Tag: David McGregor

A Right Royale Bevvy at letham Nights

A Right Royale Bevvy

Despite the fact that the nation was gripped by a wee wedding somewhere in London town and that the Bevvy Sisters second visit to Letham Nights had been postponed due to weather (once) and the unfortunate illness to Kaela Rowan (get well soon wishes from all Letham Nighters) a sell out crowd attended the rearranged show. The Bevvy Sisters arranged a fantastic replacement in Roberta Pia – aka Banana Bevvy, vocalist with the Banana Sessions band. David MacGregor was easily persuaded to provide support. We had attended a benefit gig for the Haiti appeal in Dunshalt and were hugely impressed by his virtuosity, humour and Dreadlocks. David, from Dunfermline, had been living in the Jazz quarter of Paris until recently and had recently cut off the Dreads much to our surprise when he turned up to the sound check.

As this Letham Nights was, for the first time ever, held on a Friday, all hands were on deck to get the hall turned into the atmospheric, welcoming and classy venue that people are now coming to expect. No warm cans of Tennents, folding Formica topped tables and strip lights for our discerning punters. Craft Scotland’s Emma Walker set up a POP UP SHOP promoting Scottish makers wares: jeweller, Jane Gowans, ceramicist, Cosima Sempill and textile designer, Claire Heminsley had a display, in the bar, of their gorgeous pieces. Sales were made during the breaks in the music.

Geoff Stevenson, once again providing superb sound on the night, ran through the sound check. The lights were dimmed and background music filtered through, it was time to open the doors. Around 110 people flooded through the doors, found tables, sorted out refreshments from the “Clap and Tipple Bar” ready for David MacGregor’s solo performance. Mike started the whole thing off with a wee chat about our venture, the way we came across the musicians, the ethos of Letham Nights, the POP UP SHOP and thanking every one for their continued support.

David then took the stage and the crowd were treated to a set of Jazz classics along with some self penned numbers, some of which were inspired by his stay in Paris. The audience sat listening intently to the mesmerising music emanating from his guitar. Huge skill and an ear for melody shone through and he was applauded Letham Nights style i.e. uproarious cheers and whoops at the end of his set. David thanked the crowd, reminded them that CD’s were available for sale as well as letting us know that he is available for one-on-one guitar lessons. Now there’s an offer all you budding guitarists out there…David’s set list is as follows, Improv intro into Summer time, Georgia on my mind, Danny Boy, DayDream, Red House,  La  Belle vie into Windy and Warm and finishing off with On Green Dolphin St.

During the short break, the Clap and Tipple Bar was under siege, selling a tempting range of mainly organic, locally produced and locally sourced wines, beers, ciders and soft drinks at reasonable prices.

The lights went up and The Bevvy sisters kicked off their first set with “Littlest Bird”, ”Cow Cow”, and more from the St James Session CD as well as a few new numbers, “Whirlepool”, “Cock a Doodle”, “and “Mary Don’t You Weep No More”. Banana Bevvy sang some of her own songs, “You You You”, “Just add Hot Water” and lead vocals on Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I love you”. I think that I said, in the review of the first Bevvy Sisters Letham Nights, that there couldn’t be three voices that were so meant to sing together. With the introduction of Roberta’s voice I realised the very high bench mark Kaela had set, within the trio of superb vocalists, had been reached. No disrespect to Kaela, loads to Roberta.

The second set started with “Your Cheatin’ Heart”, “Lovesick Blues” and continued to entertain with classics, “It Aint What You Do”, ”Baby I Love You” dipping into genre’s such as the Phil Spector sound, Trad Country, Swing, Jazz, Gospel and TV adverts (McEwans is the best buy). Guitarist David Donnelly and drummer James Mackintosh let the sisters shine but have a huge influence in the “Bevvy Sound” such is their virtuosity and musicianship. The encore, “Aint No Grave” slipped into the theme tune for “Are you being served” which was a fabulous way of letting the crowd know that there was merchandising available, CD’s badges and a first for Letham Nights……..PANTS, yes, PANTS, Knickers, underwear……which were in fine demand as soon as the band left the stage, sales went very well. To quote Heather Bevvy “We’ve had a run on our pants” Ooh err missus! Cue Mr Humphries…

A huge thank you to the Bevvy Sisters and to David McGregor for treating us to yet another very special Letham Nights and we look forward to seeing you back soon!


