Home Culture A new seaside song for Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017

A new seaside song for Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017

July 25, 2017 11:23 am

The Jennifer Ewan Band has released a new song and video celebrating Edinburgh’s “seaside” ahead of the 70^thFringe.

Portobello is an acoustic mix of Scots and Cajun from a group that’s well known in the capital’s pubs and clubs but which has never before been part of the Fringe.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday in August they will be entertaining in the comfort of one of the Fringe Festival’s newest venues, The Montebar.

Jennifer, who lives on a houseboat, wants to introduce visitors from round the world to sides of the city they would otherwise never know.

She says: “Portobello is about one of the many aspects of Edinburgh that most Fringe visitors will never see. It’s a wonderful city and we love to celebrate its people, its variety and the breadth of its culture.”

Singer songwriter Jennifer knows Edinburgh from many different angles, having busked The Royal Mile for years and done jobs like leading ghost tours.

Jennifer’s rich, throaty Scottish voice mixed with a country sound that originates in from Appalachia, Louisiana and Texas come together in highly original mid-tempo personal ballads. The band has coined the term “Bonnie Bayou” to describe their combination of heartfelt Scottish songs with Cajun honky tonk.

The other band members are accordionist Kim Tebble and western swing bassist Iain McFadyen.

As well as their own songs the band throws in Cajun and Louisiana classics like Baby Please Don’t Go, Madelaine and Grand Kaplin.

The Montebar as a venue is also something to relish, especially for those who want a taste of Edinburgh and Scottish culture. Located in the heart of the Pleasance, it’s a traditional pub on the corner of Montague and St. Leonard’s with friendly, welcoming staff, 100-year-old mirrors and a huge brass bell to signal last call and closing time.