19 January - 5 February Funded by

celticconnections.com /celticconnections

@ccfest #ccfest17

celtic_connections

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Introduction

There is no doubt that 2016 has been a year of unprecedented political turmoil across the world, bringing in its wake a shift in focus for the arts and an increased urgency for the value culture can bring. The life of a musician has always been about more than just dots on manuscript or sonic design - it is about the potential to celebrate our differences through a common language and find a sense of identity, and this cultural responsibility is evident in the passion and commitment of over 2000 musicians from 30 countries performing at Celtic Connections 2017. In amongst the many themes entwined in this year’s programme, a strong light will be shone on the incredible female artists who have in many cases, against the odds, brought their music and songs to the world stage. Artists like Aziza Brahim from the Sahara, Pakistan’s Sufi star Sanam Marvi, Polish diva Kayah and from closer to home, Shirley Collins, Laura Marling and our own Karine Polwart. Compelling, curatorial and visionary, it is a joy to witness how much artists like these, from their roots in folk music, have found a way to not only use their voice to reach the soul of the listener but also to change the way the listener hears the song. And in this respect, the healing and socialising power of music across all styles should continue to play a defining part in an international festival like Celtic Connections. It is also a joy and a privilege to experience the warm welcome Glasgow shows every year to all our artists. From out of the dark days of January it is this extended warmth across 18 days of over 200 shows and 20 venues that makes the atmosphere so special. Enjoy!

Donald Shaw, Celtic Connections Artistic Director

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How to book… Online

www.celticconnections.com

Opening Times

Social Connections

Online 24 hours, 7 days a week

We want you to keep in touch with us and share your experiences at the festival with others. Look out for our festival blog and keep up-to-date with all the latest backstage gossip and enter competitions.

Phone

Phone Lines Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday opening times vary

In Person

Box Office Counter Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm (longer opening hours apply on concert evenings)

0141 353 8000

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 2 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3NY Some concerts are seated and some are standing, this will be indicated beside the price on the relevant page. Ask our box office team about the chance to buy Premium Seats for concerts in the Main Auditorium.

A transaction charge of £2.50 applies to all phone bookings and £2 to all online bookings. No transaction fee applies to tickets booked in person. There are no additional per ticket booking fees. Additional fees may apply if tickets are booked via a third party. Please note that all under 14s are to be accompanied by an adult in Glasgow Life venues. The O2 ABC Glasgow, Saint Luke’s and Òran Mór are all over 14s only and under 16s should be accompanied by an adult. Drygate Brewery is over 14s only and under 16s should be accompanied by an adult over 18. SWG3, Barrowland, The Hug and Pint and The Glad Café are all over 18s only. The Festival Club, Ceilidhs and Late Night Sessions are for over 18s only. Limited door sales at each venue on the night subject to availability. All details were correct at time of going to print, but may be subject to change.

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Like us on Facebook: /celticconnections Hear exclusive news and join in the craic.

Follow us on Twitter: @ccfest and use #ccfest17 Keep up to date with our news and tweet about the festival yourself.

Follow us on Instagram: @celtic_connections and use #ccfest17 Follow our new Instagram account and check out our snaps in the run up and during the festival.

Contents Introduction 3 How to Book/Social Connections 4 Contents/Quick Guide 5 Funders 6 The Rough Guide to Celtic Connections 2017 7 Concert Hall: Main Auditorium 8-16 Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite 17-24 Exhibitions 24 Old Fruitmarket 25-30 Barrowland 31 City Halls 32-35 ABC 36-40 Platform 41 BBC Broadcast Hub 42-43 Mitchell Theatre 44-46 Concert Hall: New Auditorium 46-49 The Glad Café 74 SWG3 49 CCA 75 The Mackintosh Church 50-51 The Hug and Pint 76-77 St Andrew’s in the Square 52-55 Celtic Music Radio/Ceilidhs 78 GCU on Campus 55 Talks 79 Saint Luke’s 56-57 Festival Club/Late Night Sessions 80 National Piping Centre 58-59 Education 81 Walking Tour 60 Workshops 82-85 Òran Mór 61-64 A to Z 86-89 Drygate 64-67 Danny Kyle Open Stage Recital Room 68-69 / Showcase Scotland 90 Tron Theatre 71-73 Map 91

Quick Guide Am

Americana

Nt

New Talent

In

Indie

Fu

Fusion

Tr

Traditional

Wo

World

So

Song

Fo

Folk

Ex

Exclusive

RB

Rock & Blues

Ga

Gaelic

Ja

Jazz

Da

Dance

FT

Film/Theatre

Check what’s on in the Events Diary… 8 page pull-out guide 5

celticconnections.com

Funders

Media Partners

Celtic Connections would like to thank Glasgow City Council and all our other funders for their continued support in funding the festival and its education programme.

Enjoy coverage and daily festival listings in the Evening Times, and catch up with festival news, reviews and interviews in the Herald, Sunday Herald and on www.heraldscotland.com

Partners and Supporters

Transport Partners

Glasgow Life’s Partners and Supporters CITY PARTNER

campaign design: Celtic Connections is promoted by Glasgow Life. Glasgow Life is the operating name of Culture and Sport Glasgow registered in Scotland No SC313851 with its registered office at 220 High Street, Glasgow, G4 0QW. Culture and Sport Glasgow is a company limited by guarantee and is registered as a charity (No SCO37844) with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

For the chance to sponsor the festival visit celticconnections.com and contact us to find out more about the wide range of opportunities available. 6

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Our tips to ensure you have a fantastic festival experience You have in your hands your personal guide to the hottest winter festival in the music calendar, featuring renowned acts from the worlds of folk, roots, indie and Americana. We want you to make the most of all 18 days so here’s our handy guide to help you do just that. Browse through the venue pages, find your favourite artist in the A-Z on page 86, or just pick a day in the pull-out diary and see what takes your fancy.

Keep in touch

Transport yourself

Join us

Share your thoughts and concert suggestions with other fans of the festival, and get all the latest Celtic Connections news on our Facebook page facebook.com/ celticconnections

Making your journey to the festival couldn’t be easier with ScotRail, our official transport provider. ScotRail offers convenient, fast and frequent services to Glasgow from all over Scotland and a wide range of great value off-peak and group fares. Visit scotrail.co.uk to find out more. If you are making a night of it and want to eat out before or after a concert we have teamed up with Glasgow’s Best Restaurants to offer special deals at a range of restaurants across the city during the festival. Visit peoplemakeglasgow.com/ celtic-connections

Our fantastic workshop programme lets you have a go at an instrument you always wanted to try out, or can help you develop from an enthusiastic beginner to a seasoned pro. Turn to page 82 for the full workshop listings. Perfect for those ‘must try something different’ New Year’s resolutions!

For the inside track on what’s happening behind the scenes and to share your festival stories follow us on Twitter @ccfest and Instagram @celtic_connections. Also read the blog on our website.

What’s new? The festival is excited to be working this year with The National Whisky Festival on a brand new venture which will offer a wide range of whisky tastings and music. It will be hosted at SWG3, a new venue for Celtic Connections. Please do join us for a dram. Running through the festival programme, exploring some of the shared links and ideas and inspirations of our artists and shows are a series of fascinating themes. In 2017 we will be celebrating inspiring women artists, there will be a focus on artists who have lived through times of intense personal hardships and found success through their music, the 150th anniversary of Canada and the 70th anniversary of independence for India and the founding of Pakistan. The best of Americana and Traditional music are ever present at Celtic Connections, styles of music that never stand still and always delight. 7

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

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Opening Concert: Laura Marling with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and special guests

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Thursday 19 January, 7:30pm £24 and £27 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

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Friday 20 January, 7:30pm £18, £22 and £25 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Widely regarded as “the greatest songwriter of her generation” (Telegraph), Brit Award winner and three-time Mercury nominee Laura Marling makes her Celtic Connections debut in fittingly auspicious style. Tonight’s world première sees her fronting the gloriously massed ranks of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, in stunning new arrangements of songs from her fivealbum catalogue by Kate St. John.

Named for a California/Mexico border town, Calexico have always straddled musical boundaries, and never more so than on their latest album, 2015’s Edge of the Sun, partly recorded in the Coyoacán district of Mexico City, featuring both Mexican and US contributors. Highlighting women’s experience of traversing borders, their guests here include Guatemalan Latin Grammy winner Gaby Moreno, now based in LA, whose 2016 album Ilusión fuses Latin sounds with elements of soul, country-rock, blues, jazz and pop. The great Iris DeMent describes alt-country/indie-folk US songstress

She’s still only 26, but 2017 marks a decade since Marling first shared her music via MySpace. Ever since, she’s 8

Calexico and Guests: Across the Borderline

eluded easy labels with the same self-possessed facility that’s steered her many restive shifts in creative approach. Other constants have been Marling’s singularly versatile, starkly beautiful voice, her gift for melody and elliptical yet intensely evocative lyrics, frequently orbiting the ancient theme of female ambivalence about love. Tonight’s first half features a glittering array of surprise special guests amid Kate St. John’s artful orchestrations. “Marling has earned the right to be compared only to herself.” (Pitchfork)

Pieta Brown as “one of the best poets I’ve heard in a long damn time”, while the music of breathtaking Breton-born singer/songwriter Katell Keineg, who’s lived in Wales, London, Ireland and New York, has been called “a beautiful and wild force of nature” (New Yorker). Also on the bill are powerhouse Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Cirerol, from Calexico’s mirror-image town of Mexicali, and Mexrrissey frontman Camilo Lara.

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Shooglenifty and special guests: A Night for Angus: From Caol to Cool

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Phil Cunningham’s Highlands & Islands Suite 20th Anniversary

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Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £20 and £23 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Sunday 22 January, 7:30pm £20 and £23 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

We’ve lost too many great musicians this past year, but few have prompted such a profuse, profound and heartfelt outpouring of tributes, from all corners of the folk world, as the late Highland fiddle wizard, composer extraordinaire, Shooglenifty frontman and all round beautiful soul, Angus R. Grant.

Premièred at the fourth Celtic Connections festival in 1997, The Highlands & Islands Suite represents a monumental labour of love for its composer, Scottish accordion legend Phil Cunningham, with that first performance featuring a 73-piece orchestra, 40-member choir, 30 massed fiddlers and an array of top traditional soloists. It was arguably Scotland’s first large-scale work to attempt a full integration of the folk and classical realms, and its debut was an unforgettably triumphant night.

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

There are few, too, whose legacy will so surely live and thrive. At the Shoogles’ helm, Angus offered revelatory inspiration to myriad younger musicians, while carrying his native tunes to countless converts far beyond Scottish folk music, from hard-core EDM heidbangers to Inuit throat-singers.

Tonight’s celebration of Angus’s life, work and inimitable spirit opens with collaborative contributions from a succession of cohorts and admirers, before his Shooglenifty ‘wives’ -widows? - take the stage with a veritable army of guests. Featured artists include Aonghas Grant Sr, DJ Dolphin Boy, members of Capercaillie, Galicia’s A Banda das Crechas and Rajasthani troupe Dhun Dhora, plus dozens more from the extended Shoogle family. There will be dancing.

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

For this 20th anniversary performance, Cunningham has further developed the piece’s original orchestration, working with composer/arranger John Ashton Thomas, while the 2017 line-up is drawn from all departments of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where Cunningham is Artistic Director of the Traditional Music degree thereby literally passing on the work to a new generation. The concert’s first half will unveil a brand-new ensemble composition by Cunningham and Thomas, inspired by their shared love for the island of Iona. 9

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

celticconnections.com

Tommy Emmanuel and Derek Gripper

‘LIV ON’: An acoustic evening with Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Amy Sky and John McCusker Band

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Monday 23 January, 7:30pm £24 and £27 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Now into his 60s, Australia’s Tommy Emmanuel has been playing professionally for more than five decades, one of only five artists worldwide to be honoured with Chet Atkins’s personal accolade of Certified Guitar Player. Having expanded the parameters of fingerstyle into myriad new directions over his career, he refocused his artistry into its purest form on 2015’s It’s Never Too Late, his first completely solo album since 2000. In Emmanuel’s case –as his celebrated live shows consistently attest – less is most definitely more, thanks to his single-handed, 10

simultaneous mastery of melody, chords and basslines, showcased in both reinvented standards and dazzling originals, bestriding the stylistic spectrum from blues to classical, Latin to Celtic. Classically-trained Cape Town guitarist Derek Gripper has taken his instrument into numerous unexpected realms, most recently in his remarkable renderings of African kora music on 2016’s hugely-praised Libraries Burning. “A masterclass in the sonic possibilities of the guitar” (Rhythm Passport)

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Tuesday 24 January, 7:30pm £28 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

It might seem a startlingly long way from Sandy in Grease to Celtic Connections, but the one and only Olivia Newton-John covers that distance tonight, in company with one of the festival’s longtime US friends, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Canadian singer-songwriter Amy Sky. In their own unique ways, each drawing on personal experience of surviving illness and loss, all three artists are passionate advocates of music’s power to console and heal, the common ground behind their new collaborative album LIV ON. Alongside speciallywritten material, the trio revisit key

songs from their individual repertoires, charting the journey from grief to hope. In 2016, fiddler and multiinstrumentalist John McCusker celebrated his first quarter-century as a professional musician, a career crammed with glittering musical achievements and pioneering crossgenre projects. Having marked the occasion with a brilliant new solo album, Hello, Goodbye, he’s joined here by a line-up including Andy Cutting, Adam Holmes, Innes White and Toby Shaer.

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

The Unusual Suspects of Celtic Colours and Carlos Malta & Pife Muderno

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Cherish the Ladies and Fara

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Wednesday 25 January, 7:30pm £20 and £23 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £20 and £23 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

The original and best folk big-band/ orchestra, The Unusual Suspects – who made their unforgettable debut at Celtic Connections in 2003 – were the toast of 2016’s 20th Celtic Colours festival on Cape Breton Island in Canada, joining forces and repertoires with leading local musicians for a barnstorming sellout show. That transatlantic line-up now returns to the project’s birthplace, celebrating both the two festivals’ close relationship and Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. With the Suspects’ founding musical directors, Corrina Hewat and David Milligan at the helm, a grand total of 25 leading musicians

Among Celtic Connections’ themes for 2017, its focus on female musical artistry couldn’t be more entertainingly exemplified than by this transatlantic, trans-generational line-up. Perennial favourites Cherish the Ladies - formed specifically to showcase women’s achievements in Irish-American music - are now powering into their fourth decade as one of today’s most popular and internationally successful Celtic acts. Joanie Madden (flute/whistles), Mary Coogan (guitar), Mirella Murray (accordion), Kathleen Boyle (piano) and Grainne Murphy (fiddle) will be joined as ever by a crack squad of

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

and singers arranged in orchestral-style sections of traditional instruments – plus brass, bass, percussion and piano – are sure to take Glasgow once more by storm. The instrumental and improvisational genius of Carlos Malta, one of Brazil’s most dazzling virtuosos, extends across the entire family of both flutes and saxophones. Fusing regional folk traditions, popular rhythms and contemporary jazz, he performs here with his superb longtime band Pife Muderno.

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

stepdancers for their near-annual Scottish homecoming. “Masterful musicianship, from jubilant jigs and rollicking reels to heart-wrenching ballads. . . a footstompin’, handclapping hooley” (Iowa City Gazette) With a hefty fistful of top awards between them, Orkney four-piece Fara - Kristan Harvey, Jeana Leslie, Catriona Price and Jennifer Austin, on fiddles, vocals and piano – have won ecstatic reviews for their 2016 debut album, Cross the Line. “Phenomenal tunes, captivating songs and exceptional musicianship” (Fatea) 11

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

celticconnections.com

Le Vent du Nord & De Temps Antan with Session A9

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Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £20 and £23 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

As well as their Québécois musical kinship, and their status among that region’s foremost cultural ambassadors, the four-piece Le Vent du Nord and power-trio De Temps Antan are even more closely related, sharing two sets of brothers between them. Here they invert any notion of sibling rivalry, in a new collaborative set featuring specially-created, sevenman arrangements of songs and tunes from their respective repertoires. With everyone in the line-up juggling at least three roles – including vocals, fiddle, accordion, hurdy-gurdy, piano, mandolin, harmonica, jaw harp, 12

Inveraray & District Pipe Band with Bagad Kemper: Melezour

bouzouki, guitar, bass and footpercussion – and both bands renowned equally for world-class musicianship and joyous live energy, expect a truly resplendent meeting of rambunctious instrumentals and formidable closeharmony songs. Previewing material from their next studio album, celebrated Scottish fiddle supergroup Session A9 complete this extended family gathering - founder Charlie McKerron and De Temps Antan’s André Brunet being connected via the Celtic Fiddle Festival – which surely promises the ultimate in all-on-stage finales.

Saturday 28 January, 12:30pm £15 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

In the space of just 11 years, Inveraray & District Pipe Band – founded by Pipe Major Stuart Liddell, one of today’s greatest Highland pipers – have climbed the rankings from Novice Juvenile Grade to being crowned Grade 1 Champion of Champions in 2016. With its strong focus on the quality of both individual and collective playing, the IDPB is now a recognised centre of excellence within the piping world, featuring members from several continents, including multiple prizewinners, RCS graduates and numerous skilled composers/arrangers.

Bagad Kemper are the pre-eminent ensemble among Brittany’s flourishing pipe-band scene, with a renowned track-record of spectacular large-scale collaborations. Their latest production Melezour – Breton for ‘mirror’ – features such stellar compatriots as singers Marthe Vassallo and Sylvain Girault, saxophonist Bernard Le Dreau, bassist Erwan Volant and guitarist Tibo Niobé. Exploring and celebrating the very essence of Breton music, the music creates a constant play of reflections, echoes and responses between songs, words and instruments.

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

Roaming Roots Revue: The Women of Song

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Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm £18, £22 and £25 (seated and standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to

online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Among its overarching themes, Celtic Connections 2017 spotlights women’s artistic achievements and empowerment through music, and the fifth Roaming Roots Revue foregrounds the female in richly celebratory style. Curated again by Glasgow’s Roddy Hart, with his Lonesome Fire line-up as house band, contemporary singer/songwriters revisit the canon of great female songwriters, from Joni Mitchell to Björk, Dolly Parton to Kate Bush, alongside their own material. Among tonight’s US performers are the hugely acclaimed Sarah Jarosz, whose artfully progressive songcraft and multi-instrumental virtuosity rest on deep traditional roots, and California native Jesca Hoop, now based in Manchester, with her sensual, poetic spin on earthy folk’n’blues. The Scottish contingent includes Scott Hutchison, of Frightened Rabbit fame, ex-Delgados anchorwoman Emma Pollock, bewitching SAY Award-winner Kathryn Joseph and Dumfries-born balladeer Rory Butler, while completing the musical Team GB are Welsh indie/folk songstress Bryde, and hush-voiced York-born youngster Benjamin Francis Leftwich. 13

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

celticconnections.com

La Banda Europa and Xabier Diaz

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Mary Chapin Carpenter with Altan and Julie Fowlis

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Sunday 29 January, 7:30pm £20 and £23 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The brainchild of visionary composer and producer Jim Sutherland, La Banda Europa is an inspiring model of cultural exchange and European unity. Bringing together 36 top musicians from 15 countries, each playing instruments from their own home turf – including hurdy-gurdys, nyckelharpas, the Armenian duduk, Slovakia’s two-metre fujara flute, the ancient Celtic carnyx and bagpipes from seven nations – the ensemble made its landmark debut at Celtic Connections in 2008. Tonight, legendary trombonist/arranger Rick Taylor conducts the world première 14

of Sutherland’s We Are An Ocean, and the UK première of The Pillars of Hercules, composed for Marseille’s reign as European Capital of Culture 2013. Home-grown talents among the line-up include Simon Thoumire, Fraser Fifield, Simon McKerrell and John Kenny. Ex- Berrogüetto percussionist Xabier Diaz is a virtuoso of Galicia’s ancient, tambourine-like pandeira, and joins forces here with the Adufeiras de Salitre ensemble, which features 11 women drummers and singers with hurdy-gurdy, accordion and fiddle.

Monday 30 January, 7:30pm £24 and £27 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Celebrating 30 years since her debut album, 1987’s Hometown Girl, five-time Grammy winner Mary Chapin Carpenter returns to Celtic Connections following her 14th release in 2016, The Things That We Are Made Of, whose sparsely arranged, heartsearching songs have been widely rated by critics among her finest work to date. “The rare artist who turns her personal insights, sorrows and observations into universal truths” (Paste) A friend of the band’s since the 1990s, Carpenter was among the guests on

Altan’s latest recording, 2015’s The Widening Gyre, which saw Ireland’s greatest traditional ambassadors collaborating with Americana artists. 2017 also marks the 30th anniversary of their self-titled debut, yet Altan’s fabled live vitality remains brilliantly undimmed. Completing a truly mouth-watering line-up, Julie Fowlis has brought Gaelic song to perhaps its widest ever audience, and recently completed a hugely successful US tour. “A sublime voice that transcends language and culture. . . as pure and elemental as a Hebridean seashore” (Observer)

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Trilok Gurtu & Evelyn Glennie: ‘The Rhythm in Me’ and Jarlath Henderson

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Wednesday 1 February, 7:30pm £20 and £23 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Bringing together two of the planet’s most virtuosic and innovative percussionists, tonight’s world première of their first collaborative creation, The Rhythm in Me, was commissioned by Celtic Connections to celebrate the 70th anniversary of India’s independence in 2017. A triple Grammy winner, Scotland’s Dame Evelyn Glennie OBE has premièred more than 200 works by leading international composers, alongside live and studio performances with artists as diverse as Béla Fleck and Björk, while Trilok Gurtu’s likewise lengthy and glittering CV includes projects

Orchestra Baobab and Carmen Souza

with Jan Garbarek, Zakir Hussain, Salif Keita, Huun Huur Tu, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Gilberto Gil and Annie Lennox, among myriad others. Joining these two maestros are pioneering Indian violinist Kumaresh Rajagopalan and top classical pianist Philip Smith. Best known for his formidable prowess on uilleann pipes and whistles, Jarlath Henderson won a raft of glowing reviews for his 2016 solo debut, Hearts Broken, Heads Turned, a stunning collection of boldly reworked traditional songs. “A revelation” (Guardian)

Thursday 2 February, 7:30pm £20 and £23 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Senegal’s leading status in African music today is due in no small part to the nearly 50-year career of Orchestra Baobab, whose groundbreaking fusion of indigenous traditions, local pop sounds and Latin/Caribbean influences kept the in-crowd dancing till dawn at Dakar’s hottest nightspot, The Baobab Club, during the 1970s. One of the first acts ‘discovered’ by Western world-music aficionados, they were also a key inspiration for stellar successors like Youssou N’Dour and Baaba Maal, and continue to delight fans worldwide with their velvet harmonies, lilting

melodies and irresistible grooves. Back at Celtic Connections after a highlight appearance in 2012, they’re currently at work on a new studio album. Born in Portugal to Cape Verdean parents, Carmen Souza fuses her forebears’ musical traditions with contemporary jazz, Latin and European music. Her forthcoming album Creology charts a bravura transatlantic journey through Creole musical cultures. “One of the most talented and innovative vocalists in the jazz and world scene” (World Music Central) 15

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

celticconnections.com

Transatlantic Sessions

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Friday 3 February & Sunday 5 February, 7:30pm £27 and £30 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

For well over a decade, The Transatlantic Sessions have been an annual closing highlight of Celtic Connections – before nowadays heading off on tour after the second performance to share its unique musical camaraderie around the UK and Ireland. In the past year, too, the concept’s original instigators Douglas Eadie and Mike Alexander – codirectors of the eponymous TV series first screened in 1995 – were honoured with a Services to Broadcasting award from Hands Up For Trad, following on from their Good Tradition accolade at the 2010 Radio 2 Folk Awards. 16

Alongside dobro maestro Jerry Douglas, who once again shares musical direction with Shetland fiddle legend Aly Bain, those flying in from Stateside include John Paul White - formerly of multiple Grammy-winners The Civil Wars – whose new solo album Beulah stirs together a deliciously brooding blend of mournful folk balladry, swampy southern rock and dark acoustic pop. Texan-born Tift Merritt, a fellow Grammy honoree, was raised in the rich Americana heartland of North Carolina, the bedrock for a wideranging country/soul sound that’s been

variously likened to Dusty Springfield and Lucinda Williams. Multi-instrumentalist and singer Dirk Powell is a welcome return visitor to “the ultimate backporch session”, whose artistry encompasses virtually the entire US roots music spectrum, as highlighted by his latest album, 2013’s Walking Though Clay, which features him playing no fewer than 12 instruments. From Scotland, the inimitable Eddi Reader joins in the song-sharing with a voice that’s been described as “nothing short of miraculous” (Spiral Earth); a revelatory instrument whether reinterpreting Burns and other folk material, or in the self-penned songs on her most recent release, 2014’s Vagabond, hailed by the Irish Times as “joyous, freewheeling and celebratory”. Anchoring the show with Douglas and Bain at the helm, the regular all-star house band also features John Doyle, Danny Thompson, Michael McGoldrick, Russ Barenberg, John McCusker, Donald Shaw, Phil Cunningham and James Mackintosh.

