Although we are not accepting any more submissions for the 2010 festival, if you would like to be considered for the 8th festival in 2011 then please send your Bio & CD to:
SBF 2011 Submissions
22, Braefield
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0SS
If you are interested in playing at the festival, then here’s some basic stuff you need to know …
The Gigs
Shetland has a population of about 22,000 people who live on some of the larger islands which make up Shetland. Most live in or close to Lerwick, the only town, so you’ll probably play at least one gig in Lerwick.
The villages outside of Lerwick have their own community halls which stage concerts and other events throughout the year. We try to choose a range of venues every year, to give these communities a chance to participate in the festival (and it also gives you a good chance to experience more of Shetland).
At least one member of the Shetland Blues Festival committee will be at each gig.
Because we are such a small community, we are especially keen to know if any performers are prepared to visit local schools during the day to give our children the rare chance to see & hear a ‘live’ blues performance.
Don’t worry, we’ll make all the arrangements, if you are just willing to play a short session and also talk a bit about your style of music, instruments, etc,.
Since the 1970’s, every child in Shetland has had the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument – so you may find some very keen young musicians in the school audience!
Check out what the Hokum Hotshots had to say about their schools sessions.
Go on! Inspire the next generation …
Accommodation
We don’t use hotels.
Instead, we have a network of volunteer families who’ll take you into their home. They will look after you while you are here – and their local knowledge of Shetland is absolutely priceless…
Some musicians enjoy our hospitality so much, they come back later for a holiday!
Travel
Large, comfortable ferries leave Aberdeen for Shetland 7 nights-a-week.
We will usually pay your ferry costs and a member of the Shetland Blues Festival committee will meet you in Aberdeen and travel on the ship with you to Shetland.
You will also receive our ‘Welcome’ pack which has lots of local information. The pack also contains a gig list, running orders/times and venue details as well as contact names & phone numbers of all Shetland Blues Festival committee members.
Here’s what one band had to say about their visit …
We all had a wonderful time. Special thanks to Steve, Shirly and Davie for the accommodation.
We certainly have no gripes. We particularly appreciate the [ferry] cabins on the way over which was an unexpected luxury.
Also having a professional PA system and sound engineer on two gigs out of three was a first for us.
This was the best organised festival we have been to and that includes Colne and Dundee.
I think you have done your tourist trade some good too, as several of the band are talking about coming back for a holiday.
Best of luck with future events,
Ian
After Hours R&B Revue
Interested? Then please send your Bio & CD to:
SBF 2011 Submissions
22, Braefield
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0SS
