charleston followed by songs from Perth’s own Donald Maxwell with John Scrimger at the piano.
Michael Philip (2002 champion) and his SCDB led us in some very lively Scottish Dance Music. The concert ended with Auld Lang Syne.
We then went over to the Salutation Hotel where the Festival Dance was being held with Craig McCallum’s SDB playing to a packed hall.
There was Craig on lead accordion, Gillies Crichton on second box, Alison smith on fiddle, Alasdair MacLeod on bass, Duncan Henderson on drums and Hazel McCallum on piano. The dancers were in for a great night’s dancing as the band had them on their toes and heels doing the various dances. A great gathering from the concert was in attendance.
Bill Wilkie’s house was next port of call and a large gathering of musicians and dancers and singers were enjoying Bill’s hospitality. Sunday night took us to Forfar A&F Club, which was held in The Royal Hotel. Their guests were the Lynn Gould Trio from Aberdeen. Lynn was on lead accordiom, Graeme Mitchell on keyboard and Graham Sherrit on drums. There was a large attendance and some great performances from the Club members during the evening.
We wish to thank all the people we met during our few days for their Cead Mile Failte.
57th All Scotland Accordion Festival 2006
All Scotland Senior Amateur Traditional Solo (John Crawford Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
All Scotland Open Traditional Accordion Solo Championship (Jimmy Shand Shield)
1) Alex Mackenzie (Perth)
2) Stewart Walker (Cawder)
3) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Senior Scottish Country Dance Band (John Gibson, Ronnie Cooper Memorial Trophy)
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Gary Sutherland (Ladybank)
Junior Scottish Country Dance Band (Alex MacArthur Cup)
1) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
2)
3)
Own Composition (Jimmy Blue Trophy)
1) John Bone (Inverallochy)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Ewan Galloway (Coldingham)
Scottish Trio (Perth Accordion & Fiddle Club Challenge Cup)
1) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
Scottish Traditional Button Key Accordion Solo
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Veterans’ Solo (40 and over) (Andrew Rankine Memorial Quaich)
1) Keith Duncan (Aberdeen)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
3) Bill Findlay (Dunfermline)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Angus Accordion College Challenge Shield)
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Junior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Under 16) (Charlie Cowie Memorial Cup)
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Senior Ladies Accordion Solo (Margaret Hendrie Silver Salver)
1) Megan Henderson (Fort William)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Claire Noble (Biggar)
Senior Accordion Solo for Traditional Pipe Music (Bill Black Challenge Cup)
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Junior Girls Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 16) (Jimmy Stephen Salver)
1) Mairi McLeod (Fraserburgh)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Scottish Ceilidh Band (Bobby MacLeod Trophy)
1)
2)
3)
Junior Traditional Accordion Solo (Under 12) (Black Isle Shield)
1) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
2) Gregor Allan (Tarves)
3) Murdo Elwis (Kinross)
FIDDLE CLASSES
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 16) (Albie Tedham Trophy)
1) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Tom Gold (Douglas)
Junior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (Under 16) (Sheila Rankine Memorial Trophy)
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Lorna Edward (Keith)
3) Graham Mackenzie (Cradlehall)
Junior Fiddle Solo (Under 12) (Jim Ritchie Challenge Cup)
1) Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Innes Kennedy (Thornhill)
3=) Neil Tollan (Carluke) & Susan McGinlay (Thornhill)
Senior Fiddle Solo (16 and over) (Ian Powrie Cup)
1) Megan Henderson (Fort William)
2) Anne Nicol (Insch)
3) Kathryn Matthews (Turriff)
Senior Fiddle Solo Slow Air (16 and over) 1) Kathryn Matthews (Turriff)
2) Raemond Jappy (Buckie)
3) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Junior Fiddle Under 12
1)
2)
3)
Junior Fiddle Under 16
1)
2)
3)
CLASSICAL CLASSES
Open Classical Musette Solo
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
3) Alex Young (Houston)
Open Classical Polka Solo
1) Alan Shute (Coatbridge)
2) Luke Crawford (Ladybank)
3) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Under 14 Classical Musette Solo
1) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
2) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
3)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo
1) Callum Muir (Carnwath)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Senior Classical Accordion Championship (Accordion World Cup)
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
3)
Junior Classical Accordion Championship
1)
2)
3)
Under 12 Classical Accordion Solo (Kool Accordions Sussex Cup)
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
2) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
3) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)