Southern Fried 2010

[southernfried2010]

Howdy y'all!

This year's third annual Southern Fried Festival takes place from Friday 30 July to Sunday 1 August in Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre and other venues within easy strolling distance.

Joining the celebrated US ‘song and dance man' Seasick Steve, is an impressive line-up of musicians from home and abroad. All the roots music bases from blues and country to rock 'n' roll, gospel, soul and R&B will be covered in this packed weekend of song, dance, food, workshops, kid’s events and warm Scottish hospitality with a Southern flavour!

Saddling up for the opening concert in Perth Concert Hall on Friday 30 July are Carolina Chocolate Drops and The Holmes Brothers. Still basking in the success of their much acclaimed 2010 release Genuine Negro Jig, Carolina Chocolate Drops’ thrilling banjo-driven and string-band sound have made them a sure fire hit on the festival circuit. Blues, gospel, soul, R&B, rock 'n' roll and country blend in perfect harmony to create the special sound of The Holmes Brothers. US bluegrassers Craig Duncan and Friends, country singing sensation Elizabeth Cook and Bristol-based Phantom Limb play Late and Southern Fried on Friday night in Perth Theatre.

Scotland’s Justin Currie (of Del Amitri fame) combine with Southern Fried regulars Elizabeth Cook and Rachel Harrington plus Yolanda Quartey and others for The Roots of Elvis on Saturday 31 July. This festival exclusive will see the unique line up put their own voices to Elvis songs in appreciation of the blues, country and gospel influences that led the king of rock 'n' roll to be an almost unwitting pioneer of Americana. Country rockers The New Madrids featuring former Revivals front man Ian Hutchison, make a night of it by performing Late and Southern Fried in Perth Theatre on Saturday along with Tim Eriksen.

With gritty and honest songs about his days living rough and doing casual work, Seasick Steve has struck a note with a worldwide fanbase achieving awards and acclaim on a global scale, at the ripe old age of 65. He closes this year's Southern Fried Festival on Sunday 1 August in what is sure to be a climactic conclusion to the weekend.

Aside from the main gigs, the weekend is liberally sprinkled with workshops on songwriting, bluegrass fiddling and banjo playing and guitar playing demos. Opportunities to join in include the Shape Note Big Sing with Tim Eriksen and Bluegrass Harmony Singing Workshop. Kid’s entertainment is covered with Eleanor and Julia’s Big Yee Haa! And, of course, there is the best in Southern Fried cuisine – just like mama used to make!

New for 2010 is a free Festival Launch Party in the Twa Tams on Thursday 29 July with Perth’s very own outlaw gang Red Pine Timber Company and, due to popular demand, stars of the future have the chance to shine in an Open Mic Session in Greyfriars on Sunday 1 August.

Since its launch in 2008, the Southern Fried Festival, which offers the widest choice of Americana of any comparable festival, has grown in reputation attracting festival goers from throughout the UK and beyond.

Beautifully situated on the bonny banks of the River Tay, the gateway to the Highlands, but within easy striking distance of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the ‘Fair City’ of Perth is making a name for itself as an exciting and innovative destination for top music acts worldwide. With a great choice of hotels, restaurants, bars and specialist shops there is plenty to keep festival goers occupied between gigs.

We would love to hear what you think about the festival - have you been before? Would you like to go? What do you think of the line-up? What do you think of Perth?

Get in touch! Y'all come back now y'hear!

www.southernfriedfestival.co.uk

Edited July 1, 2010 by southernfried2010