Creating a unique blend

SHETLAND’s busy music festival calendar has just got even busier with the announcement of the 1st Shetland Reel Music Festival, to be held in Unst from 14 to 16 August.

The festival follows last year’s successful appearance by Dolly Parton’s guitarist Jim Salestrom at the Baltasound hall to mark the launch Shetland Reel Gin.

Organiser Frank Strang of the Saxa Vord Resort said this year a number of top American music stars were to share the stage with local talent to launch a brand new music festival.

Proceeds are going to local charities and Baltasound Junior High School, he added.

The festival will include appearances by the West Coast band Marley’s Ghost, Livingston Taylor and Jim’s son James Salestrom.

The Shetland musicians booked for the festival are: Lisa Ward, Daniel Duke, the Sheila Henderson Band; Arthur Nicholson; Chloe Robertson; Adam Guest; Toni Sidgwick; and Dig Deep.

Mr Strang said he hoped the weekend could develop into a major fixture on the country’s music calendar.

“This is all about creating a unique blend of the sounds of America, sounds of Shetland – and it will be great fun.

“These are some of the most talented musicians in the United States who want to come to Shetland, to Unst, after hearing from Jim Salestrom about how great it is.

“Jim’s performance went down really well in Unst last year and we are hoping that music lovers from all over the country will come to hear some great music,” he said.

Strang said he and his staff were hoping to erect a covered stage at Saxa Vord and possibly use other venues in Unst for performances.

Information about tickets and venues will be made available next month. Further info is available at the festival’s Facebook site.