ANDREA MUIR finds out what drives Highland rock promoter ROB HICKS to keep on promoting gigs.

Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness, Monday 7 June 2004 then touring

Portland Arms Hotel, Lybster, Friday 4 June 2004

The Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness, Saturday 5 June 2004 and touring

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Friday 4 June 2004

Youth Editor ANDREA MUIR discovers how New Media Artist in Residence GAVIN LOCKHART is bringing conceptual art to the young people of Merkinch

KENNY MATHIESON hears about a new direction for the fusion music of guitarist PETE OXLEY as he brings his band to the Highlands

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, on tour June 2004

ANDREA MUIR finds that visual artist MICHAEL FORBES has thrived in the do-it-yourself school of art education

JAMES ROSS, the director of the group and an acknowledged expert on early music, notably early Scottish music, describes his work with the Inverness-based MUSICK FYNE.