Event: Shooglenifty, Feis Seall 1000, Skye
Review: Susie Southall
Venue:Talla Mhòr, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars (would have been 5 but for the inclement weather!)
In spite of the elements, spirits weren't the least bit dampened last weekend for the crowd that gathered at Sabhal Mor Ostaig in the south of Skye to eat, drink, be merry and celebrate Feis Seall 1000, in honour of 1000 events brought to the island by local promoter Seall (Skye Events for All).
The programme for the weekend was characteristically diverse with the Tarskavaig Blues Band, duo Donald Livingstone and Brendan Martin and a trio of beautiful Gaelic songs from Anne Martin in the courtyard.
Scots singer and cellist Fiona Hunter stirred emotions with a set of storytelling songs supported by Mike Vass on guitar, Euan Burton on string bass and Jack Smedley on fiddle before the floor was cleared for dancing, music courtesy of the music students of Sabhal Mor Ostaig.
The night's headliners were Edinburgh-based techno-ceilidh specialists Shooglenifty pulling the strings of a bouncing crowd, teasing them with their characteristic crescendos and infectious rhythms.
A jumping, time-warping set from DJ Porridge rounded up proceedings before a more mellow Sunday with the witty hospitality of trombone maestro Rick Taylor and his band - young and exciting drummer Finlay Adam Jamieson, cool and cultivated string and acoustic bassist Mario Caribe and funky jazz guitarist Malcolm MacFarlane.
It was a lovely night shared with a warm and receptive audience and four of the best in the business. It was Seall's 1001st event, leading the group into its new millennium on the back of a truly memorable weekend!
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