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

The Songs of Robert Tannahill

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Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys with Louise Bichan

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New Voices: Seán Gray

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Friday 20 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 21 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Sunday 22 January, 1pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Launching the fourth and penultimate volume in Dr Fred Freeman’s landmark recording series The Complete Songs of Robert Tannahill, tonight’s concert reflects the breadth of influence that informed the Paisley weaver/poet’s compositions, including elements of Irish, Jewish and baroque music. As ever, these are married with Freeman’s fresh contemporary approach to arrangement and performance, as reflected in his top-drawer musical cast. Singers include Fiona Hunter, Rod Paterson, Claire Hastings, Ross Kennedy, John Morran, Wendy Weatherby and Brian Ó hEadhra, accompanied by the über-classy instrumental line-up of Aaron Jones, Sandy Brechin, Angus Lyon, Marc Duff, Stewart Hardy, Frank McLaughlin and Adam Bulley.

With a coast-to-coast following in their native US, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys continue their allconquering progress this side of the Pond. Michiganborn, now Nashville-based, the four-piece concoct a sizzling, fresh-flavoured blend of Americana roots and vintage soul, laced with blues, jazz and even techno traces, fronted by Lindsay Lou Rilko’s stunning vocals. “A rush of invention and joie de vivre” (Folk Radio UK)

Best known as a member of the Paul McKenna Band, Seán Gray is a flautist, guitarist and singer from Ayrshire - a home turf whose distinctive language and industrial history inspired his New Voices composition, The Hammering Tongue. A time-served mechanical engineer, who formerly worked making mining equipment, Gray is also an ardent champion of his region’s distinctive Lallans tongue, and both these elements – complete with their respective sounds and rhythms – are reflected in his new tunes and songs. Incorporating original settings of contemporary dialect poetry, together with spoken-word recordings, Gray performs with Megan Henderson, Laura Cortese, Conor Markey, James Lindsay, Tom Gibbs and Louis Abbott.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Orkney fiddler Louise Bichan’s multi-media creation Out of My Own Light, featuring Mike Vass, Su-a Lee, Duncan Lyall, Jennifer Austin and Signy Jacobsdottir, retraces her late grandmother’s travels and romantic adventures. “A wonderfully engaging, absorbing illumination of past lives and family ties” (Scotsman)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

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Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

Tiree Song Book

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Martin Hayes & David Power and Ryan Young

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Quinn Bachand’s Brishen and Aizle

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Sunday 22 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Monday 23 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Tuesday 24 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Following the success of 2016’s second Tiree Homecoming, which saw the sunniest of the Hebrides welcoming expats and descendants of Clann an Eòrna - or ‘Family of the Barley’, as Tirisdich are traditionally known – from around the world, Celtic Connections hosts a further celebration of both the island’s rich Gaelic traditions and its thriving music today. Musical director Mary Ann Kennedy, who has strong family connections to Tiree, features with a stellar cast of singers - 2015 Mod Gold Medal winner Douglas-Iain Brown, James Graham and Linda MacLeod – and instrumental accompanists including fiddler Marie Fielding and Trail West accordionist Ian Smith, plus a few surprise special guests.

Right from his 1995 debut album Under the Moon, Irish fiddler Martin Hayes has been hailed as a seminal and revelatory talent in traditional music. Best known in his longtime duo with guitarist Dennis Cahill, a fellow member of folk supergroup The Gloaming, Hayes performs here in his more recent partnership with another exceptional traditionalist and innovator, Waterford uilleann piper and composer David Power. “Music to make the heavens swoon.” (Irish News)

Multi-instrumental wunderkind Canadian Quinn Bachand has been making listeners’ jaws drop since he was 11, originally performing with his likewise gifted sister Qristina; now – at the grand old age of 20 – leading the dazzling gypsy-jazz/Western swing combo Brishen, whose name translates aptly from Romany as ‘bringer of the storm’. Following lavish praise for 2013’s self-titled debut, they’re set to release their second album in early 2017. “A wonderfully creative and entertaining tour de force” (Penguin Eggs)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

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to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Hayes’s native Clare traditions are an acknowledged influence on young Scottish fiddler Ryan Young, who delights in rejuvenating venerable, half-forgotten tunes, and recently recorded his debut album with triple Grammy-winning producer Jesse Lewis.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Kindled out of Manchester’s thriving Celtic music scene, new instrumental quintet Aizle – the Scots word for ‘spark’ – light the touch-paper under an inventive mix of new and traditional tunes.

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

The Transports: A Tale of Exile and Migration

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Basco and Talisk

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Rachel Newton Band & Ronan Le Bars quintet

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Wednesday 25 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Thursday 26 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Friday 27 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Forty years on from the release of Peter Bellamy’s ballad opera The Transports, a new live production brings both its subject and music bang up to date. Widely regarded as Bellamy’s masterwork, that original recording, based on a real-life story of transportation to Australia, featured such now-fabled names as The Watersons, Shirley Collins, Nic Jones and June Tabor. The 2017 cast sees a new generation stepping into their shoes, including The Young’uns, Faustus, Nancy Kerr, Rachael McShane and Greg Russell, performing new arrangements by Paul Sartin (Bellowhead/Faustus), while freshlypenned narration broadens the original theme to reflect more widely on the global movement of desperate people.

Award-winning Danish/Swedish/Australian quartet Basco are fêted equally for their freewheeling yet finely-crafted music – nearly all of it original – and their exuberant showmanship. Featuring a line-up of fiddle, viola, accordion, mandolin and cittern, plus the added twist of trombone, their intricately patterned compositions reflect Nordic, Celtic and US influences, allied with boundless inventiveness and thrilling virtuosity.

Somehow, in amongst juggling the schedules of The Shee, Emily Portman Trio and the Furrow Collective, Scottish singer, harpist, fiddler and pianist Rachel Newton has also carved out an acclaimed and highly distinctive solo career. With a band including Lauren MacColl, Mikey Owers and Mattie Foulds, she released her deliciously dark, atmospheric third album, Here’s My Heart Come Take It, in 2016.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The Scottish/Irish trad-based sound of Talisk, comprising concertina player Mohsen Amini (2016’s Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year), fiddler Hayley Keenan and guitarist Craig Irving, tempers white-hot fire with exquisite finesse, as highlighted on their outstanding debut album, last May’s Abyss.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Having previously worked with Alan Stivell, Dan Ar Braz and Didier Squiban, Breton uilleann piper Ronan Le Bars features here with his own five-piece – on fiddle, keyboards, guitars and double bass – performing material from his 2016 album An erc’h kentañ (The First Snow).

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Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

Fuaran with Far Flung Corners

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Emily Smith & Jamie McClennan with Ozere

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New Voices: Hannah Fisher

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Saturday 28 January, 1pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 28 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Sunday 29 January, 1pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Fuaran is a Fèisean nan Gàidheal heritage initiative offering young singers a unique opportunity to research, learn and record Gaelic songs with mentoring support from folklore specialists and respected Gaelic cultural tradition bearers. Tonight they showcase the diverse range of songs unearthed so far.

Having launched her career as 2002’s Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Emily Smith has twice been voted Scots Singer of the Year, at the Scots Trad Music Awards, while a string of highly-praised albums have showcased her exquisite interpretative gifts and potent original songwriting. Beside her throughout most of that time has been New Zealand-born multi-instrumentalist and singer Jamie McLennan, with whom Smith celebrates 15 years of making music in 2017.

Mull-based singer and fiddler Hannah Fisher, who in recent years has worked with Idlewild, King Creosote and Mull Historical Society as well as leading her own trio, steps fully into the spotlight with her New Voices song cycle Around this View. Fisher’s dual inspirations were her own globespanning travels as a touring musician, and those of her late artist grandfather – whom she never met – as recorded in his legacy of paintings and letters. Exploring the contrasts and commonalities between these two creative perspectives, Fisher performs with a core accompanying line-up of Sorren Maclean (guitar), Pete Harvey (cello), Craig Ainslie (bass) and Danny Grant (drums).

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Launching their new album inspired by the connections and differences, past and present, of landscape, culture and language within the British Isles; Far Flung Corners represent a group of musicians that started as a SoundStorm music education project and rapidly developed into a full artistic collaboration. Dorset based songwriter Alex Roberts and multi-instrumentalist Dan Somogyi, fiddlers and composers Simon Bradley and Anna-Wendy Stevenson will be joined by students from the renowned traditional music courses at Lews Castle College, Outer Hebrides. 20

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to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Canada’s self-styled “urban chamber folk” quintet Ozere have won comparisons with such UK bands as Spiro and Leveret, meshing classical and traditional idioms in material ranging from US spirituals to Carpathian dances.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Stand and Stare

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Special Consensus and Quick

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The Macmath Collective and Kirsty Law ‘Young Night Thought’

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Sunday 29 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Monday 30 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Tuesday 31 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

You may not recognise W.H. Davies’s name, but the Welsh author’s most immortal couplet, from his 1911 poem ‘Leisure’, will surely be familiar: “What is this life if, full of care/We have no time to stand and stare.” The question is all the more pertinent amid today’s hectic, high-tech world, and tonight’s première performance celebrates Davies’s work while presenting contemporary responses from leading writers and musicians. These include Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes, poet and playwright Donald S. Murray, former National Poet of Wales Gillian Clarke, poet/photographer Gerry Cambridge, actor/writer Dabhaidh Walker, songwriter/author Liza Mulholland and The Elephant Sessions’ Alasdair Taylor, plus house band.

After 42 years in the business, Chicago’s Special Consensus have long been regarded as a benchmark for bluegrass quality, as well as being a breedingground for new talent. Matching consummate instrumental prowess with immaculate harmony vocals, today’s multi-award-winning line-up features co-founder Greg Cahill (banjo), Rick Faris (guitar), Nick Dumas (mandolin) and Dan Eubanks (bass). “Superb bluegrass outfit in a classic vein, with more than enough modern sensibilities to attract every ear” (Folk & Music Exchange)

Originally commissioned by the 2015 Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, The Macmath Collective features top musicians from that region performing new arrangements of songs collected there by William Macmath (1848-1922), a little-known but hugely significant contributor to Francis Child’s seminal English and Scottish Popular Ballads. A cast including Emily Smith, Robyn Stapleton, Aaron Jones, Claire Mann, Wendy Stewart, Jamie McClennan and The Feral Choir sing these near-forgotten gems back to life.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Comprising three voices, mandolin and guitar, the stripped-down yet sophisticated sound of Ayrshire trio Quick - Danny Kyle Open Stage winners in 2016 - ranges in influence from bluegrass to indie-folk.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Named for a Robert Louis Stevenson poem, Young Night Thought is an ambitious, collaborative, multimedia project by young Scots singer Kirsty Law, exploring the ‘inner child’ concept through folklore, song and film. “Beautiful and feisty” (Karine Polwart) 21

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

Dallahan with Vishtèn

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The Alyn Cosker Group and support

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Old Roots New Shoots

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Wednesday 1 February, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Thursday 2 February, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Friday 3 February, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Dallahan’s second album, 2016’s Matter of Time, saw the award-winning Edinburgh four-piece continue their steady ascent through the Scottish folk rankings, expanding and refining their unique amalgam of Irish, Scottish and Hungarian traditions with jazz, funk and classical stylings. Vocalist/guitarist Jack Badcock “a superlatively gifted ballad singer” (fRoots) – features alongside Ciarán Ryan (banjo/mandolin/ fiddle), Jani Lang (fiddle/vocals) and Andrew Waite (accordion). “Like a world music festival in one group” (LiveIreland)

As drummer with both the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and folk-rockers Wolfstone, Alyn Cosker clearly has little truck with restrictive genre boundaries, a breadth of vision likewise affirmed by a list of favourite artists including Peter Gabriel, Steely Dan, Jaco Pastorius and Mike McGoldrick. All these influences - and more – resonate through his highlypraised debut album Lyn’s Une, which features here alongside new compositions, performed with pianist Steve Hamilton, guitarist Davie Dunsmuir and bassist Colin Cunningham.

Scotland’s North-East continues to build on its rich musical heritage, as highlighted here by a diverse array of artists from the region, performing both re-imagined traditional songs and original material, with Old Blind Dogs as house band. Other featured acts range from Rick Redbeard, solo alter ego of Phantom Band frontman Rick Anthony, to teenage bothy balladeer Iona Fyfe; folkloric singersongwriter Jenny Sturgeon to indie-folk starlet Best Girl Athlete. The Dogs’ Jonny Hardie does double duty as half of Clype with Salsa Celtica’s Simon Gall (also tonight’s musical director), while hip-hop artist Jackill adds a Granite City groove to old-school sounds.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Canadian trio Vishtèn, from PEI and the Magdalen Islands, add fresh twists of Celtic, rock and indie influence to their own Acadian traditions. “Sad or happy, fast or slow, it’s brim full of heart and soul” (Living Tradition) 22

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to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Feis Rois & Lauren MacColl: The Seer with TMSA Young Trad Tour

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Strì Is Buaidh: Strife and Success

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New Voices: Fraya Thomsen

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Saturday 4 February, 1pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 4 February, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Sunday 5 February, 1pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

For its 30th anniversary in 2016, Fèis Rois commissioned one of its many stellar alumni, fiddler Lauren MacColl, to write music inspired by the Brahan Seer, the 17th-century “Scottish Nostradamus” who lived near Dingwall - Fèis Rois’s base - and reportedly foretold Culloden, railways, North Sea oil and the Channel Tunnel. Joining MacColl for this vividly evocative vocal/instrumental suite are Mairearad Green, Megan Henderson, Rachel Newton and Innes White.

Glasgow’s Gaelic arts development agency, An Lòchran, hosts a concert focusing on the past and present political dimensions of Gaelic song, with material addressing such issues as war, land rights, forced emigration and cultural survival. Musical director Ewen Henderson (Mànran/Battlefield Band) helms an outstanding vocal and instrumental cast, which also includes the great Barra singer Cathy-Ann MacPhee on an all-too rare visit from her adopted Canadian home, together with Allan MacDonald, Sineag MacIntyre, Alasdair Whyte and Andrew MacPherson, while Somhairle MacDonald’s stunning visual backdrop potently complements the music, evoking the history, setting and wider context of the featured songs.

Award-winning harpist, singer and composer Fraya Thomsen’s recent projects have included a year as Fèis Rois musician-in-residence, and postgrad studies in screen composing at London’s National Film and Television School. With its focus on expressing the joys of communicating through music, her New Voices composition Community and Stardust unites Thomsen’s parallel expertise in the traditional and cinematic realms, referencing both historical and scientific sources to explore themes of interconnection amid today’s atomised western societies. An intricately-wrought mix of songs and instrumental material, with Thomsen on harp and audio manipulation, the piece also features strings, brass, woodwind, accordion, percussion and Gaelic vocals.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The latest TMSA Young Trad Tour line-up, showcasing winners and runners-up from the past two Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year contests, features Mohsen Amini, Jessica Burton, Robbie Greig, Claire Hastings, Hannah MacRae, Murray Willis and Ryan Young.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

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Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

The Furrow Collective with Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project

Exhibitions

Visual arts have been an integral part of Celtic Connections from its earliest days. Drop by the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall during the day to view the exhibitions running throughout the festival – entry is free!

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Sunday 5 February, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

English/Scottish super-quartet The Furrow Collective – Emily Portman, Lucy Farrell, Rachel Newton and Alasdair Roberts – have won feverish plaudits for their sparse, stark yet boldly inventive treatments of traditional songs, focusing deliciously on those traditions’ darker and ghostlier dimensions. Aligning four distinctive lead vocals with harp, viola, concertina, musical saw, banjo and guitar, they released their second album, Wild Hog, in November. Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project teams the pioneering Canadian banjo player with three fellow contemporary roots luminaries, paying tribute to seminal song-collector Alan Lomax in freshly imagined treatments of sea shanties, Scots ballads, Caribbean love songs, work chants and Appalachian fiddle tunes. 24

Conrad Molleson

Colin Povey: Glasgow Streets

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Island Bar

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Café (upstairs)

Conrad is a Leith-based musician and illustrator who has been drawing for as long as he’s been playing music. As well as being a founding member of Shooglenifty – he will be playing alongside them for “A Night For Angus” on the 21st January – he loves capturing the action of a session or live gig through his dynamic sketches. The images in Conrad’s exhibition depict some of the world’s finest folk musicians immersed in the delivery of their art, in the settings that they work and play in. These are cheeky caricatures that convey the vibrancy and flair of charismatic musicians.

Colin studied painting and printmaking at the Glasgow School of Art from 2004 to 2008 and has taken a trip down memory lane, making a series of oil paintings reflecting his connections with Glasgow’s streets. A lot of his work is based on or around Garnethill where he studied in the Mackintosh building, his mother grew up and where his Grandmother still lives. The stunning paintings reflect the colourful city of Glasgow, harbouring undertones of Colin’s memories and familiarity.

Old Fruitmarket

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Dervish and Ten Strings And A Goatskin

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Saturday 21 January, 8pm £16 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

One of Ireland’s most consistently exciting and satisfying traditional bands – especially live – Sligo supremos Dervish are always welcome visitors at Celtic Connections. And a quarter-century anniversary, which they celebrated in 2014, certainly merits extended festivities, so the six-piece rekindle the party here in company with some favourite musical pals. Even aside from her colleagues, an evening in singer and bodhran player Cathy Jordan’s company is always a privilege, both for her exquisite livewire voice and the mightiness of her craic; factor

The Where You’re Meant To Be Ceilidh with Aidan Moffat and Guests

in over 25 years’ worth of seasoned individual and ensemble musicianship, on flute, fiddle, accordion, mandola and bouzouki, and you’ve a band that continue to raise the bar. Citing influences including Lau, Solas and Flook, award-winning Prince Edward Island trio Ten Strings and A Goatskin combine their eponymously minimal instrumentation (fiddle, guitar and bodhran), vibrant harmony vocals and richly hybrid native traditions Celtic, Francophone and Maritime – with lashings of youthful appetite, invention and verve.

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Sunday 22 January, 8pm £16 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Tonight’s live concert version of Where You’re Meant To Be – originally the feature-length documentary debut of music promoter/video-maker Paul Fegan – continues cult musician, lyricist, author and raconteur Aidan Moffat’s creative odyssey through (and/or argument with) Scottish traditional song. Fegan’s “funny wee film about music and death” - to cite its star - followed the former Arab Strap frontman on tour with his band in 2014, roaming from Lewis to Glasgow as he explored, rewrote (often scurrilously) and performed the old ballads with which he’s grown

fascinated. Fegan also captured Moffat’s life-changing encounters with the late great Sheila Stewart, and their eventual performance together. In Stewart’s lamented absence – and in her memory – Moffat is joined here by that same touring band, together with leading singers and musicians from the folk world. Details on “Where You’re Meant To Be” film screening at the festival coming soon. Keep an eye on the website.

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Old Fruitmarket

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Fairport Convention @ 50 and Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe

BEMIS celebrates BURNS: A Toast Tae the Lassies

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Tuesday 24 January, 8pm £22 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

On May 27th 2017, it will be exactly 50 years since Fairport Convention played their debut gig, at St Michael’s Church Hall in Golders Green. Kicking off their mammoth golden anniversary tour at Celtic Connections - complete with an appropriately-themed new album, 50:50@50 - Fairport are a much-loved living link to that longago summer of love, still helmed by co-founding guitarist/singer Simon Nicol, from whose London family home they took their name, where the band first rehearsed. The current line-up – also featuring Dave Pegg 26

(bass), Chris Leslie (fiddle/mandolin/ vocals), Ric Sanders (violin) and Gerry Conway (drums) – has been in place since 1998, and that legendary Fairport appetite for live performance remains resolutely undimmed. “A national treasure” (The Times) They’re joined by special guest Sally Barker, launching her new solo album, while support comes from two of England’s trustiest singer-songwriters, Liverpudlian Steve Tilston and Geordie Jez Lowe, sharing songs from two canonical back-catalogues, together with recent co-writes.

Wednesday 25 January, 8pm - £22 (includes meal – seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

After 2016’s inaugural success, the BEMIS Burns Night is back, celebrating Rabbie’s iconically internationalist outlook and egalitarian spirit. BEMIS is the national umbrella body supporting development of Scotland’s ethnic minority voluntary sector, and the communities it represents. Echoing Celtic Connections’ 2017 emphasis on female musicians, and women’s central role within cultural traditions, tonight’s programme is very much after the lasses’ fashion – a focus of which Burns would doubtless wholeheartedly approve.

