On this week's show, Martyn Cain, Arts Development Officer for the Isle of Man Arts Council tells us about the Art’s Council’s Loan Collection exhibition (including a few BIG names) and we’re looking at the schedule for this week’s Celtic Gathering in Peel, and the Big Wheel Blues Festival at the Villa Marina this weekend.
Give us a shout if you’d like to share any creative events and happenings with us, you can email me at Spotlight@manxradio.com or you can message the Manx Radio Facebook page.
Arts Development Officer for the Isle of Man Arts Council, Martyn Cain is our first guest today, he’s here to tell all about the new exhibition of the Arts Council’s Loan Collection at the Sayle Gallery, in celebration of the Collection’s 25th Birthday, which gives us the chance to see original works by some pretty big names I think you’ll recognise.
Untitled, by Damian Hirst
This week sees the return of a well-loved local festival with a whole host of award-winning and highly-acclaimed musicians and dancers.
The Celtic Gathering is the freshest celtic festival on the Island, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Yn Chruinnaght which was first held in 1978.
The week has already kicked off with the Noa Bakehouse Lunchtime Music Sessions which went down so well at last year’s Celtfest, and the fun continues with daily sessions and gigs at 1pm tomorrow and Friday and they’re freeee!
Tonight at 7:30, Winners of the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Horizon’ prize, Manx/Irish/Scottish supergroup Imar will be joined by fellow award winner, young folk musician of the year, Manx harpist Mera Royle.
Tomorrow night, same time same place, you’ll find Scottish/Irish Gaelic songs, tunes and dance from Las, plus Gaelic gypsy-folk from Clash Vooar.
Fridays Centenary Centre Concert sees Welsh folk-pop from NoGood Boyo make their island debut, plus Manx songs and tunes from Kirsty, Katie and Mark Lawrence.
And on Saturday evening, Superb Irish band Altan are celebrating their 30th anniversary, with inter-Celtic songs and tunes from Isle of Man, Scotland from Ruth Keggin & Malcolm Stitt.
There are family ceilidhs every evening this week, plus a parade and outdoor entertainment around the house of manannan over the weekend.
More information along with tickets and merch can be found at ynchruinnaght.com.
The Big Wheel Blues Festival returns to the Villa Marina this Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of July. There will be two ticketed concerts in the Promenade Suite, doors open from 7.30pm, each night featuring three excellent and diverse acts.
Marcus Malone Band
Friday night opens with local band Loose Crew, a 5 piece good time band playing swing jump and boogie from the 1920s onwards, right up to more modern soulful blues classics. Next, Americana masters Rob Heron and the Teapad Orchestra, great crowd pleasers followed by headliners, Laurence Jones band.
Saturday night opens with New Orleans style piano maestro Dale Storr, arguably the foremost British artist of his genre, followed by the Elles Bailey Band, rootsy blues country and soulful rock crossover. Described by BBC 6Music simply as 'the most incredible voice'. The festival Finale will be the Marcus Malone Band, Marcus being hailed as Detroit's finest rock/blues export, a supreme vocal stylist.
Join me again next Wednesday at half past five for more creative items from around the Island! In the meantime, listen again on demand, as a podcast or via the Manx Radio app. Have a lovely creative week!
