A preview of Jocktoberfest 2013
It doesn’t seem that long since the summer festival season kicked off locally up at Bogbain with Brew at the Bog, and it will draw to an all too soon conclusion over on the Black Isle at Jocktoberfest, except for those though that make the trip out west a couple of weeks later. There is a certain symmetry in that both festivals are heavily influenced by beer, and both promote local and upcoming national acts.
Looking at the local acts, it has been a good year for Ashley and the Cosmonauts who have played not just the aforementioned Brew at the Bog, but also a much coveted main stage slot at Belladrum, their summery sounds will suit the chilled festival atmosphere. It is also welcome that they are promoting young solo acts in the shape of Dylan Tierney, Megan Blyth and Josephine Sillars. They may be young but they have talent in abundance, and have put in the hours, and the miles, securing gigs away from their home bases. Dylan’s powerful vocal and mature lyrics will no doubt engage yet another audience, while Megan’s darker new material complement’s the strength of her voice. Watch out for her new EP, ‘The Devil’s Own’, it’s out soon. And Josephine never fails to impress us with her clever songs delivered with wit and charm from her keyboard which sits atop an ironing board.
The organisers have also brought in some bands have really raised their profiles this year including Red Ronson who are not messing around, and are making waves as they look to make it big, and appear on the odd reality TV show on their way to the top. Forres’ Be Like Pablo and their self-proclaimed ‘punk rock for nerds’ are not content with just a main stage Belladrum slot, but are proudly sitting on the itunes homepage with new single ‘Without the Pain’.
This is a festival which, since its inception, has brought together an eclectic mix without ever looking to overpower the festival goers with one particular genre. A mash tun mix that includes country rock from Stetsonhead, the cafe culture melodies of Dorec-a-belle(recently announced to support Magic Numbers at Ironworks), the drum and rap of Glasgow’s Hector Bizerk, the irrepressible Casual Sex, and a touch of traditional Scottish in a modern style from Hoodja. Altogether it gives a heady brew.
The open barn setting is an ideal place to dance the night away and local funksters, The Leonard Jones Potential, who have a reputation for getting the crowd to throw shapes will ensure a party. Add a dash of Woodenbox and their fusion of roots, Americana, and folk amongst others you have a band who have rightly been hailed as one of the best live acts around.
But it, after all, it’s not just a music festival, so you may catch me with a rather tidy wee blond, a Black Isle Brewery one that is!
Tickets for the festival are still available from Jocktoberfest.com.
See our photos of Jocktoberfest 2012 and our review
