Black cat Jook band
Black Cat Jook band bring their urban, sophisticated Blues sound to life on guitars, ukuleles, mandolin, harmonica, tea-chest bass, jug, kazoo, washboard and two tone shoes. They have a long history on the Scottish Blues scene and in previous lineups have supported such visiting U.S. artists as Otis Grand, Jook Boy Bonner, Larry Johnson, Stefan Grossman and the legendary Arthur ”Big Boy” Crudup. “ A stupendous live band”

Bluebelly
The musical partnership Bluebelly are Dougie Burns and Bobby McDonald, founded in 2003.
Following a successful stint at the 2004 Orkney Blues Festival, they went on to support
Albert Lee & Hogans Heroes and Lightning Willie & The Poor Boys during 2006. The pair have played regular slots at the Dundee Blues Bonanza, Belladrum Tartan Heart and Smokie Blues Festivals. Dougie, playing acoustic guitar, sings songs of lust, drink and hangovers, betrayal, loneliness and broken guitar strings. Bobby alternates between double bass and delta (Moray Firth) slide guitar to lighten the mood with his cheerful tunes about dead poets, industrial wasteland and nuclear holocaust. Now that’s what I call the Blues.

Blues Deluxe
Four piece, Blues Deluxe from Aberdeen, have a vast wealth of experience between them from recording and playing live - locally, nationally and internationally - in many different bands over the last 20 years. They cover a wide range of well known (and lesser known) Blues tunes, old and new - from the classic artists such as BB King and Freddie King, guitar legends such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, to modern styles such as Gary Moore and Joe Bonamasa - and on all of these they put their own stamp. The result is a full bodied, rocking, dynamic sound which never fails to impress.

Boycotts
Boycotts played their first gig in Glasgow in the summer of 2008. By the end of the summer they had recorded their first demo, played a number of Scottish dates and been voted runners up Artist of The Month @ King Tuts “Your Sound” event. Last summer the band recorded their debut E.P. Sure to enthral and delight with the odd cheeky slap to keep you interested.

Colin Clyne
Over the last year Scottish singer songwriter Colin Clyne has played at festivals, done tours, had successful radio campaigns and award nominations to catapult his already stature growing live performances and reputation! The music is a mixture of Folk, Rock, Blues and acoustic with anthemic swagger and folk-like story telling. See him live!!

The Diversions
The Diversions are Edinburgh’s most explosive and powerful three piece rock cover band who guarantee to entertain and blow you away with their versatile locker of covers ranging over the last 4 decades, from artists including the Kings of Leon, Paulo Latini, The Who, The Police, Pink Floyd, Foo fighters, Ocean Color Scene, The Specials and many more.

Doc Brown & The Groovecats
Having been part of the Blues scene for quite some time, playing up-tempo West Coast Swing, Chicago Blues, jump jive and Rock n Roll. Over the years they have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the blues world. They have opened shows for the likes of Albert Collins, Albert King, Sherman Robertson, Big Joe Turner and many many more. This is a band not to be missed, a good time guaranteed!

Dropkick
Dropkick are an alternative-country-power-pop band from Scotland. They play upbeat, catchy songs with a little humour and the kind of harmonies only brothers can produce. In the last few years they have played 5 headline Scottish tours, the Darvel Festival and two tours of Spain. They have also had airplay on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland’s Tom Morton, Brand New Country, Vic Galloway and Janice Forsyth shows.

Endeavour
A four piece band from Dundee with a wealth of their own melodic rock material. Formed in 2009, the band started writing and recording together, their first gig being within a few months of forming. Each of the band members brings with them a different set of influences which results in a unique fusion of style and genre. Their writing grabs the listener straight away and doesn’t let go, even long after the music has stopped. All of the band members contribute, making Endeavour original, with a compelling live performance.

Emerald Sunday
Emerald Sunday are a five piece Rock/Indie band based in Kirriemuir, Angus. They formed in the summer of 2008 and worked endlessly to record their debut album “New Beginning” which was released on the 4th July 2009. On the back of this they worked at road shows for Radio Tay and continued to gig all over the UK. They went on to enter Live and Unsigned 2009. This saw them reach the grand final In Portsmouth. Currently recording, their second and very different album “Forbidden Sun” has seen their sound following a heavier more energetic tone.

