Talented local musicians will be in the spotlight as West Dunbartonshire’s community radio station host their first live charity event.
More than 16 artists are already confirmed for Lomond Radio Live, which takes place at the Burgh Bar in Dumbarton High Street on Sunday (January 29).
As well as bringing some of the area’s brightest talents to the town, the event will also help raise funds for St Margaret’s Hospice in Clydebank.
It represents the latest step for Lomond Radio, who have grown from strength to strength since being founded during the spring 2020 lockdown by pals Alan Caldwell and Paul Lucas.
Now based out of state-of-the-art studios at Dumbarton’s iconic Strathleven House, the station – which is run entirely by volunteers – is set for their first live show.
Fresh Sounds presenter Ross Coutts and David Dennett, who hosts Talent Spotlight, have been working to bring together some of the best live acts from Dumbarton and the Vale as well as performers from further afield.
Ross said: “I moved to Dumbarton during lockdown and joined what was at the time River Radio.
“I’ve been there for two years now, and our plan was always to put on a live music showcase event for Lomond Radio, but tying that in with a local charity as well and predominantly using local acts.
“But also using it as an opportunity to showcase acts from a little bit further afield.
“Myself and David have been working on it in the background for a wee while. He does Talent Spotlight on a Monday and I do Fresh Sounds on a Thursday, both of which complement each other.
“He’ll push bands to my radar and I’ll do the same for him, so we’ve worked together to book 16 or so acts from across Scotland,
“We’ve tied in with St Margaret’s Hospice, which is the partner charity for the station, and every penny from the event will go to them.
As well as Dumbarton’s Red Hearted Vibrations, the event will see the likes of Connor Fyfe, Lubo and Jasmin Jet perform.
And hopes are high that it will give St Margaret’s Hospice a huge boost.
Ross continued: “We’ve got use of the Burgh Bar for free, we’ve got local printers helping us, and we have PA and sound equipment. So there are no costs for the event, meaning every penny goes to the hospice.
“We need to put on record our thanks to all the bands who are performing for free, off their own backs, to raise exposure of the station and raise money for the charity.
“We know the Burgh Bar is busy on a Saturday and that’s when bands have gigs. Sundays are traditionally pretty quiet in the town, so it’s a good chance to support the Burgh Bar.
“The bands won’t necessarily be doing much on a Sunday, so we’re not taking them away from a paid slot.
“They will benefit as well. We’ll broadcast segments throughout the day on the station, but the entire event will be recorded for playout in early February. We’ll make it available on the website for download too.”
If the event proves a hit, Ross expects it to be the first of many.
“We’re delighted with the response we’ve had so far. Ticket sales have started really positively,” he explained.
“There is a lack of live music events in Dumbarton. Red Hearted Vibrations occasionally play, but apart from that there’s very little. It’s great to bring more than 16 acts and get them to showcase their offering.
“The Burgh Bar is the perfect venue. It’s great to be working with a local business and to continue the relationship we have there.
“I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t bring it back if it’s successful. If we can raise exposure of the station, help businesses and bands and raise money for such a good cause then it makes perfect sense to do it on a more regular basis.”
Station co-founder Alan Caldwell added: “David and Ross have put loads of work into pulling everything together so it would be great to see that being a successful event.
“From my perspective, it’s great to see volunteers at Lomond Radio applying their own initiative, drive and passion and coming up with a format that can be used to both entertain and at the same time raise funds for a well deserved charity, one that’s touched so many local people over the years.”
The event gets underway at 2pm, with tickets available at Skiddle.com priced at £7 or on the door.
