The folk hits and myths of history

The folk hits and myths of history

Edinburgh-based BBC Folk Singer of the Year Bella Hardy and Scottish harpist Rachel Newton are part of a group of eight folk musicians involved in a residential project that begins in Hertfordshire on March 14.

The two will join Martin Simpson, Nancy Kerr, Jim Moray, John Smith, Hannah James, and early music specialist Emily Askew to create new music and tunes inspired by the history, stories, myths, characters and legends of the 16th century in a Transatlantic Sessions variation called The Elizabethan Session.

The group will perform at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire on Thursday, March 20, broadcast a selection of the results of their collaboration live on BBC Radio 3's In Tune on March 21, and perform at Cecil Sharp House in London on March 22. A CD will be released in summer.

l efdss.org

A gaitherin' in the capital

Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin' is staging a fundraising concert at the capital's Bongo Club on April 8 in support of its work supplying traditional music activities for young people.

Fiddler Charlie McKerron of Capercaillie and Session A9 features alongside musicians from the Nuala Kennedy Band, The Shee and Awry plus the EYG Big Band and top electronic Bhangra act Tigerstyle.

The music begins at 7.30pm.

l eyg.org.uk