Michael Marra, often cited as Scotland’s greatest living singer / songwriter, is due to play two gigs in Shetland on 10 and 11 September 2004.

The first takes place on Friday the 10th in Islesburgh Community Centre as part of Shetland Arts Trust annual Shetland Book Festival, ‘Wordplay’. Here Michael will be joined by Scottish poet and playright Liz Lochhead, with whom he has been touring on a regular basis recently. Doors open at 7.30 with the concert at 8pm. Tickets for this gig are available from Shetland Arts Trust, Pitt Lane or on the door on the night, if not sold out in advance.

The second gig will be a solo performance in the intimate and atmospheric surroundings of the Pierhead Restaurant venue room in Voe on Saturday the 11th. Tickets, priced £7, are only available on the door and they will be very limited, so an early arrival is very much advised. Again doors open at 7.30, with the gig kicking off at 8pm.

Shetland Arts Trust Music Development Officer Davie Gardner said “A visit from Michael is long overdue and has been one of the most eagerly requested gigs since I came into this job, so I’m delighted that at long last it’s happening. His talent is literally second to none and those who know of him will be well aware that his very limited recorded output only scratches the surface of his repertoire, so a live gig is the essential format to hear and experience the best the man has to offer. This promises to be a ‘never to be forgotten’ couple of gigs for those who know of Michael and his work.”

For further information contact Shetland Arts Trust on (01595) 694001.