August Bank holiday weekend in Waterford is better known as The SPRAOI weekend. In 1993, twelve events took place over three days of the festival; this time, 25 years later, the number of events is over 200. I have counted 28 performers, and I will tell about some of them in my next blog, but today I want to write about one of the favorites – a party folk band from Holland, the Scotch. During the three days, they gave eight performances in different venues in Waterford as a part of their Ireland tour that also includes Cork and Ardara, Donegal.

I went to see them in the Palace Square Friday, after dark. I can tell you – these guys know how to put on a show 🙂 Young and old, no one could stay still listening to the lively and infectious rhythms.

I have questions, and the drummer looks like the right person to start a chat 🙂

After an hour the show is over. I enjoyed every minute of it – watching the audience was a bonus 🙂

The guys are putting their instruments away, but it is not the end.

Their fans want pictures. I take advantage 🙂

I guess they will go to their car, eventually, and yes – here comes the drummer 🙂

His name is Wouter and he is willing to answer my questions.

Scotch is a party folk band, formed in 2003. At that time their shows were more theatrical.

Wouter:  We started out as a punk band with a lot of glam rock inspirations. Went to a more symphonic style wearing all kind of costumes and doing some heavy makeup. The folk style evolved during touring in Germany and Czech as busking became an important part of our travels.

Wouter is doing drums, percussion and vocals.

Sam is the lead vocalist of Scotch, and also the violinist who is responsible for all the dance craze tonight 🙂

Wouter and Sam founded Scotch, and Nathan, the guitarist and vocalist, is with the band from the very beginning…

… as is the bass guitarist and singer Sjoerd. A lifelong friendship.

Jochem joined Scotch in 2007, and he is doing guitar, banjo, melodica and vocals.

And Juno is taking videos 🙂

The band is known and loved in their native city, Dordrecht which is as old as Waterford. Well, they are loved in Waterford too, and also in Scotland, and many other countries they have toured over the years. They performed at various national art festivals, the Calais refugee camp, and successfully auditioned for Holland’s got Talent.

I hope you can listen to their music here. Just scroll down:

Jean Luc is their third album.

What holds you together for so many years?

Wouter: Friendship is the most important thing in the band. We’ve been playing together for such a long time now. It would be super strange to split up. We enjoy traveling together and meeting people with the music as a kind of super glue.

Do you make a living as a band?

Wouter: Nope…

Which is a shame, because they are wonderful and they make a difference. They bring a party to people.

I watch all of their performances as it is close to where I live.

Sometimes I spot them watching other performers, or taking selfies 🙂

Their fans are waiting at the George’s Court stage.

It is a huge crowd here around the main stage of the festival decorated with Waterford colors.

From where I stand I can only see a glimpse of Wouter 🙂

The following day it is raining heavily, but it doesn’t scare their loyal fans.

The ‘orange minions’, the members of the huge group of SPRAOI volunteers, are doing a great job creating a protective shield for the musicians.

Bring in the party!

This is Scotch’s Facebook page   and you can book a party at booking@scotchtheband.com, or let your friends know about them.

Thank you for celebrating SPRAOI milestone! More in my next post.

 Have a wonderful week!