It’s a Sell-out!

We are delighted to announce that once again, before even a sweet Bevvy note has been sung or guitar tenderly plucked, the Bevvy Sisters have attracted a full house to Letham Nights for a ‘Right Royale Bevvy’ on Friday 29th April, kicking off at 8pm and opening with a set from virtuoso jazz guitarist, David McGregor. If you did not manage to book your ticket we are truly sorry but wish you a fine Friday evening.  If you are still keen to come, please still contact us in case we get some call-offs.

If you DO have your reservation, here are a few wee reminders….

  1. There is a licensed bar – the wonderful Clap & Tipple, with cheery (sometimes buxom) staff on hand to help you quench your thirst with a fine range of beers, wines, soft drinks and snacks as far as possible locally sourced and organic…
  2. We will be having a raffle to support AGLIT- Adolescent Girls Literacy Programme in Malawi with truly wonderful prizes…
  3. The craftscotland pop-up shop will be on hand to offer you a range of products from local makers
  4. There will be prizes – yes PRIZES! – for the best tiara or crown worn on the evening (following from the Right Royale Street Party at the Well Tree in the afternoon)

So we’ll see you there – bring a happy smiling face and your tiara!

Michael xx


The Bevvy Sisters Return – By Royale Appointment!

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


The heat is on at Letham Nights…

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…

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?


Still a few tickets left for a Christmas Bevvy!

yes, there are still some tickets left.  Get your reservations in quick.  Contact details on this page.

here is how we hope the Fife Herald will report on our Christmas Bevvy

The next Letham Nights – the music venue in the Howe of Fife claiming to put on ‘The best small gigs in the world’ –  is on the 18th December, featuring the return of the fantastic Bevvy Sisters. The Bevvy Sisters played Letham Nights back in May. Such a fabulous night was had by the sell out crowd and the sisters that they suggested a “Christmas Bevvy” we couldn’t refuse. Click here to see a review of the show.

The Bevvy’s have appeared and wowed the audiences at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival and all over Scotland. They have collaborated or appeared with the likes of Eliza Carthy, Bert Jansch, Kathryn Williams, Cara Dillon, Michael Marra, Tam White, Capercaillie, and Juliet Turner to name a few. All their shows have been rapturously received and Letham Nights is delighted to feature in their pre Christmas show schedule.

Supporting The Bevvy Sisters will be Dundee’s jazz guitarist extraordinaire, David McGregor, he will treat us to a spell-binding set of his own tunes and jazz covers.

I hope a feature in the Fife Herald will let more local people into the Letham Nights experience. We should have online ticket sales set up in a day or so, at this link https://letham.org.uk/lethamnights/.  If not, people can still make a reservation using this page.

This show will be our 15th since December 2008, each one has been incredibly well received by our band of loyal supporters and many new faces. Over a thousand happy punters have paid to see some incredible talent. We hope to continue to bring you fantastic music and a relaxed atmosphere next year and for many more.


Bevvy Bevvy Bevvy!!!

Are you ready for your Christmas Bevvy Shpecktackular at Letham Nights on Saturday 18th December?

Tickets £9/ £6 (concessions).  Kick off at 8pm.  Letham Village Hall, Letham, Fife

We are currently trying to set up online ticketing for this gig.  Priority for this will go to those who have already reserved a ticket by email.  In the meantime, please send us your reservation requests. Contact details on this page…

It is an exciting prospect to have the Bevvy Sisters back at Letham to delight us with their sublime, sultry, snazzy and superlative singing.  If you have not got a ticket yet well now is the time to let us know and get on the reserved list.  Last time it was a sell-out and there is no reason to suppose this is not going to happen again.  So get yer skates on!

David McGregor, jazz guitarist extraordinaire, will open for the Bevvy Sisters and treat us to a spell-binding set of his own tunes and jazz covers.

…And for your last minute Christmas shopping needs, craftscotland will be on hand again with their highly successful and popular pop up shop of gifts and artefacts by local makers.

The Clap and Tipple Bar will have its usual selection of rather classy but reasonably priced – and where possible organic, local or fair trade – fine wines, beers and soft drinks. Might even be a mince pie or two…. Scrumptious!