Finbar Magee
“A razor sharp Ulster wit.....traces of Mick McConnell combined with Don Williams...An uncanny mix of the serious and the ridiculous....Jake Thackery reincarnated ”
Finbar comes from songwriting stock native to County Armagh. Finbar cut his teeth in rock but shelved his music for a career in 
medicine. Coming into midlife he returned to song writing...”I’d
lived enough up and down experiences to have something to write about 
- including my first visit to TK Maxx..”
- and if you haven’t heard it you’re in for a treat - satire at it’s sharpest!

The Five Aces
Long established as Europe’s finest purveyors of Dance Floor Rhythm and Blues this will be one of a handful of remaining shows for the boys before they go their separate ways in 2010. A favourite of BBC radio dj’s, record collectors and people who live for dancing alike. Armed with a Hammond organ, a drum set and a singer, as well as the obligatory bass guitarist and guitar player, the group covers a wide spectrum of musical styles, playing a generally uptempo selection of their own songs and covers.

F 'n' 3Gs
Having played packed out gigs at the festivals in 2008 and 2009 F’n’3Gs are back by popular demand for a third year. F’n’3Gs are a 4 piece band from the Montrose area playing classic and modern rock covers. Twin guitars are driven along by a powerhouse bass and drums rhythm section. Covering music by bands such as Thin Lizzy, Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Free and AC/DC the set list may look old but you’ll know every song and they’re sure to throw in a few by Green Day, Snow Patrol, The Proclaimers and maybe even Britney Spears. With a least a couple of singalongs along the way an F’n’3Gs gig is one where everyone gets involved. With well over 100 years of playing experience between them F’n’3Gs know how to rock and know what an audience want. Don’t miss them!!

The Fortunate Sons
Sharing a mutual love of roots, rhythm & blues (and cheap blended whisky) Sam West, Calum McCann, Michael Law and Graham McGeoch formed soon-to-be internationally acclaimed band The Fortunate Sons in a smokey Glasgow West End flat in 2005. Since then, they have toured and played festivals in Germany, Italy and the UK, becoming firm favourites wherever they play. They have featured on Mark Lamarr's BBC Radio 2 show several times and continue to grow in popularity both at home and abroad.

Gary Anderson
Gary is a long established singer/songwriter and guitarist from Montrose who has played with various bands since he was 16 and has more recently branched out into solo gigs. He has an eclectic style of playing and singing, everything from Scottish, Irish, to Rock and Pop; some of his own compositions and some that he has collaborated on. He has a wealth of experience gained over his 25 years playing in bands such as Midnight Hour, White Lies, and Jargon. He currently also plays with F‘n’3Gs and Heidrum, both of whom are performing at this year’s festival. Gary gigs in places as far afield as Glencoe and heads off after the festival with Heidrum for gigs in Norway. Gary will deliver something for your taste in music whatever that may be!

Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band
If you have never seen Gerry Jablonski perform live you owe it to yourself to check this guy out. He is the hardest working entertainer in showbiz and always delivers when it comes to displaying electrifying blues rock and the well honed stagecraft of a seasoned performer. With the Electric Band the Blues just got dangerous again. Blending Blues roots with the influences of Classic Rock, Gerry and the boys make this a blistering powerhouse of a British Blues band. With the powerful and dynamic rhythm section of Dave Innes on Drums, Grigor Leslie on Bass, Polish blues harp prodigy Peter Narojczyk takes on guitar master Gerry in an exciting showcase of raw and honest talent. A must see act!

Ghosts of Progress
Ghosts of Progress are a two piece rock/dirty blues band formed in Montrose in late 2008. Best described as a “one man band plus one” Ghosts of Progress are Lew Palgrave (vocals,guitar and busker style kick drums) and Callum Christie (guitar). Their unique live performances have seen the band play hundreds of live shows since their incarnation, playing an excess of 70 gigs last year alone, including sell out shows in their home town Montrose and headline shows at the ABC2 and Stereo in Glasgow as well as a slot at the “No Mean City Festival”. Last year saw the release of their debut EP to high acclaim, with tracks from it receiving air play on Radio 1, with DJ Zane Lowe claiming the band are “Scotland’s best kept secret”. Ghosts of Progress are not a live band but a live experience!! Like a two headed Seasick Steve on steroids! A live experience not to be missed!