Jamaican roots-reggae artist Brina, performing with members of her high-energy Tribal Global Collective, creates a dynamic dialogue between her homeland’s signature music and its African kindred styles, together with funk, gospel, rock, and Latin elements, all underpinned by her message of justice, equality, liberation, oneness and love. A similar spirit inspires the ravishing young Pakistani singer Sanam Marvi, who combines Sufi devotional songs and her native Sindhi folk traditions with classical virtuosity.

Old Fruitmarket

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

King Creosote and Charlie Cunningham

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Thursday 26 January, 9:30pm £20 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Though originally associated with early 1980s post-punk, Barking bard Billy Bragg has always drawn equal inspiration from US ballad traditions, as highlighted by his Mermaid Avenue collaborations with Wilco on previously unrecorded Woody Guthrie songs. In March 2016, Bragg teamed up with renowned Stateside singersongwriter/producer Joe Henry for a four-day, 2728-mile train ride from Chicago to Los Angeles, pursuing the musical spirit of the great American railroad. Recorded en route, the resulting duo album, September’s Shine A Light – hailed by Hot Press as

“a wonderfully authentic homage to the wandering songs of singers past” - potently illuminates that industrial and human history in bare-bones versions of such era-spanning classics as ‘Rock Island Line’, ‘Hobo’s Lullaby’, ‘Midnight Special’ and Gordon Lightfoots’s ‘Early Morning Rain’. As well as revisiting this epic shared journey, tonight’s performance also showcases both artists’ seasoned solo talents and celebrated back catalogues.

Friday 27 January, 9:30pm £20 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Of all the unexpected twists and turns that have characterised King Creosote’s 20-year, umpteenalbum musical odyssey, perhaps the least predictable of all was his 2014 breakthrough into UK Top 30 popularity, thanks to an official commission for that year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games. From Scotland With Love, composed to complement Virginia Heath’s archive-film portrait of a nation, captured hearts far beyond the indie/folk scene of which King Creosote, aka Kenny Anderson, has long been such a creative stalwart. His Domino Records follow-up,

2016’s Astronaut Meets Appleman, artfully yet soulfully explores the dichotomies of analogue and digital, nature and technology, interweaving his exquisitely forlorn vocals through a rich sonic tapestry of homespun electronica and off-kilter traditional sounds, including Mairearad Green’s pipes and Catriona McKay’s harp. English rising star Charlie Cunningham, whose three EPs to date have garnered over 3 million Spotify plays, matches finely crafted original songs with distinctively percussive, Spanish-accented guitar work.

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World Beat Bothy featuring Niteworks, Inyal and Hamilton de Holanda & Baile do Almeidinha

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Saturday 28 January, 8pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Two parts cutting-edge Scottish trad/ fusion, plus one part thrilling Brazilian virtuosity, equals Celtic Connections’ biggest ever live club night: dancing shoes emphatically recommended.

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Skye-rooted quartet Niteworks are well kent for inciting festival and dancefloor euphoria, splicing traditional tunes and instrumentation with symphonic synths, colossal beats and vibrant guest vocals. While 2015’s debut album NW won aptly rave reviews, the full Niteworks phenomenon must be experienced live. “Modern complements ancient in perfect balance” (fRoots)

‘Dirt Road’ featuring Dirk Powell & Special Guests with Jon Cleary

Inyal are a brand-new Glasgow-based outfit, inspired by both that city’s genre-blurring folk community and the fabled LA beat scene to put a radically fresh spin on Gaelic traditions, layering subtle electronics and twisted grooves with live bagpipes and fiddle. An unrivalled exponent of Brazil’s mandolin-like bandolim, Hamilton de Holanda mixes traditional choro dance tunes, samba, jazz, rock and pop with electrifying technical dexterity, performing here with his band from a weekly residency at Rio’s legendary Circo Voador venue.

Sunday 29 January, 8pm £16 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

As signalled by a dedication to Dirk Powell in his 2016 novel Dirt Road, Booker-winning Scottish author James Kelman’s love-affair with US roots music runs deep. The book itself takes us right into those roots’ Southern heartland, as its protagonist journeys towards zydeco country. A film version is under way, with Powell – steeped by birth and marriage in both Louisianan and Appalachian traditions - as musical director. Tonight, he and his distinguished guests evoke the myriad journeys – human and cultural, past and present – binding his music to its Scottish kin.

Staying in Louisiana, cranking up both heat and volume, New Orleans veteran Jon Cleary – who won a Grammy for his latest album, 2015’s GoGo Juice – brings his irresistibly sizzling gumbo of Big Easy grooves to warm up Glasgow’s weekend, stirring together splashes of soul, gospel, rock, Latin and Caribbean flavour as well as funk, blues and jazz. “The ninth wonder of the world” (Bonnie Raitt)

Old Fruitmarket

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Rab Noakes 70/50 in 2017

Sharon Shannon Band & Special Guests and Aurelio

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Thursday 2 February, 8pm £16 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The coming year brings two major milestones for veteran Scottish troubadour Rab Noakes: his 70th birthday, and the 50th anniversary of his first fully professional gig. While modestly self-styled as “21stcentury skiffle”, Noakes’s music thus encompasses the whole history of rock’n’roll, meanwhile linking back to its folk/blues forebears. This breadth and depth of influence and expertise suffuse both his own seasoned songcraft and his renowned interpretations of others’ work - from Gillian Welch to Garbage, Chas McDevitt to Cliff Richard.

Tonight’s set-list cherry-picks from all five decades’ repertoire, mixing oldtimey classics and Scottish folk songs with Noakes originals, including tracks from brand-new EP The Treatment Tapes: a typically wry, defiant and resilient response to recent ill-health. “Heartfelt performances of first-rate songs, revelling in the unfettered joy of the music” (Morning Star)

Friday 3 February, 8pm £17 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

A quarter-century on from her self-titled debut album, Clare-born accordionist, fiddler and whistle player Sharon Shannon remains one of Ireland’s most gifted and popular artists. Long renowned for her genrecrossing spirit of adventure, she casts that net wider than ever on her forthcoming 10th studio album, which features producer/guitarist Justin Adams, legendary uilleann piper Finbar Furey, Scottish folk-rockers Skerryvore, Malian kora player Seckou Keita, Ghanaian percussionist Abass Dodoo, California harmony duo Little Wing, country singer Nathan Carter and a squad of

Shetland fiddlers. Several of these guests join Shannon in this exclusive Celtic Connections show, together with her core band of guitarist Jim Murray, fiddler Sean Regan and multiinstrumentalist Alan Connor. Championed by Youssou N’Dour and Peter Gabriel’s Real World label, Aurelio is today’s leading cultural ambassador for Central America’s coastal Garifuna people, whose captivating music marries dynamic rhythms with melancholy, heartfelt melodies.

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Old Fruitmarket

celticconnections.com

Strathspey and Surreal Society and support

Hirda

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Saturday 4 February, 8pm £16 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

After 2016’s dynamic debut, the Strathspey and Surreal Society is back, with more inventive new music composed to build on the repertoire of Scotland’s Strathspey and Reel Society network – longtime local clubs where many luminary musicians first learned their craft – presented alongside new improved versions of the pieces premièred a year ago. The project was jointly dreamt up by concertina maverick (and allround folk-scene mover and shaker) Simon Thoumire and Lau fiddler Aidan O’Rourke, who’ve both written contributions along with Borders fiddler Shona Mooney and 30

Fara pianist Jennifer Austin. A performance ensemble of 21 fiddlers – mostly leading professionals, plus top students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – is expanded this time with accordions, piano and double bass (the latter to emulate an authentic S&RS session), while 2016’s compositions have been revised and developed, as well as new ones penned, enhancing the venture’s aims of working within the genre’s traditional forms, while revitalising them for today.

Sunday 5 February, 8pm £18 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Celtic Connections has witnessed Scottish folk music cross-fertilising with myriad other variants of the artform, from symphonic classical sounds to experimental jazz, and now opera joins the fold with a welcome revival of Hirda, a new chamber work inspired by the music, stories, history and lore of Shetland. Premièred in 2015 to unanimous acclaim - from audiences in Shetland, Glasgow and Edinburgh - it’s produced by innovative Glasgow company NOISE (New Opera in Scotland Events), fulfilling their aim of creating opera rooted in specific Scottish communities.

Directed by James Robert Carson, Hirda sees a vocal cast of six enact dual narrative strands, involving present-day fraternal betrayal and a 19th-century love-affair, with a libretto in Shetland dialect by Siân Evans. The accompanying score, for string quartet, accordion, bass clarinet and piano, was jointly created by Shetland fiddler Chris Stout and Northern Irish composer Gareth Williams. “Soaring, heartstring-pulling music, enormously powerful in conveying the opera’s intense emotions” (Scotsman)

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Barrowland

Mànran with Blazin’ Fiddles and Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys

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Friday 20 January, 7.30pm £20 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

A big Friday night is guaranteed at Glasgow’s legendary ballroom venue, with a transatlantic triple bill of high-octane contemporary folk. All-conquering Scottish six-piece Mànran, whose blend of Gaelic and English songs with inventively souped-up instrumentals has stormed major festival stages around the world, launch their third album An Dà Là/The Two Days, while the ever-popular Blazin’ Fiddles can always be relied on to raise the roof. Fêted coast-to-coast in their native US, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys concoct a sizzling, fresh-flavoured blend of Americana roots and vintage soul, laced with blues, jazz and even techno traces, fronted by Lindsay Lou Rilko’s stunning vocals.

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City Halls

Koshka & special guests and Lula Pena

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Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £16 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

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celticconnections.com

Sarah Jarosz and Blue Rose Code

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Sunday 22 January, 7:30pm £18 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Duncan Chisholm: The Gathering and Renata Rosa

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Wo

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm £18 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Rostov-on-Don – one of Glasgow’s twin cities, and birthplace of gypsy band Koshka’s founder/violinist Lev Atlas – is home to a large Armenian population, whose transplanted traditional music has developed in distinctive ways. Rostov’s Armenian wedding bands often feature Jewish fiddlers, due to both communities’ historical proximity within the city, a celebratory hybrid tradition into which Koshka delve tonight, together with Armenian and Russian guest performers.

A one-time teenage prodigy, Texan-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jarosz – still only 25 – now ranks among today’s most lauded and creative Americana artists. Armed with a degree in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory of Music, Jarosz mines deep traditional roots on her new fourth album Undercurrent, transmuting these influences into artfully progressive, emotionally complex original songs. “Astonishingly good” (Elton John)

The revered Portuguese artist Lula Pena, who interweaves fado with blues, flamenco, Latin and morna hues, is known only to record when the muse truly moves her – hence the excitement attending new release Archivo Pittoresco, only her third studio album since 1998.

Since his sellout show at Celtic Connections 2016, Scotland’s Blue Rose Code, aka singer-songwriter Ross Wilson, has won snowballing acclaim both for his superb second album, the jazz/soul-infused And Lo! The Bird Is On the Wing, and his stunningly heartfelt live performances.

Unassumingly yet inexorably, over the course of five studio albums, Highland fiddler Duncan Chisholm has secured his standing among Scotland’s finest folk artists. With 2017 marking 20 years since his solo debut Redpoint, Chisholm gathers a gang of musical pals – Jarlath Henderson, Megan Henderson, Greg Lawson, Su-a Lee, Ali Hutton, Martin O’Neill, Davie Dunsmuir, Ross Hamilton and other special guests – for a programme cherry-picked from that whole back catalogue. A pioneering exponent of the rabeca, Brazil’s Arabicderived traditional fiddle, Renata Rosa is also a stunning singer, whose music marries her homeland’s indigenous and hybrid traditions with influences from north Africa, eastern Europe and south Asia.

City Halls

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

The Mark O’Connor Band and Graham Mackenzie: Crossing Borders

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Brahms in Budapest BBC SSO with Budapest Bar

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Atlantic Arc Orchestra with Karan Casey

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Fo

Sunday 29 January, 7:30pm £18 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Wednesday 1 February, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Grammy-winning fiddler/composer Mark O’Connor’s uniquely illustrious career has charted a groundbreaking course between folk and classical territories. He’s sold over two million solo albums, and worked with everyone from Dolly Parton to Yo-Yo Ma, Bill Monroe to Wynton Marsalis. Featuring several O’Connor family members, his new sixpiece band, introduced on 2016’s aptly-named Coming Home, transcendently revisits his bluegrass/ Appalachian roots. “One of the most restless and rewarding talents in American music” (PopMatters)

Living in Vienna for most of his career, during the Austria-Hungary empire, the composer Johannes Brahms was both besotted and heavily influenced by Hungarian folk music, whose brooding, lilting melodies and whirling tempos are brought lavishly to life by tonight’s Celtic Connections collaboration, featuring the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of its Chief Conductor Thomas Dausgaard, with top Hungarian gypsy band Budapest Bár. Also featuring German baritone Benjamin Appl – recently named as Gramophone’s Young Artist of the Year 2016 – a night of true Magyar passions features Brahms’s Hungarian Dances, arrangements of Schubert songs and Symphony No.2, together with pieces spotlighting Budapest Bár.

Uniting celebrated folk innovators from England, Scotland and Ireland, The Atlantic Arc Orchestra aims to navigate “an entirely new, suspense-charged relationship between the traditional and the modern”. Directed by Irish music godhead Dónal Lunny and concertina/electronics wizard Padraig Rynne, the project also features singer/songwriter Pauline Scanlon, fiddler Aidan O’Rourke, piper and singer Jarlath Henderson, bassist Ewen Vernal and drummer John Blease.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

In his 2015 New Voices composition Crossing Borders - recently released as an album - Inverness fiddler Graham Mackenzie vibrantly reflects his own dual folk/classical background, accompanied by string quartet, piano, clarsach, whistles and pipes.

Thursday 2 February, 7:30pm £18 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Long cherished as an exquisitely gifted folk singer, Ireland’s Karan Casey returned to different roots with her latest album, 2014’s Two More Hours, her first all-original collection, reflecting her lifelong love of R&B, soul, jazz and blues. “Without peer in Irish music today” (Irish Echo) 33

City Halls

celticconnections.com

Breabach and Beoga

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Shirley Collins

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Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £18 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Scotland’s Breabach and Ireland’s Beoga don’t just share their names’ initial letter. Both bands are exceptional musical adventurers, while firmly rooted in tradition, and both released career-best fifth albums in 2016.

One of the most fabled voices from the 1960s-70s folk revival, Shirley Collins was both purist and pioneer, recording definitively unadorned traditional songs while embracing psychedelic folk-rock. Her early southern US song-collecting with Alan Lomax also informed her style and repertoire. Now, aged 81, and 35 years after losing her voice to dysphonia, Collins reflects all these elements anew on her 2016 album Lodestar, and returns to performing buoyed by a groundswell of latter-day acclaim.

Breabach’s latest release, Astar, reflects their international travels and collaborations over recent years, interweaving Antipodean, Québécois and Nordic elements into their contemporary highland sound. The band are delighted to be joined by very special guests Greg Lawson (producer), Olav Luksengård Mjelva 34

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £20 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

(Norway) and Pierre-Luc Dupuis (Quebec) in recreating Astar for a night of multicultural celebration. Distinctively led by duelling button accordions, Antrim-based Beoga – also featuring fiddle, piano, guitar, bodhran and vocals - cast a wide stylistic net, with influences from classic blues to contemporary tango channelled into the all-original tunes on Before We Change Our Mind, hailed by the Irish Times as “a bold, bounding step forward”

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Young Trad Final

BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Final 2017

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Sunday 5 February, 5pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Firmly established as a highlight of Celtic Connections’ closing weekend, the final contest to decide Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year sees another six of Scotland’s best budding artists battle it out, for a title that’s now a long-proven launch-pad into a professional music career. Organised by folk development agency Hands Up For Trad, and broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland, it’s your chance to catch tomorrow’s stars today.

The 2017 finalists are: Ella Munro - Scots song (Skye) Dougie McCance - bagpipes (Glasgow) Kim Carnie - Gaelic song (Oban) Iona Fyfe - Scots song (Huntly) Charlie Stewart - fiddle (Perthshire) Grant McFarlane - accordion (Paisley) 35

ABC

Joanne Shaw Taylor and Broken Witt Rebels

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Friday 20 January, 7:30pm £17.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

The Felice Brothers and Horse Thief

In

The White Buffalo and support

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to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Tuesday 24 January, 7:30pm £17 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Inspired as a schoolgirl by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix, Black Country blues/rock heroine Joanne Shaw Taylor blazed into the UK Top 20 with her latest album, 2016’s Wild. Matching prodigious guitar chops with powerhouse songwriting and searingly expressive vocals – as featured recently on Jools Holland’s Later - she’s poised for major crossover success. “Enough to make the standard blokey plank-spanker curl up and fade away.” (Daily Mirror)

Released in 2016, The Felice Brothers’ 10th anniversary album Life in the Dark combines their trademark rough-hewn aesthetic with inspirations ranging from Shakespeare to the Meat Puppets, Raymond Carver to Dr Seuss. Alternately dark and droll, raucous and poignant, the resulting reflections on contemporary US culture rank with their finest work to date. “The greatest campfire band imaginable” (Mojo)

With a voice that stretches from husky intimacy to a ragged, red-blooded roar, in story-songs peopled by misfits, outlaws, and others hard-bitten by hard luck, US singer-songwriter Jake Smith, aka The White Buffalo - as featured in the TV soundtrack to Sons of Anarchy - continues the tradition of such classic chroniclers as Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle. “An American voice cured in recession, war and betrayal” (LA Times)

Although hailing from Birmingham in England, not Alabama, Broken Witt Rebels channel oodles of Southern soul and grit into their melodic, indietinged blues, and are fast gaining fame as a powerhouse live act. 36

celticconnections.com

Launching their sophomore LP Trials and Truths, on tastemaker indie label Bella Union, Oklahoma quintet Horse Thief spin an enticing musical web of psychedelic folk, edgy roots-rock and Americana warmth. “Just irresistible. . . as catchy as a cold” (Clash)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

ABC

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Mexrrissey and Los Pacaminos feat. Paul Young

Wo

Wednesday 25 January, 7:30pm £16.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Baby do Brasil and support

Wo

Slobodan Trkulja & Balkanopolis and Tantz & Kuchke

Wo

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Barely 18 months after Mexrrissey’s debut performances, they’re already a global phenomenon. The ultimate embodiment of Mexicans’ longtime love-affair with Morrissey’s music – ascribed by frontman Camilo Lara to mutual proclivities for tragic melodrama, dark humour and sexual ambiguity - this all-star collective gloriously transcends tributeband flattery with alchemical Spanish translations of the classic Moz canon, newly arrayed in mariachi, danzón, mambo and ranchera sounds, reinforced with red-blooded rock muscle. “Nothing short of extraordinary” (New York Observer)

A long-reigning queen of the hybrid contemporary genre known as Música Popular Brasileira, or MPB, Baby do Brasil ranks with her country’s best-loved and most versatile artists. Throughout a career spanning nearly five decades, she’s brought her unique voice, personality and passion to an everevolving yet unerringly classic blend of local styles – samba, choro, bossa – with pop, rock and jazz. “The fire and fury of a Latin Janis Joplin” (LA Times)

In the words of Serbian singer/multi-instrumentalist Slobodan Trkulja, “Nowadays there are too many borders: as an artist, I feel it’s my duty to connect people.” The charismatic leader of virtuoso musical circus Balkanopolis – conceived as “a haven for people who have open hearts and ears to listen” - Trkulja fulfils this mission with an extravagant, kaleidoscopic synthesis of traditional Balkan sounds – from throat-singing to goatskin bagpipes – catalysed with jazz, pop, rock and classical elements.

London seven-piece Los Pacaminos bring both playfulness and serious musicianship to their longtime love of Tex-Mex sounds, featuring former 80s pop star Paul Young together with top UK session players.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Joining tonight’s line-up in association with Scotland’s top Balkan party specialists Balkanarama; Leeds’ based Balkan beats, gypsy jazz bohemians Tantz and Kuchke, an international group of female vocalists who bring melancholic and joyous interpretations of traditional songs. Providing the full Balkanarama experience; belly dancers, rakija wenches, VJs and DJs. 37

ABC

celticconnections.com

Kayah & Kila and support

In

Fo

Saturday 28 January, 7.30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

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St Paul & the Broken Bones and Brent Cobb

RB

Sunday 29 January, 7:30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Damien Dempsey and Hermitage Green

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In

Wednesday 1 February, 7:30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Originally brought together for the 2016 PolskaÉire Festival in Dublin, veteran trad/world adventurers Kíla and top Polish chanteuse Kayah reunite in Glasgow, in keeping with Kayah’s stated mission “to open people’s hearts to different cultures, different nationalities and points of view.” For her own part, in a career that’s seen her sell over a million records and score several pop hits, her latest album, Transoriental Orchestra, pursues these goals by exploring her own Jewish heritage, with songs in Polish, Ladino, Hebrew, Arabic and Yiddish, while Kíla’s previous international collaborators have ranged from Indian percussion guru Zakir Hussain to Japanese trance producer Sakana.

Alabama soul sensations St. Paul & the Broken Bones have won non-stop critical raves since forming in 2011, together with an exponentially expanding fanbase. Fronted by the electrifying vocals and showmanship of ex-trainee preacher Paul Janeway, this incandescent eight-piece - who recently supported The Rolling Stones - splice classic Stax/ Motown styles with modern-day influences from Sly Stone and Prince to Tom Waits and Nick Cave. “Drove a deliriously appreciative crowd utterly, utterly bonkers” (San Francisco Weekly)

Variously identified with the heavyweight Irish balladry of Luke Kelly, Ronnie Drew and Christy Moore, or the wider Everyman/underdog advocacy of Bob Marley and Dylan, Damien Dempsey is a towering figure in contemporary song. His unvarnished, heartfelt voice, and his gift for connecting the local or personal with the resonantly universal, command huge affection among myriad fans, who’ll be celebrating tidings of a new studio album, due early 2017.

With his debut solo album, 2016’s Shine on Rainy Day, Georgia singer-songwriter Brent Cobb’s blend of pastoral ambience and poetic economy has seen him likened to a young Kris Kristofferson.

