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A Unique Family Album at Seventeen

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May 252015

“Are family albums a thing of the past? How do we select mementos of our family life in a digital era?” A new exhibition by a North-East artist explores how we preserve our family memories in a personal and moving collection on display at Seventeen this Summer. Andrew J Douglas reports.

Stéphanie’s paintings can be found in several international private collections.

Award winning artist, Stephanie Vandem, is fascinated by how people interact at their most personal level. For many years, Stephanie has focused on capturing people’s feelings through her portrait work.
This new collection of artwork goes a step further, investigating how relationships and emotions can be understood through body language, further emphasised by the absence of facial features.

The artist also investigates the idea of ‘visual abundance’ and of what is ‘precious’ in the digital era.

Stephanie said:

“Body language is what locks these characters together and reveals the nature of their emotions and intimacy. Today we find ourselves overloaded by repetitive images of ourselves and loved ones. This made me wonder: do these images still hold any power, or does such visual abundance dilute the concept of a precious and unique family album?

“By selecting images that represent landmark moments, I’m testing the ability of a single image to convey the nature and demands of a relationship and the implications of that moment on the future of the family members. “I hope ‘Family Album’ might inspire others to look at ways of curating and preserving their own memories.”

Brazilian by birth and educated in Paris, London, New York and Florence, she brings a variety of influences to her striking work, be that with her portraits or more thematic projects.

Stéphanie’s paintings can be found in several international private collections, and most recently the artist has painted the Bishop of Aberdeen, oil Tycoon Larry Kinch and the daughters of ‘Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey’ TV director Minkie Spiro.

The eleven paintings in ‘Family Album’ are supported by a film documentary made out of videos captured by the artist on her smart phone. This is a rare opportunity to get a glimpse at the creative process as the artist openly takes us through the stages of creating the artwork and opens the door to her family life, exposing how it has shaped, inspired or gotten in the way of completing the work.

The exhibition ‘Family Album’ will take place from 4 June to 4 July at Seventeen, Belmont Street, Aberdeen.

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Brian & Bibo Keely: The Shared Heart – through 24 May

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May 222015

Aberdeen-based artists Brian and Bibo Keely have turned a major life event into an exhibition of portraiture and sculpture which is optimistic, personal, educational and aesthetically wonderful. By Suzanne Kelly

Preface
When local artists want to exhibit, more and more of them are going to Glasgow and Edinburgh. There are several reasons for this. Many feel disenfranchised from a conservative Aberdeen arts matrix populated by those who hold the purse strings, those with money and those in government. Outside of Aberdeen arts flourish from the grassroots in an artist-led organic fashion. It is rumoured that here for instance, those who created Aberdeen’s lamentable ‘City of Culture’ bid invented contrivances of their own without input from our existing musicians and artists – to the point that one Culture supremo had to have WASPS explained to them (briefly, WASPS is the largest organisation helping artists work in affordable studio space in Scotland).

Art that comes from personal experience, from research and work independent of a pro-government agenda will always trump art sponsored and commissioned (whether directly or tacitly) by those in power. It is no wonder the arts community Scotland wide decided that ‘gigs on rigs’ and a one off concert for ships horns, orchestras and horses were events that had little real merit or support from the local practicising artists. We have seen several arts practitioners pack up and move south. This trend must be reversed – possibly the best thing that could happen is for a clean sweep of the existing cabal of people handing out grants from our arts fund to people they very often know. In the meantime if artists are not voting with their feet and moving (like Fraser Denholm, creator of excellent film ‘Run Down Aberdeen’), they are certainly taking their work south where it can be shown in galleries that are often artist-led, to be seen by fellow artists and a more international (and dare I suggest it) less conservative audience.

Torry’s Anna Geerdes has had a very successful show in Glasgow’s Compass Gallery two months back; visitors from several countries and many Scottish cities visited and bought her surrealistic, beautifully-executed work. Also showing work that is beautifully executed, personal and relevant is Brian Keely, currently exhibiting in ArtVillage in Glasgow. ArtVillage “revives historic High Streets that have suffered decline by creating vibrant, successful cultural centres” – which certainly sounds like the kind of initiative we need here. Such initiatives are common in many cities south of the oil capital of Europe; it is a pity that while we have the occasional temporary ‘pop up shop’, there are empty spaces on our high street serving no purpose which could be given to artists’ collectives (such as poor Limousine Bull, which had to close because it needed a paltry sum to continue after an arts funding fiscal reorganisation: no money could be found). It is just as well we have a few less conventional venues which exhibit fledgling and established artists’ work such as our private galleries, BrewDog and Under The Hammer. But we could and should be doing more.

On With The Show
But I digress. The point of this piece is to highlight how heart patient Brian Keely has taken from his experience and created a collection of portraits, and how his wife Bibo reflects her experience in her sculpture. The official programme explains further:-

“Brian Keeley graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1984. He has worked extensively in community film and video, and as a digital video editor. He taught English as a Foreign Language in Germany for many years and, before his illness, he was a secondary teacher of Art & Design in Aberdeen.

