Events

25th GUILDTOWN BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Best of Bluegrass in Scotland

July 29th — August 1st, 2011

Featuring top bands from the USA, Europe & Scotland

G-RUNS 'N ROSES (CZ) , DICK KIMMEL (USA), THE MOONSHINERS, LONGWAY, GOLDRUSH, plus more bands to be announced

Guildtown 2011 will feature Bill Monroe centennial celebrations

Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa are a hot US bluegrass band with fantastic performing and recording credentials. Between them, these guys have years of experience playing in famous line-up including the US Navy band Country Current, Emerson & Taylor, Emerson/Newton Band, The Gary Ferguson Band to name a few. Coupled with Wayne Taylor’s brilliant song writing abilities this is one winning combination featuring seasoned professionals: Lee Marcus (Banjo), Emory Lester (Mandolin), Kene Hyatt (Bass), Wayne Taylor (Guitar) The band have had two recent sell out European Tours.www.myspace.com/waynetaylor

G-runs 'n Roses are a young and energetic band from the Czech and Slovak Republics. Their music can be described as contemporary bluegrass while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. The repertoire consists of original songs by the band members as well as its own arrangements of lesser-known songs. The band was formed in 2006 and has performed in the current line-up since November 2007. Its first CD "Learning To Fly" was released in May 2008. The band were voted top EU bluegrass band at two major European festivals. Read more: www.myspace.com/gruns

Dick Kimmel has been involved in traditional bluegrass and old-time country music for more than 40 years as a top performer, recording artist, and songwriter. In this time Dick Kimmel has made more than two-dozen recordings and performed extensively on an international basis, Dick has performed with many great bluegrass and old-time musicians including Del McCoury, Dwight Diller, Hazel Dickens, and Andy Boarman. Many bands and musicians Dick recorded with during this period are included on his 1996 Copper Creek release, "Dick Kimmel - 25 Year Collection" (Copper Creek Records CD-0143). In 2008 Dick was inducted into America's Old-Time Country and Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. www.dickkimmel.com

check back for the full downloadeable programme

Full weekend pass £35 in advance (£40 on the gate) including camping and all events

SBA membership included in cost of the full weekend fee

Advance Booking enquiries 01968 670 038 or 07968124582

Background to the Festival: The festival is held in the idyllic village of Guildtown in rural Perthshire – the scenic heartland of Scotland, six miles from the historic city of Perth - an ancient Roman settlement named Bertha, and early Scottish capital known then as St John’s Toun, where the Kings of Scotland were crowned at Scone Palace. The whole area is a haven for visitors catering for every aspect of tourism including all aspects of Scottish culture. Late summer, when the festival is held, is renowned for good harvest time weather. Edinburgh the nation’s capital, and seat of the new Scottish Parliament, lies 40 miles to the south and at that time of year the capital with its famed castle, is vibrant on the run up to its Festival of Arts.

Festival Site & Facilities: Guildtown Bluegrass festival is hosted in the Village Hall and is sponsored by The Anglers Inn & Restaurant – the delightful and hospitable village Pub and top class restaurant. Festival attendees camp on the village green and enjoy the facilities in the village hall, which includes washing, cooking and toilet facilities. The City of Perth has every possible facility including tourist accommodation and information. www.visitscotland.com

The festival is famed for its informal, friendly and exciting atmosphere. It incorporates great music, both in concerts and in informal sessions; good ale and great food at the Anglers Inn & Restaurant with its great Scottish hospitality, and the wonderful location in the Scottish heartland.
John Sheldon founded the festival in 1987 with the support of Bluegrass aficionados. Its successful principles are those of a non-profit making team effort by the SBA committee. It is a showcase and focus for Bluegrass in Scotland and welcomes European and overseas visitors for a relaxing and exciting Bluegrass experience.

Each year the festival welcomes a small but growing number to a very special event. The festival has been likened to attending a reunion with lifelong friends and featuring the renowned atmosphere of the ‘kerosene circuit’ of early Bluegrass pioneering days.

We would love to welcome you to our national Bluegrass festival at the invitation of the Scottish Bluegrass Association. The success of Guildtown over the years proves beyond doubt that Bluegrass has made the long journey home and, that as Bill Monroe requested to the organisers, the Celtic connections and roots are secure and growing.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUPPORT BANDS TO PLAY GUILDTOWN 2011 ARE NOW INVITED

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