About this Event
Following the huge success of their run of sold-out events in North Berwick, organisers from Live At The Law are now bringing much loved musicians to the seaside town.
The John McCusker Trio is led by John McCusker, one of the most revered and decorated traditional musicians of his generation. A multi award-winning fiddle player, producer and composer, John has been at the heart of the UK folk scene for over three decades. His distinctive, emotionally charged playing and masterful compositions have made him a linchpin of contemporary Celtic music.
“One of the UK’s most gifted and versatile musicians in any genre, John McCusker is equally in demand as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer”. The Guardian
John is renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries. Since 2008 John has been a member of Mark Knopfler's studio and touring band, in John’s words: “turning my world upside down in the best possible way. I have learned so much from Mark and the rest of his band, not least how to perform on big stages in arenas around the world including Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and the Royal Albert Hall.”
As a live and studio guest he has also performed with David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Teenage Fanclub, Idlewild, The Proclaimers, Texas, Graham Coxon, Ocean Colour Scene, Julie Fowlis, Eddi Reader... the list goes on.
John was awarded the coveted BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Musician of the Year in 2003, and The Spirit of Scotland Award for music in 1999 and again in 2009. 2016 saw John receive the Good Tradition Award and perform with his band at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards at The Royal Albert Hall. John won the Music Category at the Scottish Culture Awards in 2019.
He is joined by two of the most sought-after talents on the UK folk circuit. Sam Kelly, winner of the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, has built a devoted following as frontman of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys. His spellbinding voice, effortless charisma, and genre-blending approach have seen him perform at major festivals such as Cambridge Folk Festival and Glastonbury, as well as on stages across Europe with Kate Rusby.
Completing the trio is Toby Shaer, a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist whose stunning command of flutes, whistles and guitars has made him a go-to touring musician for Cara Dillon. Toby has performed in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues earning a reputation for his dynamic, expressive playing.
Together, The John McCusker Trio brings a thrilling combination of instrumental brilliance, heartfelt songs, and unforgettable live energy. Their performances are a rich tapestry of original compositions, traditional melodies, and contemporary folk songs that captivate audiences with warmth, humour, and sheer musical class. Whether on festival stages or in intimate venues, this trio delivers a rare experience: deeply rooted in tradition, yet bursting with innovation, joy and soul.
Lindsay Strachan, Marketing Director for Live At The Law said:
“I was delighted to record with John for my own album recently, after being a fan for many years. I took the opportunity to tell him about our fab wee gig series, and he jumped at the chance to join us – he said that this kind of event is always his favourite and he can’t wait to come to North Berwick – and we can’t wait to have him, along with Sam and Toby. It’s going to be a special event!”
Support to be announced soon.
Live At The Law is establishing a reputation for presenting world-class acts with a cosy village hall feel, this is sure to be yet another excellent night.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1st North Berwick Scout Group, 53 Saint Baldreds Road, North Berwick, United Kingdom
GBP 22.38

