When Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns flew in from New Orleans for their first UK tour, it was instantly apparent that everyone already knew all about the band’s reputation as one of the hottest acts on the American circuit.

There were sold-out shows everywhere they went and the reaction was unprecedented.

Accompanied by two of the world’s top Lindy Hop exhibition dancers – Chance Bushman and Amy Johnston, both of whom tour the globe to participate in major competition events and dance camps from Brazil and Canada to Scandinavia – they blew the socks off all those who came out to see them.

Meschiya was named Best Female Performer of The Year in the 2011 Big Easy Music Awards and this year she carried off the title once again. When the 2011 album, Lucky Devil was released on this side of the Atlantic, it received glowing reviews.

The band wowed 1000 revellers who turned out to see them at Glasgow’s big Celtic Connections festival in January. Reviewing their London gig at Dingwalls, Rachel Devine told readers of R2 magazine this was “one of the most entertaining ‘live’ bands on the planet.”

After filming a new good food series in New Orleans, and footage the band for the show, The Hairy Bikers described the band’s music as “Prozac for the soul!”

Following their ‘live’ BBC Radio 3 session, presenter Mary Ann Kennedy said they were: “One of the big hits of this year’s Celtic Connections,” adding: “they just set the festival alight.”

They are back in Europe (complete with dancers) for headline appearances at Denmark’s prestigious Tønder festival and some specially-selected add-on UK dates, including Eden Court Theatre in Inverness.

“What a show!” – Donald Shaw, artistic director, Celtic Connections

Inverness date:

Wed Sept 5: Eden Court Theatre, Inverness

Source: Loudon Temple