Scot's Folk

Huge in Scotland.We’ve already learned over the past few years that the
Sisters Folk Festival means business when it comes to booking and their
Winter Concert Series is no exception. Just this year, we’ve already
seen Sisters Folk wrangle in traditional bluegrassters Steep Canyon
Rangers as well as emerging folk stars Jeffrey Foucault and Kris
Delmhorst.

Now, the Winter Concert Series has gone across the
Atlantic to bring to Sisters one of Scotland’s most respected musicians
in Dougie MacLean. Some have gone as far as to refer to MacLean as
Scotland’s “preeminent singer-songwriter” leading us to wonder if
perhaps MacLean is to Scotland what Bob Dylan is to the U.S. For those
of you who enjoy SAT analogy format, here’s another way to phrase our
proposed analogy…Dougie MacLean : Scotland :: Bob Dylan : United States.

Well, Bob Dylan is actually Scotland’s Bob Dylan. But let’s not pooh-pooh MacLean’s accomplishments. He’s played Carnegie Hall and toured the world, while his soaring guitar melodies and distinctively Scottish voice have influenced a number of musicians ranging from fellow Scot Paolo Nutini (of “New Shoes” fame) to country star Kathy Mattea. The musician’s long, straight hair and youthful looks disguise the fact that MacLean is in his mid-50s, but the 20-plus titles listed on his discography are a testament to his musical longevity.

Those familiar with MacLean may have heard his song “Caledonia” and those who aren’t familiar with this man, should give it a listen. It’s without a doubt a Scottish tune, but its folky roots make it accessible to anyone with a folk-appreciating eardrum.

Dougie MacLean
7pm Saturday, March 21.Sisters High School Auditorium, 1700 W McKinney Butte Rd, Sisters. $20/adult, $10/student. Tickets at 549-4979 or 2checkout.com.

This article appears in Mar 19-25, 2009.