Aberdonians love to let their hair down at any time of year, but thankfully we are finally into April with a (fingers crossed) sunny spring and summer ahead of us.
That means exciting music festivals, open air concerts and gigs galore for the next few months. Keep your eyes peeled for lots of fabulous things happening in and around the city, but here are a few of the events coming up to help you plan your diary.
Cilla And The Shades Of The 60’s
Coming to Aberdeen Act Theatre on April 17, Cilla features familiar songs such as You’re My World and Anyone Who Had A Heart as the audience gets to journey through a decade of hits.
Starring Victoria Jones in the role of Cilla, the Shades trio will swing through hits from some of Cilla’s friends and co-stars. Enjoy rediscovering music from one of music’s defining eras.
Victoria said: “I’ve always adored 60’s music; the songs of that era had such a raw sound which I love.
“I really think I was born in the wrong decade. Performing as Cilla gives me the opportunity to celebrate the fashion and sound of a generation of women who were beginning to make a real difference in the music industry and across the world. The Shades are all so talented so it’s great to share a stage with them. We all have great energy and chemistry together on stage and off.”
Enjoy a night out and an unforgettable show which will bring you to your and celebrate the 60’s in style. See www.aberdeenartscentre.com
Talisk
You may need to hop in the car up to Findhorn or Ullapool for this gig, but it will be worth the road trip. Talisk are a fine folk trio, made up of Mohsen Amini on the concertina, Hayley Keenan on the fiddle and Graeme Armstrong on the guitar.
A rising star on the UK folk scene, the musicians create a captivating and energetic sound that has won them numerous awards. And the listeners and gig-goers love them. Catch them on their tour at Universal Hall in Findhorn on April 20 or The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool on April 21. See www.talisk.co.uk
Harald Lassen Quartet
The multi-talented Norwegian Harald Lassen hails from the creative jazz scene in Oslo. Saxophone player, singer and composer, Harald has developed his music with a brand new line up as the band Lassen which he is bringing to The Blue Lamp this year.
Featuring Bram De Looze on piano and a new explosive Norwegian rhythm section with Stian Andersen on bass and Tore Flatjord on drums as well as Harald, all four musicians share a love of good melodies and appreciate the history of jazz while exploring the genre. Head to The Blue Lamp on May 10 to see the quartet. See
ABBAMANIA
Dust off your platform boots and the sequin shirts, it is time for a sensational live concert which will get you off your feet. The ABBA tribute show will take you through some record breaking songs including Thank You For The Music, Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia.
Relive memories through the catchy songs and sing along to the music which sold millions of records worldwide. Catch the ABBAMANIA tribute show on May 10 at The Tivoli Theatre. See www.aberdeenperformingarts.com
The Bloody Marys
The boys are back in town and it is time to head to the Lemon Tree for a tribute night which promises to get you dancing. The Bloody Marys, Aberdeen’s funniest tribute band, return after their sell out Christmas show. Enjoy a night of great music delivered in a way that only The Bloody Marys can do – full of chaos. Catch them on June 2 in Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree. See www.aberdeen
performingarts.com/events/the-bloody-marys-399095
Idles
Idles remind you that it is OK to dance, sing and laugh. They bring a story of working hard for the things you love.
From Bristol, they are touring this summer, bringing their version of the world to the Ironworks in Inverness on June 12 and The Tunnels in Aberdeen on June 13. See www.idlesband.com/
Enjoy Music Festival
Party in Hazelhead Park this summer with a programme of top music acts.
Enjoy Music Festival returns with a DJ set from Sigma and entertainment from James Zabiela, Mark Morriss, Basement Jaxx and much more.
On top of the fantastic music, there will also be a fun fair and a food village for the family to enjoy. Weekend tickets are available or you can purchase tickets for specific days to see your favourite acts. Under 18’s need to be accompanied by an adult over 21 but this is an event sure to be enjoyed by all Aberdonians.
The Enjoy Music Festival is on Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2. See www.skiddle.com