The Gillyflowers
The Gillyflowers are lead by a hard-wired and intrinsic talent, Kirsten Adamson. Spending time in Nashville with dad Stuart Adamson of Big Country, Kirsten, at the tender age of 12 recognised that her particular songwriting style was ‘a little more country’ than a girl from Scotlands’ should be. Moving around so much as a child landed Kirsten in Orlando for a while where she developed much of her live experience and having served her ‘apprenticeship’, became a guest vocalist for Big Country both live and on the album Driving To Damascus.

Heidrum
Heidrum are a group of acoustic musicians from Montrose and Arbroath, formed following acoustic sessions held in their local pub. As the sessions generally consisted of celtic and traditional music the locals began referring to them as “the ones that play all that heidrum hodrum stuff” and the name stuck. Heidrum play a wide range of material from celtic, folk, traditional and bluegrass songs to jigs, reels & ballads with a few well known covers thrown in. The members play a wide variety of instruments. Add to this polished three part harmonies and you end up with a fantastic overall sound. Heidrum regularly perform around the Angus area as well as travelling further afield to play in Glencoe as well as Ullapool, Kingussie and Kenmore. Following the festival the band jet off to Norway for their first overseas gigs.

Hercules Mandarin
Glasgow based handsome rock group Hercules Mandarin have built their burgeoning reputation the old fashioned way, by word of mouth. Their soulful and energetic live performances showcase an already impressive back catalogue. Their second studio album “Fast Behind The Times” was launched with a sold out headline show at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in January 09. Preceding that, they spent the entirety of 2008 touring the length and breadth of the country in support of debut “Blonde. Drunk. Brilliant”. Now revitalised with the glorious return of the ginge from lands afar, the band plan to educate and corrupt the female population of Montrose.”

The Hot Tamales
The Hot Tamales are a new seven-piece band from Tayside who beat out the rhythms to drive off your blues! With saxophones, keyboards, flutes and guitars in the line-up, their fresh arrangements of familiar classics ensure that the good times roll! The band comprises members ranging in age from retirement to teens and aim to ensure there really is something for everyone at a show. Hot Tamales sets can include songs from Duke Ellington to Led Zeppelin or Jimi Hendrix. Whilst only debuting at The Bell Rock Blues Festival last year, two members of the band have played at the Montrose Festival in the past, whilst the CVs of some of the more mature players include appearances in the Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival, Dundee Blues Bonanza, Orkney and Shetland Blues Festivals.

Independence
Dundee based Independence are a gigging, rock covers band travelling the length and breadth of gods country.. Scotland, with the occasional foray into their southern cousins land. As well as covering many classics, they have also written some of their own material, including Stand Together, a patriotic number which influenced the naming of the band.

Joni Fuller
Joni Fuller-18 year old singer-songwriter, pianist and rock violinist returns to Montrose for her third successive year at the Festival. Joni is fast catching the eyes and ears of audiences and the music industry alike with her high energy performances. Joni won the MIBI Songwriting Contest in 2008 and 2009 (chosen by an industry panel that included Coldplay’s Chris Martin). She was voted ‘Best Female Artist’ at the Exposure Music Awards in 2010 and featured as an ‘inspirational teenager’ by the Independent newspaper. Joni won a standing ovation after her first acoustic performance at the Links Hotel in 2008 and then grabbed the headlines in 2009 after comments left on the MMF online guestbook by original Oasis bassist (Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan and his wife, Ruth) raving about this young ‘star in the making’. Recently featured as ‘one to watch’ by the PRS and played regularly on BBC radio, Joni returns for the first time with a full band – not to be missed.

Kashmir Red
If you can imagine a punky Oasis infused with Kasabian with signs of old school Kings Of Leon you are on the right track and what this “must see” act are all about. Fuelled by not only power and soul this band’s no nonsense approach has created a dedicated following in their native Scotland. Since the birth of Kashmir Red in late 2007, the band have played in venues all across the U.K including Glasgow (Barrowlands and O2 Academy), London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Wizard Festival and their biggest gig to date headlining Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom in 2009 in front of a 700+ crowd.The lads have also shared the stage with the likes of Supergrass, Reverend and The Makers, The Dammed and Proud Mary over the past few years.

