Possibility Screams  // Beautiful Inside and Out // The Coo Shed Ayr // 19 Feb 2022

Well what can I say? What a night!! It was just wonderful. This Gig for the amazing Charity ‘Beautiful Inside and Out’ was an emotional rollercoaster. The seven acts who performed were just incredible. Let me first thank Alison Kerr and her fantastic staff who served us impeccably on the night and her great generosity.

The event was filmed by Colin Hyslop Photography with his most glamourous assistant Rhona Allanach, and you can watch the highlights video below, on YouTube and social media. Colin also provided great photographs alongside my friend Allister Dickson who captured the night beautifully with his camera.

The supa talented Debbie Campbell kicked it off in style with a brilliant version of The Eurythmics ‘Sweet Dreams.’ She went on to sing a very poignant song ‘ At Seventeen’ and two originals.. brilliant start to the night.

8 year old Mithian Perry was up next and the crowd just loved her.. felt like the whole place was singing along to ‘Super Trouper’… she melted hearts when she dedicated her last song …an original piece called ‘My journey’ to Beautiful Inside and Out. She truly showed maturity beyond her years.

Emily Best was up next and showed great confidence as she sang two covers and two originals.’ Still Saying Goodbye’ was just stunning as she prefaced the song with her own story of putting personal grief into this song. She was great.

The fourth act was 10 year old Ava Gemmell who rocked it up with her electric guitar on ‘7 Nation Army’ ….and a truly lovely rendition of ‘Beautiful Inside and Out’. Sian Clark joined her on vocals and Ava just stole the hearts of the crowd.

All the artists gave their time and talents for free for this concert. The founder of ‘Beautiful Inside and Out’ Pauline Moriarty spoke about how the charity came into existence. The brilliant crowd were so respectful as they listened and we all learned a little more about The great work that they do.

18 year old Sian Clark was fantastic, in fact she was the hardest working singer that night, joining Ava/ Lorraine and doing her own set which obviously included the original song ‘Beautiful Inside and Out’. She is such a talent.

Lorraine Handling absolutely got our attention with her stunning vocals and sensational song ‘Alive in My Dreams’. You could have heard a pin drop …absolutely breathtaking …so emotional as she told of the loss of her own child. Her opening song with Sian ‘The Tide is Gonna Turn’ was a brilliant opener…another original song. She is so talented.

I also want to thank her husband Stewart for proving some percussion during the gig.

Last but certainly not least was Katee Kross with Ross Barron. Wow they are such a talented duo, Ross effortlessly playing stunning guitar to accompany Katee’s soaring vocals. They had lovely balance of songs in their set and had the perfect closer with their  sing along ‘Diamonds in the Dust’.

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who came, you were a brilliant crowd and helped to raise £1400 on the night.

Thanks xx  Scott Nicol

 

Possibility Screams // Gro Coffee Ayr // SEPTEMBER 2021

Beautiful Inside and Out 

On Saturday 18th September ‘Possibility Screams’ held it’s first gig in over 18 months for the brilliant charity ‘Beautiful Inside and out’ at the stunning ‘Gro Coffee’ Ayr. The crowd were just wonderful, the staff were amazing but the performers were outstanding.

The media company ‘The Iris Ayr’ were so gracious to film a lovely promo vid for the concert and shoot parts of the gig producing a lovely short film to document this fantastic night.

I cannot thank the staff at Gro enough, especially the owner Gordon Rennie who so generously donated £10,000 on the night which is just incredible. They were so supportive and even commissioned ‘Artisan Artworks‘ to create a new mural on the outside wall on the day of the gig which read ‘I am Beautiful inside and out’. We have raised approx a total of £17,000 at present from the event and Pauline Moriarty, the charity founder is just so Grateful to Gordon and everyone who donated.

The Charity was born out of tragedy and Pauline spoke so passionately on the night, it was very moving. She had a stall outside Gro during the day and the customers were just wonderful.

