Meantime (Scotland)
Meantime's origins are as a Hebridean ceilidh band featuring melodeon, pipes, fiddle and guitar. As one review put it, "If it's authentic Gaelic music you're looking for, look no further! This is splendid stuff - natural and relaxed. There is talent here in depth." However, it's more than that. Not many bands can boast four Gaelic singers, far fewer can boast Gaelic song writers and just for good measure, a Mod traditional gold medallist. Meantime believe that their third CD, An Treas Tarraing, is their best to date. The name relates to the third distillation, the third "pull", as always being the best. Pulling on an approach they have developed over their two previous recordings the band has a struck an intriguing balance between traditional tunes, ceilidh favourites and traditional styled new Gaelic compositions. From "Na Gaidheil am Basra", a powerful response to the Iraq conflict to a catchy Chieftains-like "Choisich Mi", the band's songwriting will catch your attention, interspersed of course with dance tunes to lift you off your feet. When asked how to describe their music, the band often quotes a favourite review they received from Norman Chalmers in the Scotsman "honest, workmanlike instrumental playing, rich harmony vocals and a cheerful feel for the Gaelic tradition. It's invigorating, full of character, sometimes rough but often beautiful; just like the Highlands."

Website: http://www.meantimeinfo.co.uk/
Blogspot: http://www.meantimeinfo.blogspot.com/

Shows
Oct. 11th - Singing of the Tunes: Seinn nam Fonn
North River Community Hall, North River - 7:30 PM ($20)

Oct. 12th - Gathered Together: Comhla Cruinn
Christmas Island Fire Hall, Christmas Island - 7:30 PM ($20)

Oct. 13th - Making Songs: A' Dèanadh Òran
Strathspey Place, Mabou - 7:30 PM ($35/30/25)

Workshops
Oct. 9th - Féis MhàbuGaelic Song Workshop
Dalbrae Academy, Mabou - 1:00 PM ($10)

Oct. 9th - Gaelic Song Circle
An Drochaid: The Bridge, Mabou - 7:00 PM ($10)

Oct. 12th - Scottish Singers
Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach, Iona - 2:00 PM (Free)

Oct. 14th - Gaelic Songs Today
Cape Breton University Rotary Music Performance Centre, Sydney - 1:00 PM (Free)

Please Note: Artists and Events subject to change without notice.