Klocks
Klocks are a local band with a big sound, featuring Craig Ferguson on vocals/guitar. Joe Moore on Guitar, Scott Leport on Bass and Dean Dickson on Drums. Playing a good mix of original material and choice covers, this is a band not be missed. Having played many local pubs and the Doghouse in Dundee this band is sure to draw a crowd. The band also supported Scocha at the Town Hall in Montrose. Definitely a band to go and see..

Lord Luken
Lord Luken deliver melodic and sincere harmonies that are as raw as you would expect from small town Scottish lads living in Dundee. Playing an eclectic mix of acoustic indie - laced with folk, Martin, Nick, Ross and Liam have an energy on and off stage that gives warmth and charisma to their music. Lord Luken tunes are well crafted, radio friendly songs.

Lost In Audio
Lost In Audio have lit up their local music scene, becoming known for their energetic live shows and well-crafted rock songs that have earned them radio play on such top stations as BBC Radio Scotland and XFM. What makes the band special is their passion for crowd interaction. 2010 is set to be a massive year for the trio as they step-up to play Scotland’s Rockness Festival. Want to see the next big thing this summer? Make sure you check out Lost In Audio.

Millsyeck
Millsyeck are a four piece rock band from Dundee Scotland. Singer/Songwriter Alex Mills embarked on finding like-minded musicians to get out there and blaze a trail on the unsigned scene. Alex found the line up he had been looking for, in bassist Steve Alexander, Rhythm Guitarist Frank Duncan, and drummer Jamie Corstorphine. The line up now complete and live performances under their belt, momentum continues to grow. With another album written and more gigs on the horizon, the band has a good grip on where they are heading in the future. A band to look out for!

Papa Mojo
Not many bands can claim to have played their debut gig at the biggest free Blues Event in Europe, but PapaMojo did just that at the Dundee Blues Bonanza. Not only making their debut there but playing at one of the choicest venues in the event. All former members of the legendary Barrelhouse Blues Band, such is the reputation of these guys that they were booked for the event unheard and unseen.

Peski Kings
A five-piece band from Dundee. With an eclectic mixture of acoustic and electric guitars, they offer an alternative Indie-Pop sound with a hint of country. Infectious melodies and rousing three-part harmonies between male and female singers they create an altogether original sound which will have you singing along without even knowing it. Supporting 70’s sensation The Blockheads, Codeine Velvet Club, Ivor Novello and Athlete in 2009, the band hope to carry this success in to 2010.

Redstate Blues
As well as playing funky grooves, Redstate Blues serve up some good, honest, guaranteed to blow your mind, gut wrenching Blues! Band members have shared stages with such artists as: The Nimmo Brothers, Jamie Cullum, The Stumble, Pino Palladino and Paul Lamb & The Kingsnakes. Influences range from Jimmy Reed through to Albert, Freddie and BB King, Albert Collins, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Peter Green, ZZ Top and John Mayer. Combining all their experience, the result is a bluesy, eclectic, energetic style of passionate contemporary blues.

The Revolutionaires!
Established within the ‘hotbed’ of the North East music scene in the UK, they power out jumpin’ hot rhythm & blues in their own indomitable hard hitting style. Influenced by 1940’s and 1950’s R&B, Louis Jordan, Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Roy Brown, they have adopted a harder and more aggressive approach, synonymous with modern blues artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Mike Henderson helping create their own high energy sound.

River Devils
Edinburgh based blues band comprising road-tested veterans of the UK and international Blues scene, fronted by widely respected singer, guitarist and songwriter Sandy Tweeddale (Blue Hyenas, Blues ‘n’ Trouble). Sandy’s blues drenched guitar and vocals lead a band that plays the Blues, but with a gutsy Hammond B3 organ sound. Influences range from Bo Diddley to Booker T and the MGs, by way of Big Bill Broonzy, JB Hutto and Jimmy Smith. There’ll be some BB King type blues, swamp slide guitar, T-Bone Walker and other classic blues styles - not forgetting the gutbucket, rocking blues that Elmore James and Houndog Taylor were revered for - all reflected in the band’s own fiery, original material.

