The Big Apple will be echoing with the sound of Scottish musicians as they perform to an audience of international promoters and agents this weekend (19 & 20 January 2007).

Some of Scotland’s best contemporary musicians will be travelling to New York to take part in a Scottish Music Showcase at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) Conference. Participating in the showcase will give them the opportunity to be signed up for gigs, tours and record deals in the USA and other countries.

Organised by British Council Scotland with funding from the Scottish Arts Council, the Scottish Music Showcase will be the first in APAP’s 50 year history. The showcase will feature fiddle group Blazin’ Fiddles, folk bands Back of the Moon and Battlefield Band, Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis and jazz and world musician Fraser Fifield.

Roy Cross, Director British Council Scotland said:
“The bands were chosen to take part as they represent the best of Scottish contemporary music that will be attractive to a US audience. British Council Scotland promotes the vibrancy of the Scottish arts scene internationally and Showcases like this one provide excellent opportunities for Scottish music to reach wider audiences”.

Ian Smith, Head of Music, Scottish Arts Council said:
‘‘The Scottish Arts Council is thrilled to be back in New York, showcasing the best of Scottish contemporary music to the cream of American promoters. Scotland always makes a great impression in the US, and this year will be no exception as we are bringing Julie Fowlis, Fraser Fifield, Blazin’ Fiddles, Back O’ the Moon and the Battlefield Band over; not a bad gift to bring to APAP’s 50th anniversary celebration!’

The 2007 APAP Conference will bring together the 4,200 leading artists, thinkers and performing arts practitioners from all 50 states and more than 25 different countries. The Scottish Music Showcase will be one of 1,000 performances in locations all over New York City this weekend.

A delegation of theatre and dance professionals from Scotland will also be visiting the conference to make contacts and research the possibility of producing a showcase in future years.

The Scottish musicians will be performing in New York on 19-20 February 2007.

For further information please contact Davina Shiell, Communications Manager, British Council Scotland on 0131 524 5739 or Davina.shiell@britishcouncil.org