Letham Nights supports AGLIT Project

April 21, 2011
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Recently in Letham we were saddened by the death of Letham resident Judith Fairley after a short illness.  Judith was an active and committed member of Letham Hall Committee.  She was also active in supporting her global community, raising funds in aid of ‘AGLIT’ – an Adolescent Girls Literacy programme in Malawi. This is a project which supports girls who have left or dropped out of school in rural Malawi, encouraging them to continue learning whilst growing vegetables and taking part in other activities to support their homes and generate income.  Judith was particularly engaged in funding a treadle pump for the project to supply water to a very dry part of Malawi.

We have decided to hold a raffle at Letham Nights on 29th with all proceeds going to AGLIT.  Prizes will include a Bevvy Sisters CD and one of the new Letham Nights T-shirts.  Please give generously to support this cause.

You can also support this cause by going to the fund-raising coffee morning in Letham Village Hall on Saturday 30th April from 10.00 ’til 12.00 the morning after the gig…  Please support this fund-raiser with your presence and/or with a donation.  Donations of raffle prizes and items for the baking stall can be handed in on the morning or given to Pat Laidlaw (01337 810279) or Kath Black (01337 810202)


The Bevvy Sisters Return – By Royale Appointment!

March 31, 2011
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29th April – A very special day!  Why?  Well, dontcha know?  The Bevvy Sisters are coming to Letham Nights by Royale Appointment for a Right Royale Bevvy!

The Bevvy Sisters: Powerhouse harmony trio. Radio-era chic, now retro cool.
Three sassy lassies. Reinventing the genre and covering all the exits.

Mixing classy original songs, vibrant vintage folk and artful contemporary covers into the headiest of musical cocktails, Scottish harmony outfit The Bevvy Sisters unites the richly seasoned voices of Heather Macleod, Lindsey Black and Roberta Pia, with Shooglenifty percussionist James Mackintosh and David Donnelly (ex-Salsa Celtica/Finlay Quaye) on guitar, mandolin and backing vocals. With sell-out shows at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival for the past two years, they have won a string of glowing reviews and extensive UK radio play. Check out songs from their album The St James Sessions.

And take a look at what the experts think:

‘I feel it’s my calling to be an understudy Bevvy Sister’ Eddi Reader

‘Luscious. Lovely. Tuneful. The Bevvy Sisters can mix the dirtiest martini in town, then sing it.’ Eliza Carthy

‘The only thing better than getting to listen to The Bevvy Sisters, is getting to sing with them’ Dick Gaughan

David McGregor, who we first met at a Haiti benefit gig in Dunbog, is a virtuoso jazz guitarist with a huge talent – and he has agreed to open for the Sisters.  His intricate and delicate picking on his own compositions and some classic jazz covers, is captivating.  After many years living in Scotland working in bands, recording and tutoring guitar, David is now living in Paris in the heart of the European jazz scene  …but he was not going to miss the chance of playing at Letham Nights with the Bevvy Sisters! Have a listen at http://www.myspace.com/davidmacgregorjazz

LETHAM NIGHTS 16 (blowing the cobwebs)

March 12, 2011
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LETHAM NIGHTS #16

18th February 2011

Letham Village Hall

After the disappointment of having to cancel the Bevvy Sisters gig due to the awful weather, we were really looking forward to blowing the winter blues away with Letham Nights 16. We had Buckley’s Chance and the Howie Fyfe Experience booked to entertain you. The crew had bought in the beverages and snacks, the hall was looking as classy as ever, Geoff the sound guy was ready……… when we got the call……. Buckley’s Chance singer Syuzan had been struck down with a bad case of food poisoning and would have to cancel. They were “gutted” not to be able to play such is the reputation that Letham Nights has earned. We will reschedule, that’s a promise. We, on the other had, didn’t have time to be “gutted”, a few phone calls later we had arranged for half of the Moonzie Allstars and the very impressive Mick Prichard, self confessed ”South Yorkshire’s premiere ”sighted” blues man”. David Adam, from the Moonzies, came all the way down from Blairegowrie to play for us. Mick was attending the gig anyway but brought his guitar and vocal chords along with him. The Howie Fyfe Experience were able to lengthen their set accordingly. I have to say at this point “Well done to everyone involved, out of adversity, it’s amazing what can be achieve with a positive attitude”, thanks again to Roy, Claire, Michael, Mick, Emma, Zoe, Leo and Geoff as well as all the musicians mentioned earlier.

