Perth's Southern Fried Festival of American Roots Music takes place this weekend, and as well as a feast of sell-out headline acts, Horsecross is cooking up a packed programme of workshops, family events, free performances and talks to give everyone a taste of Americana.
Alan Mairs, Scotland's foremost bluegrass fiddler will lead a Bluegrass Fiddle Workshop in Perth Concert Hall Norie-Miller Studio, introducing intermediate and advanced fiddlers to the techniques behind the sound. The Bluegrass Banjo Workshop with Jon Sheldon will provide players of all levels with a guide to essential bluegrass banjo skills.
The Bluegrass Big Sing hosted by The Midnight Ramblers will give singers of all abilities the opportunity to learn bluegrass harmonies culminating in a performance in Perth Concert Hall Foyer.
For those interested in the art of songwriting, Edinburgh-based roots devotees The Felsons will run a Songwriting Workshop and the super-talented Mary Gauthier will discuss what lies at the heart of her powerful body of work in a Songwriting Masterclass.
The Midnight Ramblers' Austin Boggs will take intermediate and advanced guitar players through the key licks and styles behind bluegrass in a Bluegrass Guitar Workshop.
And, Horsecross is delighted to welcome one of the world's top drummers, Stanton Moore from New Orleans who will be showcasing his virtuosic skills in a Drum Clinic set to enthral drummers and non-drummers alike.
There are two free performances during the weekend; Buchanan will be joined by US bluegrass duo the Georgia Flatpickers in a gig at the Salutation Hotel and some of Perthshire's finest country rockers, The Humble Hobos, Red Pine Timber Co and Ian Hutchison will take to the stage in The Twa Tams.
Emmy Award winning children's entertainer, Farmer Jason invites kids of all ages to come along and sing and dance on Farmer Jason's farm.
And, if all that gives you an appetite, a range of Southern Fried specialities including cornbread, fried chicken and red velvet cake will be served up throughout the weekend.
Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier, Jason Ringenberg and Rancho Rebop on Saturday and the Booker T/Los Lobos double bill on Friday night are now sold out. Some tickets still remain for Friday's Late and Southern Fried show with Diana Jones, The Midnight Ramblers and The Felsons and Sunday's closing party with Hayseed Dixie and Baskery.
To get your hands on the last remaining tickets for the headline acts and for workshop, masterclass and other event tickets call Horsecross Box Office on 01738 621 031. For details of the full line up and further info, visit http://www.horsecross.co.uk/, www.myspace.com/southernfriedfestival