Following suit in what has become an Ocean Beach tradition of attracting unique and authentic artists, renowned traditional Scottish folk music artist Jim Malcolm will perform at Holy Trinity Parish, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. As part of the parish’s regular “Holy Trinity Concert Series,” Malcolm will honor the 250th anniversary of Scottish musical legend Robert Burns by playing a selection of Burns’ songs, among a few other surprises, according to concert promoter Susan Batt. Raised in Perthshire and Angus, Scotland, Malcolm was surrounded by Scottish influence during the formative years of his musical learnings, according to his website, www.jimmalcolm.com. “He learned to play guitar while at school and by his early 20s was winning songwriting competitions and playing in folk clubs all over Scotland,” states the biography. He later went on to host an open stage at the Edinburgh Folk Festival and toured the United States, Germany, Denmark, Ireland and England. In recognition of his talents, Malcolm was also recognized with a Songwriter of the Year Award by the Scots Trade Music Society in 2004. Batt noted that music lovers who plan to attend the Jan. 22 event are encouraged to don plaids (kilts). “People wear them to the show,” she said. Rev. Larry Bausch, a San Diego local and parish rector since 1979, said he launched the Holy Trinity Concert Series 12 years ago based on the suggestion of a friend who saw too little Celtic and Scottish musical representation in San Diego. Sparked into action by the closing of a local bar at the time, Bausch said the parish acquired a mixer board and speakers and began what has now become a musical mainstay for parishioners and the Ocean Beach community. Bausch said the parish holds about six concerts per year and hopes to keep the green tradition alive and thriving in Ocean Beach for years to come. Past musical acts have been diverse and numerous, including legendary Irish Uilleann bagpiper Paddy Keenan and indie music artist Kat Parsons. Next up on the concert series roster is Ireland-based alternative Irish folk band Grada, scheduled to perform at the parish on Friday, March 6. Malcolm’s performance at the Jan. 22 event will kick off the West Coast leg of his U.S. tour, which will later take him through Berkeley, Santa Monica, Oregon and Olympia and Seattle, Wash. The concert will take place in the parish hall. Complimentary coffee and handmade baked goods will be served at intermission and CDs will be available for sale. Tickets for the concert are $18 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by phone at (858) 689-2266 or via e-mail at [email protected]. For more information on Malcolm, visit www.jimmalcolm.com.