“Bibo Keeley’s artwork has been exhibited in numerous collective exhibitions and also solo exhibitions, in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK over the last few years, and following this life-changing experience she has embraced her artistic career and in 2015 will begin a BA (Hons) degree course in Fine Art at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen.

“Brian & Bibo were married in the Intensive Care ward at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, when Brian was not expected to survive any longer.”

A video of the exhibition can be found here

“Brian’s portrait paintings pay tribute to his wife Bibo, and to the medical professionals who saved his life during months in Intensive Care and and who helped him recover following his eventual heart transplant.

“Bibo’s sculptures respond to her experiences during this time, and her photography documents her husband’s recovery and recuperation.”

The many canvas portraits capture a number of personalities and characteristics of those who Brian and Bibo encountered in their dealings with the NHS, but there is an optimism, and a refusal to resort to gross exaggeration or distortion of facial features. The portraits are fond portrayals. Brian says of his experiences:-

“Although I already knew that I wanted to paint portraits from these photographs, I did not know if I would even walk again, let alone be able to hold a paintbrush.

“The photographs were an important way for me to connect with the subjects during this short window of opportunity between surviving the transplant and leaving Intensive Care.

“Painting these 25 portraits gave me a clear focus and a creative goal during my rehabilitation.

“It was an important part of my recovery, and I wanted to fix this period in time.”

Bibo’s sculptures seem to reflect the inner emotional rollercoaster the two of them must have been on; there is a demonic figure; there is a tender family grouping, there is a work which seems to show the transformation such major surgery must mean physically, mentally and emotionally.

In Brian’s words:-

“The exhibition seeks to raise awareness of the issue of organ donation, and the terrifying numbers of people who suffer from heart disease and heart attacks.

“These issues are particularly current as Anne McTaggart MSP is currently in the process of bringing a Private Members Bill to the Scottish Parliament that would see the introduction of a ‘soft opt-out’ system of organ donation in Scotland.”

This interest in the issues surrounding organ donation is of course personal, but Brian and Bibo are often found in Aberdeen at events where art meets social problems, be it exhibitions at Easter Anguston Farm, artists’ gatherings, and premiers of documentaries about important issues. They do what artists should do – look for issues and problems, react to them, help where they can, and create artifacts that reflect what is going on and how they feel. It is these kinds of artist that communities need more than someone whose art tells them how great things are in the eyes of their patrons. Let’s hope we are not about to lose more talent to cities that appreciate genuine talent more than we seem to.

Event info at: www.facebook.com/artvillagescotland

‘Pushing Out The Boat’ at AU MayFestival

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May 222015

With thanks to Freda Hasler.

North-East Scotland’s Magazine of New Writing and the Visual Arts launched Issue 13 in April 2015.

Stories and poetry from this wonderful new edition will be performed by writers and members of the Pushing Out The Boat team at the AU May Festival on Sunday 31 May, at noon. Copies will be available for purchase.

What a lot the team have achieved since the last edition!

They have:

become a Scottish Charity, ‘for the advancement of the arts, heritage & culture’
launched an online Submissions system, with a major upgrade to its website
reached financial independence – fully funding this edition for the first time ever.

In around 100 pages of stories, poems and visual art, the contributors, 57 writers and artists – many from or with connections to the North East of Scotland, plus a few from as far afield as the USA & Australia – are introduced in a glowing Foreword by aclaimed local writer Esher Woolfson.

As always, the first-time published are represented, as well as youngsters aged from 12 to under-18, all alongside their recognised peers.

After its launch on 26 April, this new edition of Pushing Out the Boat, alongside many of its predecessors, can be read in the public and school libraries of both City and Shire, and those of Aberdeen’s Universities and Colleges. The magazine retails in many galleries, shops and cafés throughout the North East, and costs £7 (the first increase for three years). For online orders add postage and packing.

More Info:

email: info@pushingouttheboat.co.uk
Book tickets for the MayFestival.

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Rapid Departure – Coming To A Village Hall Near You

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May 152015

By Duncan Harley.

Rapid Departure cast members.

Rapid Departure is the latest production by Moray-based Right Lines Productions the team responsible for theatrical comedies such as Who Bares Wins and The Accidental Death of an Accordionist.

Opening on Eigg on Sat 16th May, the 90 minute production will tour venues as far afield as Knoydart and Portmahomack before swinging south to Daviot Village Hall on June 3rd, and Kemnay Village Hall on June 4th.

Supported by Creative Scotland, Arts and Business Scotland and SEPA the play’s action takes place against a backdrop of freak flooding which plunges the local community into an ever deepening crisis.

The village hall becomes a designated rest centre and as the floods rise, the village hall itself comes under threat.

A hero is clearly needed to save the locals from a watery end!

Right Lines team Dave Smith and Euan Martin can always be relied upon to make a drama out of a crisis and in this evening of immersive comedy the main characters desperately struggle to keep their heads above water as the Flood Emergency Plan is literally swept away before their very eyes.

As with all Right Lines productions there are deeper messages.

