Kenna Ross takes a look at early Saturday of Jocktoberfest 2018.
Jocktoberfest has always been a firm favourite of mine with the picturesque barn decor, mixed with the Black Isle’s bar and the best local talent. This year wasn’t a disappointment, the sun didn’t let us down either when we arrived for the afternoon’s festivities.
As we entered on Saturday the familiar voice of Sarah Gallagher played from the Dutch Barn. Her upbeat stories had the crowds, emerging from their tents and caravans following the previous evening’s revelries, smiling. Her song ‘Tinder’ stood out with people laughing at things they possibly related to.
Next we took a wander into the Hayloft Barn where Coco Teronio was playing an electric guitar which had no body to it. This caused quite a bit of discussion amongst the musicians watching and listening to her. I particularly enjoyed her Spanish romantic songs which were translated by Carmen standing next to me.
Second up on the outside Dutch Barn stage were winners of our very close Inverness gigs competition for this slot, Gordon James and the Power. They started their set with ‘Pick Yourself Up’ and as Gordon’s unique voice carried across the yard, more people moved from the cover of the bar to watch and listen.
This hardworking group had only returned from Troon Festival at 5 a.m. in the morning but you wouldn’t have known. The awesome ‘Blood’ was definitely a crowd pleaser and cheers of appreciation came from the crowd following their final song ‘When I First Saw You There’.
Jamie, lead singer of rock band Never Knowing, came on ready to party. This band soon had the crowd rocking with their contrast and mix between rock, rap and pop. I should mention here that the orange tyrannosaurus rex and the diplodocus were partying loving the music! The sound from this band has changed a little from when I last saw them, the performance was more polished and they have developed their own original sound.
A surprise act, different to the line up displayed, was Callum Mackenzie Jones who with his band played original folk/pop songs. The last couple of times I have seen Callum its been with The Trad Project so was a change to see him in a different genre.
The crowd were definitely impressed and dancing along. He likes to interact with his audience and had everyone awhhing at his story from Tiree Festival. We have seen Callum at many festivals over the summer and he continues to grow and develop as a performer, a very talented young man who can turn his hand to most instruments.
There was one regret for me. I had been so looking forward to some of the pizza which is a must for people attending but it didn’t quite happen for us this year.
Missed Friday night’s review? Read it here.
