Bluegrass singer in Wick gig
A WELL-known country and bluegrass singer is performing in Wick tonight to help raise funds for a local hospital wing.
Orkney-born Michael Harcus will take to the stage in the St Fergus Church in a bid to raise money for the “excellent” service provided by the Newton wing at the Town and County Hospital.
The Rev John Nugent is a close friend of the Christian singer-songwriter after the pair became acquainted during the minister’s time on the Northern Isles.
Mr Nugent said during his time in Wick he has seen the valuable work carried out by staff at the Newton wing – a 10-bed department for young, chronically sick patients which also provides palliative care.
Mr Nugent said the staff’s varied work has the appreciation of St Fergus Church.
“It’s a deserving cause,” said the minister. “I’ve been spending a fair bit of time up there in the past year or so and people in the church also visit. I could see that the staff are excellent and this is really just to help them out a bit.”
He added: “We thought it would be a good local cause to give to.”
Mr Nugent said Harcus is in the process of mixing his latest album which was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, and he has been influenced by the “nu-grass” movement and artists such as Alison Krauss.
The minister urged people to support the cause. “Get yourselves along for an excellent night of music and banter,” he said. “It’ll be a good night for a special cause.”
There will be no charge at door but donations will be accepted for the hospital wing. The concert starts at 7.50pm.