Still Spinning sees Mick perform three shows, weaving together songs and stories from thirty years at the peak of the folk business, including the folk revival in the sixties, many television series and specials in the seventies, 30 plus albums and tours of West Africa, Australia, USA, Canada and Europe throughout (www.edfringe.com/whats-on/music/Still-Spinning). The Spinners were defined by their ability to fill the UK’s largest concert halls and get audiences singing along to their wide repertoire, encompassing traditional ballads, Caribbean riffs and new songs that have become folk standards. Somewhat sniffed at by the folk music purists, the ‘other fab four’ nevertheless introduced a generation of young people to the richness and diversity of traditional music. Mick is now based in Devon and is an active member of the local folk scene, as well as still recording music (www.mickgroves.co.uk). On May 22nd 2011, The Spinners received a lifetime achievement award from the Acoustic Music Festival of Great Britain.
Moving Conversations is a unique combination of lively debate and film archives that has explored a wide array of topics in recent years at venues throughout the UK and Ireland (“It’s a terrific format” says Sir Michael Grade). Taking its cue from the Asian focus of the International Festival, this particular Moving Conversation, ‘Trading with the West’, will explore the history and future of business and trading links between Scotland and Asia (www.eif.co.uk/trading). Panellists include Bollywood film producer Michael E. Ward, technology entrepreneur Ian Ritchie, economic historian Professor Catherine Schenk and Directors of HSBC and a Jardine Matheson company. Each one will show a clip from the NLS Scottish Screen Archive from which they will draw inspiration for an impassioned speech on the future of Scottish-Asian business.
Mick Groves said, “I need no excuses to visit Scotland, having had many, many happy experiences touring with The Spinners. I recall some wild nights in the Howf in Kircaldy and the many appearances at Aberdeen Music Hall, the Caird Hall in Dundee, Perth Town Hall, Glasgow Empire and Edinburgh’s Playhouse. It’s great to be back and a pleasure to be doing the Fringe when Michael is doing the International Festival. I may even persuade him to join me for a number or two.”
Michael Groves said, “As an Edinburgh resident I see the transformative power of the festivals. Having brought Moving Conversations to the Fringe some years ago, I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the iconic International Festival in 2011. Given the turmoil in the world economy, the Scottish focus on exporting, the rise of Chinese and Indian business power and underlying concerns over climate change, this is the perfect time to look at the future of Scottish-Asian business. Moving Conversations has been a family affair previously when Mick joined a debate on the future of television. As for the Fringe, at the very least, I will join my daughter and help to sell some of his CDs.”
Still Spinning is at 7.30pm on 11th, 12th and 13th August at St Brides centre in Dalry. Tickets are available through the Fringe and Queens Hall box offices at £8 (£6 concession). It’s not quite folk, but it’s most definitely entertaining!
Trading with the West is at 2.30pm on 19th August at Filmhouse. Tickets are available through the International Festival or Queens Hall box offices at £6.