The Howie Fyfe Experience kicked off the proceedings with a first set, plucking from the very rich sea that is Americana, a varied and diverse selection of well known and lesser well known songs. Written by or made famous by the great and the good,  John Prine, David Allen Coe, Bobby Bare, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Steve Earle, Gram Parsons, Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen to name a few. Songs including Speed of the Sound of Loneliness; Lafayette; You Never Even Call Me by my Name; Miller’s Cave; Streets of Baltimore; He Lays in the Reins; Willin’, were the highlights amongst great songs of the first set.

 A short break to allow the Clap and Tipple to fill everyone’s glasses was followed by the birthday celebrations of Lynne. Lynne, Sharon and friends have graced us with their presence on almost all of the Letham Nights held over the two odd years we have been in existence. This was followed by Mick Pritchard. Mick had already graced the stage at the open mic section of The Loveliest Night of the Year event. He played a short set, having been asked to play just hours before the show started. Four songs, two covers, Neil Young’s Harvest Stack ‘o’ Lee by Mississippi John Hurt, one self penned Minnesota Bound and a brilliant rendition of “The Bear Necessities”, the reception to this almost like an encore. I have to say Mick is becoming a force to be reckoned with, his performance has come on in leaps and bounds since his last appearance in June. Great guitar picking and a versatile, powerful and soulful voice really wowed the crowd.

 Geoff and David, after a short break performed a “Half Moonzies” set, the musicianship, the songs and the chemistry between Geoff and David was electric. Great interplay between the Cumbrian Pipes, whistle, guitar, bazouki and percussion (Yes, there were only the two of them on stage) ensured the crowd rose from their seats to dance a jig during their set. They roared through 9/8’s, Mutt and Bear (David’s creative use of a loop pedal, multi layering the pipes), AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie and Good Bye Bertha (from the Moonzie AllStars debut CD Hypnagogic)

 The Howie Fyffe Experience performed their second set which was more upbeat than the first, exactly what the crowd wanted. The dancing continued as Copperhead Road; Splendid Isolation; Long Black Veil; Wild Horses; Do Bad Things; Worry Too Much; Jezebel; Bible and a Gun; Wine Do your Stuff; Poncho & Lefty; Peaceful Easy Feeling; Keep Your Distance; Two More Bottles of Wine were rattled off.  Some of the best Americana songwriters songbooks were lovingly rendered by Ned |Geddis, Guitars, CC Campbell, keys and fiddle, Pete MacLeod, bass and Colin Maclean on percussion. Ned brought out quite an evil looking black and chrome Fender Telecaster during the set which seemed right for the encore, Six Days on the Road and You Aint Goin’ nowhere.

The Clap and Tipple bar was left with much less stock than when they set up, all that dancin’ is sho’ ‘nuff thirsty work. Once again the bar was kept busy all night, well done every one, once again fabulous wines and Scottish beers and Organic Ciders, all as locally sourced as practical.

Roy

A Right Royale Bevvy!!

February 20, 2011
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Thank you to everyone who came to Letham Nights #16 with the wonderful Howie Fyffe Experience, the amazing Mick Pritchard and a stunning impromptu set from the ‘Half-Moonzies’ (there were only two of them!).  A review of the gig will be posted as soon as…

In the meantime though, we wanted to let you all know that our rescheduled Bevvy Sisters gig has been rescheduled again due to circumstances beyond everyone’s control.  Breaking with normal Letham Nights tradition, this is a Friday 29th APRIL!  As you know this is an extra public holiday.  One thinks there is something else happening that day but clearly the Bevvys playing Letham Nights is reason enough for a holiday and we intend to have a Right Royale time of it.

As you may know, the sweet sound of the Bevvy Sisters has been gracing the airwaves and live performances across the country for some time now and they have built up a quite formidable national reputation.  The last time they played Letham it was a complete sell-out and this time promises to be no different, so get your booking in early to avoid disappointment.

Join us for a Right Royale Bevvy – 29th April 2011 – Letham Village Hall, Letham, Fife 8pm – Midnight.

We’re back! Get yer bookings in!

January 21, 2011
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Here we go again…!  Letham Nights is good to go again after the disappointing cancellation of our Christmas Bevvy in December.  And we are delighted to present you with a fantastic series of gigs to take us through spring and into summer.  You will also see that there are also many other opportunities for entertainment in the local area over the next few weeks and months…

So here’s what we’ve got:

LN#16 – 19th Feb – Buckley’s Chance and the Howie Fyffe Experience for a night of country rhythm and blues. Kicking off with a twang….!!
Letham Nights #16 poster leaflet

See poster for details and get your booking in…

LN #17 – 2nd April – The Return of the Bevvy Sisters – booking now – first refusal to those who pre-booked for 18th Dec.

