A new festival, to be held later this year, will be music to the ears of singer-songwriter fans in the north-east.
True North – which is inspired by the region’s balladeer tradition – will provide a platform for both homegrown talent and acts from further afield.
Led by Aberdeen Performing Arts, it will place over the last weekend in September at the Lemon Tree, Music Hall and other venues across the city.
The full line-up will be revealed in the coming weeks, but among the highlights announced so far are a Neil Young tribute night – in the lead-up to the singer’s 70th birthday – featuring acts such as Eddi Reader and Justin Currie, of Del Amitri.
The festival will be closed by Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat with Scottish Album of the Year finalist Kathryn Joseph.
Singer-songwriter Roddy Hart, who is curating the Neil Young night, said: “I’m thrilled to be involved in the inaugural True North festival, which I hope will shine a spotlight on songwriters from all corners of our country.
“Scotland has such a rich tradition of song that continues to this day, and it’s exciting to be involved with something that celebrates both established singer-songwriters and emerging artists.
“I’m particularly happy to be curating the closing gala concert at the Music Hall, which will pay tribute to the work of Neil Young ahead of his 70th birthday.
“We have a stellar line up of Scottish acts, plus a few artists from farther afield, coming to doff their caps to one of the most iconic songwriters of our time and perform some of his best known work. It promises to be a truly special curtain closer for what will be a fantastic new festival.”
Jane Spiers, APA chief executive, added: “Aberdeen and the north-east has music in its heart and soul, this event will be an exciting celebration of contemporary songwriting and performance.
“We are thrilled that some of the country’s finest musical talent is already confirmed to play. We expect the demand for tickets to be high, and there will be more artists announced in the coming weeks.”
The festival takes place from Friday to Sunday, September 25-27.
For more details visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/truenorth.