As part of Scotland on Tour, the exciting initiative to support the recovery of Scotland’s live music industry, Fiona Kennedy & Friends play Inverness Cathedral on Saturday 15th October 2022, while the captivating folk group Constant Follower, with support from Andy Aquarius, are set to perform on Saturday 29th October.
Renowned Scottish singer-songwriter Fiona Kennedy has performed all over the world during her career, and she now brings a genre-defying set to Inverness Cathedral as part of Scotland on Tour, from heartbreaking highland melodies to emotive country ballads and upbeat folk tunes.
Joined by long-term musical collaborator Nils Elders on guitar and Neil Birse on piano, Fiona will also welcome some of her musician friends to the stage for a one-off performance.
Fiona Kennedy said:
“We’re really looking forward to performing at Inverness Cathedral in October with a concert full to bursting with gorgeous music to cheer us all up, as well as being reflective – from beautiful old Scottish ballads, country to some written by myself and pop!
“I’m delighted to have Nils Elders and Neil Birse with me, together with special guest Frank Thomson on accordion – a regular star on my kitchen concerts. It’ll be a lovely evening.
“A huge thank you to Scotland on Tour for providing this opportunity for musicians after the most challenging few years for the industry.”
Formed by frontman Stephen McAll, Constant Follower is a dream-folk band, specialising in an ambient, dream-pop sound which both calms and uplifts listeners.
Making up the band are Stephen McAll on vocals and guitar, Andrew Pankhurst on guitar, Amy Campbell on backing vocals and synth and Kathleen Stosch on backing vocals, synth and bass.
The music this group creates together is honest, deep and classic.
The soft and subtle melodies which come through behind their lyrics shimmer with gentle emotion and the lack of drums creates a haunting space in their sound.
Constant Follower’s album Neither Is, Nor Ever Was, has been longlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year Award 2022, was included on multiple ‘Best Albums of 2021’ lists and led to a string of notable performances including Austin’s SXSW 2022 and a spellbinding set from the crown of Scotland’s National Wallace Monument.
Stephen McAll said:
“It is a joy to be on board with Scotland on Tour.
“Our music is well suited to intimate audiences, and the venues offered by this initiative will give us a chance to connect with listeners on a personal level.
“We can’t wait to get out and perform.”
Andy Aquarius is a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for exploring genres.
His debut album Chapel, which features only his harp and his voice, is a warm and sincere record which takes listeners on an ambient, classical journey.
Andy’s live performances are peaceful and delicate. He puts crowds at ease with his gentle melodies and evokes true emotion with his unique music.
Scotland on Tour will take place over a period of 12 months between April 2022 and 2023.
Cathedral Provost, The Very Revd Sarah Murray, said:
“We are delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative that brings local venues together with artists from across Scotland, and thank all those involved who are providing not only support to our wonderful musicians but bringing local communities together to celebrate the best of Scottish music.
“We can’t wait to open our doors, sharing both this amazing venue and gifted musicians from different corners of Scotland.”
Scotland on Tour supports the creation of hundreds of concerts and performances at much-loved arts centres, town halls and community venues across Scotland.
More than 120 artists are set to perform at more than 100 venues across the country as part of the initiative.
The project, which has been created and managed by Active Events, was made possible by £750,000 of Scottish Government backing and will focus on increasing the number of opportunities to showcase and enjoy live music, while bringing exciting acts to the doorstep of city, towns, villages and rural communities.
The year-long Scotland on Tour bill includes both emerging and established artists with genre-spanning acts appearing across the breadth and width of the country, with rock, pop, jazz, classical, folk, trad and acoustic genres all being showcased.
Tickets for these and a raft of other shows are on sale now at www.scotlandontour.com.
