Features; The Wee Clanjamfries - Sundays At Seven. 29th August 2004

Following the popular and highly acclaimed series of Wee Clanjamfries in 2003 with the overwhelming demand for "more of the same in 2004" DGAA is pleased to announce a new and exciting Clamjamfrie programme. Held at the town's Theatre Royal, the series offers a Sunday night treat for music lovers, as each programme offers the chance to hear three groups performing live from the seven o' clock start.

The first Wee Clanjamfrie features:

'COLCANNON' - Award winning Australian band singing and playing their own brand of Celtic music concentrating on rich vocal harmonies and dynamic arrangements, with a strong emphasis on Australian contemporary and traditional material. Colcannon played a last minute gig in Dumfries in 2003 at the Aberdour Hotel and their concert was greatly enjoyed by those who caught them on that occasion.
Colcannon is led by Scots-born John Munro, " … an inspiring and talented songwriter", Peter Titchener, " … a fine guitarist as well as a powerful singer", originally from Hastings, England. At the front and entirely not ignorable on vocal is the irrepressible Kat Kraus, whose stunning voice is matched by her ability to charm any audience within seconds - " … a charismatic stage presence".
The total "band-sound" is completed and filled out by fiddler Emma Luker, who " … trained in a variety of styles from Classical, Baroque to Modern and Celtic", and the solid bass and keyboard playing of Don Holdernesse, " … one of the most astounding multi-instrumentalists around".

'STUMBLIN HARRIS and the Homewreckers' - Stumblin Harris hails from Dumfries and has been described as "Townes Van Zandt having a late night encounter with the Beatles" backed by Edinburgh's finest alt.country rockers - 'The Homewreckers. (Truly a musical experience not to be missed)

'MEXICO' - Dumfries born musicians that have definitely caused more than a stir in the Scottish Music Scene (but don't just take our word for it - come and hear them for your self). A 2 piece rock band, Gary Johnstone and Neil Stephenson from Dumfries, formed as a tribute to the Presidents Of The USA, now writing original material. Their self-released album 'Toucan Rok!" sold out 500 copies in 3 months.

The band draws from influences such as the Foo Fighters, Blink 182 and The Presidents Of The USA, with subtle but significant hints of Rage Against The Machine. Famed for their always-entertaining live show, the duo have rocked on stage alongside bands such as The Vaults and Not Katies.

The band now have over 100 shows to their name in just over a year, and their efforts have been rewarded along the way - they were championed as victors of a gruelling battle of the bands competition based in Curly Lloyds, defeating over fifty other bands from across Scotland. Not content on achieving this once they did it again, repeating their success in a similar competition in Dundee's Drouthy Neebors.

On the strength of this album, and their live reputation, Mexico were asked to represent Scotland in a European battle of the bands competition in January 2004 at the Mean Fiddler, London. They were up against 14 of the best bands from the continent and, in an almost poetic finish, the band played last, completely won the crowd over with a high energy performance and finished third.

This August night will be packed with music and entertainment for everyone but it doesn't stop here! Further Clanjamfries are booked for 26th September and 31st October.

Tickets cost £15 per concert and there is a special offer of £30 for all 3 Clanjamfries when booked in advance. Tickets can be bought online at www.dgaa.net or by telephone from DGAA on 01387-253383 or in person or by mail from DGAA at Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Rd, Dumfries DG1 1JQ. Office open 9.30 - 5.00 Monday - Friday.