The Sensational Mary Barclay Band

I feel that it's been a while since I did my last blog. It was actually only last month after our Twynholm gig but, hey, there's nothing wrong with keeping you up to date.

We're currently getting ready for our gig at The Venue in Dumfries. This is our competition winner, Dawn Redpath's gig, and she's decided that all monies made on the day will go to fight violence against women. Although we're always up for supporting the big charities, it's good to be doing something for one which maybe doesn't get as much support.

We really hope that you can make it along on the 25th May - doors open around 4pm. This will be a big day for Dumfries as it's the day after Queen of the South play in the Scottish Cup Final. Hopefully the gig will be busy with loyal supporters of both the band and the football team and, of course, we'll all be celebrating!

Of course, we're still desperately trying to promote our own material. I wish I was a better marketing person!!! I'm getting so much out of playing our own songs and I feel that we're reinventing ourselves as a band. We've been together a long time and the original material has just strengthened us as a group. I spend hours (usually in the shower) creating, singing and rearranging our new songs before they ever get to Doug. Doug totally transforms them but when it comes to trying the songs with Scott & Kenny, - seeing your creation through for the very beginning to the performing stage - it's an amazing experience. To have the support of Doug, Scott and Kenny means so much to me. Last night, we worked on another new song knowing that not another soul on earth has ever heard, played or sung it before!

Anyway, I'll away for now. In the meantime, please check us out on youtube and get in touch with Iain Anderson on BBC Radio Scotland begging him to play our music - please!  Hope to see you on the 25th!

All the best.

Mary x

It was great to return to Twynholm last night, not having played an open gig there for a number of years.  The hall was packed to the gunnels!  We had a terrific night, not only performing, but spending time with family and catching up with old and special friends. 

Thanks to everyone who made the journey, however short or long.  It was great to see you all and we're hoping to be back before the year is through.

Special mention to my sister-in-law Helen McCormick and all those who worked hard to make the night a success.

Mary x 

A great big thank you to everyone who came along and supported us at Lochside Theatre, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

We had a terrific night and it was great for us to be able to perform so much of our own material. It was even better that people enjoyed it!

Must say special thanks to Lee Haggarty for joining us, to Mark Stoves for giving us a wonderful sound (everyone commented on it), to Dawn Campbell and co from Macmillan and to Bobby, David and Murry for the camerawork.

Special mentions must, however, go to Lochside Theatre and the volunteers there. Allan, John, Hazel, Janet and David to mention but a few. They are totally dedicated and work really hard. Lochside Theatre would not be what it is without them and, as a band, we truly appreciate all they do. Thanks guys!

Finally, very special thanks to Sonja Horsman. Sonja is an extremely talented photographer from London but we hadn't met her until last night when she came to the Theatre with our good photographer friend, Philip Dunn. Sonja' managed to get some photos of the band and, from what we've seen so far, they are totally amazing. Thank you so much, Sonja, and I really hope our paths cross again. All the very best to you and your family.

As you know, our next gig is in my home village of Twynholm. We'll be playing for dancing so get yourselves along there on Saturday April 12th.

In the meantime, all the very best. Thanks again for your support.

Mary x

Thanks to everyone who came along to The Venue in Dumfries last night to support us.

This was our first gig in Dumfries for a long time and it was great to see so many well-known faces.

We had a fantastic night and we look forward to returning in the future.

Mary x