November 2012

Apologies for lack of posts, have been laid low with pretty much every virus going, but back on track now and enjoying autumn on and around the moor.

'You can't let nature Run Wild' 

Firstly some news of the fantastic group of folk involved in our moorland musical. The performance at the Watson Bird Festival on Saturday 22nd at St John's Town of Dalry www.watsonbirds.org was a great success. The Moorland Musical - 'You can't let nature run wild' is a project exploring the difficult subject of Hen Harriers and Red Grouse through music and poetry involving a group of young people and local musicians and poets. The aim of this project is to raise awareness about about the Harrier/ Grouse conflict and reach audiences who we'd normally not reach. A second performance at the Lockerbie Jazz Festival did just that - an audience of Jazz enthusiasts were treated to songs from the musical 'jazzed up' a little. I got a few raised eyebrows when describing the 'Grouse free diet' song- all about diversionary feeding.

many thanks to all:

Cast and crew:

Aly McCluskie    (Songwriter and musician, musical director)

Rory McLeod   (Songwriter and musician)

Fiona Russell      (Poet and vocals)

Henry Jeffrey    (Trombone player & dept musical director)

Katrina Edmund   (Vocals and Ukulele)

Beth Smith       (Vocals)

Bryony Graham    (Vocals)

Nicky Henderson  (Vocals and electric guitar)

Glen Cavers  (Vocals and very useful person)

Judith Johnson (Production)

Chris Jones (Production)

Paula Keane (Puppet maker)

 Rehearsing at St John's Town of Dalry Town Hall

 Attending some of the Hen Harrier lectures - part of the Watson Bird Festival

 Rehearsing with Jazz musicians Laura McDonald and David Berkman

Taking a moment from rehearsing to try a bit of 'dog charming'..