LN#18 – 4th June – The Third Annual Black Oil Brothers extravaganza – booking now

We have still not been quite brave enough to get the online ticketing sorted so in the meantime booking arrangements are the same as usual: let us know by email/ phone/ txt.  We will put you on our list and pay on the door on the night.  Contact details below.

Don’t forget to put these dates in your diary too….

29th Jan – Belgian Beer tasting night at Giffordtown village hall – contact Doug for tickets (tel 01337 830956)

12th Feb – Red Wine Productions – Love Letters by Alan Bennet (see attached flier)

26th Feb – NHTT Celebration – contact louise@nhtt.org.uk

4th March – Cabrach play Collessie Village Hall – contact Bridgette McCafferty for tickets Tel:  01337 827888

Letham Nights now supports small enterprises across the globe through Kiva, an amazing online microcredit organisation.  We aim to support small businesses in the entertainment sector – earning a living by making, selling, performing music.
Join the Letham Nights On Loan group and contribute to the success of our selected entrepreneurs.

Letham Nights #14Review

January 10, 2011
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Letham nights 14

After what seemed like a long summer break, we welcomed the return of two favourites to Letham Nights for our 14th event in just less than two years. Yes two years, can you believe it? The “Loveliest Day of the Year” at the end of June was a huge success and it was some comfort to think we had a wee break before the amazing talents of the Moonzie AllStars and The Coaltown Daisies graced our stage.

The Moonzie AllStars played at the inaugural Letham Nights in December 2008 and one half of The Coaltown Daisies Vivienne Bern has supported twice. She has teamed up with the undeniable talent that is Lynzy Moutter.

Having previously seen and heard both Vivienne and Lynzy playing locally but not together, I was excited when they told us that they had hooked up together to form The Coaltown Daisies. As luck would have it, the timing of this collaboration coincided with the end of the summer break. So it was to great expectancy that the Daisies took the stage. It was apparent from the first few bars of the first song that this was not only a vocal match, but the acoustic guitar playing complemented the whole shebang. The Daisies charmed us with self penned songs including Star, I Need to Sleep, Falling for Artemis, It’s better this way, Forgive you, Take You There, Long Way Home, Fly by Night and Poor Man Blues in which they were accompanied by a number of the Moonzies. It seems that both bands hold each other in such high regard that to play a few songs together at Letham Nights was high on the agenda and boy did we benefit from this.

So onto the Moonzie AllStars set. As I mentioned earlier they had taken part in Letham Nights 1 when they were honing their cultural musical mix, I also saw them recently supporting another Letham Nights favourite The Chloe Hall Trio at the Byre Theatre. I could tell instantly that their time had been well spent, the music had moved onto another level. The band is David Adam on Pipes & Flutes, Graham Dickson on Bass & Guitar, Geoff Stevenson on Vocals, Guitar & Bouzouki and Johnny Beaver on Percussion & Drums.

The Moonzies played through two sets of self penned songs, inspired covers and old favourites. Starting off the proceedings with a stirring percussion and pipes intro the Moonzies zipped through a lively first set which included the Hypophant, La Vie Est Court, Disco Stu, Bertha and covers of Belly Dancer, Brand New Cadillac, High Drive. There was quite a squeeze on the dance floor during the lively set.

After a short break, when the Clap and Tipple bar got pretty busy, set two gave us an equally energetic dance floor work out, again mixing African/Brazilian/Celtic beats with classic rock and Pop. The songs included Jock Brown, Silver Salska, Whole Lotta Rosie, Bulgarian Red, Carnival d’Iparanga and Poker Face. And as the show was heading to the finale the Vivienne and Lynzy took the stage for a Let’s Go Crazy/Long Way to the Top segue way, the Daisies adding their tuppence worth to fantastic effect.

Craftscotland held their first ever pop-up shop at Letham Nights in November. Thomas Farrell, who selected lots of the craft on sale during a work experience with Craftscotland over the Summer, staffed the shop with Emma Walker, CEO of Craftscotland. The shop had a truly local flavour with handmade products onsale by crafters who live and work locally to Letham. Claire Heminsley, Letham Nights co-organiser and Letham local showcased her illustrated t-towels. Edinburgh based ceramicist Lara Scobie teaches in Dundee. Her porcelain tealight holders went down very well with the Letham Nights crowd, as did Fife based Lauren Crawford whose beautiful handwoven skinny scarves and brooches will be featured once again in the December pop-up shop. Jill Kitson completed the stand with doorstops, candle lanterns, mushroom brooches and tea cosies. More than £100 of work was sold with 25% of the proceeds going straight into Letham Nights.