The concert kicked off in style with the superb vocals of 16yr old Kirsty Macleod (Catching Fireflies). She treated the lovely crowd to 5 great songs dedicating the final song ‘I’ll be here’ to the sentiment of the night. The lyrics were very poignant.

Debbie Campbell was next up… she got some folks on their feet with her joyful style. The crowd were loving it. She dedicated the beautiful ‘Eternally’ to the night and later, Sian Clark also joined her on mic for an energetic version of ‘Jolene’. Brilliant!!

The youngest performer on the night Ava Gemmell, only 10 yrs old, took to the floor next with great guitar skills on two songs. The first ‘7 Nation army’ (The White Stripes) where she rocked out and took no prisoners indeed and was joined by Jeremy Levif on mic. Ava dedicated ‘Lovely day’ which showed some delicate guitar playing, to the ‘Beautiful inside and out’ concert.

It was great to see the crowd loving each act with some folks up dancing, it was a brilliant fun night for such a great cause.

Next up was the superb Jeremy Levif. An incredible talent, he treated us to 5 songs and the crowd just ate out his hand. He dedicated the fantastic ‘No Tomorrow’ to the event. It will be on his new album which is out soon… Awesome!!!

Last but by no means least was 17 yr old Sian Clark. She was just great and ended the gig perfectly. 5 wonderful songs , lyrics that really fitted the night and of course finishing with the single ‘Beautiful inside and out’. Thank you Sian and all the amazing performers, Gro, Gordon, Pauline, Iris, Artisan Artworks, the crowd and everyone who so generously gave… keep giving, download the track, watch the video and keep supporting…

Thanks also to my friend Allister Dickson for taking some brilliant photos on the night!! Till the next time.

Scott Nicolxx 

POSSIBILITY SCREAMS // 15:17 STORE AYR // 06 MARCH 2020

The first ‘Possibility Screams‘ event of 2020 was an absolutely Brilliant night. It was held in the beautiful 15:17 Store High Street, Ayr.

I want to say a huge thanks to Lindsey Mcilwraith (Manager), Euan Ruddick and Paula Muir and the amazing  staff for looking after us so well. Thanks also to Euan and Robert from Ayrshire Daily News for filming.

As well as a showcase for young Scottish artists the evening was also used to shine a light on some of the amazing work done by ‘Ayrshire Women’s Hub’. They were well represented on the night by a great crew and their fearless leader… the wonderful Angie-Leigh Mcpike (pretty good dancers too).

The shining star that is ‘Robyn Red’ kicked the gig off in style and played a total of 6 songs. A wonderful mix of great originals and covers. I appreciated this 14 yr old and her mum driving all the way from Airdrie. This young lady surely has a glorious musical future ahead of her. Love the Red hat.

Next up was Ayrshire’s own ‘Emily Best’ who sang so wonderfully with a depth of tone to her voice that belies her age . At only 14 years also she treated us to lovely renditions of covers and two original songs. Emily hasn’t been playing guitar for that  long but still found the courage to sing and play 3 of her 6 songs alone with just voice and guitar. Her set was absolutely superb.

Catching Fireflies launched into their own set with the optimistic summery vibe of ‘Invincible’ and it never let up with Kirsty’s soaring vocals and Scott’s deft guitar playing. They played originals and covers and definitely found new fans along the way. Later on they actually closed the night with ‘Lights’ and the ladies from Ayrshire Women’s hub kindly took to the dance floor and showed us what a Friday night was made for.

The new kid on the block was Sophie Hart. She sang 3 songs  and was terrific. The opener ‘Shallow’ is certainly not an easy song to sing and she was ace. She kicked it up with ‘Don’t start now‘ and did a heartfelt version of the original ‘Butterfly’ which had very fitting lyrics for the event. I appreciated her taking the time to learn this one and she was so good.