Like Damo himself – an ex-professional boxer – threefifths of Hermitage Green excelled as sportsmen in previous lives, across disciplines from rugby to kickboxing. Their game-plan now centres on premierleague musicianship, underpinning anthemic and poetic songcraft. “World domination beckons” (Hot Press)

ABC

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Eliza Carthy & the Wayward Band and The Eskies

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Fu

Martha Wainwright with Ed Harcourt

In

Treacherous Orchestra and Ezza

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Fu

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Thursday 2 February, 7:30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £16.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

She might blame the band, but the waywardness is primarily Eliza Carthy’s own. The celebrated singer and fiddler orbits between staunch defence of precious English traditions, and wantonly having her wayward way with them. On their monumental album Big Machine – coming early 2017 – the 12-piece, all-star Wayward Band romps righteously through both original and trad-based material, with Carthy, in the vanguard, more gloriously in her element than ever.

The startling musical and emotional range of Martha Wainwright’s previous albums established her as one of today’s most fearless and compelling singer-songwriters. Her new fifth release, Goodnight City, combines that full gamut of talent and experience, carried by her uniquely powerful voice, while returning to the rawness of her self-titled 2005 debut, in both fresh originals and bespoke compositions from brother Rufus, Beth Orton, Glen Hansard, Michael Ondaatje and Merrill Garbus.

Renowned Europe-wide for their carnivalesque live shows, Irish merry pranksters The Eskies mash up gothic gypsy-folk with everything from seashanties to ragtime. “Think Gogol Bordello if they’d stumbled, naked and raving, out of the Dublin mountains” (Hot Press)

With 2016’s Furnaces, Mercury-nominated Londoner Ed Harcourt - variously likened to Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Doves and Portishead - achieved his darkest, meatiest, most soul-baring album to date. “Dripping in defiance, emotion and spirit.” (Rolling Stone)

If ever a band merited the O2ABC’s famously massive mirrorball – reputedly Europe’s biggest - it’s Glasgow’s (and Celtic Connections’) own Treacherous Orchestra. Birthed a decade ago by the Festival Club’s most diehard celebrants, this 11-man instrumental behemoth is now a fêted headline draw around the international Celtic circuit. Combining all-out attack, symphonic finesse and avid creativity, their 2015 release Grind was voted Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards. “Uncharted peaks of euphoria” (The List)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Tuareg power-trio Ezza embody a new generation’s response to their rich nomadic culture’s history and struggles, aligning classic desert rock with intricate rhythms, soulful three-part vocals and buoyant youthful optimism. 39

Hazy Recollections

celticconnections.com

Hazy Recollections Once again, for your Sunday afternoon listening pleasure, Findlay Napier curates three fabulously disparate five-act bills, collectively occupying the fruitfully blurry territory between folk, indie and indiefolk. Over its nine-year existence, Hazy has hosted nearly 100 different artists, including the likes of Sturgill Simpson, Sarah Jarosz and The Staves as well as myriad new discoveries. Alongside the publicised performers, each show features a surprise mystery act, chosen by Celtic Connections’ artistic director Donald Shaw. In

Sunday 22 January, 2:30pm £12.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Sunday 29 January, 2:30pm £12.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Sunday 5 February, 2:30pm £12.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Getting things rolling on the festival’s first weekend, Glasgow country/folk duo Doghouse Roses, back together after a few years’ hiatus, are sounding more beguiling than ever on new album Lost Is Not Losing. Rebecca’s Ruin is the new close-harmony duo of Becci Wallace and Becca Starr, whose previous work ranges from prog-metal to hip-hop, while Welsh-born Harry Harris sums up his songwriting formula as “stories, smart lyrics, and big choruses”. To finish, The State Broadcasters perform a stripped-down set of their melodic, Americana-tinged indie/pop, ahead of their imminent new album.

On the middle Sunday bill, we have Highlander Mairi Orr, whose songs on debut album Jenny Does Burn embrace the kinship between Scottish and US folk traditions, while in-demand producer Ben Seal steps out from behind the desk as Urban Farm Hand, with a sample of sounds from his much-anticipated new release, Tell Me the Place. Your host with the most, Findlay Napier, also takes a turn, unveiling songs he’s recording this month for his next album, and an acoustic Admiral Fallow close out the show.

The last Hazy blast of Celtic Connections 2017 features a double helping of excellent Scottish duos, one partnering Donna Maciocia’s powerhouse vocals and songcraft with Three Blind Wolves’ Ross Clark, while Tenement & Temple reunites ex-Thrum bandmates Monica Queen and Johnny Smillie. Roberto Cassani, a member of contemporary folk supergroup The Kilmarnock Edition, serves up a selection of his wryly humorous, life-affirming solo material, artfully arrayed with looped guitar effects, and Paisley country-pop songstress Jill Jackson introduces her new band line-up.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

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to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Platform

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Rayon with Dòl Eoin MacKinnon and Mairi Morrison’s Gaelic Psalm Singers

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Ga

Aidan O’Rouke, Alasdair Roberts, Alex Neilson & Stephanie Hladowski

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Fo

Friday 20 January, 7.30pm £12.50 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

Saturday 21 January, 7.30pm £12.50 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

Bringing together one of Scotland’s most precious and venerable vocal traditions with the cream of European experimentalism, this groundbreaking collaboration is hosted by German electro-acoustic outfit Rayon, led by Notwist singer/ guitarist and Alien Transistor founder Markus Acher, whose playful but eerie soundscapes combine live instrumentation - including piano, harmonium, vibraphone, marimba and percussion - with electronic effects and algorithmic processing. Working with Dòl Eoin MacKinnon, Mairi Morrison and other singers steeped in the Hebrides’ Gaelic psalm tradition, Rayon have created scores for several traditionally unaccompanied psalms, to be performed tonight along with individual sets from both groups.

Talking the concept of alt-folk to a whole new level, four leading contemporary exponents and disruptors of traditional music team up to stoke the meltingpot. This exciting new collaboration pools the restive talents of Lau fiddler Aidan O’Rourke, subversively (re)inventive singer/songwriter Alasdair Roberts, Trembling Bells ringleader Alex Neilson and genre-blurring Bradford balladeer Stephanie Hladowski, building on their achievements in expanding folk music’s vocabulary. Boldly innovative treatments of traditional songs and tunes will draw on the group’s free-ranging interests in poetry, rock music and free improvisation.

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

41

BBC Broadcast Hub

celticconnections.com

The BBC at Celtic Connections The BBC is delighted to be part of Celtic Connections again from the CCA in Sauchiehall Street, in the heart of Glasgow. You can enjoy great Celtic Connections coverage right across the BBC on Radio, Television, BBC iPlayer and online at bbc.co.uk/celticconnections Tickets for all the following BBC events will be free and released on Monday 9th January 2017 on the BBC Shows and Tours website – to register for updates go to bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tickets/

BBC Radio Scotland Sunday 22 January 7pm Take The Floor

Join Gary Innes for the very best in traditional music and song.

Wednesday 25 January 9pm Jamie MacDougall, Burn’s Night Special Jamie brings a celebration of Burns Night to the CCA

Thursday 26 January 7pm Ricky Ross

Join Ricky Ross live on Radio Scotland and Radio 2 for the very best of Americana from the festival.

Sunday 29 January 7pm Travelling Folk

Bruce MacGregor presents a live edition of BBC Radio Scotland’s flagship folk programme. 42

BBC Broadcast Hub

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

BBC Radio 2 Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 January 7pm

BBC Radio 2 will broadcast two live programmes from the festival presented by Mark Radcliffe, featuring guests and live music performances.

Radio 3 Monday 30 January 7pm The Quay Sessions with Roddy Hart

BBC Radio Scotland’s Quay Sessions relocates to the CCA to bring you an exciting evening of music from the festival. -

Friday 20 January 11pm & Tuesday 31st January 8pm World on 3

BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year Final Sunday 5 February 5pm City Halls

Live coverage of the competition on BBC Radio Scotland, featuring this year’s six finalists. Tickets for this event are available from the Celtic Connections box office.

Lopa Kothari introduces Radio 3’s world music programme from the CCA, with performances from some of the Festival’s finest.

Wednesday 1 February 2pm The Janice Forsyth Show

Janice Forsyth hosts a special live edition showcasing the very best highlights of the festival.

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Mitchell Theatre

A Banda das Crechas and support

Fo

Wo

Ivan Drever’s Orkney Gathering

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An Evening with Tom Paxton with special guests Cathy & Marcy

Fo

Friday 20 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £15 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Wednesday 25 January, 7:30pm £25 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Since the 19th century, the traditional inn A Casa das Crechas, in the Galician capital Santiago de Compostela, has welcomed pilgrims and other travellers. For the past 30 years, it’s also been a key social and musical hub of Galicia’s folk revival, from which has evolved the open collective A Banda das Crechas, whose performances celebrate their native culture’s most playful and participative side. Tonight’s eight-piece line-up features vocals, fiddle, gaita, accordion, saxophone, mandola, bass and percussion.

Originally staged at the 2016 Orkney Folk Festival to celebrate the 60th birthday of its eponymous star, Ivan Drever’s Orkney Gathering features a who’swho of the islands’ folk and rock talent, joining forces on a career-spanning set of songs and tunes penned by this much-loved artist. Having started out as a teenager in the duo Knowe O’Deil before fronting Wolfstone as they rose to fame, Drever has a rich back catalogue to draw on and is joined for these lavish new arrangements by a six-piece house band, together with members of the Kirkwall Pipe Band and the Orkney Song Shop Choir.

Entering his 80th birthday year, evergreen US folk icon Tom Paxton – author of such classics as ‘Last Thing On My Mind’, ‘Ramblin’ Boy’ and ‘Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound’ – embodies his genre’s most timeless virtues. With over 60 albums to his credit - plus a Lifetime Achievement Grammy - Paxton’s eloquent economy, keen-eyed insight, impish humour and big-hearted warmth are as winningly vital as ever.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

44

celticconnections.com

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Joining him are longtime friends and fellow Grammy winners Cathy (Fink) & Marcy (Marxer), whose spine-tingling harmonies and multi-instrumental virtuosity will – in Paxton’s words - “swing you, jazz you, and old-timey you till you just give up and bliss out.”

Mitchell Theatre

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Siobhan Miller and Ben Hunter, Joe Seamons & Phil Wiggins

Tr

‘Starless’ and Kaela Rowan

In

Anxo Lorenzo Trio with Xabier Diaz and Barluath

Tr

Wo

Ga

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £16 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Saturday 28 January, 7.30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Having grown up attending TMSA festivals, Siobhan Miller first made her name as an exceptional young interpreter of traditional material, before spreading her wings as a songwriter on 2014’s stunning solo debut Flight of Time. Tonight she launches her second album Strata, flanked by the all-star line-up of Kris Drever, Louis Abbott, Aaron Jones, Megan Henderson, Euan Burton and Tom Gibbs.

From seeds first planted by his return to performing for Love & Money’s reunion at Celtic Connections 2011, keyboard player Paul McGeechan’s latest brainchild Starless reached glorious fruition with 2016’s self-titled album, a collection of his songs voiced by the likes of Karen Matheson, Julie Fowlis and Chris Thomson, amid blissfully lush orchestral arrangements. “A wonderfully leftfield project. . . lush, sensuous, rich-textured, sweet and intoxicating” (fRoots)

Heading up a resplendent inter-Celtic triple bill, piper and whistle player Anxo Lorenzo is one of Galicia’s most inspired fusioneers. Mixing and matching his vibrant native traditions with everything from electronica to flamenco, he’s flanked by an equally high-octane band, on fiddle, bouzouki, guitar, ukulele and keyboards.

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Inspired by the vibrant melting-pot of early 20th century US roots music, Ben Hunter, Joe Seamons and Phil Wiggins - on vocals, fiddle, banjo and harmonica - dust off its sounds with sizzling skill and gusto.

After the bewitching original songs showcased on her debut album, 2014’s Menagerie, Kaela Rowan’s 2016 follow-up The Fruited Thorn returned her to traditional ballads, performed here with a line-up anchored by Ewan MacPherson and James Mackintosh.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Ex- Berrogüetto percussionist Xabier Diaz, a virtuoso on Galicia’s tambourine-like pandeira, joins forces here with Adufeiras de Salitre, an ensemble of 11 women drummers and singers plus hurdy-gurdy, accordion and fiddle. With their distinctive Scots and Gaelic song repertoire, alongside bagpipes, whistle, fiddle, piano, guitar and step-dance, Glasgow five-piece Barluath are one of today’s brightest Scottish folk prospects. 45

Mitchell Theatre

Martin Green’s FLIT

Fo

Heidi Talbot with John Smith

Fo

Chris Stout & Catriona McKay with Ahlberg, Ek & Roswall

Tr

Thursday 2 February & Friday 3 February, 8pm £20 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Friday 20 January, 7:30pm £15 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Premièred to huge acclaim at the 2016 Edinburgh International Festival, Lau accordionist Martin Green’s FLIT is a haunting, moving, visually rich production exploring themes of human migration in dark, atmospheric songs – with lyrics by Karine Polwart, Anaïs Mitchell, Aidan Moffat and Sandy Wright – amid glitchy electronic soundscapes and evocative animated settings. Inspired by Green’s own family history and other first-hand stories, the performance also features singers Becky Unthank and Adam Holmes, with Portishead’s Adrian Utley, Mogwai’s Dominic Aitchison and BAFTA-winning animators Whiterobot. “A work of incandescent beauty and timely relevance. . . Green’s musical architecture is a wonder to behold” (fRoots)

With her fifth solo release, 2016’s Here We Go 1, 2, 3, Irish singer Heidi Talbot jumps boldly into new musical and thematic territory. As well as her mesmerising, deceptively delicate voice, Talbot’s own songwriting is freshly to the fore, as she reflects on experiences of marriage, motherhood, bereavement and artistic evolution, with collaborators and cowriters including Louis Abbott (Admiral Fallow), Duke Special, Adam Holmes and Boo Hewerdine.

It’s been a while since we welcomed Shetland fiddler Chris Stout and Dundee-born harpist Catriona McKay – virtuosic innovators both – in their sensational duo formation. Other projects in recent years have included Sally Beamish’s Seavaigers, a Seamus Begley collaboration, touring with Fiddlers’ Bid, a new McKay solo album and Stout’s involvement with Shetland opera Hirda. Now they’re back one-on-one, with new material under way for the successor release to 2010’s dazzling White Nights.

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

46

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Devon-born singer/songwriter and guitarist John Smith is fast overcoming his eponymous anonymity, combining six-string mastery from fingerstyle to slide with warm, gravelly vocals and potent contemporary balladry. “It’s only a matter of time before he is enormous” (NME)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The lush colours and textures and buoyant rhythmic swing of Sweden’s Ahlberg, Ek & Roswall - fiddler Emma, guitarist Daniel and Niklas on nyckelharpa – seamlessly interweave pop, baroque and jazz stylings with traditional and original tunes.

Pull-out Guide 19 January - 5 February Funded by

celticconnections.com /celticconnections

@ccfest #ccfest17

0141 353 8000 celtic_connections

Pull-out Guide Time

Event

CelticConnections.com Venue

Page

Time

Event

Venue

Thursday 19 January

10.30am

Lullabies from Scottish Tradition

Concert Hall: Lomond Foyer

82

7.30pm

Opening Night: Laura Marling & BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra with Special Guests

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

8

12pm

The National Whisky Festival of Scotland

SWG3

49

1pm

Rant: 4/4 - A Project for Projection

Concert Hall: NewAuditorium

47

8pm

Mark W Georgsson

The Hug and Pint

76

1.30pm

Big Slow Session

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

82

1.30pm

Open Your Voice

Concert Hall: City of Music Studio

82

1.30pm

Bodhran for Beginners

Concert Hall: Clyde Foyer

82

1.30pm

Singin’ on Yer Mammy’s Knee

Concert Hall: Lomond Foyer

82

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

60

Friday 20 January 2pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls

60

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7.30pm

Calexico and Guests: Across the Borderline

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

8

Page

7.30pm

A Banda das Crechas and Support

Mitchell Library

44

2pm

7.30pm

Joanne Shaw Taylor and Broken Witt Rebels

O2 ABC Glasgow

36

4pm

The National Whisky Festival of Scotland

SWG3

49

4.30pm

Karine Polwart & Aziza Brahim: A Woman’s World

Concert Hall: City of Music Studio

79

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7.30pm

Shooglenifty and Special Guests: A Night for Angus

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

9

7.30pm

Ivan Drever’s Orkney Gathering

Mitchell Theatre

44

7.30pm

The Felice Brothers and Horse Thief

O2 ABC Glasgow

36

7.30pm

Gaels Le Chèile @ Ceòl’s Craic

CCA

75

7.30pm

Koshka & Special Guests and Lula Pena

City Halls: Grand Hall

32

7.30pm

Aziza Brahim and Support

Drygate Brewery

65

7.30pm

Tryst and Connla

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

47

7.30pm

Aidan O’Rourke, Alasdair Roberts, Alex Neilson and Stephanie Hladowski

Platform

41

7.30pm

Roddy Hart & the Lonesome Fire and The Anchoress

Saint Luke’s

56

7.30pm

101 Scottish Songs - The Wee Red Book

St Andrew’s in the Square

52

7.30pm

Timo Alakotila

City Halls: Recital Room

58

7.30pm

Leveret and Ross Miller & Charlie Stewart

The National Piping Centre

59

7.30pm

The Yummy Fur and Support

Oran Mor

61

7:30pm

Rose McDowall (Strawberry Switchblade)

The Hug and Pint

76

8pm

Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys with Louise Bichan

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

17

8pm

Dervish and Ten Strings And A Goat Skin

Old Fruitmarket

25

8pm

Compton & Newberry and Laura Cortese

Tron Theatre

71

7.30pm

Chris Stout & Catriona McKay with Ahlberg, Ek & Roswall

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

46

7.30pm

Tom Russell and Cera Impala

St Andrew’s in the Square

52

7.30pm

Mànran with Blazin Fiddles and Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys

Barrowlands

31

7.30pm

Hurray for the Riff Raff and Roseanne Reid

Drygate Brewery

64

7.30pm

The Glad Community Choir Sing Bowie and Honey & Herbs

Glad Café

74

7.30pm

Catriona McKay with Ahlberg, Ek & Roswall

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

46

7.30pm

Rayon in collaboration with Gaelic Psalm Singers

Platform

41

7.30pm

Pictish Trail and Night Moves

Oran Mor

61

7.30pm

Michael McGoldrick & Dezi Donnelly and Guests

The National Piping Centre

59

8pm

The Songs of Robert Tannahill

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

17

8pm

Pierce Turner and Charly Houston

Tron Theatre

71

8pm

Broken Records and Olympic Swimmers

The Hug and Pint

76

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

11pm

BBC Radio 3: World on 3

CCA

43

Saturday 21st January 10.30am

Come & Try Ukulele

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

82

10.30am

Open Your Voice

Concert Hall: City of Music Studio

82

Concert Hall: Clyde Foyer

82

10.30am

Come & Try Bodhran

Pull-out Guide

Tickets: 0141 353 8000 Time

Event

Venue

Time

Event

Venue

8pm

Tom Orr Ceilidh Band

Woodside Hall

Page 78

7.30pm

Phil Cunningham’s Highlands & Islands Suite 20th Anniversary

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

9

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

7.30pm

Seth Lakeman with Wildwood Kin

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

47

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

7.30pm

Suns of Arqa and Sanyogita Kumari

Oran Mor

61

7.30pm

Sarah Jarosz and Blue Rose Code

City Halls: Grand Hall

32

Sunday 22nd January

Page

10.30am

Come & Try Fiddle

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

83

7.30pm

NeWt trio and Support

Drygate Brewery

65

10.30am

Come & Try Ukulele

Concert Hall: City of Music Studio

83

7.30pm

Derek Gripper

City Halls: Recital Room

68

7.30pm

Twelfth Day & Friends with Wildings

St Andrew’s in the Square

52

10.30am

Come & Try Mandolin

Concert Hall: Clyde Foyer

83

8pm

Old Fruitmarket

25

10.30am

Come & Try Whistle

Concert Hall: Lomond Foyer

83

The Where You’re Meant To Be Ceilidh featuring Aidan Moffat and Guests

11am

Womens’ Samba

City Halls: Studio One

83

8pm

She Moved Through the Fair: The Legend of Margaret Berry

Tron Theatre

71

Tiree Song Book

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

18

11am

Bodhran for Players

City Halls: Studio Two

83

8pm

11am

Come & Try Clarsach

City Halls: Recital Room

83

8pm

RM Hubbert

The Hug and Pint

76

1pm

New Voices: Séan Gray

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

17

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

1.30pm

Fiddle for Beginners

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

83

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

1.30pm

Ukulele for Beginners

Concert Hall: City of Music Studio

83

Monday 23rd January

1.30pm

Come & Try Mandolin

Concert Hall: Clyde Foyer

83

1.30pm

Whistle for Beginners

Concert Hall: Lomond Foyer

83

1.30pm

Kids Come & Try Samba Drumming (4-7 years)

City Halls: Studio One

84

1.30pm

Come & Try Spoons

City Halls: Studio Two

83

1.30pm

Clarsach for Beginners

City Halls: Recital Room

84

1.30pm

Come & Try Djembe

City Halls: Studio Three

84

2pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

60

2.30pm

Hazy Recollections

O2 ABC Glasgow

40

2.30pm

Kids Come & Try Samba Drumming (8-12 years)

City Halls: Studio One

84

3.30pm

All Age Samba Band (ages 8 - adult)

City Halls: Studio One

84

4.30pm

Danny Boyle: “Combined by our Humanity - Enhanced by our Diversity” Why and Inclusive National Identity Matters

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

79

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7pm

BBC Radio Scotland: Take The Floor

CCA

42

12.30pm

Celtic Connections on Campus

GCU Students Association

55

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7pm

BBC Radio 2 Live Broadcast

CCA

43

7.30pm

Tommy Emmanuel and Derek Gripper

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

10

7.30pm

Aberfeldy

The Hug and Pint

76

8pm

Martin Hayes & David Power and Ryan Young

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

18

Tuesday 24th January 12.30pm

Celtic Connections on Campus

GCU Students Association

55

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7pm

BBC Radio 2 Live Broadcast

CCA

43

7.30pm

Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Amy Sky: “LIV on” with John McCusker Band

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

10

7.30pm

Margo Price and Aaron Lee Tasjan

Oran Mor

62

7.30pm

Martha Ffion

The Hug and Pint

76

7.30pm

The White Buffalo

O2 ABC Glasgow

36

Pull-out Guide

CelticConnections.com

Time

Event

Venue

Time

Event

Venue

8pm

Quinn Bachand’s Brishen and Aizle

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

Page 18

7.30pm

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas with Galen Fraser & Friends

The Mackintosh Church

50

8pm

Fairport Convention @ 50 and Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe

