The Matt Seattle Band

Connecting Threads present an evening gig at Café ReCharge with renowned Border piper Matt Seattle and accompanying band.

Formed in 2008, The Matt Seattle Band has grown from a quartet into a sextet. The band comprises: Donald Knox (guitar, mandolin); Frazer Watson (percussion); Jenni Borthwick (fiddle); Lewis Powell-Reid (accordion, guitar, cittern); Morag Brown (fiddle); and Matt Seattle (Border pipes).

During lockdown, when there was no possibility of live performance, Matt Seattle composed The Gala Water Suite, consisting of 14 original pieces inspired by locations mentioned in the earliest versions of the "Braw, Braw Lads" song, bookended by the "Braw Lads" melody and "Soor Plums". This is the first performance of the work in the Borders – appropriately in Galashiels.

This event is part of ‘Town to River, River to Town’, a new partnership between Connecting Threads and Galashiels Walking Festival that embeds contemporary art into organised group walks through a programme of participatory events. This is the first time that the two organisations have worked together and the first time that the walking festival has featured artists as part of its programme.

About Café ReCharge
Café ReCharge is a Community Interest Company and also offers outside catering. They believe that nobody should go hungry when there is so much surplus food going to waste. They use surplus food collected from local supermarkets to produce tasty meals served in their friendly café. They suggest prices but all food is served on a pay what you can basis; payment is anonymous so customers can put in what they can afford. With prices rising more people than ever are struggling to afford even the basics. And not being able to afford a meal in a café, or even a cup of coffee, isn’t just about food insecurity, it can lead to social isolation and low self-worth. Café ReCharge value all customers equally, whatever their circumstances.

Tickets are £15 and include dinner. Please book via Eventbrite.

Please note: if the cost of this event is a barrier to you attending, a limited number of pay-it-forward tickets have been made available. Please contact kerry@sup.org.uk for more information.