Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles | Press Releases

8 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011
Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

Image: Julie Fowlis The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts continues its 2011-2012 "Sweet Sounds" series with the remarkable Scottish vocalist Julie Fowlis performing Music of the Scottish Isles at 8 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011 . Tickets are $40, $35 and $30.

Julie Fowlis has remained true to her roots and the Gaelic language. Performing most of her songs in Gaelic, she is a passionate torchbearer for the culture of her native Western Isles. And, coupled with her extraordinary voice, it is this quiet determination to celebrate the music of the Outer Hebrides and Highlands of Scotland on its own terms that ensures that Scots Gaelic music is reaching a wider audience than ever before.

Since being presented with her award as BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year 2008 by KT Tunstall, the Daily Telegraph's prediction that "Fowlis could be the first Scottish Gaelic crossover star in the making" has seemed increasingly prescient. Indeed, Julie Fowlis is no stranger to awards and distinctions, winning Gaelic Singer Of The Year & Album Of The Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards 2007, winning Album of the Year a second time in 2010, and nominated for the three years running as BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year, the first ever Scottish Gaelic singer to win this prestigious award when given the title in 2008. Her single 'Blackbird' was also playlisted on BBC Radio 2, the first Scottish Gaelic artist to be playlisted in such a manner. She was also the first Scottish Gaelic artist to appear on the legendary show 'Later ... with Jools Holland' in 2007.

She is perhaps most proud of her award as Scotland's Gaelic Ambassador - "Tosgaire na Gàidhlig", bestowed by the Scottish Parliament in 2008/2009, the first person to ever receive this honour. Since the release of her award-winning album 'cuilidh' in 2007, Julie has spent much time developing her own sound with a top-class touring band including husband Éamon Doorley, Dublin's Tony Byrne, Highlander Duncan Chisholm, and bodhrán champion Martin O'Neill. This formidable line-up has become synonymous with emotive, expressive and high energy live shows. This creative and dynamic sound was captured beautifully on Julie's most recent release, 'Live at Perthshire Amber' (2011). Featuring the recognisable sound and 'live' feel from Julie and the band, the album also features a duet between Julie and one of Scotland's finest singer songwriters, Dougie MacLean.

Image: Julie Fowlis In the last few years Julie has also worked on two other acclaimed recordings - the 'dual' project - an exploration of musical connections between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland and an ambitious crossover. Julie is currently also studying for a Masters degree through Scotland's only Gaelic College 'Sabhal Mòr Ostaig' in 'Material Culture and the Environment', exploring in depth the culture and social history of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, in it's European context.

In addition to having one of the busiest music touring schedules in Scotland, Julie has now delved into the world of broadcasting, having presented her very own show 'Fowlis and Folk' on BBC Radio Scotland for two years running and also presenting regularly for BBC Scotland, BBC Radio 2, and on television on Scotland's new Gaelic digital channel, BBC ALBA.

Tickets to Julie Fowlis performing Music of the Scottish Isles at 8 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011 , are $40, $35 and $30.

Tickets and subscriptions are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at fairfield.edu/quick .

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road. Free, secure parking is available. Access for people with disabilities is available throughout the Quick Center for audience members and performers. Hearing amplification devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Fairfield University is located off exit 22 of Interstate-95. For further information and directions, call (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-278-7396, or visit fairfield.edu/quick .