Old Fruitmarket

26

7.30pm

Sinderins and Southern Tenant Folk Union

Oran Mor

62

Wednesday 25th January

Page

7.30pm

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer and Support

The National Piping Centre

59

12.30pm

Celtic Connections on Campus

GCU Students Association

55

8pm

Nae Plans and Jenn & Laura-Beth with The Jeremy Kittel Trio

Drygate Brewery

66

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

8pm

Basco and Talisk

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

19

7.30pm

Unusual Suspects of Celtic Colours and Carlos Malta & Pife Muderno

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

11

8pm

Wind Resistance: Karine Polwart

Tron Theatre

72

7.30pm

An Evening with Tom Paxton Special Guests Cathy & Marcy

Mitchell Theatre

44

8pm

Fair Mothers featuring special guest Kathryn Joseph

The Hug and Pint

76

7.30pm

Mexrrissey and Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young

O2 ABC Glasgow

37

9.30pm

Billy Bragg and Joe Henry

Old Fruitmarket

27

7.30pm

Robyn Stapleton - Songs of Robert Burns

St Andrew’s in the Square

53

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

7.30pm

Aaron Watson and support

Oran Mor

62

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

7.30pm

Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton and Support

Drygate Brewery

65

Friday 27th January

7.30pm

Half Waif

The Hug and Pint

76

12.30pm

Celtic Connections on Campus

GCU Students Association

55

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

60

7.30pm

Eilidh Cormack, Ellen MacDonald and Ceitlin L R Smith

The National Piping Centre

59

2pm

8pm

The Transports - A Tale of Exile and Migration

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

19

4.30pm

David Hayman “When Music Heals” Honouring the Lost Generations

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

79

8pm

BEMIS celebrates BURNS; A Toast tae the Lassies

Old Fruitmarket

26

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

8pm

Wind Resistance: Karine Polwart

Tron Theatre

72

7.30pm

Le Vent du Nord & De Temps Antan with Session A9

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

12

9pm

BBC Radio Scotland: Jamie MacDougall, Burn’s Night Special

CCA

42

7.30pm

‘Starless’ with Kaela Rowan

Mitchell Theatre

45

7.30pm

Four Men and A Dog and Imar

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

48

7.30pm

Gillian Frame ‘Pendulum’ with Yamandu Costa

St Andrew’s in the Square

53

7.30pm

Slobodan Trkulja & Balkanopolis and Tantz & Kuchke

O2 ABC Glasgow

37

7.30pm

Elephant Sessions and Dosca

Oran Mor

63

7.30pm

Roberta Sá and Support

Drygate Brewery

66

7.30pm

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh and Support

The Mackintosh Church

50

7.30pm

The Ennis Sisters and Bella Gaffney

The National Piping Centre

58

7.30pm

The Moth and the Mirror

The Hug and Pint

76

8pm

Wind Resistance: Karine Polwart

Tron Theatre

72

8pm

Rachel Newton Band and Ronan Les Bars Quintet

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

19

9.30pm

King Creosote and Charlie Cunningham

Old Fruitmarket

27

Thursday 26th January 12.30pm

Celtic Connections on Campus

GCU Students Association

55

2pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

60

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7pm

BBC Radio Scotland: Ricky Ross

CCA

42

7.30pm

Cherish the Ladies and Fara

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

11

7.30pm

Siobhan Miller and Ben Hunter, Joe Seamons & Phil Wiggins

Mitchell Theatre

45

7.30pm

Angus Nicolson Trio with Calum Alex MacMillan

St Andrew’s in the Square

53

7.30pm

C Duncan and Man of Moon

Saint Luke’s

56

7.30pm

Baby Do Brasil and Support

O2 ABC Glasgow

37

7.30pm

Modern Studies and Tissø Lake

Glad Café

74

Pull-out Guide

Tickets: 0141 353 8000 Time

Event

Venue

Page

Time

Event

Venue

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

8pm

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

Strings of the World ft. Mark O’Connor, Yamandu Costa & Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh

8pm

Emily Smith & Jamie McLennan with Ozere

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

20

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

Saturday 28th January

Page 48

10am

Fiddle & Cello Strings Masterclass

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

84

10am

Ukulele School

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

84

12.30pm

Inveraray & District Pipe Band with Bagad Kemper: Melezour

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

12

10am

Fiddle & Cello Strings Masterclass

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

84

1pm

Fuaran with Far Flung Corners

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

20

10am

Ukulele School

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

84

2pm

Wind Resistance: Karine Polwart

Tron Theatre

72

1pm

New Voices: Hannah Fisher

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

20

2pm

Drake Music Scotland: Equilibrium

City Halls: Recital Room

68

2pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

60

2pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

60

2.30pm

Hazy Recollections

O2 ABC Glasgow

40

4.30pm

James Kelman: Dirt Road

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

79

3pm

Sarah Kenchington - Big Hair Bagpipe Band

Glad Café

74

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7.30pm

Roaming Roots Revue: The Women of Song

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

13

7pm

BBC Radio Scotland: Travelling Folk

CCA

42

7.30pm

Anxo Lorenzo Trio with Xabier Diaz and Barluath

Mitchell Library

45

7.30pm

La Banda Europa and Xabier Diaz

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

14

7.30pm

Duncan Chisholm: The Gathering and Renata Rosa

City Halls: Grand Hall

32

7.30pm

The Mark O’Connor Band & Graham Mackenzie: Crossing Borders

City Halls: Grand Hall

33

7.30pm

Darlingside with Adam Holmes & The Embers

Oran Mor

63

7.30pm

Made in Perthshire

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

48

7.30pm

Scottish Clarinet Quartet with Ros Dunlop

Glad Café

74

7.30pm

St Paul & the Broken Bones and Brent Cobb

O2 ABC Glasgow

38

66

7.30pm

In the Shadows of Steam and UrbanFarmHand

Drygate Brewery

67

54

7.30pm

Law Holt

The Hug and Pint

77

Auld Hat New Heids and Angela Paterson

St Andrew’s in the Square

54

7.30pm 7.30pm

Ginkgoa and Support Top Floor Taivers with Anna Lindblad Trio

Drygate Brewery St Andrew’s in the Square

Sunday 29th January

7.30pm

Bevvy Sisters with The Jerry Cans

Saint Luke’s

56

7.30pm

7.30pm

Rachel Sermanni with Jolie Holland & Samantha Parton

The Mackintosh Church

50

8pm

Stand and Stare

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

21

‘Dirt Road’ featuring Dirk Powell & Special Guests with Jon Cleary

Old Fruitmarket

28

7.30pm

Kayah & Kila and Support

O2 ABC Glasgow

38

8pm

7.30pm

State Broadcasters

The Hug and Pint

76

8pm

The Lions of Lisbon

Tron Theatre

72

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

7.30pm

Mischa MacPherson & Brighde Chaimbeul

The National Piping Centre

58

10.30pm

8pm

World Beat Bothy featuring Niteworks, Inyal and Hamilton De Holanda

Old Fruitmarket

28

Monday 30th January

8pm

Wind Resistance: Karine Polwart

Tron Theatre

72

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

8pm

RSCDS: Gary Sutherland Ceilidh Band

Woodside Hall

78

7pm

BBC Radio Scotland: The Quay Sessions with Roddy Hart

CCA

42

Pull-out Guide

CelticConnections.com

Time

Event

Venue

7.30pm

Southern Tenant Folk Union

The Hug and Pint

Page

Time

Event

Venue

77

7.30pm

Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band and The Eskies

O2 ABC Glasgow

Page 39

Tartine de Clous, Alasdair Roberts & Neil McDermott

Glad Café

74 67

7.30pm

Aidan O’Rourke & Kit Downes

City Halls: Recital Room

68

7.30pm

7.30pm

Mary Chapin Carpenter with Altan and Julie Fowlis

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

14

7.30pm

Gary Innes and Support

Drygate Brewery

8pm

Special Consensus and Quick

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

21

7.30pm

Folkclub with Atlas and Guests

The Hug and Pint

77

7.30pm

Guitar Journey Duet: Giorgio Serci & Jonny Phillips

City Halls: Recital Room

69

Tuesday 31st January 2pm

BBC Radio Scotland: The Janice Forsyth Show

CCA

43

8pm

The Alyn Cosker Group and Support

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

22

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

8pm

Martin Green’s FLIT

Mitchell Theatre

46

7.30pm

Joe Fox

The Hug and Pint

77

8pm

Rab Noakes, 70/50 in 2017

Old Fruitmarket

29

8pm

The MacMath Collective and Kirsty Law ‘Young Night Thought’

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

21

8pm

Rachel Walker: Seudan

Tron Theatre

73

43

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

8pm

BBC Radio 3: World on 3

CCA

Wednesday 1st February 5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

Friday 3rd February

7.30pm

Trilok Gurtu and Evelyn Glennie: “The Rhythm in Me” and Jarlath Henderson

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

15

2pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

60

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7.30pm

John Paul White and Callaghan

The Mackintosh Church

51

7.30pm

Transatlantic Sessions

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

16

7.30pm

Damien Dempsey and Hermitage Green

O2 ABC Glasgow

38

7.30pm

Breabach and Beoga

City Halls: Grand Hall

34

7.30pm

Celtic Guitar Journeys and support

St Andrew’s in the Square

54

7.30pm

Craig Armstrong & Calum Martin present Salm Music: New Works

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

49

7.30pm

Barry Hyde

The Hug and Pint

77

7.30pm

Lewis & Leigh and Bella and the Bear

St Andrew’s in the Square

55

7.30pm

Brahms in Budapest - BBC SSO with Budapest Bar

City Halls: Grand Hall

33

7.30pm

Ezza and support

Drygate Brewery

67

8pm

Dallahan with Vishten

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

22

7.30pm

George Monbiot & Ewan McLennan ‘Breaking the Spell of Loneliness’

The Mackintosh Church

51

8pm

The Light Comes Back - Liz Lochhead with The Hazey Janes and Steve Kettley

Tron Theatre

72

7.30pm

Martha Wainwright with Ed Harcourt

O2 ABC Glasgow

39

7.30pm

Mull Historical Society and Martha Ffion

Saint Luke’s

57

7.30pm

Pronto Mama and Support

Oran Mor

64

7.30pm

Cathy Ann MacPhee# and Canach#

The National Piping Centre

58

90

7.30pm

Meursault

The Hug and Pint

77

David Francey and Guests

City Halls: Recital Room

69

Thursday 2nd February 2pm

5pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

City Halls: Box Office

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

60

7.30pm

Orchestra Baobab and Carmen Souza

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

15

7.30pm

7.30pm

James McMurty with Nathan Bell and Alice Drinks the Koolaid

Oran Mor

63

8pm

Old Roots New Shoots

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

22

Martin Green’s FLIT

Mitchell Theatre

46

Sharon Shannon Band & Special Guests and Aurelio

Old Fruitmarket

29

7.30pm

Atlantic Arc Orchestra with Karan Casey

City Halls: Grand Hall

33

8pm

7.30pm

FEDERATION OF THE DISCO PIMP (ft. Scope) with FAT-SUIT

Saint Luke’s

57

8pm

Pull-out Guide

Tickets: 0141 353 8000 Time

Event

Venue

Page

Friday 3rd February

Time

Event

Venue

7.30pm

Yip Man and Bloke Music

The Hug and Pint

Page 77

8pm

The Pipes The Pipes and Support

Tron Theatre

73

7.30pm

Luke Daniels Revolve & Rotate

City Halls: Recital Room

69

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

8pm

Strì is Buaidh: Strife and Success

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

23

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

8pm

Strathspey & Surreal Society and Support

Old Fruitmarket

30

8pm

Russell deCarle with Denis Keldie & Steve Briggs and David Francey

Tron Theatre

73

8pm

Anna Meredith

CCA

75

8pm

Black Rose Ceilidh Band

Woodside Hall

78

Saturday 4th February 10.30am

Come & Try Shapenote Singing

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

85

10.30am

Bulgarian Songs with Kate Young

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

85

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

10.30am

Scots Chorus Songs with Mick West

Concert Hall: Clyde Foyer

85

11pm

Late Night Sessions

Drygate Brewery

80

10.30am

Folk Songs from Glasgow with Robyn Stapleton

Concert Hall: Lomond Foyer

85

Sunday 5 February

1pm

Feis Rois & Lauren MacColl: The Seer with TMSA Young Trad Tour

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

23

1.30pm

Songs of Praise from around the world

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

85

1.30pm

Songs for a Changing World

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

85

1.30pm

Wordless Songs with Kate Young

Concert Hall: Clyde Foyer

85

1.30pm

Fun Fast Scottish Songs

Concert Hall: Lomond Foyer

85

2pm

musicALL: The Fridays

City Halls: Recital Room

69

2pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

55

4.30pm

Tam Dean Burn presents Johnny Cash - Forever Words: The Unknown Poems

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

79

5pm

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7.30pm

60th Anniversary Celebration of Comhaltas in Glasgow

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

49

7.30pm

Heidi Talbot with John Smith

Mitchell Theatre

46

7.30pm

Shirley Collins

City Halls: Grand Hall

34

7.30pm

Shovels & Rope and JOHNNYSWIM

Saint Luke’s

57

7.30pm

Alice Marra & The Gaels Blue Orchestra and support

St Andrew’s in the Square

55

7.30pm

Treacherous Orchestra and Ezza

O2 ABC Glasgow

39

7.30pm

3Hattrio and Lizabett Russo

The Mackintosh Church

51

7.30pm

Issho Drummers from Taiko to Txalaparta

Glad Café

74

7.30pm

Turnpike Troubadours and Amythyst Kiah

Oran Mor

64

7.30pm

Ross Couper & Tom Oakes and guests

The National Piping Centre

58

10.30am

Short Songs with Ali Burns

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

85

10.30am

Songs of Hope with Penny Stone

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

85

10.30am

Gaelic Walking Songs with Ainsley Hamill

Concert Hall: Clyde Foyer

85

10.30am

Scots Chorus Songs with Mick West

Concert Hall: Lomond Foyer

85

1pm

New Voices: Fraya Thomsen

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

23

1.30pm

Dance Songs from around the world

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

85

1.30pm

Sing a New Song O! with Penny Stone

Concert Hall: City Of Music Studio

85

1.30pm

Gaelic Puirt with Ainsley Hamill

Concert Hall: Clyde Foyer

85

1.30pm

Round and Round with Ali Burns

Concert Hall: Lomond Foyer

85

2pm

Merchant City Trad Trail

City Halls: Box Office

60

2.30pm

Hazy Recollections

O2 ABC Glasgow

40

5pm

BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2017

City Halls: Grand Hall

35

5pm

Danny Kyle Open Stage: 2017 Finalists

Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall

90

7.30pm

Blair Dunlop

The Hug and Pint

77

7.30pm

Transatlantic Sessions

Concert Hall: Main Auditorium

16

8pm

Hirda

Old Fruitmarket

30

8pm

The Furrow Collective with Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project

Concert Hall: Strathclyde Suite

24

10.30pm

Celtic Connections Festival Club

The Art Club

80

Receive up to 15% off tickets while supporting our award winning Education Programme Rover £20 for single membership £40 for joint membership

Rover Plus £50 for single membership £75 for joint membership

Benefits include • 1 5% Discount on tickets (up to 28th December and 10% after) • 15% discount Concert Hall Shop and Glasgow Museums’ Shops all year round • 1 0% discount in the Concert Hall Café during the festival (excludes alcoholic drinks)

Benefits include all ‘Rover’ benefits plus: • A  ccess to the members’ lounge in the Concert Hall • I nvitations to exclusive events such as behind the scenes access to Celtic Connections rehearsals • P  riority access to the Danny Kyle Open Stage

Supporting the Festival Celtic Connections is committed to encouraging children to enjoy Scottish culture, but we need your support to ensure that we can continue to create opportunities for thousands of school children across Scotland through our Education Programme. To become a Celtic Rover visit our website www.celticconnections.com or call the Box Office on 0141 353 8000. You can also support the festival by making a donation online or by texting CCFEST17 to 70300 to donate £3. Celtic Connections is part of Glasgow Life which is the working name of Culture & Sport Glasgow, registered as a Scottish Charity (SC037844). If you don’t want to receive occasional text messages from us about future campaigns then text CCFEST17 NO INFO when making your donation. You can also text STOP in reply to any message you receive. For more information please see our full terms and conditions on our website

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

RANT: 4/4 A Project For Projection

Tr

Tryst and Connla

Tr

Ex

Seth Lakeman with Wildwood Kin

Fo

Saturday 21 January, 1pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £15 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

All-fiddle chamber-folk foursome RANT’s new venture, following 2016’s sophomore LP Reverie, sees Bethany Reid, Jenna Reid, Sarah-Jane Summers and Lauren MacColl passing their acclaimed skills and repertoire directly down the generations, performing with 12 teenage Central Belt fiddlers in freshly-arrayed selections from both their albums. The subsequent tour will involve young players from each area visited. “Memorable, shapely arrangements that fully utilise the four layered lines. . . a fiddles-only string quartet” (fRoots)

The latest pioneering project from Calum MacCrimmon and John Mulhearn’s Big Music Society sees ten contemporary piper/composer/ producers commissioned to write new music in the spirit of their instrument’s classical, often ceremonial or commemorative, Ceòl Mòr tradition. Compositions from MacCrimmon, Mulhearn, Finlay MacDonald, Rory Campbell, Ross Ainslie, Ali Hutton, Steven Blake, Lorne MacDougall, James Duncan Mackenzie and Mairearad Green will variously enlist the whole ensemble on additional pipes, instruments and voices.

Affirming his stellar status in contemporary roots music, Seth Lakeman enlisted legendary producer Ethan Johns – who’s worked with the likes of Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon, Paul McCartney, Tom Jones and Laura Marling – for his eighth studio album, 2016’s Ballads of the Broken Few. By turns epic and stripped-down, earthy and spiritual, its songs are a mix of Lakeman originals and reworked traditional broadsides, adding bluesy Americana touches to his old/new English palette. Lakeman’s soulful vocals are adorned with sublime three-part harmonies from fellow Devonians Wildwood Kin, whose own set opens tonight’s show, featuring self-penned material alongside covers as varied as Dolly Parton and Foster the People.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Recent winners of Best New Band accolades from both the Live Ireland Awards and Irish-American News, Armagh/Derry quintet Connla whip up tradbased material with jazz, classical and Continental folk flavours. “Originality and intrigue in equal measure” (FolkWords)

Sunday 22 January, 7:30pm £18 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

47

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

Four Men and a Dog and Ímar

Fo

Strings of the World ft. Mark O’Connor,

Made in Perthshire

Yamandu Costa & Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh

Wo

Tr

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £16 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm £15 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

One of Ireland’s best-loved acts, Four Men and a Dog have an extra-special place in Celtic Connections’ heart, having played the festival’s very first opening night in 1994. Continuing their 25th anniversary celebrations, marked by 2016’s brandnew album, And the Band Played On, the current five-piece – Cathal and Stephen Hayden, Gino Lupari, Kevin Doherty and Donal Murphy – are joined by guest pianist James Delaney.

The musical world would be unimaginably smaller without sounds made from tautened metal, gut or nylon, whose vast range of bowed and plucked possibilities is encapsulated here by outstanding exponents from three continents. Revered US fiddle polymath Mark O’Connor’s four-decade career has forged new creative pathways between the folk, orchestral and jazz realms, while Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh, a sixth-generation virtuoso and trailblazer on the lute-like Indian veena, innovates around ancient raga and tala forms. Brazil’s foremost modern master of the violão de sete cordas, or seven-string guitar, Yamandu Costa distils a panoply of diverse styles, from traditional dance-tunes to classical toccatas, into pure musical magic.

Originally commissioned for Perth Concert Hall’s 10th anniversary, Made in Perthshire showcases top musical talent from Scotland’s geographical heart. Besides working with Treacherous Orchestra, Salsa Celtica, India Alba and Jarlath Henderson, piper/ multi-instrumentalist Ross Ainslie has released two contrasting solo albums, Wide Open (2013) and Remembering (2015). Ex-Breabach fiddler Patsy Reid will be previewing new material from the follow-up to her rave-reviewed solo debut, 2014’s The Brightest Path, while soulful balladeer Fraser Anderson has already won glowing plaudits for last April’s fourth album Under The Cover of Lightness. Fellow singersongwriter Lisa Rigby – of Kilmarnock Edition fame – also features, together with all-star house band, string section and 30-strong choir.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Making their official Celtic Connections debut, Glasgow’s hottest new folk property, Ímar – featuring members of Mànran, RURA, Talisk and Barrule – preview forthcoming debut album Afterlight. “Ímar have got the folk world buzzing like no other band on the scene today” (Grapevine) 48

celticconnections.com

Sunday 29 January, 7:30pm £16 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Concert Hall: New Auditorium

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Craig Armstrong & Calum Martin present Salm Music: New Works

Ga

Ex

60th Anniversary Celebration of Comhaltas in Glasgow

Tr

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £17 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £15 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Over the last three years , Glasgow-born Composer Craig Armstrong has collaborated with Lewis musician, composer and Kirk elder Calum Martin to create new music inspired by the sacred psalm singing tradition, most recently completing their vocal/instrumental work Ballantyne, whose Stornoway première in August won tremendous acclaim. Respect for the psalms’ customary Gaelic modes and devotional purpose was central to the project. Martyrdom Variations, performed by the Scottish Ensemble, deploys an 18th-century melody still used in services, while Ballantyne, incorporating Martin’s original, Ascension-themed psalm tune, features the Gaelic Psalm Singers and Scottish Ensemble with Duncan Chisholm, Neil Johnstone, Isobel Ann Martin and Calum Ian Macleod. Conducted by Cecilia Weston.

Known as the Irish Minstrels, the Glasgow branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the body dedicated to preserving and promoting Ireland’s traditional culture, was founded in January 1957, becoming the first outside of Ireland. It’s now also the UK’s largest, home to the world-famous St Roch’s Ceili Band, and has taught many of today’s leading Scottish musicians. To celebrate its diamond anniversary and the vibrancy of Irish culture in Glasgow, a 35-strong folk orchestra of current members, together with Comhaltas-schooled guests including Michael McGoldrick and Sligo flautist June McCormack, perform a programme including excerpts from harpist Michael Rooney’s epic Macalla 1916 suite, conducted by the composer himself.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

SWG3

The National Whisky Festival of Scotland

Ex

The National Whisky Festival of Scotland Saturday 28 January, 12pm & 4pm £35 (standing) As part of Celtic Connections 2017, the first annual National Whisky Festival of Scotland will be the place to showcase the industry’s nectar to an enthusiastic, varied audience of whisky fans from around the world. Over 30 exhibitors will present the best of the national drink and drams from around the world along with surprise performances from guest artists at the festival. Come along to Glasgow’s west end for 7 hours of drams, masterclasses, talks, food & an astounding programme of live music. Each whisky fan will also take home a custom Glencairn Crystal whisky glass. Come celebrate all things uisge-beatha with us in January. Slàinte mhath! 49

The Mackintosh Church

Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas with Galen Fraser & Friends

Tr

Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh and support

Wo

Rachel Sermanni with Jolie Holland & Samantha Parton

Fo

Am

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £15 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 28 January 7.30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

From his Scottish musical heartland, fiddler Alasdair Fraser has long been on a restless artistic journey, latterly partnered with US kindred spirit Natalie Haas on cello, and their new album Ports of Call forges onward while reflecting their geographical travels, including tunes from Scandinavia, France and Spain. Ranging between wild dancefloor abandon and elegant chamber-folk arrangements, the duo unerringly combine respect for diverse musical languages with an instinctual grasp of groove.

