Bradley Wiggins, Sarah Storey, David Weir, Jess Ennis, Andy Murray, Mo Farah… yeah, yeah. All those Olympians and Paralympians did quite well right enough.  But here in the village, on the seriously classy music front, it was a stellar year for Letham Nights too!  Having started in late 2008, Letham Nights has now been going for over 4 years with 27 gigs showcasing the talents of over 60 different acts.  In 2012 it took us a while to get off the ground but when we did, we really took off.

The Banana Sessions

LN#22  – The Banana Sessions

It was not until 3rd March that the Banana Sessions kicked off our year with a virtuoso performance ably supported by local songmaker Amy Rayner and Lynne and the Letham Lullaboys.

Roberta Pia and the rest of the Bananas provided “A mixing of tempos and musical flavours that one can only describe as a euphoric aural anarchy that led the crowd down a rabbit hole – and a Prodigy medley (all of this with acoustic instruments remember) very near took the roof off”.  Full Review >>

LN#23 – Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher

Then in April, Dundee supergroup, Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher came calling.  Oh my!  That was some night.  All of the band apart from Stevie Anderson were familiar with Letham Nights from previous shows as Luva Anna or Mr Gavin McGinty.  But this performance was a whole new prospect.  Opening with a typically soulful set from Xander Duffy and then a blistering blues lesson from the Boston Tea Party, the evening came to a thundering climax with the brilliant AMWWF showcasing why they have become the hottest prospect on the Scottish music scene. Full Review >>

LN#24 – The Gillyflowers

Midsummer arrived and the Gillyflowers bloomed for another Letham Loveliest Night of the Year. Led by the prodigiously talented Kirsten Adamson, with her Dolly Partonesque vocals and infectious country-pop-songwriting, the band gave a storming performance, thrilling the near-sell-out crowd.  As is now a bit of a tradition for the Loveliest Night, we had an array of fine open mic talent on display from Gary Anderson, the Anthill Mob, Sophie Attwood, the Coaltown Daisies, Seven Sons and Mick Pritchard.

LN#25 – Ambulances and Plum

August saw the return of Ambulances to Letham Nights for the first time since 2009. This effortlessly cool five piece combined three part boy-girl harmonies with a laid back delivery which at once impressed and delighted both their devoted following and those new to the band.  They were supported by the inimitable Davy Sausage (of whom there is only one!) and the unimpeachable Plum. Plum (aka Shona Maguire) combined her crystalline vocals with layers of electronica and instrumentation to stunning, haunting effect. Full Review >>

LN#26 – Picture the Ocean and Aurora Jane

When September beckoned, we reckoned it was about time we went international again. And so, to another packed hall, we were treated to a simply stunning trio of acts from as far afield as Canada, Australia and… Corby, Northants who turned the Fife air tickled pink with merry melodies, happy harmonies and vivid virtuosity. Picture the Ocean, Aurora Jane and Jez Hellard. We loved them and they loved Letham and the songs and sounds are still ringing in our heads.  Full Review >>

 LN#27 – A Christmas Bevvy

Returning for their 3rd visit, the Bevvy Sisters helped us to round off the year in style.  Once again playing to a packed out audience, Heather McLeod, Roberta Pia and Kaela Rowan treated us to 3 sublime voices blending together in sheer sonic delight, with the rhythm section of Dave Donnelly on guitar and James McIntosh on drums driving us onto the dancefloor.  A night of beautiful music was magnificently augmented by the contribution of the Coaltown Daisies performing their last gig of 2012.  The Daisies have had a stellar year too and we feel sure you will hear more of them in 2013.  Full Review >>

So there you go. Stellar indeed wouldn’t you say? Not bad going for a wee venue out in the sticks run entirely by volunteers…

Look out for our exciting programme for 2013 – a few delicious surprises coming your way!

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Letham Nights – The Best Small Gigs in the World!