Says co-writer Euan Martin:

“Rapid Departure is very definitely a comedy, but the issues we explore in the play – global warming, climate change, renewable energy, re-wilding and the impact of flooding – are important matters for everyone. It has to be stressed that this is a very serious subject with flooding having a catastrophic effect on people’s lives and livelihoods, so we were very conscious of this when writing the play.”

Rapid Departure is a very accessible show for all ages except very young children. The production features some original music and song. There is no strong language.

Tickets from www.neatshows.org.uk and Kemnay Library.

Westworld XIII – XI Out Of X

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May 152015

Apologies to those who will (probably) castigate me (I’m used to it) for putting a piece in Aberdeen Voice which is arguably not strictly related to Aberdeen. I hope though that as AV has over the years carried pieces on everything from the history of instant coffee to UFOs that there is room for one more piece tenuously related to the granite city. It’s the absolutely infectious fandom of some Aberdeen music lovers that got me to this event last year, and while I wasn’t going to write a piece on this weekend concert, they asked me to. Turn away now if this piece offends you. Suzanne Kelly reports (unapologetically).

It isn’t British summertime without a few dozen music festivals.

(Dad) rock fans descend on Glastonbury for several (increasingly expensive and increasingly sanitised) days of events and bands; it’s become a bit like Marie Antoinette playing peasant at her pretend peasant village.

Punk fans converge at Blackpool for four days of ear-piercing, liver-damaging mayhem; sometimes forgetting the festival is over for a week or two after it’s closed (Dod this means you).

Classical music fans recline on blankets on Glyndebourne’s lawn, drinking champagne while Chopin hangs in the air (not literally). Fans of a different sort gather in Crewe for Westworld.

By all accounts this thirteenth Westworld was the best one so far. If it’s possible to have more fun on a £40 weekend ticket anywhere else in the world, I’d be surprised, and I’d definitely be in – let me know.

Westworld is a music festival featuring sets from Kirk Brandon, Theatre of Hate, Spear of Destiny, and support acts. There is something about the musicians and the fans that sets it apart from any other festivals; there is something of the crazy carnival feel-good party that the Grateful Dead and the Deadheads created, only without the LSD, hour long instrumentals, hippies or patchouli.

Westworld and its music is more intimate, friendly, frenzied, electric, gentle, dark, uplifting, and inspiring than anything else. This is not T in the Park.

Fans of Kirk Brandon, Spear of Destiny and Theatre of Hate from all corners of the world make their way to Crewe’s intimate performance space The Box. There is a faithful following from Aberdeen who go every year, and the ranks are swelling. Some people – notably longstanding Aberdonian fans Roddy Kennedy and Steve Watt – have already bought tickets for next year.

This year sold out in record time, and with fantastic video snippets and high praise floating around on Facebook, the demand for Westworld XIV is going exceed capacity. Two hotels for the (unofficial) 2016 dates 6 and 7 May have already sold out. Westworld XIV, I do believe, is going to need a bigger boat.

Here briefly is what we got. We few; we happy few.

The Family:
The Westworld weekend is a sort of family reunion (without the relatives you’d rather not see). Friendships were renewed and made; the conversations were lively and great fun. Musicians mingled with the crowds; if it was a chore or obligation for them, they hid it well. There were a few people down for the first time; they were introduced and welcomed. Strangers went for curry dinners with strangers, and emerged as friends.

Facebook friend requests were flying around nearly as much as the newly shot photos and videos. The newbies vowed to return next year; I know they will.

Aside from risking some serious bruising at the front of the stage, it was all comrades together; there will be people who appreciate this good humoured fellowship nearly as much as they do the music.

Masterpiece Theatre:
The Royal is the bar connected to the venue The Box; it began filling up with loud and happy voices hours before Theatre of Hate were to open the weekend’s bacchanalia on Friday night. Those who had previously met at Westworlds past greeted each other warmly as long lost friends do. Newcomers were welcomed and included in discussions about music, music, drink, football and music.

As if some unseen unheard signal had been given, everyone emptied out of the bar and upstairs to the weekend’s theatre of operations.

Theatre of Hate’s members are Kirk Brandon (guitar, vocals), Stan Stammers (bass), John Lennard (saxophone), Adrian Portas (guitar) and Danny Farrant.

The opening piece for Westworld was Do You Believe in the Westworld.

This wild west tinged song was flawlessly and energetically executed.. (It put me in mind of a soprano I know who opens her shows by singing Queen of the Night to show the audience just how strong a singer she is).

ToH recently released a stunning four track EP, Slave; their first new material for some time or so I understand. The song Slave is a hyponotic, intoxicating entrancing piece which was beautifully performed; it’s one of those pieces of music which makes you wish it went on for far longer than it does. In fact, the song order for the rest of the weekend is kind of a blur that comes and goes out of focus in my memory after this piece, which I can practically hear in my head now.

Also from the Slave EP is a powerful political piece Eyeless in Gaza. (Over a curry with a dozen fans later in the weekend we discuss Eyeless in Gaza and the need for musicians and artists to comment on the world’s problems. Over the naan bread we wonder about the freedom an artist has over their work if they’re independent as compared to being signed to a record label. We decided very few labels would have happily released and promoted works like Eyeless or Spear of Destiny’s newly-released single, Fascinations).

