A combination of traditional music, carnival and jazz sets the scene for this year's Carrbridge Live music festival which takes place this weekend (23-26 September 2004).

The festival gets underway on the evening of  Thursday September 23 at Carrbridge Village Hall with a special concert with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra's Wind and Brass who will be presenting an upbeat programme of popular classics, including Borodin's Polovtsian Dances, specially arranged for the group by the Orchestra's Principal Trumpet Peter Franks. The  programme also includes Raff's Sinfonietta and works by Mozart, Beethoven and Gervaise.

On Friday morning members of the orchestra with Lis Donner (flute), Ruth Ellis (clarinet) and Alison Green (bassoon) will be working with the youngsters from Carrbridge and Deshar primary schools on an interactive performance based on Michael Rosen's book "We're all going on a Bear Hunt".  On Friday night, Charlie McKerron, one of Scotland's finest fiddle players
and member of the foremost Celtic band, Capercaillie will be teaming up for a special traditional music guest concert with top fiddle player, Gordon Gunn from Wick and renowned musician, Tim Edey on guitar and melodian.

On Saturday, there'll be music workshops for up and coming teen bands with help from  members of the the popular local band, Halo Effect with a Youth Music Cafe running from 12 noon to 2pm.  There will also be a drum workshops with the Carrbridge based street band, Carrumba which is aiming to move into a whole new dimension with the addition of a brass section. The music sessions will include rehearsals for a showcase performance on Saturday night as part of the annual Carrbridge Live street carnival. The colourful procession starts from the Landmark car park at 7.30pm and will be making its way along the Main Street to the village hall for a feast of musical entertainment.

On Sunday, the programme switches to jazz with a lazy Sunday afternoon brunch starting at 12.30pm with the ever-poular North Coast Jazz Band.  Last but by no means least, the festival weekend draws to a close with a Songs of Praise outdoor service led by members of Duthil Church.

The Carrbridge Live festival weekend is being organised by Carrbridge Community Arts with funding support from the Scottish Arts Counci, Carrbridge Community Council, Carrbridge Tourist Association, Highland Council and the Promoters Art Network. Tickets are available from The Old Bakery Coffee Shop, Carrbridge and The Bookmark, Grantown. Tickets can also be booked through the Carrbridge Community Arts ticket line on Tel: 01479 841211.
There will be a licensed bar running at the village hall for the festival weekend.