On Thursday the 11th of December some of the Highlands most promising young bands and solo artists will be playing alongside very special guests, Alt-rock instrumentalists Shutter. The gig will take place in the Highlands premier venue, The Ironworks, Inverness. This showcase is in celebration of the end of Highland Alternative Music’s very successful A.M.P project.

Highland Alternative Music (HAM) is a non-profit making group based in Dingwall. The group provides a venue for rehearsal, recording, tuition and master classes for young people within the community who wish to participate in any music genres and learn about music technology. The group has been funded by the Scottish Arts Council’s Youth Music Initiative with contributions from Highland Council, Careers Scotland, Hi-Arts and R&C Youth Forum.

Over the past year Highland Alternative Music has been running the A.M.P project in which many highland bands have been involved. At this event, alongside Shutter, who themselves have played a significant part in representing alternative music from the Highlands, will be-

The Xylophone Race – Alness based funk band with driving bass and drums, scorching guitar riffs and stunning female vocals, guaranteed to kick the night off with a flying start.

Simon and Dale – Acoustic guitar duo from Dingwall with quirky songs backed by an intricate flamenco crossed with classical but always totally original guitar style.

The Influence – Strathpeffer based three piece power rock with a much bigger sound than the sum of its parts. Guitar, drums, bass, piano, synth and fantastic harmony vocals are all in there yet there are only three of them, definitely worth a look.

Emily Scott – Singer songwriter from strathpeffer, classically trained and bursting with talent. Beautiful songs with tasteful instrumentation.

Oceansfall – Three piece instrumentalists from Dingwall who can certainly count the evenings guest band Shutter as one of their influences. Dynamic sound-scapes to all out rock and roll, a band not to miss.

Defcon One – This band from Invergordon are no strangers to the Ironworks stage having supported many bands over the recent months. Their sound is hard to pigeonhole but punk, retro, alternative and explosive are words that spring to mind, this band are on the up!

Ticket prices for the event are £3 in advance and £5 on the door and the doors open at 7. All proceeds for this event will go towards future Highland Alternative Music projects.

For more information on this event or other Highland Alternative Music projects please email – highlandalternativemusic@hotmail.co.uk or go to www.myspace.com/highlandalternativemusic