fiddle

The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra is one of Scotland's foremost traditional music organisations. The Orchestra was formed in 1980, deriving its origins from Fiddlers’ Rallies which were – and are – held throughout Scotland. After one of these Rallies, a group of enthusiasts met to consider the formation of an orchestra which would draw its members from "a’ the airts" and would form a cohesive, vigorously rehearsed group of musicians.

Fiddlers’ Bid are internationally respected as leading exponents of their unique musical heritage and rich fiddle tradition and are global ambassadors for Shetland. A dynamic four fiddle front line joins with a powerhouse of piano, bass, guitar and Scottish harp to create a “display of stunning virtuosity”. Since their formation in 1991, the "flying fiddles and furious talent" of Fiddlers’ Bid have astounded audiences all over the world with their expressive, high energy music and performance. "Beware: Fiddlers’ Bid is infectious and habit-forming”.

The Pine Leaf Boys are a two-time Grammy Award-nominated Cajun and Creole band from South Louisiana. Members include Wilson Savoy (accordion, fiddle, vocals), Courtney Granger (fiddle, accordion, vocals), Drew Simon (drums and vocals), Jon Bertrand (guitars), and Thomas David (bass). Former members include Cedric Watson (fiddle) and Blake Miller (bass, fiddle). They play traditional Cajun and Creole music from Southwest Louisiana, inspired by bands dating from the 20s such as Amédé Ardoin to modern bands such as Mamou Playboys and Jason Frey.

Blowzabella produce an inimitable, driving drone-based sound played with a fabulous sense of melody, rhythmic expertise and sheer feeling. Originally formed in 1978 they have played everywhere from the main stage at Glastonbury Festival to the outer reaches of Brazil and West Africa and innumerable places in between. They compose their own music which is influenced by British and European traditional dance music. Many bands across Europe who experiment with the boundaries of folk music cite Blowzabella as a major influence.