Live music rebirth in Troon

Dec 16 2011 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THEY’VE moved heaven and earth to bring live music back to their home town.

Now Alan Frew and Stephen Vallance are determined to make sure it stays.

For they’re hoping that their latest initiative will help turn Troon into a hotbed of entertainment and attract music lovers from far and wide.

Their latest vision comes hot on the heels of a successful Live@Troon festival – in which both men played key roles in organising.

And they insist that with the right combination of talent and support, they could have a hit on their hands.

Stephen explained: “There is so much talent around and Live@Troon proved that there is an appetite for it.

“Alan and I decided that we wanted to build on that by trying to develop the live music scene in Troon.

“Obviously the key venues are pubs and clubs and if we can make this work then it will be a real benefit to musicians and the venues.

“Everyone stands to benefit from this, so it’s important that we get community support.”

And they’ve already recruited the support of pub boss Chris Morrison, who owns Fullarton’s in Portland Street and Cheeky Charlie’s in Templehill.

He’s allowing Fullarton’s to be used as a base for weekly live music events.

So far they’ve lined up a series of talented Ayrshire acts, including Brown Bear and the Bandits, rising star Lyndsey Knox, and Marr College music teacher Eleanor Hamilton.

Stephen added: “So far we’ve had a real mixed bag. That’s what’s so good about it. Generally we’ll have musicians playing their own music, but that’s not to say we’re not happy to have someone doing covers every now and then.”

Alan, himself an accomplished singer/songwriter, also plans to become a regular on the bill as is popular Ayr based Little Fire, aka, Jamie McGeeghan.

He explained: “It’s also a way of giving local talent an opportunity to perform and for local people to enjoy some of the great music that is available in this area.

“There’s been a live music revival in Ayr over the past couple of years, and that’s been great for musicians.

“We want to do the same here in Troon.”

The pair have also organised a pre-Christmas do at the Southbeach Hotel on Thursday, December 22 featuring the Melisa Kelly Band and Tailend Charlie.

Stephen went on: “It’s a great opportunity for everyone involved to support the local music scene, give pubs and clubs a lift and to have a great night out.”

Pubs, clubs and musicians interested in getting involved should email hafrew@hotmail.co.uk