Backshore Productions 37 Easdale Island By Oban Argyll PA34 4TB

tel: 0131 557 5918 moragneil@blueyonder.co.uk www.theshipbuilders.com

News from Orchestra Macaroon

Macaroons take Ceilidh and Carnival to Rome

Orchestra Macaroon offshoot The Gigantones (Jeye-gan-tonies) is a 10 piece carnival troupe, based on the tiny Scottish west coast island of Easdale (pop 65).

They are currently in the somewhat larger city of Rome (pop 3.8m) with their special brand of Portuguese Street Carnival Music and colourful “Big Heid” costumes. They will be taking part in the carnival parade in Ronciglioni. as well as getting the Romans to leap to the Dashing White Sergeant and cavort to The Gay Gordons courtesy of the Gigantones Ceilidh Orchestra. Not to mention the chance to busk in the Colliseum.

The Gigantones include four members of Orchestra Macaroon – Colin Blakey (former Waterboy and Edinburgh Mela MD), Phil Bull, Stephen McNally and Lorne Cowieson - who were recently featured in session (with music from their acclaimed debut album Breakfast in Balquhidder) on BBC Radio Scotland’s Celtic Connections.

They will be meeting with the Rome Pipe Band, and are hoping to pick up some new Italian style drones for the Drone Zone on their web site… and maybe to swap a tasty macaroon recipe for the secret of perfect pasta!

The Gigantones are: 

Gaitas Stephen McNally

(Galician Pipes) Colin Blakey

Stan Reeves

Rob Welsh

Snare Drums Phil Bull

Kenny Welsh 

(both former members of legendary Edinburgh band

We Free Kings)

Bass Drum Hannah Bull

Piano Accordion Lorne Cowieson

Dancers Leo Fascenda

Fiona Rowan

For more information about The Gigantones, Orchestra Macaroon, the Drone Zone (feel free to add your own!) and the odd macaroon recipe or two – www.theshipbuilders.com

Or call Morag Neil on 0131 557 5918 / 0771 288 0965 or email – moragneil@blueyonder.co.uk