Independently of Celtic Connections, the Ballad Workshop is offering three events -- on Sundays 16th, 23rd and 30th January.
The event on 23rd Jan. brings a guest with a great background in traditional music and a knowledge of and contact with such source singers as Jeannie Robertson, Lizzie Higgins and Jimmy McBeath -- ARTHUR WATSON, formerly of The Gaugers (with Tom Spiers and the late Peter Hall) and more recently with Shepheard, Spiers and Watson. Arthur's repertoire is wide-ranging, from ballads through bothy songs to bawdry, and his infectious sense of rhythm is irresistible.
The other two events will have Gordeanna McCulloch and Anne Neilson present a ballad that is less well-known, to learn how to approach such a song from scratch.
Each event stands as an independent entity, but there is a discount for those booking all three.
HOWEVER, places are limited, so booking is required -- click on the link below and follow through to the Ballad Workshop link.

http://www.lauriesacousticmusicbar.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you there.

Is someone who cannot sing a note welcome to just listen and appreciate? I will be in Glasgow for Celtic Connections and would love to come along on the 30th.

Portree, you're more than welcome -- critical faculties honed over many years of listening will make you a most welcome addition to the group!
Will see you then.

Advance bookings are very pleasing, so don't be disappointed and sign up now by using the clicky link in the first post.

Now that the first part of the festive season is behind us, perhaps Footstompers are in fit state to imagine tempting their brain cells with the prospect of one of our January Ballad Workshops.
Booking is required and places are filling up, so please get in touch before Hogmanay strikes!

Hoping that all Footstompers have had a Guid New Year -- and that they'll be keen to start making entries in their new diaries.
So, for those wanting a dose of ballad drama (murders, betrayals, hunting with hounds etc.), put Sundays 16th and 30th January on the calendar. Those are the two learning workshops, where we introduce and explore a less well-known ballad.
And for those wanting an afternoon of great singing and plenty of participants, book yourself in for Sunday 23rd, when the guest is ARTHUR WATSON -- a singer with a great repertoire from NE Scotland, much of it learned directly from great source singers like Jeannie Robertson and Jimmy MacBeath.

We'd love to start the New Year with you in this way, but please remember that booking is required as some events are number limited -- just use the blue clicky link in the first post.

Places for the ballad workshops are fast filling up, so please book now if you have any interest in finding out more about the jewel in the crown of Scottish traditional music.