The set seemed to be over before we knew what hit us; everyone wanted more. But that was it for Friday.

Also on the weekend bill were two brilliant, individualistic support acts. The Death Valley Surfers provided speedy rockabilly punk (or something to that effect). Without much persuasion I picked up their CD ‘Last Dance Saloon’ which has a left of centre cover of Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues.

When Folk Grinder took the stage everyone sang along with them; and cries of ‘Heave Ho!’ bounced off the walls. This trio mixes folk, sea shanties rock and commentary with great effect. Kirk Brandon has produced their new album, The Devil’s Mariner; a single has been uploaded to youtube, which you’ll find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dJdt8PGock&feature=youtu.be .

Kirk Brandon Acoustic Set:
Accompanied by a cellist and keyboard artist Steve Jones, Saturday afternoon’s performance was elegant. This was music to tame the most savage of punk breasts. Roddy and I stood near the merchandise stall. A man on my other side and I started talking before the set; he was from Newcastle and he was built like a particularly large rugby player.

After Kirk’s performed ‘I’m So In Love With You’ the guy turned to me and commented:

“That’s given me goose bumps that has.”

Him and a few hundred other people. Sam Sansbury’s cello brought a warmth giving some of the music new nuances; the keyboards were nearly as expressive as Brandon’s voice and playing. This set probably deserves a full in-depth review on its own. Suffice it to say if someone had dropped a pin we’d have heard it. The audience was rapt. Here’s to next year’s acoustic set.

Spear of Destiny:
Spear went onstage Saturday night a little past 10pm. In a set which must have stretched every musician to heroic proportions, an hour and a half set ended in a frenzied fever.

SoD took us everywhere. Early on we heard ‘Walk in my Shadow’ – classic, upbeat traditional rock and roll (Brandon had performed this live on Jools Holland’s radio show some months back; hearing it again was great and great fun). A good portion of material from the (deservedly acclaimed) album XXXI got an airing; my own favourites the uplifting, rejuvenating Here Comes The Sun and Sputnik were remarkable.

This version of Sputnik had an interesting percussion treatment; another reminder why live music can and should throw up surprises subtle and large (the larger ones were still to come). Fascinations, the newly-released single began to steer the set towards darker, deep emotions. Also from XXXI were Failure and Delusion.

‘You could be anything in this life, but you chose every time falling down’ ‘This is the sorry state of our life’ ‘The sunlight’s a happy place, but I guess you wouldn’t know’ – we were in dark waters for a while, with Brandon remarking to the effect ‘this ends the happy part of the show’.

The gears switched violently and swiftly; ‘Once in her Lifetime’ was captured on video by Roddy; as he filmed it he said ‘well, that’s me completely satisfied then.’

He and I briefly said in between songs of course that we were nearly done in just from standing and watching; how anyone could play/sing/drum for this length of time with such precision and power was beyond us.

It wasn’t exactly freezing cold in the Box, and the small overhead fans did little more than mock us.

Perhaps one of the things Brandon’s writing does best is to highlight political and social ills. The video for ‘Fascinations’ features images of bondage and abuse, with the face of a known serial abuser (eyes covered with a black bar) as Brandon sings about power, abuse, degradation and anorexia, leaving you asking more questions about society than can be answered.

Further, and particularly timely social commentary came with ‘Playground of the Rich’ a contrast of the privileged and those who were born to serve them ‘Playground of the rich, you know it’s – it’s kind of sick’ was sung by the audience with a fair amount of understanding. The anti-war anthem Mickey likewise was sung by everyone in the room.

I find myself hoping there will be more social commentary/protest music coming from Brandon at some future point; somehow I am sure there will be.

The venue was filled with energy, cheering, screaming and singing. More was to come. It seemed like seconds later we were all singing along to Rocket Ship. We are at a party; no one wants this to end; no one can figure out where they’re getting the strength to continue with. And then a surprise special guest arrived on stage – Alan St Clair.

World Service pleased absolutely everyone; the entire room was singing every line by this point. The final encore was Liberator and all the players took to the stage. Stanley Stammers shared a mic with Craig Adams; John Lennard’s sax added to the absolute frenzy that had broken out everywhere. Limbs and heads pitched up and down in the pit and I was glad to be far from this mad crowd (a few bruises and bumps are no longer my idea of a great souvenir).

Wrapping up:

That this has been a carefully, precisely, thoughtfully considered weekend is not lost on anyone. Theatre, Spear, Folkgrinder, Death Valley Surfers – each person involved in bringing off this huge success of a weekend deserves serious respect (particularly Vince Davey, who must have nerves of steel). As to Adrian Portas’ guitar; his solos never cease to amaze the audience, and it looks effortless; I remember someone poking me in the ribs during one such passage to ensure I was getting it. I was.

If you were there, you won’t forget this weekend any time soon

Stan Stammers has truly thrilled the crowd and seems perpetually smiling ear to ear. Steve Jones was perfection for the acoustic session and in Spear; offstage, he was chatty, friendly, and witty.

