TWO special concerts are taking place at Lochwinnoch Golf Club to support the recovery of Scotland’s live music industry.

The first night of entertainment will see artists Louis Rive and Archie perform this Saturday and established ensemble Jazz Forward play on Saturday, May 14.

Louis Rive is a regular on BBC Introducing’s Upload programme and performed during the 2021 Fringe Festival on the BBC Radio Scotland Stage.

He is supported by up-and-coming Lochwinnoch musician Archie, who is a graduate of the National Music School and Junior Royal Conservatoire. 

He’s performed in venues from Glasgow’s iconic King Tut’s to the Royal Albert Hall and has been praised by the likes of Tom Grennan and even Van Halen.

Archie told The Gazette: "I’m excited to play on a hometown stage in Lochwinnoch after a busy few months of recording and gigs across Scotland and London. It’s a great chance to share some of the original music I’ll be releasing soon with some familiar faces and I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with Louis Rive.”

Jazz Forward, made up of Marianne McGregor, Malcolm MacFarlane and Sophie Bancroft and established media journalist Fiona Mactaggart, is a group of established musicians and multi-instrumentalists who showcase some of the most diverse musical talent in Scottish Jazz.

Marianne McGregor from Jazz Forward said: “We’re delighted to be taking to the stage in Lochwinnoch and we can’t wait to come together as a group again and get people on their feet. We will be performing some exciting original music so we’re really looking forward to showcasing it. 

“It’s brilliant to see venues such as Lochwinnoch Golf Club open their doors to live entertainment, it’s something a bit different for performers and audiences and that really adds to the excitement of the night.”

Scotland on Tour will take place over a period of 12 months between April 2022 and 2023, supporting the creation of hundreds of concerts and performances at much-loved arts centres, town halls and community venues across Scotland. More than 120 artists are set to perform at more than 100 venues across the country as part of the initiative.

Morag Thow, of Lochwinnoch Arts Festival, said: “We are so delighted to support the Scotland on Tour initiative.  It is so important for communities across Scotland to get back and help our wonderful musicians and all involved with the music industry after the dreadful pandemic where they had almost all their income and livelihoods affected.”

Tickets can be booked at www.scotlandontour.com