Sadly the brilliant Sasha Kaloheris could not make it but my friend Katee Kross was coming anyway so I asked her if she wanted to do 4 songs as a ‘Guest’ slot. Katee and Ross David Barron were just fantastic. Fresh from a sold out gig at Websters Theatre, Glasgow  launching her fourth album ‘Show your hand’ at the tender age of 23 (she felt old on the night)… the crowd just loved her and she is such an amazing talented singer/songwriter it was an honour to have her. She was really encouraging and supportive of the other younger acts..even getting pics with them. Thanks Katee.

Thank you so much to the talented photographers who came also and the crowd were just wonderful throughout and left satisfied after an amazing night of music for a great cause.

The next ‘Possibility Screams ‘ event is on Sat 28th March, 11am start at Ayr Central Shopping Mall providing the music for ‘Earth Hour’ feat Kimberley Dick / Emily Best / Debbie Campbell / Hollie Robinson / Sasha Kaloheris / Sophie Hart. 

Thanks for the love and support. 
Scott Nicol x

POSSIBILITY SCREAMS // ARRAN // 17 NOVEMBER 2019

Possibility Screams went overseas one more time to the beautiful Island of Arran. We were invited back by the lovely Jane Howe from The PHT in Lamlash Arran.

They are so welcoming and gracious to us at The Pierhead Tavern. Her staff looked after us so well. Quite a few people travelLed to support these amazing Young Artists and we had a good local crowd also.

Emily Best kicked it all off in style with a great mix of original material and covers. She even managed to play guitar as well as sing on her own wonderful composition ‘Changed Once’. Emily has only been playing guitar for about 3 weeks and she did really well. She played a brilliant 7 song set and the crowd loved her

Next up was Ryann Alexander who has been growing in confidence over the last few gigs. She did a wonderful storming version of ‘The dog days are over’ by Florence and The Machine  which showcased her lovely voice as well as energy. All the acts played a 7 song set and she had some great choices in her set of covers and originals. She closed with the original ‘Rising Sun’ in which she played a lovely guitar hook that just made the song  a little more  special.

Elly Priestnall took to the stage and delighted the crowd with her tender voice and beautiful selection of songs. The songs had a sweet country tinge to them and some had a story to tell and I am sure the crowd loved listening to the lyrics as well as her lovely voice and guitar playing. Well done Elly!

Catching Fireflies closed out this great day with an array on originals and covers. They opened up with a ‘drum machine’ playing and launched into the fine original ‘Invincible’. Kirsty’s voice was on point and Scott played some stunning guitar during their well chosen set of songs. They closed with the bluesy ‘Lights’ and earned themselves an invitation  the ‘Rock and Blues’ festival next Year on the island.

All of the acts were really great and Thanks again to Jane and all the amazing staff at The PHT.

Scott………. Thanks x…till next time.

And……… I just want to say Thanks very much  to Mikey Carroll for designing my new business card for end of this year and 2020… he has done a great job once more!

Possibility Screams // Unity Grill // 04 October 2019 

The 3rd Possibility Screams event of the year was held at the lovely Unity Grill in Ayr. It was standing room only once again and the enthusiastic crowd were served up a delicious amount of great music.

Catching Fireflies kicked it all off in style with a five song set loaded with wonderful original material, soaring vocals and sweet guitar licks. They debuted their version of  a new cover ‘Rain’ by Breaking Benjamin and it added a new maturity to their fantastic existing set of songs . What a great start to the night.

The next act was the youngest performer of the evening Connor Hunter. He was brilliant, the crowd loved his three song set . One was a new original which went down really,  really well but he blew the place apart with a cover of Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’. At only 9 yrs with such boldness, surely his future is wide open .

Ryann Alexander showed a new level of confidence as she stepped up next with her five song set . She kicked it off with the original ‘Steal My Crown’ and just kept going with a great choice of material. She really has a wonderful voice and it was great to hear her speak as well as play some lovely guitar on the original ‘Rising Sun’.

Colin Hyslop strapped his guitar on next and treated the lovely, encouraging crowd to three great songs. He has a strong  voice and loves to sing  but it was good to hear him play some guitar also. He sure tore it up with the last song, ‘Johnny B Goode’.  Colin  always brings lightness and fun to His set.