Craig Adams is a formidable presence and player; I still can’t reconcile the man’s soprano/falsetto vocals with his physical presence. The lynchpin of the weekend is Kirk Brandon; he’s brought 30+ years’ worth of material spanning several acts to us with emotion and energy. That voice. That playing. There is no other combination of people and musical elements that resembles what’s happened here this weekend; it was Avengers Assemble.

If you were there, you won’t forget this weekend any time soon. If you weren’t, best try and get a ticket for next year.

Want to get something of the flavour of what it was like? Get to Facebook or Youtube and find some footage; there is plenty about.

Don’t take my word for it:

Many people feel this year’s event was the best ever; social media sites are filled with fans singings its praises. I’d only been once before, but I’ll agree with the majority that this had to be a new benchmark.

Kirk Brandon posted on Facebook:

“Arguably the best ‘Weekend at Westworld’ ever. The finale to the whole weekend last night at the 100 Club, London. Thank you every single one of you who came! A weekend to remember. Kirk”

Koozie Johns of the remarkable Folk Grinder said:

“I would say that WESTWORLD is an experience like no other. so much love for a common cause the love of great music good people and a lot of respect. Folk Grinder are produced by Kirk Brandon and it is an honor to work we such a legend.”

WW is not strictly a boys’ club either as some might assume; new fan, first-time attendee Cheryl Cotterill said:

“[I was] recently introduced to spear of destiny and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the dedication Kirk has to his music.”

Of the Aberdeen attendees, Roddy Kennedy said:

“Ever since I first saw Kirk Brandon’s Spear of Destiny play at the Capitol back in 1985,I’ve tried my best to see them as much as possible and they never disappoint, I’ve seen them play in venues like the Capitol right down to an upstairs room in a Dundee pub with no more than 20 people including the band, the one constant being Kirk Brandon who never seems to give less than 101% to his performance.

“I’d heard about Westworld Weekend a few years back but never had anyone else who’d commit to a weekend of all things Spear of Destiny/Theatre of Hate to go down with,by strange coincidence one of my friends Steve had also fancied the pilgrimage down to Crewe where it’s been held for over a decade.

“Anyway that was back in 2013 and within minutes of the opening song to their first set Steve and I had made our minds up that we were coming back, just an amazing atmosphere in good company, every year has gotten better and better and I’ve yet to see any trouble there, just rock n roll in its purest”

Steve Watt said:

“There is something about TOH/SOD fans that come here that makes it so special, three years ago me and Roddy were WW virgins, but was taken in by the most wonderful ppl you could meet even before we left the hotel to go to the venue. After the first song a cover of Joy Divisions Transmission, we turned around to each other and said we’re back next year.

“I can’t think of any band, except New Model Army have a near cult following like this, and go camping together, drive from all over the country just to meet up for nights out, even if no bands are involved, yes we do like a party. It doesn’t matter wherever everyone comes from, there is no animosity and everyone looks after everyone else.

“Of course it helps that the music is amazing, and Kirk Brandon does try and mix it up every year, and every year I say that it can’t get any better but it does, this one though will take some beating…”

And Phil Beefy Bergin said:

“All I’ll say about Westworld is it was very emotional spent with wonderful people.”

On a personal note:

I’d firmly planned not to write a Westworld review for several reasons. First, I will now confess that since starting (quite late in the game admittedly) to see Theatre, Spear and Kirk Brandon acoustic shows, I’m a biased convert (and I’ve grown respect and fondness for all concerned). I’d question my own objectivity but for the fact every single attendee and musician who I spoke with thinks that all the bands we saw were strikingly, undeniably on top form.

Whether or not this belongs in Aberdeen Voice may be open to debate, but I’d argue that it’s the passion and devotion of Aberdonian fans like Steve and Roddy that help make Westworld such a unique animal, and which drew me in in the first place. I also wasn’t going to spoil my fun by having to write a review; I can’t now remember the last time I’ve tried to have a holiday without some kind writing project being involved or arising.

However, the fact is this weekend demands to be written about. Not to write about what we experienced in Crewe would be like a UFO spotter watching a volcano explode with spaceships landing without bothering to write about it. So, either skip this little review if it’s not for you or thanks for bearing with me.

More:

You’ll find some Westworld photos, comments and video here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sod.toh.fans/

Folkgrinder – https://www.facebook.com/folkgrinder?fref=ts

Death Valley Surfers – https://www.facebook.com/DeathValleySurfers?fref=ts

Letter Of Agreement With New Shire Council Administration

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May 102015

Football Legend Visits Speyside Whisky Festival

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May 072015

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Tricker PR.

Visitors at Speyside Distillery surprised by Michael Owen

A former England footballer has experienced the world-famous Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival for himself – with a visit to a distillery that has taken part in the dram-fest for the first time this year.

As a global ambassador for SPEY whisky, Michael Owen called in on its spiritual home, Speyside Distillery, on the closing day of the 2015 festival.

Since retiring from professional football, the star – who played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City – has been the face of SPEY whisky in the Far East.

But while Michael is familiar with the deluxe malt, he is a newcomer to the whisky festival, just like the distillery itself.