According to traditional wisdom, “one who is well versed in veena attains salvation without effort.” A large, fretted, plucked lute, the veena is India’s oldest instrument, dating back to at least 1500BC, and remains the most important solo instrument in Carnatic classical music. Jayanthi Kumaresh is a sixth-generation virtuoso and trailblazing innovator, whose fresh configurations of ancient raga and tala forms make optimal use of the veena’s richly resonant, delicately nuanced sound.

Featuring songs penned during a sojourn in the Canadian wilderness, Rachel Sermanni’s second studio album, 2015’s Tied to the Moon, saw the uncannily gifted Highland singer-songwriter further flexing her creative muscles, amping up her trademark poetic potency with grungy guitars and Tom Waits-esque gravel and grit. “Skips between the fiery and the fragile. . . all red wine blues, cobweb-draped melancholy and fireside ceremonials” (NME)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Now professionally following in his father’s footsteps, fellow fiddler/composer Galen Fraser is also a singer and pianist, here performing material from his alloriginal debut album, 2016’s Mischief Managed, in cahoots with a gang of musical pals. 50

celticconnections.com

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Original founders of the much-loved Be Good Tanyas, Jolie Holland and Samantha Parton have teamed up once again, rekindling their sweet, smouldering harmonies in fresh duo treatments both of their solo work and Tanyas favourites, as well as newly arranged material.

The Mackintosh Church

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

John Paul White and Callaghan

Am

George Monbiot & Ewan McLennan: Breaking the Spell of Loneliness

Fo

3hattrio and Lizabett Russo

Am

Wednesday 1 February, 7:30pm £16 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Three years on from the break-up of former Grammy-winning partnership The Civil Wars, John Paul White, whose intensely emotive singing has been likened to Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith, released his new solo album Beulah, a deliciously brooding blend of lonesome folk balladry, swampy southern rock and dark acoustic pop. “White’s voice was meant to be heard on its own. . . nearly every song conjures fresh sonic adventurousness” (NPR)

Inspired by the huge response to an article he wrote in 2014, identifying our current era as “the Age of Loneliness”, campaigning journalist George Monbiot forged a new collaboration with award-winning singer songwriter Ewan McLennan, who turned Monbiot’s thoughts and ideas on the theme into a stirring new set of contemporary ballads. Following the album’s release in October, the live version of Breaking the Spell of Loneliness alternates McLennan’s often character-driven songs and Monbiot’s spoken-word reflections, tempering sadness with compassion and an urgent plea for human connection. “Powerful and thought-proving. . . an intelligent and emotional overview of the modern disease of isolation” (Louder Than War)

Uniting the veteran talents of singer, guitarist, banjo player and folklorist Hal Cannon - founder of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering – with bassist, singer and foot-percussionist Greg Istock, whose background lies in Caribbean music, and classicallytrained violinist Eli Wrankle, 3hattrio’s atmospheric, jazz-inflected songs express their collective artistic response to their desert home amid Utah’s Zion Valley. “Haunting melodies and lyrics. . . a sense of place that speaks to universal conditions” (Green Man Review)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

US-based since 2010, English-born country/pop singer-songwriter Callaghan has plied her music coast-to-coast through nearly all 50 states, an acclaimed trailblazer of the house-concert trend who released her second studio album, A History of Now, in 2015.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Originally from Transylvania, now Scottish-based, singer-songwriter Lizabett Russo merges her native traditions with elements of contemporary jazz, acoustic pop and French chanson, a range of influence effortlessly spanned by her powerfully versatile voice. 51

St Andrew’s in the Square

Tom Russell and Cera Impala

Am

101 Scottish Songs – The Wee Red Book

Tr

Twelfth Day & Friends with Wildings

Tr

Friday 20 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Sunday 22 January, 7.30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Described by Beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti as “Johnny Cash, Jim Harrison and Charles Bukowski rolled into one”, Tom Russell achieved yet another career landmark with his 2015 double album The Rose of Roscrea. An epic US folk opera (selfstyled as “Les Misérables in cowboy hats”), following an emigrant Irishman’s fortunes through the 19thcentury American West, it combines his eloquent original songs with traditional material, which feature here alongside older favourites from his 40-year catalogue.

Another chance to celebrate 2016’s republication – marking the TMSA’s 50th anniversary - of Norman Buchan’s 1962 collection, 101 Scottish Songs, one of the most influential songbooks ever. Popularly known as “The Wee Red Songbook”, thanks to Buchan’s left-wing politics – widely shared by the folk scene at large – it compiled both popular and lesser-known traditional material from love songs to lullabies, bothy ballads to children’s rhymes, and provided the basis for many a singer’s repertoire, with much of its content still sung today. Following its festive relaunch at Celtic Connections 2016, Aileen Carr leads a cast of top singers in bringing a fresh selection of its songs to life.

The prolifically adventurous Twelfth Day, comprising Orkney’s Catriona Price and Borderer Esther Swift on vocals, fiddle and harp, have released a diverse string of recordings since forming a decade ago, from contemporary poetry settings to covers of Blondie, Twin Atlantic and Kanye West. With an eager penchant for pushing beyond customary musical parameters, they’ll be previewing material from forthcoming album Cracks In The Room, produced by Chris Wood and mixed by Tom Waits engineer Oz Fritz.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Arizona-born, now Edinburgh-based, Cera Impala – of Bevvy Sisters fame – distils a potent musical moonshine of noir-ish country/folk and vintage jazz, self-accompanied on banjo, guitar and ukulele, plus the New Prohibition’s fiddle and bass. 52

celticconnections.com

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Glasgow-based trio Wildings features Price’s Fara bandmate, pianist Jennifer Austin, with Admiral Fallow flautist/singer Sarah Hayes and Skye fiddler Fiona MacAskill, blending diverse repertoires and striking new compositions with sparky, intuitive playing.

St Andrew’s in the Square

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Robyn Stapleton - Songs of Robert Burns

Tr

Angus Nicolson Trio with Calum Alex MacMillan

Tr

Ga

Gillian Frame ‘Pendulum’ and Yamandu Costa

Tr

Wednesday 25 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Enjoy Burns Night in the enchanting company of Galloway singer Robyn Stapleton, 2014’s Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year, as she launches her second album, a collection of classic Burns songs. Reflecting both her creative ambition and deep home-turf affinities, Stapleton’s bold yet sensitive arrangements, mingling folk, jazz and classical hues, feature Patsy Reid, Aaron Jones, Alistair Paterson, Signy Jakobsdottir and Innes White, plus string quartet. “A very special singer indeed” (Sheena Wellington)

While the Angus Nicolson Trio has on occasion numbered up to 10, the core threesome of Nicolson on Highland /Border pipes and whistles, guitarist Murdo Cameron and percussionist Andrew MacPherson (who also doubles on pipes/whistles), make a magnificently mighty noise all by themselves, as heard on their new second album Sealladh Ard. With deep traditional roots in their native Skye and environs, they balance fine-tuned precision and rhythmic originality with hell-for-leather abandon. “Big music indeed” (FolkWorld)

After 2016’s forced postponement, Arran-born fiddler and singer Gillian Frame performs material from her captivating second solo album, Pendulum. Her richly diverse musical experience, since winning the inaugural Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year contest in 2001, shines vibrantly through Frame’s mix of tunes and songs, old and new, accompanied here by Anna Massie, Mike Vass and Euan Burton. “Every track comes at you from a different angle. . . An enviably talented performer” (Living Tradition)

Ex-Dàimh vocalist Calum Alex MacMillan, one of Gaeldom’s foremost talents, unveils his new solo album, featuring traditional and contemporary songs from his native Lewis, accompanied by Ross Martin, James Mackenzie and Donald Shaw.

Brazil’s foremost modern master of the violão de sete cordas, or seven-string guitar, Yamandu Costa distils a panoply of diverse styles, from traditional dance-tunes to classical toccatas, into pure musical magic.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

53

St Andrew’s in the Square

Top Floor Taivers with Anna Lindblad Trio

Aa

Auld Hats New Heids and Angela Paterson

Fo

Celtic Guitar Journeys and support

Tr

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm £14(seated (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Sunday 29 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Wednesday 1 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Featuring members from Scotland, Ireland and England, Top Floor Taivers are the rapidly up-andcoming line-up of four RCS graduates: singer Claire Hastings (2015’s Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year), pianist Tina Jordan Rees, fiddler Gráinne Brady and Heather Downie on clarsach. Tonight sees the launch of their debut album, A Delicate Game, which interweaves traditional, contemporary and original songs and tunes, reflecting the influence of their respective home nations.

Combining the best of folk revivals past and present, Auld Hats New Heids is the collective nom de guerre for singer-songwriter brothers Ian and Fraser Bruce, fiddler Pete Clark and accordionist Gregor Lowrey. Together, they revisit songs which once formed the bedrock of Scottish folk music - during the heyday of such greats as Hamish Imlach, Matt McGinn, Robin Hall and Jimmie Macgregor, and of the folk-club network – while refreshing them with contemporary musical approaches.

Like a six-string version of the Celtic Fiddle Festival, the Breton, Scottish and Welsh guitarists Soig Sibéril, Ian Melrose and Dylan Fowler – all combining strong traditional roots with wide international experience - come together as Celtic Guitar Journeys. Having featured in such leading bands as Kornog, Gwerz and Pennoù Skoulm, Siberil has long ranked among Brittany’s foremost musicians. Fingerstyle specialist Melrose toured as lead guitarist with Clannad, while Fowler currently plays with innovative Welsh trio Alaw.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Opening the show, Swedish fiddle star Anna Lindblad delivers a joyous blend of home-grown, Québécois, Irish and old-time sounds, with fellow fiddler Ryan Drickey and cellist Anders Löfberg. 54

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to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Vividly informed by her Islay roots, Angela Paterson’s songcraft also reveals shades of country, soul and pop, showcased here with Brian McAlpine on keyboards, guitarist John Saich and drummer Neil Primrose.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

GCU Students’ Association Building

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Lewis & Leigh and Bella and the Bear

Am

Alice Marra & The Gaels Blue Orchestra and support

Fo

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

With their all-original debut album Ghost, the duo of Welshman Al Lewis and Mississippian Alva Leigh won critical raves from the Guardian to the Sun. Finding the common soul between contrasting musical heartlands, their sweetly sorrowful songs and startling harmonies are turning heads either side of the Pond. “Genre-transcending, sparse of instrumentation but full of emotion … one of the year’s most exciting offerings.” (Songwriting Magazine)

Continuing to celebrate the much-mourned Michael Marra’s musical legacy, his daughter Alice – of Dundonian indie-popsters The Hazey Janes – launches her new solo collection Chain Up the Swings, comprising classics and rarities from her father’s inimitable oeuvre. Allan McGlone, who produced three of his albums, features with a fresh incarnation of Marra Sr’s big-band, The Gaels Blue Orchestra. From January, too, Michael’s entire recorded back-catalogue will be available digitally for the first time.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Mixing powerhouse twin vocals, percussive guitar work and spoken-word storytelling, Bella and the Bear, aka Stuart Ramage and Lauren Gilmour, won a Danny Kyle Open Stage Award in 2016 “Exquisite lyricism, soaring melodies and water tight musicianship.” (Tenement TV)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Celtic Connections on Campus

Monday 23 - Friday 27 January 2017, 12.30pm - 2pm / Free, just drop in Celtic Connections on Campus is back! Hosted by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), in association with Celtic Music Radio, it involves performers and talented students from across Scotland’s colleges and universities. You are invited to five lunchtime concerts at GCU’s Glasgow campus, which will showcase some of the brightest up-and-coming talent both in front of the mic and behind the scenes. Audio and events management students will support live performances, for what promises to be a unique look into the vibrancy of Scotland’s current music education scene. Celtic Connections on Campus will be held in the GCU Students’ Association Bistro. Just a short walk from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, this informal setting will allow you to savour some great musical talent and grab a bite to eat at the same time, making it a perfect start to your festival day. 55

Saint Luke’s

Roddy Hart & the Lonesome Fire and The Anchoress

In

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £15 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

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C Duncan and Man of Moon

In

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Bevvy Sisters Ten Years: with The Jerry Cans

Fo

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

After releasing their eponymous album in late 2013, Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire have been busy cementing their reputation as a formidable live band, with performances at SXSW and on The Late Late Show for CBS; however by 2016 it was high time to get back in the studio. Stemming from a more collaborative approach and produced by admired Scottish producer Paul Savage, their latest record Swithering is an eclectic and inventive collection of distinctively Scottish music. Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer The Anchoress presents a genre-hopping, punchpacking, wallop of a sound. “...a rich and complex debut. Compelling.” (The Observer)

Delving into more expansive and experimental territories, Glasgow’s C Duncan released his second album The Midnight Sun in late 2016. Blending electronic elements and sweeping synth sounds with his signature layered vocals and dreamy instrumentation, the follow up to his Mercury Prize nominated debut Architect has won huge praise from the likes of The Guardian, The Sunday Times and Mojo. “Not many do this better” (Uncut) Young Edinburgh duo Man of Moon’s slow-burn intensity and stripped back sound belies the complexity of their work. Full of stark textures and strong rhythms, the guitar and drum combination is brooding and powerful.

Mixing equal measures of sweetness and sass, grit and glamour, heartbreak and hilarity, and cut with a dash of potent Scottish spirit, the Bevvy Sisters’ radiantly triple-layered voices and artfully wideranging repertoire have won fervent acclaim and an ever-swelling fan-base across the UK roots scene. Tonight they continue to celebrate their ten year anniversary with a show that incorporates a backcatalogue of highlights alongside current material. With their unique mix of Inuktitut alt-country, throat singing, and reggae, The Jerry Cans provide a glimpse of the Artic through a distinctly northern Canadian, one-of-a-kind lens.“What would happen if The Clash had grown up speaking Inuktitut.” (Penguin Eggs)

Saint Luke’s

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

FEDERATION OF THE DISCO PIMP (ft. Scope) with FAT-SUIT

Fu

Thursday 2 February, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Mull Historical Society and Martha Ffion

In

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £15 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

This special collaboration slams together the best of Scottish funk and the leading innovators of Scottish hip hop, uniting the award winning funk outfit Federation of the Disco Pimp, fresh from the release of their 2016 album Tough Enough, Gaelic Singer of the Year G-Croft, and rising hip hop star Scope for a thrilling and electric one-off show. Fat-Suit is on a collective journey through music, using jazz as the point of departure to explore a myriad of soundworlds and textures, as evidenced on their latest release Atlas. “One of the best bands in British music full stop.” (BBC Radio Scotland)

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and author Colin MacIntyre celebrates his latest album Dear Satellite and award-winning debut novel The Letters of Ivor Punch with a night of words and music in the beautiful surrounds of Saint Luke’s. Produced by Grammy award-winning Dom Morley, known for his work on Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black, Dear Satellite has been gaining attention steadily since its release in 2016. Presenting classic songwriting with a dream pop sheen, Glasgow-based Irish songwriter Martha Ffion is “an artist that seems ready-made for wider acclaim” (Goldflakepaint)

Shovels & Rope and JOHNNYSWIM

Am

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £14 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Hotly tipped for Americana stardom, South Carolina’s Shovels and Rope – the married duo of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst – stir together raucous juke-joint country and blues-rock with grittily literate songcraft, an award-winning mix underpinned by cathartic emotional depths on their superb third album, 2016’s Little Seeds. Master storytellers both, conjuring characters and places with both vividness and verve, they’re equally renowned for their sizzling live shows. Formed in Nashville, based in LA, fellow husbandand-wife team JOHNNYSWIM are Amanda Sudano (Donna Summer’s daughter) and Abner Ramirez, whose twin vocals/lone guitar sound potently distils soul, folk, blues and pop elements. “Songs by and for feel-big dreamers” (NPR) 57

Piping Centre

Michael McGoldrick & Dezi Donnelly & guests

Tr

Friday 20 January, 7.30pm £13 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

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celticconnections.com

Leveret and Ross Miller & Charlie Stewart

Tr

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £13 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

Eilidh Cormack, Ellen MacDonald & Ceitlin L R Smith

Ga

Wednesday 25 January, 7:30pm £13 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer and support

Fo

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £13 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The infamous ‘Manc Craic’ can have no greater representatives than Michael McGoldrick and Dezi Donnelly. No strangers to Celtic Connections’ audiences, the duo represent the exhilarating and potent musical brew created by generations of Irish immigrants in Manchester. These long-time collaborators combine McGoldrick’s expertise from decades creating music with Flook, Lunasa, Capercaillie and now Mark Knopfler, and Donnelly’s multiple All Ireland championships to forge a freshly inventive instrumental sound.

Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as masters of their instrument and are involved in numerous collaborations with a huge range of artists. Individually familiar for work in bands such as Bellowhead, The Full English and Blowzabella, together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity.

Three of Scotland’s finest singers join forces to perform the music of O Chruinneag E Chruinneag, a project originally developed by Feisean nan Gaidheal for the Blas festival. Focusing on music written from a woman’s perspective, and showcasing the strength and beauty of Gaelic song, Eilidh Cormack, Ellen MacDonald and Ceitlin L R Smith are joined by Innes White on guitar and piano to create a powerful collective sound, clearly representing their wealth of individual experience.

Double GRAMMY award winning musicians Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer are a formidable powerhouse of sound, supported by a rock solid repertoire of traditional and contemporary folk, old-time country and swing music. Having worked alongside names like Tim O’Brien, Pete Seeger, Hot Rize and Patsy Montana amongst a catalogue of illustrious others, Cathy and Marcy back their superb harmonies with instrumental virtuosity and top it all off with their warming, witty banter. ‘Spellbinding acoustic musicians’ (Boston Globe)

Danny winners Ross Miller & Charlie Stewart create a dynamic blend of traditional tunes and songs based around tight tune playing, and will be joined by Luc McNally.

Piping Centre

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

The Ennis Sisters and Bella Gaffney

Fo

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £13 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

Mischa Macpherson and Brighde Chaimbeul

Aa

Saturday 28 January, 7.30 pm £13 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

Cathy Ann MacPhee and Canach

Ga

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £13 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

Ross Couper & Tom Oakes and guests

Tr

Saturday 4 February, 7.30pm £13 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The Ennis Sisters have weathered a lifetime of phases, and a series of musical explorations together. Their latest album, Stages, is a return to the music they were raised on – contemporary folk songs with a traditional Irish Newfoundland twist. After performing on stages around the globe, the sisters explore songs inspired by their roots, and the resilience of Canadian islanders.

Described as “one of the most exciting and fully rounded talents to emerge from the Scottish scene in many a year” (BBC Radio 2), it is clear that Lewis-born, Gaelic singer and harpist Mischa Macpherson’s infectious passion and artistry for her music is steadily growing leaps and bounds.

She may call Canada home these days, but Cathy Ann MacPhee has long been recognised as one of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singers. From singing for ceilidhs in village halls on the Isle of Barra to concert halls the world over, Cathy Ann’s smoky voice has taken our land, language and stories from Eoligarry to Edmonton and everywhere in between.

After playing together for almost a decade, Ross Couper & Tom Oakes’ almost telepathic style has won them an international reputation for unrivalled energy and virtuosity. Couper’s explosive fiddle playing lies at the heart of the Peatbog Faeries’ distinctive sound, and Oakes is a multi-award winning guitarist, flautist and composer. Launching their long awaited debut album, the Shetland/ Devon duo approach traditional music with moments of spine tingling beauty and burning ferocity.

Opening the show with her distinctive guitar playing is Danny Award winner and Bradford-based folk singer Bella Gaffney.

Kicking off the evening is the 2016 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award recipient, the Isle of Skye’s Brighde Chaimbeul, who spent the past summer wowing audiences at festivals across the UK.

Hailing from Colonsay, South Uist and Edinburgh and completing the island line-up is exciting new trio Canach, comprised of Caitlin McNeill, Alana MacInnes and Robbie Greig.

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Walking Tour

celticconnections.com

Merchant City Trad Trail

Friday 20 January, Saturday 21 January, Sunday 22 January, Thursday 26 January, Friday 27 January, Saturday 28 January, Sunday 29 January, Thursday 2 February, Friday 3 February, Saturday 4 February and Sunday 5 February Time: 2pm Meet at West Doors at City Halls (duration 2 hours) £15 (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

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Returning after last year’s success, Glasgow City Music tours presents an entertaining walking tour especially for Celtic Connections. The Merchant City Trad Trail traces the story of Glasgow’s folk and roots scene, from legendary sessions in long-standing bars to today’s Celtic Connections headliners, via the colourful world of the music halls. Walking some of Glasgow’s oldest streets, our expert guides share tales of the songwriters and storytellers who have shaped they city’s vibrant folk culture. The tour will feature several indoor stops and the opportunity to warm your hands with a cup of coffee, or something stronger. Please dress appropriately!

celticconnections.com Òran Mór

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Pictish Trail and Night Moves

In

Friday 20 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

The Yummy Fur and support

Aa

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Suns of Arqa and Sanyogita Kumari

Wo

Sunday 22 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Clearly on a buoyant creative roll since moving to the fabled isle of Eigg in 2010, former Fence Records mogul Johnny Lynch – aka the Pictish Trail – delivered his most confident, polished and pop-savvy record yet with 2016’s third album, Future Echoes. His potent vocals are freshly front and centre, in songs confronting new parenthood, near-death and loss of various kinds, awash with shimmering synth textures, gorgeous melodies and vintage grooves, hauntingly catalysed by raw emotion.

Variously described at the time as “Mark E Smith’s mutoid wasted sons” (Melody Maker) and “the sound of men drowning in a half of lukewarm lager in the indie disco at the end of the universe” (NME), 1990s Glasgow art-rock combo and John Peel favourites The Yummy Fur include Beth Ditto and Mogwai among their high-profile fans, and reconvene here to celebrate new compilation album Piggy Wings, released on Mogwai’s Rock Action imprint.

