Martyn Bennett Tribute Concert
George Watson's College, Edinburgh
Saturday 1 March 2008

Well done to Kirsty Law who organised a varied and eclectic concert at George Watson’s college in Edinburgh on 1st of March in aid of the Martyn Bennett Trust.

The evening showcased some of Scotland’s young teenage up and coming talents among them the unassuming Ryan Young who blew the crowd away with his agile brilliance on the fiddle and singer guitarist Adam Holmes whose gorgeous songs were mature and rich for his young age.

Not only did Kirsty Law take on the huge task of arranging the entire gig and musicians, she also took to the stage with Ailsa Cole to sing some lovely arrangements of Scots songs, later joined on the stage by renowned Scot’s singer Margaret Bennett.

Traditional fiddlers Luisa Brown and Catherine Holmes joined forces with well-known fiddle player and teacher Amy Geddes for some lively dance tunes, while the band MAC, three junior RSAMD students, shared their original tunes and arrangements with confidence and flair.

The award winning pipes and drums group from George Watson’s college were hugely entertaining and their set went down a storm.

A huge thank you to you all for doing so well and raising an amazing £1950 for the Martyn Bennett Trust through donations and raffle tickets.

Concert report by Kirsten Bennett

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Below is a review of the event taken from the heriot-toun studio website:

MARTYN BENNETT TRUST FUNDRAISING CONCERT
March 1st '08

Fantastic!

The fundraiser was a great success; our young stars performed admirably and a good time was had by all. And to crown it all £1950 was raised through donations and raffle tickets, so a huge thank you to all of you who supported the cause and put your hands in your pockets.

As usual with all successes, it was very much a team effort and although Kirsty was the lynchpin and the main organiser, she couldn't have done it without the enthusiastic support from numerous sources, so a huge THANK YOU and a huge cheer to the following:

George Watson's College for the use of the hall, changing rooms and the bar/bar staff.

John Barrow for his invaluable advice and guidance.

Archie Fisher and Phil Cunningham for their letters of support and the mention on Travelling Folk.

Robin Hodge and Norman Chalmers for the generous entry in the List.

Paul Murray for being a general and very patient dogsbody, MC and sound fixer - not to mention the great ceilidh band who provided a great party after the concert.

Steven Griffin for being a fabby stage manager in a kilt and a St. David's t-shirt.

Isla Ferguson for helping with sound.

Mhairi, Rosie, Lily, Ailsa, Erin and Roslin for their help at every stage.

The sponsors who eased the load financially and practically: CODA, DSSR, Ramboll Whitby Bird, Reiach and Hall Architects and SKM Anthony Hunts.

The raffle prize givers: Scayles for being fantastic and donating an electric fiddle and amplifier, Karine Polwart for cd's and gig tickets, Lonesome Highway for gig tickets, Goodson Cole Transportation for a bottle of malt whisky, Morrison Construction for whisky and champagne,Cloudhouse Cafe in Stow for a lunch voucher for two.

The pro's who brought the crowds in; Amy Geddes (who also took the young ones in hand and polished them up!) James Ross, Hamish Napier, Ailie Robertson and of course Margaret Bennett, all of whom were so generous in giving their time and expertise to a bunch of young up and comings.

The rising stars themselves for giving their time and their all to a cause which they wholeheartedly support.

The Martyn Bennett Trust who work hard to provide support and encouragement to young musicans.

And to all of you out there who came, generously gave and hopefully enjoyed yourselves in the process!

BRAVO!

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Postal donations to the Martyn Bennett Trust can be sent to:

The Martyn Bennett Trust
BJ Stewart c/o
64 Newbattle Terrace
Edinburgh EH10 4RX