Old friends, song requests and a duet at Indigo Yard

Friday at Slanj-a-Va, Stirling

It's the October holidays, and you could tell. The teachers were out in force at Slanj-a-Va on Friday night, and after a long first term back, nobody deserved a sing-song more.

Then came the best surprise of the night. An old friend who has just moved back from Australia walked in, along with a few other faces I hadn't seen in a long time. There's nothing quite like looking up mid-song and seeing people you haven't seen in years singing along. It turned a good Friday into an extra special one.

Friday was also the first outing for my new song request system. Scan the QR code, pick a song from a list of over 270, add a dedication if you like, and it lands with me on stage. It went down really well, so I'm hoping to make it a regular part of my gigs. You can browse the list any time at barryhoneymanmusic.com/requests.

Saturday: a duet with Gina Wiley at Indigo Yard

Most of the time it's just me, my guitar and my backing tracks, so I don't often get to share a stage with other musicians. On Saturday I had that treat, playing a duet with the wonderful Gina Wiley at Indigo Yard in Edinburgh.

Gina is a brilliant singer, and standing next to that much talent makes you raise your own game. Indigo Yard was a classy setting for it, and I'd love to get back there soon.

What a weekend like this reminds me

Live music is about the people as much as the songs. Old friends turning up out of the blue, a room choosing its own soundtrack, and the chance to make music with someone else. That's what keeps me going.

Come along

I'm back at Slanj-a-Va next Saturday, 17 October. And every Thursday I host the Open Mic at High Spirits in Falkirk, where the song competition heats are building up to the grand final on 10 December. Come and play, or just come and listen.

Planning a wedding, party or event? I'd love to hear from you. You can check dates and book at barryhoneymanmusic.com.