Seminal pioneers of global fusion music, the sprawling Suns of Arqa collective has embraced more than 200 artists worldwide since forming in 1979, including such diverse luminaries as Adrian Sherwood, Prince Far I, John Leckie, Zion Train, John Cooper Clarke and A Guy Called Gerald. The sole constant throughout has been founder Michael Wadada, whose mission to explore the common pulse between diverse folk traditions spans from Hindustani raga to Highland piobaireachd.

Domino Records’ latest US signing, Night Moves have been building a buzz far beyond their native Minneapolis, combining shades of classic heartland rock with obsessive studio wizardry and winsome cosmic pop. 61

Òran Mór

Margo Price and Aaron Lee Tasjan

Am

Aaron Watson and support

Am

Sinderins and Southern Tenant Folk Union

In

Tuesday 24 January, 7:30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Wednesday 25 January, 7:30pm £16.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Scooping Nashville Scene’s Best Country Record title with your first solo album might seem pretty meteoric, but Margo Price’s 2016 debut Midwest Farmer’s Daughter – released by Jack White’s Third Man label – actually followed a good decade’s dues-paying around Music City. Her compelling tales of hardship, heartache and survival swiftly won comparisons with Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. “The vocal style is restrained yet mighty, her songcraft amazingly vivid, and the arranging instinct spot on” (Rolling Stone)

Like a classic garment that keeps coming back into style, Aaron Watson’s steadfastly traditionalist country sound is definitely having a moment, with his latest, wholly independent album, 2015’s The Underdog, debuting at No.1 in the Billboard Hot Country chart. Guided by such lodestars as Hank Williams, George Strait and Merle Haggard, Watson honed his ruggedly direct yet richly nuanced songcraft around Texas’s rodeo and dancehall circuit, before winning such high-profile fans as Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson.

Comprising most of the artists formerly known as Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward & Fisher, Sinderins are (re)named for an old four-way junction of streets in their home town of Dundee. Featuring three main songsmiths and four vocalists in the mix, their new self-titled album highlights the band’s seasoned fluency across folk, pop, rock, blues and soul accents, underpinned by stirring melodic potency. “Versatile musicianship to burn” (Scotsman)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

After a sideman career that’s ranged from the New York Dolls to Drivin’ N Cryin’, Ohio-born Aaron Lee Tasjan’s songwriting traverses the vintage US spectrum from Laurel Canyon dreaminess to red-blooded blues-rock. 62

celticconnections.com

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

With their 2016 album Join Forces, ever-evolving Edinburgh collective Southern Tenant Folk Union revisited their bluegrassy origins, while carrying forward their increasingly eloquent political songwriting. “A folk band for the Occupy era – passionate, political and mischievous” (Q)

Òran Mór

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Elephant Sessions and Dosca

Tr

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Darlingside with Adam Holmes & The Embers

Fo

In

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

James McMurtry with Nathan Bell and Alice Drinks The Kool Aid

Am

Thursday 2 February, 7:30pm £16 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Worthy winners of the Up and Coming Act of the Year trophy at the 2014 Scots Trad Music Awards, fiery Highland five-piece The Elephant Sessions are fast maturing into powerhouse headliners, welding weapons-grade grooves and guitar attack with quicksilver fiddle/mandolin melodies. They’ll be airing tracks from their forthcoming second album, due in early 2017. “Immense! Tremendous stage presence and wonderful musicality” (Celtic Music Radio)

Massachusetts quartet Darlingside found themselves the toast of 2016’s Cambridge Folk Festival following their last-minute main-stage performance, as replacements for an ailing headliner. Uniting four superb voices around a single microphone, their collectively-written songs meld elements of folk, pop, bluegrass, classical and indie-rock, adventurously arrayed with guitars, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, cello, bass and subtle electronics. “Voices mesh as if all four were siblings. . . This is utterly beautiful music.” (Blurt)

A double bill of superlative US songsmiths with heavyweight literary pedigrees – breeding which certainly tells in their music’s eloquent power. None other than Stephen King has called James McMurtry “maybe the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation”, an accolade earned both by an array of songs including the haunting Everyman narratives of his latest album, 2015’s Complicated Game.

Snapping at their heels for those ‘up and coming’ accolades, Dosca are another young trad-based quintet, whose expertly inventive twists on Scottish and Irish material vibrantly reflect their diverse collective experience across jazz, funk, rock, pop and electronica as well as folk.

Rising Scottish star Adam Holmes’s delectable second album, 2016’s Brighter Still, adds rich classic soul and warm rhythm & blues to his folk/Americana palette, further highlighting his ruggedly resonant voice and eloquent, understated songcraft.

Nathan Bell likewise shares the gift of lucid, piercingly insightful economy with his father, the much-garlanded poet Marvin Bell, allied with a timeless country-blues sound that’s won comparisons to Kris Kristofferson and Levon Helm. Featuring three veteran Chicago musicians/composers, Alice Drinks the Kool Aid delve deep and fruitfully into the wellspring of classic blues, rock and jazz. 63

Òran Mór

celticconnections.com Drygate

Pronto Mama and support

Fo

Wo

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £10 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

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Turnpike Troubadours and Amythyst Kiah

Am

Hurray for the Riff Raff and Roseanne Reid

Am

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Friday 20 January, 7:30pm £15 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

Variously self-styled as “polyrhythmic indie-rock super cool dudes” and “past post-modern bug-eyed beatniks”, jazzy Scottish indie/soul sextet Pronto Mama make no bones about the broad irreverent streak running through their songs, which come funkily decked out in brass and synths, fuelled by urgent, intricate drumming and sung in broad Glasgow accents. Featuring all six members on at least two instruments - plus occasional showstopping a cappella harmonies - these BBC Introducing favourites are especially irresistible live.

Combining the feelgood live chops of time-served juke-joint veterans with frontman Evan Felker’s eloquent, story-driven songwriting and emotive vocals, The Turnpike Troubadours are one of the hottest current properties on the Oklahoma/North Texas Red Dirt scene. From small-town origins outside Muskogee, they’re fast breaking through to national US recognition, with recent headline shows in both New York and LA. “Folk music for the folks who inspire Felker’s masterful lyrics” (PopMatters)

Giving voice to her fellow misfits and rejects from mainstream US culture, Hurray For The Riff Raff is the eponymous manifesto of Alynda Segarra, a young Bronx-born singer/songwriter of Puerto Rican descent, now based in New Orleans. Originally drawn to music by the riot grrrl movement, she deploys diverse Americana styles to frame forthright contemporary lyrics, and is soon to release her third album. “Makes the old music speak to new concerns.” (Pitchfork)

Following her lodestar of “vocal integrity”, Tennessee native Amythyst Kiah is being tipped for major stardom, inspired by a century’s worth of fellow singers and songsmiths, from Olla Belle Reed through Patsy Cline to Adele and Florence and the Machine.

A previous BBC Young Folk Award nominee, Edinburgh’s Roseanne Reid has twice won a scholarship to Steve Earle’s annual New York songwriting camp, and is fast gaining attention with her arresting country/folk balladry.

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Drygate

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Aziza Brahim and support

Wo

NeWt Trio and support

Ja

Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton and support

Tr

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

Sunday 22 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

Wednesday 25 January 7.30pm £14 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

A focal performer within our 2017 theme of music born from extreme adversity, Spanish-based Saharawi artist Aziza Brahim has never set foot in her Western Sahara homeland: occupied by Morocco since 1975, the ex-Spanish colony is surrounded by a 1700-mile military wall - the world’s longest – reinforced with minefields. Born in an Algerian refugee camp, Brahim gives majestic voice to her people’s profound hurts and their hopes of peace, infusing her native oral traditions with West African, Cuban and Mediterranean influences.

Formed from weekly woodshedding sessions in 2006, NeWt comprises genre-stretching jazzers Chris Greive (electric trombone), Graeme Stephen (guitar) and Chris Wallace (drums). Tonight’s enhanced performance of their multimedia North Suite - composed during a 2012 residency on Scotland’s northernmost island of Unst, for the inaugural Shetland Jazz Festival - also features Fraser Fifield, Greg Lawson and Su-a Lee, together with evocative visual backdrops. “NeWt skate over artistic boundaries as if they don’t exist” (Herald)

Having been pals and made music together for nearly 20 years, sharing the same inimitable teacher in the late great Gordon Duncan, Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton – whose current band credits include Treacherous Orchestra, Old Blind Dogs and Salsa Celtica – teamed up in 2016 for an outstanding duo album, aptly titled Symbiosis. “Music with atmosphere, energy and passion. . . a partnership that’s rugged and inventive yet true to the tradition” (Herald)

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

65

Drygate

celticconnections.com

Nae Plans and Jenn & Laura-Beth with The Jeremy Kittel Trio

Tr

Fu

Wo

GINKGOA and support

Wo

Thursday 26 January, 8pm £14 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm £15 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The brilliantly audacious duo of multi-instrumentalist/ singer Hamish Napier and fiddler Adam Sutherland, Nae Plans enshrines their manifesto in its name: they perform without prior discussion of material, revelling instead in session-style spontaneity. Sharing their set are the closely blended voices and guitar/mandolin skills of Jenn Butterworth and Laura-Beth Salter, before all four musicians line up - with US percussion legend Steve Foreman – as The Blas Collective, rounding off the night in suitably mighty style.

With her spectacular performance at the Olympics’ closing ceremony, paying tribute to her late great compatriot Carmen Miranda, Roberta Sá became the breakout star of Rio 2016. Already adored at home, for her delectably sensuous voice and sophisticated treatments of traditional Brazilian sounds, she’s now taking Europe by storm with her 2015 album Delírio, self-styled as “a declaration of love to Brazilian music”.

Adding cosmopolitan sparkle to pulsing electro-swing grooves, GINKGOA’s core duo are New York singer/ dancer Nicolle Rochelle and Parisian composer/ producer Antoine Chatenet, whose coolly elegant mélange of vintage and contemporary sounds, via both home towns, is underpinned by booty-shaking beats. Veterans of over 200 shows in Europe, the US and China, they’re soon to release their debut album. “Romantic bilingual retro-Manhattan swing with a shot of electronica.” (Montreal Gazette)

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Another celebrated genre-hopping adventurer, Michigan fiddler/composer Jeremy Kittel fuses elements of Celtic, jazz and classical music, and performs here with Joshua Pinkham (guitar) and Quinn Bachand (mandolin), previewing tracks from his much-anticipated fifth album. 66

Roberta Sá and support

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Drygate

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

In the Shadows of Steam and UrbanFarmHand

In

Fo

Gary Innes and support

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Ezza and support

Wo

Sunday 29 January, 7:30pm £14 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

Thursday 2 February, 7.30pm £15 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £14 (seated & standing areas) (A transaction fee

Inspired by the bygone railways of Donegal and Northern Ireland, In The Shadows Of Steam brings together four adventurously multi-tasking musicians, composers and producers: Ireland’s Hannah Peel, Michael Keeney and Tommy McLaughlin, plus Orkney-born Erland Cooper. Their powerfully immersive performance mixes newly-created music, from propulsive electro-pop to ethereal balladry, with archive film and original video in a compelling meditation on human journeys.

It has been 12 years since Spean Bridge accordionist Gary Innes released his first album How’s the Craic, and in the intervening years he’s been kept busy with numerous other recording and touring projects, including Box Club and Mànran, not to mention taking up the mantle as presenter of BBC’s Take The Floor. With the latest Mànran album in the can, Gary has finally found time to set down the bundle of self-penned tunes and songs he’s been carrying since 2005, with the help of pals Hamish Napier, Duncan Lyall, Ewen Henderson, Ali Hutton, Jarlath Henderson and Steven Byrnes.

In the words of Goumour ‘Omar’ Adam, charismatic frontman of Tuareg power-trio Ezza, “It’s our way of life to share music.” With members from Niger, Algeria and France, the band embody a new generation’s response to this rich nomadic culture’s history and current travails, combining classic desert rock with intricate rhythms, looped guitars, soulful three-part vocals and buoyant youthful optimism.

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Renowned for his “masterly, artful and intuitive sound-painting” (fRoots), Fife-based producer Ben Seal, alias UrbanFarmHand, unveils his own new genre-busting album Tell Me the Place, with his dream-team band of Siobhan Wilson, Inge Thomson and Calum McIntyre.

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

67

Recital Room

Timo Alakotila

Wo

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm £14 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Like a one-man distillation of his native Finland’s richly diverse contemporary music, Timo Alakotila - composer, arranger, producer, pianist and harmonium player – has worked across the fields of folk, classical, jazz, pop, musicals and dance productions, contributing to over 200 albums. As well as founding the great Finnish band JPP, his other projects range from a duo with accordionist Maria Kalaniemi, via big-band jazz arrangements, to full-scale orchestral compositions. It was only in 2016, however, that he released his first, all-original solo album, Timo Alakotila & Piano, from which he selects his programme here. 68

celticconnections.com

Derek Gripper

Wo

Sunday 22 January, 7:30pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.) Following previous explorations of Bach, Messiaen, Steve Reich and India’s Carnatic traditions, the astounding Cape Town guitarist Derek Gripper has won huge acclaim for his magical renderings of African kora music, on his 2012 album One Night on Earth and its 2016 successor, Libraries On Fire – the latter alluding to the proverb that in Africa, “when an old man dies, it’s a library burning.” Gripper’s exquisitely refigured versions of works by Malian kora maestros, including Toumani Diabaté, Ballaké Sissoko and Sekou Batourou Kouyate, have been hailed as forging a new form of African classical guitar music. “A masterclass in the sonic possibilities of the guitar” (Rhythm Passport)

Drake Music Scotland: Equilibrium

Tr

Saturday 28 January, 2pm £5 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Equilibrium is a new ensemble featuring traditional instruments and modern technology, enabling talented musicians with disabilities to perform music. This performance premières the Young Mary Suite, inspired by the early life of Mary Queen of Scots, composed and performed by Amy Moar (harp) and Rhona Smith (laptop), and will include guest musicians Clare Johnston and Karen Marshalsay. A Drake Music Scotland ensemble supported by PRS for Music Foundation.

Aidan O’Rourke & Kit Downes

Fo

Ja

Monday 30 January, 7:30pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.) In March 2016, inspired by Scottish author James Robertson’s year-long story-a-day project 365 – each story consisting of exactly 365 words – Lau fiddler Aidan O’ Rourke embarked on his own musical version. That summer, he met Mercury-nominated keyboard player Kit Downes, who cites influences from Bartók to Skip James, and has worked with bands including Empirical, Troyka and Acoustic Ladyland. Winner of the BBC Jazz Awards’ Rising Star title in 2008, Downes now leads his own acclaimed trio. When he and O’Rourke immediately hit it off, the latter’s daily compositions supplied the ideal framework for exploring their collaboration, which now moves into the live arena.

Recital Room

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Guitar Journey Duet: Giorgio Serci & Jonny Phillips

Wo

Ja

Thursday 2 February, 7:30pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.) From Sardinia and Cumbria respectively, Giorgio Serci and Johnny Phillips are both cross-genre virtuosi and noted composers on Spanish guitar, fluent in multiple styles including jazz, classical, world music, flamenco and British folk. Serci has performed with both the Berlin Philharmonic and Dr John, among myriad other leading artists, while Phillips works mainly with influential Latin/jazz septet Oriole. Their dazzling duo collaboration not only displays the full breadth and depth of their artistry, but in doing so traces their instrument’s history from its origins in Spain and North Africa, through Europe, Africa and the Americas up to the present day.

David Francey & guests

Fo

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.) Scots-born Canadian David Francey, hailed as a contemporary successor to the great Stan Rogers, conjures ordinary people’s lives with first-hand empathy and eloquence, qualities which resonate again through his 11th album, 2016’s Empty Train. A former manual labourer, who spent more than 30 years working rail yards and construction sites from Toronto to the Yukon, Francey came late to performing, but won instant acclaim for his incisive way with language and ear for a catchy melody, allied with vivid character portraits and sensitive, weathered vocals. “One of Canada’s

most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star)

musicALL: The Fridays

Nt

Ro

Saturday 4 February, 2pm £5 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.) The Fridays are an inclusive rock band that is part of musicALL, a music charity for children and young people who require additional support for learning. The Fridays enables innate musical abilities, talents and personalities to be developed and nourished whilst maximizing individual potential. The group allows members to enjoy the process of rehearsing and also the experience of performing live in some of Scotland’s most established venues. Their performances to date include The Royal Conservatoire, Perth Theatre, The Scottish Parliament, Celtic Park, The Glad Café & Glasgow Central Station and are delighted to be performing at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall as part of Celtic Connections.

Luke Daniels Revolve & Rotate

Tr

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £12 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2

applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

By creating the first new music for the Polyphon in 132 years, Luke Daniels has reverse-engineered Victorian technology to create new music and nabbed a four star Guardian review in the process. Live, clockwork and sampled sound are beautifully crafted into modern morality tales and intriguing instrumental music in this enchanting performance. “Exceptional songwriting and intricate guitar work” (Songlines)

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Merchandise

BREWERY ∙ BAR ∙ BOTTLE SHOP RESTAURANT ∙ VENUE ∙ TERRACE

DRYGATE BREWING COMPANY, 85 DRYGATE, GLASGOW, G4 0UT TELEPHONE: WEBSITE: RESTAURANT: 70

0141 212 8815 www.drygate.com [email protected]

EVENTS: BREWERY: BAR:

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Visit the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall shop before and throughout the festival where we will be selling our Official Celtic Connections merchandise. It will also be available online soon – keep an eye on our website! Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 2 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3NY www.glasgowconcerthalls.com

Tron Theatre

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Pierce Turner and Charly Houston

Am

Compton & Newberry and Laura Cortese

Am

She Moved Through the Fair: The Legend of Margaret Barry

Tr

Friday 20 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Saturday 21 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Sunday 22 January, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Outspokenly allergic to mainstream game-playing, Irish/New York artist Pierce Turner inspires nearrabid devotion among his supporters: the Irish Times calls him “easily one of Ireland’s most important rock artists of the last twenty years”. Having last played Glasgow in 1989 – opening for The Stranglers – the ex-boy soprano debuts at Celtic Connections following more rave reviews for his 14th album, 2016’s Love Can’t Always be Articulate, an epic collision of early church-music inspirations and classic, cosmic rock.

Following his much-lauded appearance in 2016’s Transatlantic Sessions line-up, old-time singer, songwriter and guitar/banjo ace Joe Newberry returns in his two-man string band with Grammywinning mandolinist and singer Mike Compton. Both renowned as musicians’ musicians, they dig deep into early country, blues and bluegrass, displaying their hypnotically intense rapport in a deceptively stripped-down mix of traditional songs and instrumentals, together with original material.

One of Ireland’s last original Traveller street-singers, Margaret Barry (1917-1989) was an extraordinary character whose uniquely commanding voice took her from busking around fairs, markets and football games to the stages of the Royal Albert and Carnegie Halls. A pivotal force in the early London/ Irish folk revival, cited as an inspiration by the likes of Bob Dylan, Christy Moore, Peggy Seeger and Norma Waterson, Barry’s indomitable spirit and unforgettable singing are conjured here by Mary McPartlan, another wonderfully unmistakable Irish voice, in a brand-new centenary tribute co-devised with writer/narrator Colin Irwin, blending words, music and theatre. “Margaret Barry? Great singer. A soul singer” (Van Morrison)

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Glasgow singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Charly Houston, whose influences include John Martyn, Eddi Reader and Hamish Imlach, won a 2016 Danny Kyle Open Stage Award and tonight launches her new EP Canada.

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Making a rare solo appearance, without her band The Dance Cards, US singer/songwriter and fiddler Laura Cortese already boasts a large Scottish fanbase, thanks to her winning combination of beguiling melodies, heart-tugging vocals and adroit splicing of folk, Cajun and acoustic rock strands.

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

71

Tron Theatre

Wind Resistance: Karine Polwart

Fo

FT

Wednesday 25, Thursday 26, Friday 27, 8pm and Saturday 28, 2pm & 8pm £20 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Inspired by the autumn migration of pink-footed geese from Greenland to a peat marsh near her home, Scottish singer-songwriter Karine Polwart’s Wind Resistance - her first foray into theatre - was a sellout hit of 2016’s Edinburgh International Festival. By turns poignant and funny, poetic and thoughtprovoking, it’s a vividly powerful meditation on such themes as sanctuary, maternity, football, medieval medicine, human fragility and our relationship with nature, as Polwart interweaves traditional and original songs with spoken-word storytelling, framed by Pippa Murphy’s richly evocative sound design. “In the true tradition of folk music, a masterful piece of storytelling. . . poignant, unflinching and beautiful” (Telegraph) 72

celticconnections.com

The Lions Of Lisbon

FT

The Light Comes Back: Liz Lochhead with The Hazey Janes and Steve Kettley

Tr

Sunday 29 January, 8pm £16 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Wednesday 1 February, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

May 25th 1967 is inscribed on the heart of every Celtic football fan, as the day their team became the first in Britain to win the European Cup at Portugal’s national stadium. Sportswriter Hugh McIlvanney described the accompanying fan invasion as “the most hysterically exuberant occupation any city has ever known”; according to legend, some supporters never made it home. Celebrating 50 years since that immortal victory, Willy Maley and Ian Auld’s hit play The Lions of Lisbon is revived here as a rehearsed reading with music, directed by Martin McCardie and ex-Wildcat mainstay Dave Anderson, featuring a 10-strong cast and full live band.

Scotland’s former official Makar, poet and playwright Liz Lochhead enjoyed a long friendship with the late great Michael Marra, as well as teaming up for their hugely popular In Flagrant Delicht shows. The Light Comes Back, her collaboration with Dundee indie-pop combo The Hazey Janes – whose line-up features two of Marra’s children – grew organically from this connection, centring on a poem Lochhead wrote after Marra’s funeral, ‘The Optimistic Sound’. Other poems were chosen to complement the band’s improvised settings, then workshopped together with inventive saxophonist Steve Kettley, creating a warm-hearted hybrid of lyrical monologue with evocative folk/jazz sounds, at once mourning and celebrating Marra’s presiding spirit.

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Tron Theatre

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Rachel Walker: Seudan

Ga

So

The Pipes, The Pipes and support

Tr

Russell deCarle with Denis Keldie & Steve Briggs and David Francey

Am

Thursday 2 February, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Friday 3 February, 8pm £14 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Saturday 4 February, 8pm £15 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online

Alongside the talents that saw her voted Gaelic Singer of the Year at the 2013 Scots Trad Music Awards, Rachel Walker has emerged as one of Gaeldom’s leading young composers, penning both original songs and extended ensemble pieces. Also an accomplished pianist, tonight she reprises her 2015 work Seudan (“Jewels”), weaving together poetry, song, music, narration, illustration by Maureen Hammond and dance, to dramatise the colourful history and mythology of the Brooch of Lorne, an ancient and iconic MacDougall clan talisman. Archie McAllister, James Graham, Ingrid Henderson, Alasdair Murray, Miriam Iorwerth and Mark Lawrie also feature in the line-up, with instrumentation including fiddle, clarsach, pipes, whistles and marimba.

