Island News

Drummers Cabaret Night

On the 24th of Nov the Coll Drummers put on a cabaret night to raise funds for new drums. The village hall looked unusually raffish set with little tables and chairs, bowls of eats and candles. The large number of islanders who turned up to be entertained by this unusual cabaret were amused by the island's children, some in their finery, some in pyjamas. As the audience waited, the children entered into the spirit of performance long before it started.

The drummers, all sporting colourful trousers, produced many rhythmic delights, all completely new to my ear if not other people's. They were ably supported by the Coll singers who performed a number of beautiful songs to their usual high standard and joined with the drummers in a newly formatted rendition of a traditional walking song based on the sound of the sea birds and shore.

There was also a performance by Alan McKechnie who sang his own works accompanying himself on the guitar and singing acappella which emphasised his powerful, ballad-like style. It was great to hear his compositions and watch the kids interacting - good practice for Alan's professional career as he carried on in the face of adversity, keeping track as the pack of kids supported him out of synch and out of tune!

The children, into whom rhythm had entered at a very early stage during the drumming, were unable to relinquish it during the quieter musical moments, and so continued their very energetic dances to residual drum beats in their heads. This contributed greatly to the multi-faceted entertainment of the evening, which was further diversified by a quiz, a round of bingo and mystery guest entertainers... which turned out to be the audience. The children, ever eager to perform, took to the stage with excellent efforts from Dougie Wainwright, Finn Porrelli, Sam and Ewan Rutherford, Grace Cochrane-Patrick and Natasha Wainwright.

Viva Espagna had similar spontaneity, although Juliana, Esther H., and Jim (Spanish) had obviously practised and definitely paid more attention to costume. They had us all singing along until a surprise act had us laughing again. Pam Garnett entered with the 'Hebridean Hat dance' to remind us of our north westerly climate and to focus on less exotic costume.

The lighting and hanging drapes really gave the hall a cosy, club atmosphere, one to repeat again. A great evening was had by all.

AT and T.H.