It’s only a matter of a few weeks since Shetland band ‘Gaddery’ returned from a very successful tour of America, and now Shetland audiences are to be given the opportunity on 20 June 2006 to see the show that made such an impact in the States.

‘Gaddery’ comprise Gemma Donald (fiddle and vocals) Ross Couper (fiddle and guitar) Lois Nicol (fiddle) Vicky Gray (Fiddle) Ryan Couper (guitar and fiddle) Claire Laurenson (piano) James Leask (accordion) and last, but certainly not least, Darren Stewart (accordion).

The group were specially formed by ‘Shetland Arts’ to undertake a two week promotional tour of America in April and May this year, under the musical directorship of local musician and fiddle tutor Margaret Scollay, and such was the all round success of the ‘project’, the group now hope to stay together to perform occasional concerts, and indeed another even larger tour of the USA is already in the pipeline for next year.

Now Shetland audiences are to get their first chance to hear this new, young, local, traditional music ‘super-group’ when they perform their first local public concert in Lerwick’s Sound Hall on Tuesday 20th June at 7.30pm as part of Shetland’s ‘Johnsmas Foy’ celebrations.

Shetland Arts Music Development Officer Davie Gardner said “The group were such an outstanding success in the States that we though it would be good for them to perform their concert in Lerwick too, to show local audiences exactly what got their American counterparts so excited, and the Johnsmas Foy week seemed a very appropriate time to do it. The group collectively comprise some of Shetland’s finest young traditional musicians so I think we can guarantee a terrific and eclectic night of music for all ages. Two weeks on the very demanding American circuit certainly worked wonders for them and tightened up the show into something very impressive and exciting indeed”.

Support will come from Ryan Couper, current ‘Shetland Young Fiddler of the Year’ and ‘Young Traditional Fiddler of the Year’.

Tickets are priced £5 and £3 concession on the door on the night.

For further information contact Davie Gardner on (01595) 694001