Hi folks, on Saturday I’m heading out to Bangalore to play music for Scottish-Indian storyteller Gauri Raje’s project, her version of the Mahabharata (Instagram link). It’s a Scottish Indian blend and such a thrill to be a part of. I’m slightly concerned about the heat (it’s in the mid 30s so my body won’t know what’s hit it!), but let’s not moan about the weather. I’m going to India!! Will try to remmeber to get some pics to share with you.
As always, all the best. Keep reading for more on fiddle retreats and the Lismore dance band.
Mairi x
Space left on just one Lismore Fiddle Retreat
I have a few spaces still available for the Lismore Fiddle Retreat: 28th April to 2nd May. Come join me for a deep dive and take your fiddling to the next level. Mixed ability.
The other two 2025 retreats are sold out.
How does itwork?
I curate a programme and send out the tunes in mp3 and pdf form two months before the course begins to give you plenty time to get familiar with the music. Through the tunes we work on areas of playing that you’d like to address.
The tunes we’re focussing on for the 28th April course are:
The nameless lassie – G slow air ( duet) | Jean Ann Callander
The burnt potato – D | jig ( duet) | Anne Hughes
The prince of Wales – A | Reel | Traditional
The Last March | D | March | John Morris Rankin
Islay Rant – Em | slow reel | Charlie McKerron
Highland Schottishe Strathspey set | three strathspeys | G / Em /G | Traditional
The Sweetness of Mary | A | March |
Through these tunes we explore tone, timing, technique, harmony, bowing, left hand, and anything that you want to work on.
In this special place and time, confidence grows and so do friendships. Find out more about Lismore retreats on my website.
Testimonial: “I’ve left feeling a lot more positive and like I’ve got a new lease of life with my playing. I loved the social side of it and the gratification of playing with other people and being able to make something together. It’s also great to hear the improvement in my playing in some areas.”
A Lismore dance band update
The Lismore dance band had their first dance of the year in February. It was great to dust off the sets and get them up and running again. We’re working towards a concert on the 6th April, a dance on the 12th April and recording an album in June!!
I think we have a terrific set of dance tunes. One of my favorites is this West coast Gaelic song set we play for a St Bernards Waltz. You can hear it on the Tunes section of my website (password: Lismore21).
Anyone can get full access to my tunes library. So what are you waiting for? Get the instrument out and have a wee tune on me!
Hope to see you soon.
Mairi xx