An artist of a different ilk and a new era is keeping it in the family as the rock world’s focus turns towards an Angus town this weekend.
AC/DC fans from across the UK and Europe are already winging their way to Kirriemuir for the annual Bon Fest celebration of the wee red town’s rock star son, Bon Scott.
Each May, the group’s dedicated followers deluge Kirrie for a celebration of the hard-living lead singer whose family journey from Angus to Australia saw him become part of the legendary outfit before his tragically premature death in London at the age of just 33.
And this weekend they also have the chance to enjoy the artistic skills of Scott’s second cousin, who is staging her first solo ‘gig’ in a town centre art gallery.
Last year, self-taught artist Jenny Blair left behind a career in midwifery to pursue her creative dreams and having already enjoyed a great response for her work in galleries, gift shops and online, she is opening her first solo exhibition in Kirrie’s Bank Street Gallery this weekend.
Her talents are certain to catch the eye of the many visitors to the town, but alongside their admiration of Jenny’s mixed media and textile pieces, the AC/DC following will be looking to quiz the 40-year-old on her family link to the local legend.
“My granny’s dad and Bon Scott’s grandad were brothers,” said Jenny, whose work can be found at www.jennyblair.co.uk.
“I first found out about the family connection when I was about 16 or 17, and it just sort of cropped up in conversation around the breakfast table, but it’s not something I’ve really mentioned much.
“I’ve moved around but came back to Kirrie about four years ago and this exhibition has been arranged since last August, so it’s pure coincidence that it’s opening on Bon Fest weekend.”
Alongside Jenny’s work in Bank Street Gallery is also a fascinating family tree creation put together as part of a Bon Fest shop window competition in the town.
One special photograph features her dad John, Bon, his mum Isa and Jenny’s granny together in the town.