Hi folks, I hope you had the festive break you needed and got some rest, peace and conviviality.
2025 is already looking to be a bumper year.
This is the start of my six months on Lismore. We arrived on the 2nd, went to the dance that night, which was the fantastic Lomond Ceilidh Band - what a swing! Today I headed into the school to teach all nine children the violin. They now range from p1 to p7, so that’s a stretch for my teaching head but they’re great kids and I’ll figure out good ways to meet the range of ages and levels. A special thanks to all the violin donors who generously gave fiddles no longer used - your fiddles are being well used again!
Ada's getting married on the 29th March. There’s a wedding quilt-making tradition in my family. Mum made us all wedding quilts with community quilting before the big day. Now it's my turn ( with help from sister Sarah).
Dave's retiring at the end of this month after many years as director of TMFS ( Traditional Music Forum Scotland). So here’s to Dave and everything he's done for trad music over the years, and many more to come!
I also want to thank you for your support in 2024. 'Living Stone' was a glorious finale to the trilogy with four awards. We won a much coveted Scotsmans’ Fringe First Award plus Best Music, Best Exhibition and Best Song in the Dark Chat Awards, plus nominations for Best Show; Best One Person Show and Best Song ( I want to build a band that sounds like Jimmy Shand).
I hope to continue touring all three shows as long as they're relevant and I'm able!
Read on for more workshop and tour dates. Sending love and a happy New Year!
Mairi x
I'll be playing Mairi Campbell: Auld Lang Syne in January as part of Burns' celebrations.
Audience feedback:
'Thank you for a sublime show - for the journey, the music, the emotion and for bringing Auld Lang Syne to life in a way I will always remember.'
'Loved the humour, story, memories and emotions. Mostly though, thank you for holding your power on stage and reminding me to hold mine'
'As an Englishman I came across the song analysed and understood. A wonderful show. Thanks.
Treat yourself to a Lismore fiddle retreat
2025 dates are:
Traditional fiddle music is a taproot at the heart of Scottish culture. Join me as we set out on a five-day journey on the isle of Lismore to discover the devils and delights of fiddle playing!
My teaching is a blend of technical, musical and moral support for fiddlers and violinists of all abilities. You’ll come away with an armful of ideas to take your playing to the next level. The numbers are limited to 9 or 10 max, so there's plenty of individual support.
Food is provided by Ada who caters for all dietry restrictions.
More info here. or email me at mairi@mairicampbell.scot for more info.
Hope to connect with you at some stage this year. Until then!
Mairi xx
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