Following a call out for local musicians to perform on the Gig On A Truck stage, Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre have announced the first four acts and locations for a summer of pop-up concerts!  

The expected relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions from Monday 17 May means that the outdoor mobile stage, which to date has only been able to travel to private locations, will tour to public spaces across Perth and Kinross from Saturday 22 May. Members of the public will be able to buy tickets directly from local organisations at each location with concerts being held in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor events.

The tour launches at the Madoch Centre, St Madoes on Saturday 22 May with a performance by singer and guitarist Amy Raynor. Folk band Rallion will be entertaining the crowds at Birnam on Saturday 5 June and vocal and guitar duo Make Geography History will perform on the Gig On A Truck stage on Saturday 26 June in Kinross Market Park as part of Kinross Summer Market. Singer songwriter Calum Campbell will play Kettins on Saturday 10 July.

Further musicians and locations will be confirmed as the tour progresses.

Commenting on the public Gig On A Truck performances – a follow on from a series of well-received shows in care home gardens and car parks - Lu Kemp, artistic director for Perth Theatre said:

“We were thrilled at the response to our call out from local musicians – we had 28 applications from all kinds of artists. It’s testament to the talent on our doorstep here in Perthshire! It’s been a long tough period for many people – and specifically for freelancers in the arts – and we are delighted to be able to offer local musicians a paying gig, whilst bringing some much needed live entertainment to the people of Perth and Kinross. We are so grateful to our funders at The Gannochy Trust and Creative Scotland for helping make this possible.”

Marieke McBean, local singer and musician and founder member of the Scottish folk band Rallion said:

"We are really excited about being able to share our music with an audience again after a strange year of no live gigs. It's fantastic to get this chance and we look forward to the performance.”

Amy Rayner, who has already performed on the Gig On A Truck stage for local care homes, said:

“Performing as part of the Gig on a Truck project was such a wonderful experience. Having not played a gig to a live audience in over a year I was thrilled to be able to get back onstage again and from hearing the audience singalong and getting their feedback afterwards I could tell that they enjoyed it just as much as I did. Live music is an experience that really brings people together and at a time when we have all been forced to stay apart I think it's just the medicine we all need.”

A spokesperson for KLEO (Kinross-shire Local Events Organisation) said: 

“We are so happy that live entertainment is starting up again. This Gig on a Truck is a wonderful idea to bring the community together after such a difficult year. People need some fun again and therefore it is great that Horsecross is coming to Kinross with some live acts at the Midsummer Market at the Market Park.” 

Susan Smith, Trustee at Kettins Community Hub said:

“It is so exciting to have the opportunity to hold this new style of performance at our newly completed hub and to be confident that we can deliver a safe event. The Gig on a Truck event has allowed us to invite the whole community to what will be our first big event and showcase this great new facility for the local area.” 

Anthea Bircham – Community Development Co-ordinator for the Madoch Centre St Madoes said:

“It’s great to see a first event for our area and particularly since it’ll take place in the outdoors. We hope local folk will come along and enjoy some real live music.’

Click here for details about the Gig On A Truck tour and where to book tickets.

Friday 14 May 2021