Tolbooth Shindig is a series of concerts that have been filmed live in Tolbooth Stirling, and will be broadcast weekly on a Thursday from Tolbooth Facebook. They are free to enjoy, and until we can all come together again in Tolbooth for some live music, we hope you will join us each Thursday to experience some excellent performances. For those of you who can’t make it for the broadcast, the concerts will be available here to be watched back for 72 hours after the broadcast.
Sian
Sian, meaning “storm” or “the elements”, have been making their harmonious mark on the Scottish traditional music scene since 2016. Originally brought together to celebrate Gaelic songs composed by women; Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald keep their material firmly rooted in this theme. Their individual voices blend seamlessly, intertwining atmospheric harmonies to create a unique sound. The subtle and sympathetic accompaniment is provided by award-winning multi-instrumentalist Innes White, whose understanding of the songs shines through. After three years performing together their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, produced by Capercaillie’s Donald Shaw, is ready to take the scene by storm.
Eilidh Cormack won the Ladies’ Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd on her first attempt at the age of 18 and was hailed Gaelic Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in 2018. Hailing from a family of well-known singers, she has been performing from an early age, both in concerts and at festivals such as Celtic Connections, Ligonier Highland Games in the US and Belladrum’s Tartan Heart Festival. She has recently contributed to music for The Bard’s Tale IV, an Xbox game released September 2018.
Ellen MacDonald has collaborated with many groups over the years following her graduation from the Traditional Music Course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye. She is currently performing with trad music giants Dàimh and also appears often with Gaelic electronica pioneers Niteworks.
As a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, winner of the Traditional Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd and with a Danny Kyle award under her belt, Ceitlin Lilidh has a wealth of experience performing all over the world as an ambassador to Gaelic song. She has performed nationally and internationally at renowned festivals including Celtic Colours, Festival Interceltique de Lorient, Milwaukee Irish Fest and Celtic Connections. As well as establishing a solo career, Ceitlin continues to immerse herself in a number of collaborative projects.
This project was made possible thanks to the support of Creative Scotland