Portsoy audience entertained by singer Kenny Speirs at open mic evening
Folk at the Salmon Bothy members and guests recently enjoyed one of the best attended Open Mic Sessions for many months.
Borders-based singer songwriter Kenny Speirs enthralled the audience with performances of his own sensitively and well crafted songs, as well as many popular covers from the pens of Andy M Stewart, Rabbie Burns and more.
Kenny was supported by 14 sets from floor singers, musicians and storytellers. The appreciative audience enjoyed sea shanties, the history of Fyvie Castle, and a variety of unaccompanied Scottish and English traditional songs.
Tributes were paid throughout the evening to the late great Joe Aitken, who sadly died recently.
Seven times Bothy Ballads Champion of Champions, and dedicated family and community man, Joe was remembered fondly by many who knew him.
Organiser Bob Philips, MC for the evening, opened and closed the session with tributes to Joe.
During the evening, John Mather recited a poem by Sheena Blackwall about Joe, while Doug Hay, Bill Gray and John Dickson sang some of Joe’s well known songs, including The Hearst o' Retie, The Twa Gadgies and The Yellow' on the Broom. The audience joined in enthusiastically.
The next Open Mic Session takes place on Friday, May 17 at Portsoy Salmon Bothy, where the full session will be dedicated to performers keen to take the floor.
Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Admission is £5, and guests may bring their own bottle.
Folk at the Bothy’s annual general meeting will take place at 7pm at the Station Hotel on Tuesday, May 21. All are welcome to attend.
The club is also looking ahead to the 14th Haal which takes place in Portsoy from May 31 to June 2.
Tickets are on sale now, and the full programme can be found in businesses locally, or online.
Further information on all Folk at the Salmon Bothy events is available at www.bothyfolk.org or on the Folk at the Salmon Bothy Facebook page.
Enquiries and ticket requests to Bob Philips at bobportsoy@gmail.com, or by telephone, 07968 872217.
