Diners and invited guests were entertained by one of the world’s greatest jazz and blues musicians Dom Pipkin on Wednesday evening (July 9) at the hotel’s Cronies bar.
The legendary piano player and songwriter attracted a wide audience including local musicians and artists.
Pipkin, described by Blues in Britain as “one of the world’s greatest exponents of New Orleans piano”, has become a regular performer in that city, with appearances that include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival and the acclaimed "Piano Night".
The new lounge is another welcome addition to Stirling’s vibrant live and diverse music offering, with venues such as the Albert Halls and the Tolbooth hosting a wide variety of gigs, ranging from international acts to the best new musical talent in Stirling.
Live music also features across the area’s many bars, pubs and clubs, while festivals such as the Callander Jazz and Blues Festival and the newly announced Winterlight draw in visitors from across the world.
Growing reputation for arts, music and culture
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: “I lived in New Orleans for a time and I’m a huge fan of Dom and his music. It was incredible to see him play in Stirling and it’s yet another milestone in the city’s growing reputation for arts, music and culture.
“The evening at the Golden Lion set the bar for our fantastic hospitality industry and will hopefully spark more innovation and attractions across the sector to boost our appeal to both residents and visitors.
“We’ve got so much going on in Stirling and we’re committed to working with our communities, local organisations and businesses to unleash the area’s full cultural potential and maximise the benefits of a vibrant night-time economy.”
Thrilled
Hotel owners, Gary and Ros Atkinson, first saw Dom perform many years ago at Ronnie Scott’s in London. Ros said: “The moment he started to play it took our breath away and we immediately booked him for our Scottish hotel.
“Since then, we have been lucky to become good friends and watch him perform may times, including in Europe with his band Morcheeba.
“We have created our Cronies Piano Lounge as a stylish and relaxed venue for cool music and classic cocktails and were thrilled when he immediately agreed to play and launch our series of lounge music piano nights. It was great to see the audience appreciate the art of a true British jazz legend.”
The hotel is recruiting a line-up of top pianists to perform Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. A full schedule will be released shortly.
The 66-bedroom Golden Lion is the oldest building on King Street and has famous connections to Rabbie Burns. It is hosting The Whisky Night – a blend of lively banter and songs - as part of the Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September, with Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin appearing with singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Mull Historical Society’s Colin MacIntyre and author Natalie Jayne Clark.
Great city
Mr Atkinson is a business ambassador for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and a member of their Scottish Business Advisory Group. He said: “This is a great city with a great hospitality offering and we are working closely with local tourism, businesses and the council to promote Stirling. There are exciting times ahead and it’s great to have so much local support.”
Stirling was recently crowned Scotland’s cultural capital in a new study, while travel specialists Lonely Planet rated Stirling as Scotland’s top tourism destination.
Build our offering
Cllr McGarvey added: “Having dynamic partnerships with creative entrepreneurs like Gary and the local hospitality and tourism trade is at the heart of our strategy to build our offering to local residents and UK and international visitors."
Ewan Duncan, owner of Europa Music in Stirling, Scotland’s largest vinyl record shop, said: “It was great to see live music with a world-class jazz pianist in a hotel back on the up and up and to have such an appreciative audience there to enjoy it.”
Every success
Modestly, Dom said: “I’m just lucky they want to listen to me as an artist doing what I do. I was delighted to support the new venture by Gary and Ros and spread my alternative blues gospel. I will be back later in the year and wish them and every artist performing here every success.”
For more information on live music and other events and festivals taking place across the Stirling area, visit: https://www.yourstirling.com