The Hairst provides a great evening's entertainment with a marvellous opportunity to listen to the songs, and to actually see and hear the music played on traditional instruments.

The Hairst Sessions continue this week on Thursday, August 14 at 8pm at Chapter & Verse in Forfar.

The music will be provided by David Adam and friends.

David plays Scottish Small & Border Pipes plus flute and several whistles.

His 'friends' may include Anna, fiddle-player from Portland, Oregon and Al, virtuoso guitar-player from Tongue in Sutherland.

It will be a great evening of driving jigs, reels and strathspeys with fine songs from the other musicians and singers that support this Angus Summer Arts Festival - and perhaps also from visitors.

These are open sessions, all welcome to join in with a song or a tune.
On Saturday, August 16 from 12noon to 2pm, The Montrose Saturday Skirl takes place outside Montrose Townhouse with Aff the Cuff, the five-piece band with mandolines, guitar, bodhran, small pipes and fiddle, formed from the regular weekly Carnoustie session.

There will be plenty songs and tunes to get your toes tapping in two hours of free live acoustic music.

The Skirl is a prelude to the Hairst Session on Sunday, August 17 at 3pm at the George Hotel, Montrose. The key artistes are The Baffie Band & Jim Penny.

Baffie is an exciting new band with Coralea McKay on fiddle, David Hunter on Border Pipes and whistles, Paul Campbell on guitar and percussionist Graeme Robertson on djembe, cajon and bouzouki.

Jim Penny will give some more songs, plus guitar, mandoline, mouthie and a great dunt on the bodhran.

Sinsheen and Roy Henderson are the artistes hosting the Hairst Session on Tuesday, August 19 at 8pm at the Aboukir Hotel, Carnoustie.

Sinsheen is a new harmony duo with Christine Kydd and Barbara Dymock.

Two great singers, plus guitar, bodhran and fun, they are well-known for their work with Ceolbeg, Chantan, Palaver etc.

Roy, singer/ guitar-player, has some fine songs with great arrangements and will be delighted to provide guitar accompaniment for the musicians attending these open sessions.

All sessions are free and open to all singers, musicians and listeners - go along to hear the best of Angus traditional music.

Please note most venues are 'families welcome' but you are advised to confirm by telephone.
The Hairst is organised by Angus Council and details of all events can be found on www.thehairst.co.uk.