It is the first year that the small, boutique distillery, has joined in the five day programme, sharing its secret by opening its doors to a series of exclusive tours hosted by distillery manager Sandy Jamieson.

Michael surprised visitors on Monday (4th May) by dropping in on the celebrations, during which dozens of whisky lovers have been able to get a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the distillery.

He says:

“It was great to be able to visit the distillery and be with my SPEY family as they celebrate being part of the Festival for the first time. There has been a real buzz about the distillery today and I have really enjoyed meeting people who have come from all over the world to visit the Festival.

“You can tell that these people are very passionate about whisky, and it has been a great experience to see them learn more about SPEY and the distillery where it is created.”

Patricia Dillon, Managing Director of Speyside Distillers Co. said:

“Michael has become a familiar Brand Ambassador for SPEY in Asia therefore I am delighted that Michael has joined us during the festival to raise awareness of the SPEY brand among lovers of whisky both in the UK and other parts of the world.”

Nosings and tastings from four specially selected single malt expressions with varying vintage and cask finishes have been led by Sandy, who has a wealth of experience in the whisky industry.

The distillery has also had Aviemore-based Joanna Miller who specialises in print making and screen painting as its artist in residence, and linked up with the nearby Strathspey Steam Railway to offer visitors on-board nosings and tastings served alongside afternoon tea over the festival weekend.

By joining this year’s programme, Speyside Distillery, located near Kingussie and set against the backdrop of the Cairngorm mountain range, has extended the reach of the festival, becoming the most southerly distillery in the region to take part.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky festival chairman James Campbell is delighted that Speyside Distillery has come on board this year and helped expand the mix of events and establish new partnerships.

James says:

“The continued success and appeal of the festival depends upon being innovative, creative and of course having support right across the industry in Speyside.

“We warmly welcome Speyside Distillery as a new partner this year and look forward to these friendships and links thriving in the future.”

John Harvey McDonough, CEO of Speyside Distillery, is confident that the distillery’s connections with the festival will develop and grow.

John says:

“We are thrilled that Michael, a true icon of international football as well as a great family man, is able to visit SPEY while the whisky festival is in full flow.

“We’re very pleased to be part of an internationally renowned festival that does so much to celebrate the industry and its heritage, its people and of course its produce.”

The 16th annual festival drew to a close on Monday, having featured a packed programme of over 400 events, with music, crafts, food activities running alongside a wide range of distillery tours and tastings. Some distilleries, like Speyside, have been open to the public for the first time in their history.

Speyside Distillery, home of the SPEY brand of malt whisky, has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd.

While Speyside Distillery is not normally open to the public it may be familiar to the public as it appeared in the BBC television series Monarch of the Glen as Lagganmore Distillery.

For further information about Speyside Distillery, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk. Follow Speyside Distillery on Twitter @SpeySingleMalt and on Facebook at facebook.com/speysidedistillery

A Further Conversation With Jonny Paterson

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May 012015

Jonny Paterson is a Scottish film producer working in Hollywood, going from strength to strength. His talents and potential are acknowledged by the Bafta Newcomers programme Paterson’s producing ‘Halfway’, a greatly-anticipated film starring Quinton Arron, and has a few other irons in the fire. I have to remind myself he’s 27. Aberdeen Voice catches up with him following our interview one year ago to find out what’s next for him. By Suzanne Kelly.

Scotland’s mutual love affair with Hollywood shows no signs of abating, and there is every sign that the next generation of creatives are emerging to carry on this tradition. James McAvoy, Declan Laird, Aberdeen’s own Rose Leslie.. the list of Scots talent in front of the camera is impressive.

On the other side, young producers like Jonny are likewise making huge strides forward.

Paterson’s in the midst of several important projects when we speak. I somehow missed his email asking if we could reschedule; he doesn’t even mention this when I phone.

Aside from the crucial and deadline-sensitive work in which I find him embroiled, he and his girlfriend have just recently moved home.

Moving house is acknowledged as one of the top ten most stressful things people do; how you do that in a foreign country while producing films in a super-competitive environment as a twenty-something astonishing to me. But here he is on the phone, managing it all and sounding enthused yet relaxed.

Jonny, where are you and what are you doing this week?

“I’m in West Hollywood; I’m the producer of Halfway and I have been working on a cut of the film. We have a team of executive producers guiding us through the post-production process, and we hope to show them something by the end of this week. Whenever you have a deadline you’re right up against it – but Halfway is coming along nicely.

“We filmed the movie in October 2014, and went straight into the editing room and we are still editing the film. It’s typical that that might take 6 months. We’re now 5 months into it, and are close to a picture lock. A picture lock is when the team decides the visual film is there the next bit is sound design, then colour grade, then music.”

It seems to me that the themes which I understand Halfway will deal with are extremely timely given social problems America is wrestling with; please tell me more about the issues.

“Halfway commentates on many problems, in particular the huge socio-economic issue created by recidivism. The term defines the ongoing conveyor belt of young men and women who come out of prison and then find themselves without opportunities. They wind up back inside. Research shows that within 3 years of being released 66% are re-arrested for a similar crime, then in another 5 years 75% are rearrested.

