Since 1995 the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club has brought together people who love the music of Scotland and the Scottish diaspora. The Club was inspired by similar groups in the US and in particular, by the Boston Scottish Fiddle Club, founded by the legendary Ed Pearlman. Over two decades the MSFC has become a fixture on the Australian folk scene, and also provides dance bands and function bands to the Melbourne Scottish expat community.

The Club has an inclusive policy and has welcomed players from all around the country and the world, involving its members with many styles of fiddling, and holding workshops and concerts with some of the world’s greatest. In addition, an annual tune writing competition for many years encouraged members to keep the tradition alive, while touring – in Australia and New Zealand – inspired the players to reach high. Our 5 CDs include the tunes we love arranged in fresh ways, and have contributed to the development of a new, uniquely Australian version of Scottish fiddling. We have won many Golden Fiddle awards and the National Folk Alliance 2006 Album of the Year.

Despite our strong record, as a group it seemed almost impossible that we would make it to Scotland, until 2015, when we were able, with the help of the Victorian Scottish Heritage Foundation, many generous Pozible donors and our wonderful supporters Bill and Diane Sides, to put together a tour covering the length and breadth of the “mother” country. Forty-five of us took the 16 day trip in September 2015, which included 10 concerts, 10 workshops, 10 sessions, much sight seeing and an amazing chance to get to know the music we love at the source. Everywhere we performed people were fascinated to hear where their music had travelled to, and how it sounded on return.

Through the workshops we had pre-arranged, we were able to identify the different styles of Scottish fiddling, and different Club members found themselves attracted to (for example) the north-east style of Paul Anderson or Dougie Lawrence, the highland fiddling of Aonghas Grant and Adam Sutherland, or the borders sound of the Riddell Fiddles led by Amy Geddes. In Shetland we were lucky to be hosted by the wonderful Margaret Robertson and her Hjaltibonhoga Fiddlers, a mighty group who taught us how to party while playing, and with whom we will perform again in 2016 at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Melbourne.As the founder of the Club and its Director for the first 16 years, the most rewarding part of the trip for me was seeing how much our young players (ranging from 12 to 20) gained through the experience. During the trip they were the most enthusiastic in soaking up the music, recording the tunes we were taught, rehearsing them in small groups and generally finding their way into the heart of the tradition. Their leadership now is inspiring other young players to join the group, and keeping the Australian version of Scottish fiddling fresh and lively. For more information about the Club and our recordings and projects, visit www.melbournescottishfddlers.com.

On 20^th February 2016 our talented Glen Innes musicians will present lively, foot-tapping, danceable music performances with a Celtic flavour in support of The Friends of the Australian Celtic Festival. Featuring original, contemporary and some traditional music performed with verve and energy – and a little tongue-in-cheek irreverence – this is a show for all ages. Come and enjoy the music of Alex Mossman, Martin Moxey, Christine Davis, Vince Redal, The Abbies and God Bless Texas. The latter group is a country rock ensemble who will, for this night only, be performing traditional Celtic songs in their inimitable style, while wearing kilts! The mind boggles!!

Tickets are $20 and sales support the 2016 Australian Celtic Festival, Glen Innes’ hallmark tourism event. Doors open at 7 pm. Book through Julie at julie@giservices.com.au or book on 02 6732 1355. By attending the concert, not only will you have a great night out, but you can buy your 2016 Australian Celtic Festival Weekend Passes from the Festival Office at the discounted rate of $50 per person. Bonus!!

Lots more news next month!