Seasick Steve heads a posse of top acts for the third annual Southern Fried Festival of American Roots Music in Perth, Scotland. The festival takes place in Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre and a variety of other venues nearby. 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! You can check out the full program here, but read on for a quick Friday – Sunday breakdown:
Among the many acts performing, Carolina Chocolate Drops, well known to Folk Radio UK listeners, bring their thrilling banjo-driven and string-band sound to Perth in support of the Holmes Brothers‘ gospel-style R&B, and raw electric blues on Friday 30th June. On the same night US bluegrassers Craig Duncan and Friends, country singing sensation Elizabeth Cook and Bristol-based Phantom Limb play the festival’s late night music club Late and Southern Fried in Perth Theatre.
Scotland’s Justin Currie appears with Rachel Harrington plus Holly Williams, 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 his blues, country and gospel influences. Holly Williams, granddaughter of Hank, makes a night of it by performing Late and Southern Fried on Saturday along with Tim Eriksen and country rockers The New Madrids.
Seasick Steve closes the festival on Sunday evening, supported by Elizabeth Cook, a country rocker originally from Florida who has also appeared at Cambridge Folk Festival, the Maverick Festival and the Borderline in London.
As well as the gigs, the festival also hosts 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.
Since its launch in 2008, the Southern Fried Festival has grown in reputation attracting festival goers from throughout the UK and beyond. The city of Perth sits on banks of the River Tay, and is easily reached from Edinburgh and Glasgow, making it a popular destination for top music acts worldwide. The festival is supported by EventScotland, the national events agency.
Tickets can be booked for individual events, or a Festival Pass – £60 (£50 concessions) access to all five evening gigs in Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre. For tickets and info visit www.horsecross.co.uk or call Horsecross Box Office on 01738 621 031.
Photo credit – Carolina Chocolate Drops: Julie Roberts