“Within Afro-American communities the figures are frightening, accounting for a significant social disparity. Of the 2.4m incarcerated Americans (largest number of any democratic country in the world), 2/3 of them are made up of Afro-Americans and Hispanics, while they only account for around 28% of the population at large.”

(I know that the privatised American prison system, longstanding prejudices, the gap between haves and have-nots, and the extreme difficulty of people with a criminal record are the fuel for this problem – but I had no idea the figures were this high. The current events in Baltimore for me make this subject even more timely and important.) Tell me more about the story line please.

“’Halfway’ is about a recently released convict who upon being released from prison, finds himself trapped between his urban criminal past and his new life on probation as the only black man in a conservative white Wisconsin farming town. ‘Halfway’ in essence attempts to show an American Dream story of social movement and rejection of his past transgresses through physical hard work in this new and alien environment, where the outsider element at the core of the film is race.”

“I find perception and discrimination due to race fascinating. Clearly the United States still has a problem with race relations in many parts of the country, and whilst I cannot try and tackle everything in this film, I certainly wish to pose some poignant social questions.

“Should our past actions allow for prejudice against us? Can we expect to be absolved of all blame simply because we have served our punishment? Is a small, largely ignorant microsociety incapable of change? Can people prove to others who are pre-programmed against them that their views are misguided?”

For a guy who’s got a crucial pressing deadline, and who’s just moved house, Paterson’s voice is calm, enthusiastic, and words come to him without any hesitation.

Jonny, how was working with Quinton?

Quinton Aaron is from a modest background, he grew up in the Bronx area of New York – he’s a very interesting guy. He had an interesting childhood – he was bullied for being big – a lot of that stuff makes him a very compassionate man. He got involved with this project because he believes in this film’s message. Quinton’s a massive asset to us, first and foremost Quinton’s a very gifted actor, and his performance is very strong. It will be instrumental in leading the film to any commercial/critical acclaim.

“His involvement during this stage is limited, he has to wait like everyone else, but he’s ready to spring back into action when we need him for marketing.”

I suggest that someone like Paterson is already looking to his next fence in terms of projects. In point of fact, one reason I’m keen to talk to him again is that there has been a sudden surge in the popularity of the interview we did a year ago. Then again, I simply want to know how his many plans are coming along.

Jonny, what are some of your future projects and plans?

“We just internationally announced that we’re making a film in Ireland, ‘The Scavengers’. It is a project that I’ve actually been working on for longer than I have on ‘Halfway’, which is pretty par for the course with filmmaking as I’m finding out! That’s going to probably be the next project for me; everyone involved is passionate about it.

“With my experiences on Halfway now banked and stored for life, I feel in a much better position to move forward with my next project. I somewhat know what I’m actually doing now! It’s been a productive time for me, being able to leverage my experience on ‘Halfway’ on this new project”

I wonder whether he’ll have time to continue his involvement in Football Aid, an established charity his father established over ten years ago, so I ask about it.

“Football Aid is still an important part of my life and the big news in the last few months is that my dad the chairman stepped down from his role after 12 years. Daniel Geey replace him he’s a London based lawyer and a wonderful guy. Dad felt Football Aid was in need of fresh blood; and it’s taking its natural course in that respect.

“We had our first event in Italy last year; we’ve got bigger and more Italian clubs are involved. We’re expanding into Europe to summarise.

“I’m still a director and board member, but I think aligning with my own current interests there’s discussion as to how to get into the USA. We have connections with L.A. Galaxy. It’s too early to say we’re in the US, but we are expanding in Europe”

Jonny, what have you been doing lately aside from your work?

“I just moved into a new apartment with my girlfriend. On a personal level, I’ve had a very productive six months. I’m just settling in here. I don’t have any plans to get to Scotland soon, but I will be back in the UK by the end of the year.”

It certainly sounds like a productive six months to me. It’s at this point that my computer advises me I’ve new email – it’s Jonny’s message saying he’s kind of busy and would I perhaps like to reschedule. With or without my seeing that message, I’d come to the conclusion that Paterson’s very busy indeed.

I draw our conversation to a close soon after, but I am certain that when we next speak, that he’ll have been just as busy, that he’ll have a few sensational successes under his belt and that he will have further exciting new projects on his to do list.

Aberdeen City And Shire Tourism Awards Returns

Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Apr 232015

With thanks to Beverly Tricker.

Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards (ACSTA) will return for an encore performance this year so that operators can fly the flag for the local area in Scotland’s national tourism accolades.
Those who pick up honours at ACSTA later this year will represent the north east at the Scottish Thistle Tourism Awards 2016, at which the nation’s best will be recognised.

ACSTA held its annual awards dinner in January this year but in order to meet the timeframe for next year’s Scottish Thistle Awards, another ceremony will take place on November 27th, 2015. Entries are now open for 14 different categories.

All of the categories are aligned with the Scottish Thistle Awards, and this year there will be new sections, including Tourism – Everyone’s Business, which is open to any organisation, from community groups and destination management bodies to transport providers and retail venues, that inspire best practice when it comes to looking after visitors.