Happy New Year from all at Letham Nights!

January 9, 2011
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A very Happy New Year to everyone out there from Letham Nights.  We hope to add even more thrills and spills to 2011 than we did in 2010 by bringing you more good music from near and far.

Our next show on Saturday 19th February will be a right good hoe-down with the fabulous Buckley’s Chance – including the wonderful Malcolm Ross (Orange Juice, Josef K etc.) on pedal steel guitar – and a new very local act Howie Fyffe with their unique brand of ‘misericana’!  More info v soon…

Following that we are currently looking to reschedule the cancelled Bevvy Sisters gig which was a victim of our charming wintery weather and herald in the spring with the sound of the littlest birds singin’ the prettiest songs….Again we will let you know as soon as a date is fixed.

Also… rumour has it… we may even get a return visit in the summer from the one and only…. Black Oil Brothers – A year of Letham Nights just wouldn’t be the same without them now, would it?

***Christmas Bevvy Postponed***

December 17, 2010
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Hello Folks,

With great regret we announce that after lots of humming and hawing we have decided to postpone the much-anticipated Bevvy Sisters gig this Saturday as a result of our ongoing weather situation.  The band members have to travel from a fair distance and it is simply not fair to ask them – or those of you who are also coming from a distance – to travel to Letham especially when they/ you could be faced with a grim journey home late on Saturday night with the prospect of black ice and more snow.

We hope to inform you of a future date as soon as possible as the Bevvy’s are desperate to come and play Letham again.  For those of you that booked we will keep your names on the reservation list and you will get first shout at the tickets.  For those of you who have paid – just my next door neighbours! – you can have your money back…

To quote the eloquent Heather MacLeod of the Bevvy Sisters – “you don’t argue with a dirty great weather system blasting in from the Arctic”…

Ah well, you’ll just have to entertain yoursel’s tomorrow.

Mike 🙁

The heat is on at Letham Nights…

December 16, 2010
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And boy do we need it!  Baby it’s cold outside, but the Bevvy Sisters will be on hand in a very short time to warm the cockles of your heart with their delicious vocal harmonies, together with a set from the silky jazz guitar of David McGregor.  And just in case you needed more persuasion to make the journey on a cold winter’s evening, we wanted to let you know that….

  1. The car park around the hall has been heavily salted and gritted and is now safe for parking and walking.
  2. The new black stage curtaining has been fitted, greatly enhancing the performance space.
  3. A beautiful new Letham Nights sign has been created and donated by local artist Claire Heminsley whose other work you can see at her website Incahoots.
  4. Claire has also designed a new Letham Nights T-shirt which will be on sale with all proceeds for hall funds.
  5. craftscotland will be there with their delightful pop up shop of gift items selected from local makers for all your last minute Christmas shopping needs.  Letham Hall Fund receive a commission on all purchases
  6. The Bevvy Sisters will have their own range of new Bevvy merchandise too…
  7. Finally, a new Kiva group ‘Letham Nights on Loan’ has been created to support small-scale entrepreneurs in Arts, Education and Entertainment mainly in developing countries to help them get their business of the ground.  Join here if you would like to contribute.

So… Get yourself down to Letham Village Hall, Fife for Letham Nights #15, Saturday 18th December, 8pm.

Letham Nights – the best small gigs in the world!

There are still a few tickets left so please contact us with your last minute requests – contact details on this page.

See you there,

Mike 🙂

4 more sleeps…

December 14, 2010
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As the excitement builds for Letham Nights#15 on Saturday with the wonderful, dazzling Bevvy Sisters and the inimitable David McGregor….

1. There are still a few tickets left.

2. At the moment we are going ahead as planned and will keep you posted if there is any weather-related change to that position.

3. We are offering a free bevvy for the best caption for the Bevvy Sisters photo on the blog, on the event poster (Letham Nights #15 poster leaflet v2) and at the Letham Nights Facebook Group.

4. Anyone local who feels like giving a hand to help clear the car park of persistent ice and snow please let us know and we will send you a further update about when we plan to do this – still one or two things to sort…

5. Remember that the craftscotland popup shop will be there for all your last minute Christmas Shopping needs!

6. The Clap and Tipple bar will be on hand to quench your thirst.

7. And the dance floor is waiting…

8. Have you got your ticket yet?