The weather outdoors wasn't Lochaber's best so what better to do than head indoors for an evening of great music. I'd never been to a Blas event and the formula is great. Blas is a festival celebrating highland music and events are held all over the highlands (www.blas-festival.com) They showcase both established and up and coming musicians, with each playing a fairly short set. So really good if you are like me and don't know much about celtic or traditional music and want to find out more. Events are still running this week so log on to find out if there is an event near you.

First on was accordion player John MacDonald, then Maeve Mackinnon. Both are young musicians and Maeve is really worth seeking out. Accompanied only by a single guitar, her beautiful voice was mesmerizing.

Headlining the event were 'Blazing Fiddles', and for those who like celtic music they will need no introduction. They comprise 5 fiddlers from different parts of Scotland and they are fabulous! They are passionate about fiddle music and really get that across with their playing and introductions and explanations of the music. They played everything from traditional Shetland reels to Texas country and western music, and when all five fiddlers are going for it I defy anyone to sit still. Definitely worth keeping an eye out - buy a CD but they are a "must see live" band.

So it may have been raining outside but inside Ballachulish Village Hall we were having a ball!

For more about art events in Lochaber visit Hi-Arts.co.uk. To find out more about the historic highland village of Ballachulish (pronounced Ballahoolish), near Glencoe, click here. - Anna

posted by ocuk @ 1:06 PM