Next up was Elly Priestnall. She sang three fantastic Country style story songs. I have to say I didn’t know any and it felt like I was hanging on listening to every word. Her voice was sweet and lovely and it  was a great performance from Elly .

Last but certainly not least was Caitlin Taylor. She kicked it off with the fine original song ‘Fire In Me’. Great song to start her six song set .She also  treated the crowd to great covers. They sang along and had a rare time . Most notably for me was  the delightful cover of ‘This Girl’ by Lauren Daigle. She has a great voice and really good stage presence for a young girl.

Ryann Alexander and Catching Fireflies came back up and did one  song each to close a fantastic night of music .To think the average of these performers was approx. 15ys says the future of music is in Good Hands. Thanks to all the amazing performers and everyone who came and supported  and to Unity Grill for having us…

Scott xx

Possibility Screams // Unity Grill // 14 JUNE 2019 

What a fantastic night at Unity Grill Ayr. This was the second time  that I held a Possibility Screams event in this  beautiful venue…

Emily Best kicked it off in some style with a four song set that blew everyone away. From the fast paced opener of the Amy MacDonald cover ‘Slow it down’, right to her tender heartfelt  closer ‘Still saying goodbye’. It was certainly  a powerful start to the evening.

Catching Fireflies took to the stage and showed depth and maturity in both genre of songs and in  playing only original material. They showcased a brand new song ‘The speed of stillness’ with it’s ‘Two door cinema club meets Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ guitar licks and groove. They gave us Blues / Country / Funk and Pop among their song choices  and took no prisoners.

Next up was Rory Turner who showed lovely light guitar work along with great vocals on two covers and held the crowd in the palm of his hand on the original ‘San Francisco’. This is a fantastic song and the crowd just embraced the imagery of  memories of his  USA trip.

Ryann Alexander is just getter stronger and more confident. Her beautiful voice shone through on the rousing cover ‘Riptide’ and her own songs especially ‘The Rising Sun’ which made reference to her excitement of going to Japan this summer. It was a wonderful moment and the crowd just loved her.

Aaron John Robert Hewitt at only 9 years of age played an original song called ‘Riding the bull into the sunset’. He sat and played really well to a packed venue. It was a big moment for the youngster and he was excellent.

Emi V who at only 15 years has played many gigs and was just back from Eden Festival. She played four lovely songs at the piano and it was sweet change from the guitars for a few moments. Emi has a wonderful voice and  is very composed and calm. Her original songs are just brilliant  and she got a great response from the enthusiastic crowd.

Connor Hunter was up next fresh from playing in a football cup Final. Along with Aaron, he is only 9 yrs old and played three great songs. His original ‘Fire‘ was inspired by his first ever gig in this very venue earlier this year. He has great confidence for a young boy and is a star in the making .

It is never easy to be first or sometimes last at these  events and Lucy Hunter had the daunting task of closing the night. She has a sweet voice and gave a brave performance of the intricate song ‘I wouldn’t mind’ by He is We. This was Lucy’s first time singing at a Possibility Screams event and the crowd were with her all the way .

It proved to be a fantastic night and I want to thank all the amazing performers and the staff and owners of Unity Grill for allowing us to come in one more time to put on  this wonderful gig.! Thank you so much to everyone who came and supported this great  event.

Scott Nicol.

Hope for justice event // 18 MAY 2019

What an amazing night at New Life  Prestwick for Hope for Justice. So many great artists took part in what proved to be a spectacular event…

Catching Fireflies kicked it all off in Style with a brilliant blues original track called ‘Lights’. They were backed by a stellar line up consisting of Danny Thomson (drums), Darren Kelly (lead guitar), Sean MacDonald (keyboards) and Ian Matchett (bass). This ‘house band’ were sensational all night. Catching Fireflies also played a magnificent emotive cover of Linkin Park’s ‘One more Light’ which seemed perfect for the evening, made even more special by the great footage on the side screens provided by Gary MacDonald.

