The sounds of America and Shetland

A HOST of local musicians have been added to the line-up for the inaugural Shetland Reel Music Festival in Unst this summer.

They are: Scaldin Bragg, The Bluemelts, Trookers, Tru Nort, Tyunes, Jennifer McCormick, Wulver, Jamie & Thomas, Sula Brookes, Peter Coates & Meilo So, Galeforce9 and Coexistence.

There will also be a special performance from the Baltasound School music students.

The UK’s most northerly music festival, which is curated by Dolly Parton guitarist Jim Salestrom, runs from 14 to 16 August at Saxa Vord Resort.

It features a number of visiting artists from the US including Jim himself, his son James, West Coast band Marley’s Ghost and Liv Taylor (brother of James Taylor).

Starring alongside the visiting artists is the very best of Shetland talent, with acts already announced including Shetland favourites such as Vair, Arthur Nicholson, The Dirty Lemons, The Sheila Henderson Band, The Bashies and more.

Lisa Ward and Daniel Duke, who both appeared on this year’s BBC1’s The Voice, will also perform at the festival.

Organiser of the festival and owner of Saxa Vord Resort Frank Strang said: “Our aim is to bring together a unique blend of the sounds of America and the sounds of Shetland all at the UK’s most northerly music festival.”

Tickets are on sale now via Shetland Box Office in Mareel and Islesburgh, over the phone on 01595 745 555, or online at www.shetlandreelmusic.com

Accommodation is available at Saxa Vord Resort and there will be space, free of charge, for festival goers wishing to take caravans or tents.

Anyone wishing to do this is asked to call the organisers on 01957 711711 in advance so that space can be allocated for you.

Proceeds from the festival will go to Alzheimers Scotland (Shetland branch), Horseback UK and Baltasound School.

More info at: www.shetlandreelmusic.com