Music

Scottish folk legends Alan Reid (ex-Battlefield Band) and Rob van Sante will be performing their harmonic blend of Celtic music live at the Metropole Guesthouse on Friday 28^th September – accompanied by special guests Wombats Crossing. Doors Open upstairs 5pm.

Alan Reid was a vital member of Battlefield Band from its inception in 1969 till his departure in 2010. In that time he toured all over the world and made almost 30 recordings with the band, working with such artists as Garrison Keillor, Van Morrison and Mike Oldfield. They have won awards in Germany, Britain and the U.S. During the band’s epic journey, Alan was always at the heart-centre, with his keyboards underpinning the bagpipes and the fiddle. Alan’s innovative nature saw him become the first Celtic musician to use keyboards as an integral part of a traditional folk band – a contribution that helped secure the Battlefield Band's stature in Scottish culture as well as influence many of today's Celtic musicians.

Pic: Celtic musical legends Alan Reid & Rob van Sante live in concert.

Alan's singing has long been respected by his peers and his song writing has grown in stature ever since the 1980s when his songs first appeared in the band repertoire, lyrical songs steeped in history, strong in storytelling and rich in melody.

Dutch born Rob van Sante is a guitarist of skill and subtlety and a highly respected singer with a wealth of experience playing with a variety of prominent English folk and Celtic musicians. Rob has appeared on many albums displaying his virtuoso vocal ability both as a lead and harmony singer, also showcasing his undoubted instrumental skills to a variety of projects. All these strands come together to make a perfect foil to Alan and his music.

Alan & Rob promise an evening full of old and new music - featuring Alan's compositions, Battlefield Band favourites and songs from Rob. The show combines open tuned lead and accompaniment guitar work from Rob, Alan's keyboard, guitar and accordion and fine harmony singing from both.

"Alan Reid...a singing voice which comes over as effortless, and undoubted ability as a songwriter. His emotion filled 'The Road of Tears' one of the highlights" – The Perthshire Advertiser.

"Rob van Sante provides beautiful guitar backing...with gentle passion eliciting harmonies and driving rhythms...delivering songs with heartfelt sincerity" – The Beat Magazine, London, Ontario.

www.reidvansante.com 

Wombats Crossing

With a foot in Australian and Celtic music camps, singer Christine Wheeler leads her trio Wombats Crossing in a rich blend of delicacy, strength and beautiful melodies. Christine's classic folk singing style is amplified by Rebecca Daniel's distinguished experience as orchestral lead violinist and Leigh Birkett's capacity for harmonic invention on guitar, bouzouki and mandolin.

Pic: Celtic infused with some Aussie flare from Wombats Crossing.

"Christine Wheeler's beautiful voice swirls and layers with her accomplished musical friends to inflate a venue with exquisite ripples of sound. This music is compassionate, powerful and joyful." – NSW Folk Federation Magazine.

"Your performance as a singer and musician is delightful and I was completely taken by how you own this music. Your fellow musicians and singers are also superb in their performances." – Warren Daly, OAM.

www.christinewheeler.net.au/wombats-crossing.html

Scottish Folk: Alan Reid (ex-Battlefield Band) and Rob van Sante

+ Special Guests Wombats Crossing

Live in Concert at the 1930's Metropole Guesthouse.

FRI 28th September 2018. Doors Open upstairs 5pm.

VENUE: Metropole Guesthouse

Upstairs "Metro Social" Cnr of Lurline and Gang Gang Streets, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780

More info: www.fusionboutique.com.au

***The Metropole is an all ages venue however minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must remain supervised and do require a standard ticket for entry. Please also keep in mind that the performance space is a listening room.

Doors Open 5pm. Show Starts 6pm.
General Admission. Theatre Style Seating, cocktail lounge and standing / dancing room.

Tickets DISCOUNT Early Bird pre-sale $20 available from The Metropole Guesthouse (during reception hours)

Cnr of Lurline and Gang Gang Streets, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780. (Cash Only)

Or + b/f Card /Phone 02) 4782 5544 and Online $21.50 (Including booking fees): www.fusionboutique.com.au

Or $25 on the Door from 5pm (Unless Sold Out prior)

This is an intimate capacity venue and tickets are strictly limited!

For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au.

Main Pic: Alan Reid & Rob van Sante.