Another new category is Hospitality Hero which is open anyone working on the front line and who is dedicated to providing a special experience to visitors.

The awards are once again being supported by the Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association, which is appealing for businesses of all sizes to submit entry forms and show the high quality tourism offering in the area.

The launch coincides with the arrival of the VisitScotland Expo – a business to business travel trade event – in Aberdeen this week. The event at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre will attract hundreds of international delegates.

ACSTA chairman Iain Watson says,

“With such a huge week for tourism in the north east we felt that it would be a very appropriate time to open ACSTA up for entries. Hundreds of delegates from all over the world will be attending Expo and seeing for themselves what this part of Scotland has to offer.

“We are in an unusual position of holding two awards ceremonies within a 12 month period, but we felt it was essential that we took steps to align ourselves with the Scottish Thistle Awards.

“This means that all of our winners will become regional winners of the Scottish Thistle Awards, and will go on to compete in the national final. They will be up against other tourism operators from all over Scotland, and will show the exceptionally high quality of what we have to offer here in the north east.

“We have had a fantastic response to ACSTA over the past two years, and I sincerely hope that individuals and businesses will continue to support an event that has fast become one of the key dates in the hospitality sector calendar.

“We urge them to get their entries in as soon as possible, and help us to show the rest of Scotland that we are in a league of our own when it comes to looking after our visitors.”

Entries for ACSTA will open at www.acsta.co.uk are now and will close on June 19, 2015. Three entries will be shortlisted for each category and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Ardoe House Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen on November 27, 2015.

The full list of awards categories is:

• Tourism – Everyone’s Business

• Best Informal Eating Experience

• Best Event/Festival

• Innovation Award

• Friendliest Pub/Bar

• Best Visitor Attraction

• Most Hospitable B&B Guest House

• Best Restaurant Experience

• Best Holiday Accommodation

• Most Hospitable Hotel

• Young Ambassador Award

• Ambassador

• Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience

• Hospitality Hero

Aberdeen City and Shire Hotels’ Association represents 46 independently operated hotels and conference venues. These hotels provide around 4,000 bedrooms in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The Association is committed to improving the quality and standard of hotel services and to furthering the overall standards of excellence and hospitality within the region.

Mark Olson – Blue Lamp, Sunday 26 April

Articles, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Apr 232015

With thanks to David Innes.

In another major coup for Martin Raitt of the city’s Almost Blue Promotions, Americana giant Mark Olson will grace The Blue Lamp stage on Sunday 26 April.

Olson is the founding member of pioneering country rock legends The Jayhawks, who are universally cited as being among the most influential bands from the 1990s with their albums Hollywood Town Hall and Tomorrow the Green Grass high on the must-have lists of Americana fans.

Olson’s new album, Goodbye Lizelle, is his first solo project for five years and features his Norwegian wife, Ingunn Ringvold on vocals.

It has been attracting hugely favourable reviews, and Mark’s visit to the city displays Alost Blue’s determination to bring the highest-quality acts to the NE, reflected in online interest and impressive ticket sales.

Opening the show is Stonehaven loon Colin Clyne, now back in the NE after a 10 year stay in Southern California where he built a sizeable following. Clyne combines Scottish influences with his love of American music, and has been recorded and produced by Grammy award winning Engineer Alan Sanderson, best known for his work with The Rolling Stones and Burt Bacharach.

http://markolsonmusic.com
http://www.colinclyne.com

Almost Blue’s May gig will feature Cahalen Morrison and Eli West, no strangers to the NE, but who seem to love coming here and putting on ever more skilful and uplifting shows.

Simply put, they are two of the most innovative and subtle roots musicians touring and recording today.

Their music draws from old folk sources, but it sounds vibrantly alive.

Cahalen Morrison writes songs that sound like a Cormac McCarthy novel, simple, beautifully-crafted, and giving the impression that they’ve been formed from raw natural elements.

Eli West brings jagged, angular arrangements based in bluegrass and old-time, but refracted through a 21st century lens. Like Ansel Adams’ photography, their music is instantly accessible and built from the simplest materials, but at the same time seems to transcend its base fundamentals.

Together, Cahalen and Eli tap the root of the old country and bluegrass duets. As the sparse landscapes of Cahalen’s vocals reflect the warm glow of Eli’s voice, it’s clear that this duo was made to sing together.

http://cahalenandeli.com
https://aberdeenvoice.com/2013/04/cahalen-morrison-and-eli-west/

Almost Blue gig listing 2015

Mark Olson supported by Colin Clyne
The Blue Lamp, Sunday 26 April

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West
The Blue Lamp, Wednesday 6 May

JP Harris & The Tough Choices
The Tunnels, Saturday 23 May

The Red Dirt Skinners
The Blue Lamp, Friday 7 August

Greg Trooper
The Blue Lamp, Tuesday 22 September

Ben Rogers
The Blue Lamp, Friday 23 October

Tickets for all shows are available from See Tickets, Aberdeen Box Office or www.almostbluepromotions.com

www.facebook.com/AlmostBluePromotions
www.twitter.com/AlmostBlueGigs

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