Kinnaris Quintet

All has been a bit quiet on the western front while we’ve been busy getting everything ready for our best festival yet but we are back and ready for action. Starting today we will be announcing our fabulous acts every Friday (it’s still Friday in Colonsay, time zones or something, don’t worry about it) so get home from work, crack a can, open up our Facebook page and watch our most dazzling line-up yet appear before your very eyes.

We’d already told you about our first act but, quite frankly, they deserve another shout out.

Reannouncing five of the finest players in the country – our first act for Ceòl Cholasa 2022 is the Kinnaris Quintet.

Who are these guys?

Well, you’ll be amazed to hear that Kinnaris Quintet is made up of 5 musicians. Who would have thought? But you’ll be genuinely amazed to hear Kinnaris Quintet.

3 fiddles, 1 mandolin and 1 guitar combine to make music with serious energy and drive. Influences of traditional Scottish and Irish folk mix with a wider palette of classical, bluegrass and old-timer to form a sound rich in harmony and passion.

Behind these instruments lie 5 of the very best musicians on the scene. The fiddles are expertly played by Fiona MacAskill, Laura Wilkie and Aileen Gobbi. They form a string section of such renown that it is not unknown for them to be called upon to play with global superstars. Have a wee google for Lewis Capaldi’s performance at the BBC SPOTY 2019 and you’ll see what we mean….

Completing the quintet are 2 musicians who will be very familiar to regular Ceòl Cholasa attendees. On guitar is the utterly brilliant Jenn Butterworth. And it is Jenn’s musical soulmate that takes up mandolin duties, namely the sensational Laura-Beth Salter.

This is a 5some of serious skill and power. Raw and accomplished. Powerful and assured. These are top tunesmiths at the top of their game.

Why bring them to Colonsay?

To blow the roof off. Which they will do with ease. Kinnaris Quintet will have you on your feet and dancing in the aisles. Their performance is sure to blend the technically dazzling and the joyously exuberant. 5 engaging, wonderful personalities. 5 world class musicians. 1 absolute must see.

40% of the band have of course been here before and it would not be overreaching to describe Jenn and LB as firm festival favourites. They were such a hit in 2015 that we had to immediately have them back in 2016. They get what Ceòl Cholasa is all about, throwing themselves in head first and playing a key part in what makes our wee festival so special. The thought of their return accompanied by 3 of their most talented pals is one to savour.

***April Update – Kinnaris Quintet are about to release their second album, This Too, (4th May, go preorder now!) and from what we’ve heard so far, K52 is set to be one of the most scorching albums of the year. Perfect timing for a wee trip to Colonsay, we think.

When can I see them?

Well you don’t get a band like Kinnaris Quintet over to only play one show. So for sure these guys will be playing 2 sets. The first is likely to be on Friday night and the second is even more likely to be on Sunday afternoon.

How do I get to see them?

By purchasing a ticket of course! Festival passes for Ceòl Cholasa 2022 are £100, but an early bird discount of £20 is applied to all tickets purchased before the 1st of May. Click on the tickets page to see all the options. The full weekend pass gains you entry to all the concerts in the hall, the stomping late night Ceòl Ceilidh and the workshops. It also entitles you to a seat at hotel gigs (though this is strictly first come, first served).

Remember, Ceòl Cholasa is a limited, bijou event. It’s best to purchase your ticket as soon as possible as then you can rest assured that you will be one of a maximum of only 250 people attending the best wee music festival in the west!