Sanctuary
Making a welcome return to Montrose Music Festival from last year are Sanctuary, a versatile five piece band from North East Scotland, fine exponents of the mod era, their music is heavily influenced by The Who and The Jam among many others, covering a broad spectrum of guitar rock from the 60's to modern day.

Sandy Tweeddale
"Ace fret melter Sandy Tweeddale has forged a reputation as one of the UK’s top performers on the global blues and roots scene, travelling through Europe and Australia as a soloist, touring and recording as songwriter and guitarist with BB King - endorsed blues legends Blues ’n’ Trouble, with Louisiana bluesman Lazy Lester, and with his own bands, the Blue Hyenas and The River Devils. Drawing inspiration from his deep knowledge and appreciation of the blues masters, as likely to be seen picking ragtime on a battered resonator guitar at a folk festival as rocking a rabid crowd in a blues club or concert hall. Sandy’s emotive singing and guitar playing have won him fans all over the world.

Scott Macdonald
A singer/songwriter from Glasgow, playing acoustic guitar and harmonica. Main influences are Neil Young, Roy Harper, John Martyn and Nick Drake among many others. Says Scott, "I grew up in Eaglesham on the south side of Glasgow and first became addicted to music when I saw The Clash in concert at the Apollo."

The Simple Touch
The Simple Touch is a five-piece rock band from East Lothian, Scotland. The group has recently released their self-titled debut album which has received great reviews from both fans and media alike. The Simple Touch write, arrange and perform their own original material with a strong influence of the Scottish landscape running through the veins of the music. Musically and lyrically, The Simple Touch bring a Celtic feel to contemporary rock, their energetic concert performances produce a heart stirring live show, creating a strong bond with the audience that ensures a fantastic atmosphere. A wealth of strong ‘anthemic’ songs performed with passion and intensity that will not be forgotten.

Sons O' The Soil
Sons o’ the Soil were conceived in a dimly lit, whisky soaked Green Room in Dublin towards the end of '06. Bob, Gordy and Rob had been considering the possibilities of working together on a project for some time and the time was right. The intention was to create a sound which reflected the rock pedigree of the musicians and blend that with the traditional sound of their Celtic roots. The result was the first Sons o ’ the Soil eponymous EP which has received some excellent reviews from the music industry.  

The Stagger Rats
The Stagger Rats were formed in 2008 by Daniel Paylor, Kai Wallace, Callum Easter and Craig McMullen. They had a notion of distancing themselves from the established indie sound and goin’ for a bit of gypsy death funk. After recruiting Shetlander Jack Sandison on bass and crafting some fine new songs, they got to work on getting tight and gigging in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Stagger Rats debut single is due for release in May/June 2010 to coincide with the release of a British feature film called PIMP directed by Robert Cavanagh.

Vantage Point
Pure unadulterated Heavy Metal. Edinburgh’s Vantage Point have been playing around Scotland since 2004, sharing the stage with the likes of Paul Di’Anno and Adam Bomb. Their current release, the five track EP, Driller Killer, has been featured on Glasgow’s Rock Radio station, and displays all the band’s trademarks from shredding guitar solos, thumping bass lines, to soaring operatic vocals. All of which come over in a non-stop high energy live show.

Watchin' Paint Dry
Watchin’ Paint Dry are a three piece acoustic band from the town of Keith in the North East. They play a mix of covers ranging from Nirvana to Led Zeppelin and original material, influenced by the likes of Alice in Chains and The Levellers. The sound at times can be folk with the mandolin and harmonica, then can change to rock at the next moment.

The Worry Beads
The Worry Beads are a four-piece Manchester band whose music defies easy categorisation. Grounded in an explosive mix of Rock and Blues, The Worry Beads also fuse the very faintest touches of Country, Latin and Folk to create a sound unlike anything else. Formed originally as a studio project in the autumn of 2006, The Worry Beads have drawn on over 60 years combined experience to craft a selection of truly memorable songs that you’ll still be humming days after you first heard them.