There were a few poignant videos scattered throughout the night giving insight into the wonderful work Hope for Justice does in different parts of the world.

NLP took to the stage and lit it up with their cover of  ‘This is Living Now’ led by David Smith. ‘Love soaked heart’ summed up the need of the night and Sean MacDonald blew everyone away with amazing vocals on Hillsong’s fantastic song ‘So will I’. NLP did New Life Prestwick proud on the night.

There has to be a special mention for John Paul Porrelli and his great team on sound and media and the Hope for Justice Abolition group at New Life for making this event a great success.

Scott Nicol and Lorraine Handling with Gary MacDonald on Cajon tore it up with the lively ‘Like the best she’s Fearless’. Bernadette Matytsine  took centre stage as she spoke passionately about her recent involvement with H4J and sang so beautifully the ‘Hope for Justice ‘ single.

Lorraine Handling played her own original piece ‘You are beautiful’ which was a very fitting and tender moment in the evening. Then she tore the place apart with her soaring vocals on the Andra Day cover ‘Rise Up’, the house band were on fire and no wonder she got a standing ovation.

Olivia Campbell was electric on stage with her glorious covers of ‘ The Dog days are over’ by Florence and the Machine and ‘Don’t Kill my vibe’ by Sigrid. Lyrically they suited the mood of the event and she owned the stage and was a powerhouse to watch. She closed with the cry ‘I want to get out of here’ backed by the house band and the crowd  felt the power of the song, Olivia’s vocal delivery and a band on fire.

The song set it up perfectly for Pastor Jim Smith from New Life to welcome the guest speaker and one of the co-founders  of Hope for Justice ‘Tim Nelson’ who held the crowd wonderfully with his stories, statistics and video presentation on the sad reality of modern day slavery, but thankfully how we CAN make a difference.

The Night ended with David Smith and Sean MacDonald doing a sensational version of ‘For King and Country’s’ great song ‘Priceless’. Backed once more by the brilliant  house band and joined at the very end of the song by Olivia Campbell and Lorraine Handling . They brought the curtain down on an incredible night with these amazing words… ’I see you dressed in white , every wrong made right….oh so Priceless’

Download the single ‘Hope for Justice ‘ now at www.scottnicol.us/hope

WATCH THE TOUR VIDEO

POSSIBILITY SCREAMS // AYR CENTRAL // 30 MARCH 2019

I was privileged to be asked to provide music for the Earth Hour event on Sat 30th of March in Ayr Central. It was a beautiful day and the setting was almost perfect as glorious sunlight streamed through the windows lighting up the whole venue.

13 year old Emily Best kicked it off in style at midday with a stomping 6 song set of covers and one original. In her second appearance later in the day she treated the crowd to another 2 original songs and they just loved her.

Emi V Sat composed at the piano playing lush covers and a beautiful original piece called Open your eyes. I knew from the opening chords this was going to be a great song. She mixed it up with guitar as well as piano and went down a storm.

Local girl Olivia Campbell brought some friends and fans along to cheer her on as she smashed it up with her power house vocals, deft piano playing and performance. It was wonderful to hear her original material also.

Ryann Alexander lit the place up with her pure pop vocals. She had an interesting and lovely set of covers and sang the original Steal my crown with maturity beyond her years. Everyone just loved her.

All the acts played 2 sets over the day apart from last but not least… Scott Hewitt from Catching Fireflies. Sadly lead singer Kirsty MacLeod couldn’t make it so he drafted me onto vocal duty. It gave Scott and I a chance to play some new originals we have been working on. His guitar technique really shone brightly and his electric wielding axe was a delight and it was a fantastic way to end an amazing day.

4hrs of music later it was all over and the crowds that passed through just loved it. It was great to see local photographer Alistair Mulhearn and Euan Ruddick from ADN in the crowd filming and taking pictures. It was truly a day worth documenting. I am sure we will hear great things from these amazing young artists in the days to come.