May 2010

Our guest artistes on Thursday 6th May were the Michael Macmillan Trio, comprising Michael on lead accordion, Ally Mackenzie on second accordion and George Bremner on drums. Before the club night started, we were standing outside having a yarn, and Michael told me that they entertained the passengers on the ferry all the way from Ullapool to Stornoway, well, I just knew we were in for a good night. They started with a set of 6/8 marches, two classic tunes Ben Gullion and Kenneth J                                   

Macleod, followed by 2/4 marches, jigs, gaelic waltzes, a solo spot from Ally Mackenzie, a set of reels and a scottische to finish off the first half of the night. Our local players were then invited to join them on stage for the stramash, there were thirteen players in all on the stage.                                                                                                                     In the first half of the night, the Michael Macmillan Trio delighted the audience with their varied programme. We had 4/4 marches, 6/8 marches, jigs,St Bernard’s Waltz, gaelic waltzes, 2/4 marches, finishing off with a set of jigs.  An excellent performance and presentation, brilliant fingering on the accordion. Their encore was a set of 6/8 marches. Well done boys and haste ye back.

Our supporting players tonight were, on accordion: Ishbel Crichton, Emma Macdonald, Helen Macleod, Tony Corbett, Alexander Maciver, Graham Maclennan, DB Macleod and Donna Macdonald: on fiddle - Donnie Maciver, Campbell Scanlon and Donnie Leody and his young fiddlers.  Last but not least Tracey Gordon on keyboard.  Thank you all for your support, thanks also to Sandy Maclean who was MC for the night. Next month June 3rd, our guest artiste will be Roya Maclean and friends.                                                                                                                

Chrisella Macdonald.