Bearing absolutely no relation to ‘Danny Boy’ beyond its title, The Pipes, The Pipes is an extraordinary fusion of live music and visual art, devised by pioneering DJ, broadcaster and filmmaker Donal Dineen. Centred on the unison sound of three outstanding uilleann pipers - Padraig McGovern, Leonard Barry and Maitiú Ó Casaide – it features live painting and vision mixing in response to the music, paying magical homage to this iconic Irish instrument.

After more than 30 years fronting Canadian countryrockers Prairie Oyster, singer-songwriter Russell deCarle made his solo debut with 2010’s Under the Big, Big Sky, highlighting his seasoned fluency across blues, jazz, rockabilly and Western swing sounds. Further acclaim followed for 2014’s live release, featuring stellar sideman Denis Keldie (accordion) and Steve Briggs (guitar), and deCarle brings the trio to Glasgow ahead of a new studio album.

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Scots-born Canadian David Francey, hailed as a contemporary successor to the great Stan Rogers, conjures ordinary people’s lives with first-hand empathy and eloquence, qualities which resonate again through his 11th album, 2016’s Empty Train.

73

The Glad Café

The Glad Community Choir Sing Bowie and Honey & the Herbs

So

Friday 20 January, 7:30pm £12.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Modern Studies and Tissø Lake

In

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm £12.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Scottish Clarinet Quartet with Ros Dunlop

Wo

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm £12.50 (seated) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Sarah Kenchington – Big Hair Bagpipe Band

Tartine de Clous, Alasdair Roberts and Neil McDermott

Issho Drummers from Taiko to Txalaparta

Fu

Sunday 29 January, 3pm £7.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

74

celticconnections.com

Wo

Thursday 2 February, 7:30pm £12.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Wo

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm £12.50 (standing) (A transaction fee of £2 applies

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

CCA

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Gaels Le Chèile @ Ceòl ’s Craic

Tr

Anna Meredith

Cl

Saturday 21 January, 7.30pm £14 (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

Saturday 4 February, 8pm £12.50 (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings

Glasgow’s Gaels le Chèile (‘Gaels Together’) organisation and Gaelic social hub Ceòl ’s Craic jointly present a diverse array of artists from either side of Muir Èireann – and beyond – celebrating Scotland and Ireland’s Gàidhlig/Gaeilge kinship. Dubliner Róisín Chambers is an outstanding sean-nós singer as well as a noted fiddler, while Edinburgh’s all-instrumental Causeway Trio masterfully mesh Scottish folk tunes with minimalist, jazz, Latin and eastern European influences. Uniting music and dance traditions from both countries, the newly-formed Las – which aptly translates as ‘ignite’ - features Joy Dunlop, Edel Ní Churraoin, Gràinne Brady, Suzanne Houston and Catherine Nì Shuilleabhàin.

Composer, singer and clarinettist Anna Meredith’s wildly eclectic output, prior to her spectacular 2015 debut album Varmints, ranged from a rewrite of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to a piece for strings and MRI scanner. Engineering a brilliantly kaleidoscopic, maximalist collision between industrial and organic sound, her live line-up also features electronics, cello, tuba, guitar and drums. “An ecstatic quest for new ideas and deranged stimuli. . . One of the most innovative minds in modern British Music” (Pitchfork)

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Bus to Platform leaves Mono at 6.30pm and will return after the show. A space can be reserved by emailing [email protected] 75

The Hug and Pint

Mark W Georgsson

Fo

In

Thursday 19 January, 7:30pm / £7 adv, £9 otd (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Martha Ffion

In

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celticconnections.com

Broken Records and Olympic Swimmers

In

Rose McDowall (Strawberry Switchblade)

In

RM Hubbert

In

Aberfeldy

In

Friday 20 January, 7:30pm / £10 adv, £12 otd

Saturday 21 January, 7:30pm / £12 adv, £14 otd

Sunday 22 January, 7:30pm / £15 adv, £17 otd

Monday 23 January, 7:30pm / £9.50 adv, £11 otd

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Half Waif

Fair Mothers featuring

The Moth and the Mirror

State Broadcasters

In

special guest Kathryn Joseph

In

In

Tuesday 24 January, 7:30pm / £8 adv, £10 otd

Wednesday 25 January, 7:30pm / £6.50 adv, £8 otd

Thursday 26 January, 7:30pm / £8 adv, £10 otd

Friday 27 January, 7:30pm / £8.50 adv, £10 otd

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

In

Saturday 28 January, 7:30pm / £8 adv, £10 otd (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

The Hug and Pint

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Law Holt

In

Southern Tenant Folk Union

Fo

Joe Fox

Fo

Barry Hyde

Folkclub with Atlas and Guests

Fo

Fo

Tr

Sunday 29 January, 7:30pm / £8 adv, £10 otd

Monday 30 January, 7:30pm / £10 adv, £12 otd

Tuesday 31 January, 7:30pm / £7.50 adv, £9 otd

Wednesday 1 February, 7:30pm / £10 adv, £12 otd

Thursday 2 February, 7:30pm / £10 adv, £12 otd

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Meursault

Yip Man and Bloke Music

Blair Dunlop

In

In

Fo

Friday 3 February, 7:30pm / £9 adv, £11 otd

Saturday 4 February, 7:30pm / £5 adv, £6 otd

Sunday 5 February, 7:30pm / £9 adv, £11 otd

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

(A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Please note that all shows at The Hug and Pint are standing. For more information, go to www.celticconnections.com 77

Woodside Hall

Celtic Connections Ceilidh Dances

Da

Saturday 21, Saturday 28 January & Saturday 4 February, 8pm £10 (A transaction fee of £2 applies to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1)

Take your partner by the hand and spin across the floor to your favourite tunes! After last year’s success, Saint Luke’s will once again be home to the festival’s ceilidhs. Playing for the dancing will be some of Scotland’s best dance bands so limber up and get your dancing shoes on! Saturday 21 January – Tom Orr Ceilidh Band Saturday 28 January – RSCDS: Gary Sutherland Ceilidh Band Saturday 4 February – Black Rose Ceilidh Band

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celticconnections.com

Talks

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Karine Polwart & Aziza Brahim: Behind Our Eyes

Danny Boyle & Mairi McFadyen

David Hayman:

James Kelman:

Tam Dean Burn

‘Combined by our Humanity – Enhanced by our Diversity’ Why an Inclusive National Identity Matters

“When Music Heals” Honouring the Lost Generations

Dirt Road

Presents Johnny Cash Forever Words: The Unknown Poems

Saturday 21 January, 4:30pm Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City of Music Studio £5 (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Sunday 22 January, 4:30pm Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City of Music Studio £5 (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Friday 27 January, 4:30pm Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City of Music Studio £5 (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 28 January, 4:30pm Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City of Music Studio £5 (A transaction fee of £2 applies

Saturday 4 February, 4:30pm Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City of Music Studio £5 (A transaction fee of £2 applies

A rare chance to experience one of Scotland’s finest singer-songwriters in conversation. In a career full of awards and accolades Karine Polwart has continued to engage with community-based projects and produce work of contemporary relevance, including her songs for the award winning documentary film ‘You’ve Been Trumped’.

In an increasingly challenging domestic, regional and international environment cultural heritage and humanity can play a crucial role in bringing communities and nations together.

While he is best known as a prolific theatre and film actor, many are not aware of David Hayman’s extensive humanitarian work, as founder and director of Spirit Aid. On the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, Hayman will reflect on the ways in which communities draw together and regroup after genocide, and the healing role of music in the wake of tragedy and devastation.

Scottish Man Booker Prize winner James Kelman reflects on his most emotional and accessible novel yet, tackling heady topics and tapping into a discussion of traditional masculinity in a modern world, the complexity of family relationships and the conflict between generations, all through the lens of a travels down a Louisiana bayou and to the beat of a zydeco soundtrack.

Newly discovered in the Cash family archives, a treasury of never-beforepublished poems and songs from the legendary Man in Black is explored here by Edinburgh-born actor, musician and political activist Tam Dean Burn.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Raised in Saharawi refugee camps, Aziza Brahim has an entirely different concept of belonging to place, and the meaning and importance we give to country and earth.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

Scotland’s history and heritage belongs to all of Scotland’s people. 2017 is Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology, this discussion and Q+A explores how we can realise the creative potential of our diverse cultural heritage in local communities and promote a dynamic, inclusive Scottish national identity.

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

to online bookings and £2.50 to phone bookings. Tickets can be posted to UK addresses for £1.)

79

Festival Club/Late Night Sessions

The Festival Club

Late Night Sessions

The Art School

Drygate Brewery

The Art School will once again host our late night club, ensuring that there is even more music to enjoy after all the gigs are over. With inspired line-ups that are never divulged before the night – the Festival Club draws musicians and fans alike for a late-night jam session to end all jam sessions.

If you’d prefer a more relaxed evening away raucous atmosphere of the Festival Club, then enjoy our Late Night Sessions throughout the festival.

10.30pm-late

Sparkling host Kevin Macleod will guide you through proceedings and you never know who you’ll bump into as you join the throngs in the bar. The Festival Club is open on the following dates:

Friday 20 January (£9) Saturday 21 January (£9) Sunday 22 January (£5) Thursday 26 January (£9) Friday 27 January (£9) Saturday 28 January (£9) Sunday 29 January (£5) Thursday 2 February (£9) Friday 3 February (£9) Saturday 4 February (£9) Sunday 5 February (£5) If you fancy something more intimate, you’ll be assured of a warm welcome at the House of Song hosted by Doris Rougvie in a peaceful oasis at the Holiday Inn (Glasgow Theatreland) just across the road from the Concert Hall. 80

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11pm-late, £5

The line-up will feature just as many talented musicians as the main Festival Club and the bar will be open late. Be sure to get there early to secure a seat.

Friday 20 January Saturday 21 January Sunday 22 January Thursday 26 January Friday 27 January Saturday 28 January Sunday 29 January Thursday 2 February Friday 3 February Saturday 4 February

Education

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

At the heart of Celtic Connections is… Education Our award winning Education Programme creates wonderful opportunities for children across Scotland to experience and learn about Celtic music. You can support this important work by becoming a Celtic Rover – which also gives you some very special experiences at festival time. During Celtic Connections 2017, more than 11,000 schoolchildren across Scotland will learn about Celtic music. Up to 9,000 children will travel to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to enjoy five free morning concerts by leading Celtic musicians. For many this will be the first time they have experienced live music in a major venue. The atmosphere at these concerts is incredible – the children dance, clap, sing and wherever you look throughout the Main Auditorium there are beaming smiles. It will we hope be the first of many live concerts the children enjoy, and it is even the case that some of our audiences for the first of the free concerts now come back to Celtic Connections to perform! The Education Programme also goes into schools and in 2017 around 2,400 Glasgow schoolchildren will enjoy free in-school workshops. They can try out traditional Celtic instruments such as the bodhran, fiddle, clarsach and whistle with some of the best experts in the business – professional Celtic musicians – on hand to share their experience and skills. For many of the children this will be a first opportunity to play one of these instruments. There will also be chances to join in with Scots song and Scottish step dance. All outreach workshops are free of charge and are completely inclusive, engaging equally with young people who have special needs and those who have English as a second language.

As one teacher commented: “A wonderful experience - the children loved having the opportunity to play a variety of instruments and the musicians were inspiring. The children loved every minute of this exciting and valuable learning experience.” Scottish traditional music has a rich heritage. By sharing this vitally important part of our country’s cultural landscape with some of the youngest members of our community, the festival is helping make sure these traditions continue to thrive and develop in the future. A programme of public workshops will also give people of all ages and opportunities the chance during the festival to learn new musical skills and have fun along the way. To find out more see pages 82-85. The Celtic Connections Education Programme is supported by Creative Scotland and the Celtic Rovers. Celtic Connections is committed to encouraging children to enjoy Scottish culture. Your support will help us achieve this. To become a Celtic Rover, please visit our website www. celticconnections.com or call the box office on 0141 353 8000. You can also contact our fundraising team for more information on Celtic Rover and other ways to support the festival at [email protected]

Since it began in 1999, the Education Programme has reached more than 200,000 children across the country, and it is always a joy to hear back from the teachers and pupils. 81

Workshops

Come&Try Workshop Programme at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Suitable for adults and children over 12, unless otherwise stated. All tickets are £7 per workshop for an adult or £4 for kids percussion (accompanying adults go free). The Celtic Connections programme of workshops is designed to inspire people of all ability levels to get involved in traditional music. Please book early to avoid disappointment, as numbers are limited. Come&Try: if you have always wanted to have a go but have never had the confidence or opportunity. Instruments will be provided. Beginners: those who have just started learning an instrument, but who know the basics. Improvers: if you have been playing for over a year and are ready for the next level. Please bring your instrument with you. Players: If you are of intermediate level and above. Booking: to buy your ticket for any of the workshops visit celticconnections.com or call 0141 353 8000. If you have questions on ANY of the workshops or your ability level: please visit celticconnections.com/workshopFAQ

celticconnections.com

WEEKEND ONE Saturday 21 January 10.30am – 12noon Come&Try Ukelele with Finlay Allison Exhibition Hall

Finlay Allison from Glasgow Fiddle Workshop makes a welcome return with his world famous Come&Try Ukulele Workshop. If you’ve just got one of these delightful little instruments for Christmas and are wondering what to do with it, this is the event for you! Finlay will have you strumming along to well-known songs by the end of the session. Ukuleles are supplied. Be aware that tickets sell out so book early.

10.30am – 12noon Open Your Voice One with Harriet Buchan City of Music Studio (Green Room)

This workshop is an opportunity to work with Harriet Buchan who will help you discover your own singing voice. This workshop is not about learning songs; it’s about exploring the sound you make and finding your singing voice through relaxation and vocal exercises. Book early as this workshop will sell out.

10.30am – 12noon Come&Try Bodhran with Cormac Byrne Clyde Foyer

Have you wanted to try the bodhran but never had the time, the courage or the instrument? We have the talented Cormac Byrne leading this workshop for complete beginners, helping you with the basics and simple techniques to get you started. Bodhrans will be provided, but please book early to ensure your space.

10.30am – 12noon Lullabies from the Scottish Tradition with Christina Stewart Lomond Foyer

Captivating sleepsongs for singers, parents, carers and insomniacs from Scotland’s varied tradition and folk heritage. Christina Stewart will lead songs in Scottish dialect and English, with some very accessible songs in Gaelic, too, entirely suitable for non-Gaelic-speakers. While this is a workshop for singers, participants are welcome to bring a baby.

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1.30pm – 3pm Big Slow Session with Nigel Gatherer Exhibition Hall

If you’ve been playing your instrument for at least a year, come and join the Big Slow Session with leader Nigel Gatherer. All instruments welcome: fiddles, mandolins, whistles, accordions, harps, ukuleles, et al. Nigel’s infectious style of teaching ensures that at the very least you’ll have a lot of fun and you’ll be delighted how much more confidence you gain by playing familiar tunes with other people at a slow and easy pace.

1.30pm – 3pm Open Your Voice Two with Harriet Buchan City of Music Studio (Green Room)

This workshop is a follow on from the morning with Harriet Buchan helping you discover your singing voice. She will introduce methods to improve your overall sound and make singing feel more natural to you by using your own energy to strengthen and expand your natural range and tone. Book early as this workshop will sell out.

1.30pm – 3pm Bodhran for Beginners with Cormac Byrne Clyde Foyer

This workshop is for those of you who have done a Come&Try workshop, or have a few rhythms but would like to learn more in a relaxed environment. Cormac Byrne will take you through the basics, taking time to strengthen your technique and style to ensure you have a good foundation for your development.

1.30pm – 3pm Singin’ on Yer Mammy’s Knee with Christina Stewart Lomond Foyer

Lots of fun and cuddles for adults with wee toots sharing action songs, singing games and dandling songs. Christina Stewart will lead you through some family favourites and some less wellknown songs to clap, bounce and sing along with. There will be songs in Scottish dialect and English, with some very accessible songs in Gaelic, too, entirely suitable for non-Gaelic-speakers. While this is a workshop for adults with children birth to 4(-ish), participants are not obliged to bring a toddler with them!

Workshops

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

Sunday 22 January 10.30am – 12noon Come&Try Fiddle with Daniel Thorpe Exhibition Hall

Learning the fiddle has become one of the more popular passions in Scotland. Come and have a go with Young Trad Musician finalist Daniel Thorpe of the Glasgow Fiddle Workshop who will take you through the basics in a slow and methodical manner. Daniel has plenty of experience (and lots of patience!) and lots of instruments for you to try. Come and have some fun learning how it’s done.

10.30am – 12noon Come&Try Ukulele with Finlay Allison City of Music Studio (Green Room)

This is a repeat of yesterday’s workshop due to popular demand. Finlay Allison from Glasgow Fiddle Workshop makes a welcome return with his world famous Come&Try Ukulele Workshop. If you’ve just got one of these delightful little instruments for Christmas and are wondering what to do with it, this is the event for you! Finlay will have you strumming along to well-known songs by the end of the session. No ukulele? Don’t worry-we’ll supply one!

10.30am – 12noon Come&Try Mandolin with Lanarkshire Guitar & Mandolin Association Clyde Foyer

This workshop is for all ages and absolutely no previous experience of the mandolin or any other musical instrument is required. Mandolins will be supplied by the Lanarkshire Guitar & Mandolin Association and by the end of this workshop you will have surprised yourself as you WILL be playing a tune! Please book early to ensure you get a space as numbers are limited.

10.30am – 12noon Come&Try Whistle with Lorne MacDougall Lomond Foyer

Which instrument is affordable, portable and lots of fun to play? Lorne MacDougall is one of Scotland’s finest pipers and whistle tutors and he is here to guide you through the basics. You will come out having learnt a lot about the instrument and be able to play a tune or two. Instruments will be provided but make sure to book early to ensure your place as numbers are limited.

11am – 12.30pm Women’s Samba with Big Groove City Halls: Studio One

Now a regular feature of Celtic Connections the ever popular Women’s Samba workshop returns for it’s 14th year! Helen Carmichael from Big Groove Promotions will turn a group of wannabe drummers into a samba band in 90 minutes. There will be a variety of percussion to choose from, big bass surdos, fun to bash tom-tom drums, melodic cow and agogo bells and thwacky, snappy tambourims. Players will get the opportunity to try two different pieces of percussion during the workshop. Come and join the noise!

11am – 12.30pm Bodhran for Players with Cormac Byrne City Halls: Studio Two

All you will need for this workshop is a good sense of rhythm and the ability to hang on to your stick! Cormac Byrne is an award-winning bodhran player currently teaching on the Folk Degree course at Newcastle University. In this workshop you will achieve good basic rhythms and learn how to accompany tunes. A limited number of bodhrans will be provided but be sure to book early.

11am – 12.30pm Come&Try Clarsach with Heather Yule City Halls: Recital Room

From the Clarsach Society, Heather Yule is an experienced tutor and performer. She will show you simple fingering to enable you to play some beautiful tunes on the harp in a very short period of time. Come and learn how wonderful the harp is! Please book early as numbers are limited. Harps will be provided but please bring your own if you have one. In association with the Edinburgh International Harp Festival.

1.30pm – 3pm Fiddle for Beginners with Daniel Thorpe Exhibition Hall

If you have started the fiddle, maybe recently or you haven’t picked it up for years, then this is the workshop for you. Let Daniel Thorpe lead you through the basics again, teaching you a tune or two and rekindling the magic of your musical journey. If you have your own instrument please bring it, although instruments will be provided. All tunes will be taught by ear.

1.30pm – 3pm Ukulele for Beginners with Finlay Allison City of Music Studio (Green Room)

Have you just started playing the ukulele and you just can’t get enough? Then this is the workshop for you - come and stretch your knowledge and learn more about the uke! Learns some new chords and strums and singalong together. Finlay Allison’s enthusiasm will inspire you as it has countless other participants and your life will never be the same again!

1.30pm – 3pm Come&Try Mandolin with Lanarkshire Guitar & Mandolin Association Clyde Foyer

This workshop is for all ages and absolutely no previous experience of the mandolin or any other musical instrument is required. Mandolins will be supplied by the Lanarkshire Guitar & Mandolin Association and by the end of this workshop you will have surprised yourself as you WILL be playing a tune! Please book early to ensure you get a space as numbers are limited. Participants are welcome to come to both Come&Try Mandolin workshops for the ultimate experience.

1.30pm – 3pm Whistle for Beginners with Lorne MacDougall Lomond Foyer

If you have already done the Come&Try Whistle and want to know more, Lorne MacDougall will help expand your skills. Whistles in the key of D will be provided, but please bring your own if you have one. Low D whistles are also welcome. Lorne will take you through whistle techniques concentrating on the Scottish style of playing.

1.30pm – 3pm Come&Try Spoons with Cormac Byrne City Halls: Studio Two

This is a very popular workshop with Cormac Byrne, the spoon wizard, leading you through some spoon techniques to impress your friends at a session or indeed your next dinner party! If you have them in your cutlery drawer, silver spoons make the best sound, but bring any you like to join in the clattering craic.

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Workshops

Come&Try Workshop Programme at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall WEEKEND ONE Sunday 22 January 1.30pm – 3pm Clarsach for Beginners with Heather Yule City Halls: Recital Room

From the Clarsach Society, Heather Yule will develop your technical skill from the basics up, in this relaxed and fun workshop for those of you who have tried harp before and want to know more. Come and learn how wonderful the harp is! Please book early as numbers are limited. Harps will be provided but please bring your own if you have one. In association with the Edinburgh International Harp Festival.

1.30pm – 3pm Come&Try Djembe with Allan Hughes City Halls: Club Room

The Djembe originates from West Africa and has risen in popularity with musicians all over the world. Allan Hughes will show you how to get the most out of the drum, with solid patterns to develop hand coordination and rhythmic improvement. A limited amount of drums will be provided but please bring your own if you have one. And early booking is recommended, as this workshop will sell out.

1.30pm – 2.10pm Kids Come&Try Samba Drumming (4-7 years) with Big Groove City Halls: Studio One

Join this lively workshop with Helen Carmichael from Big Groove Promotions as she introduces some simple rhythms and grooves. Bang on a drum, strike a cowbell or thwack a tambourim - all good noisy fun! (Parents must remain with the children but only children need a ticket)

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2.30pm – 3.10pm Kids Come&Try Samba Drumming (8-12 years) with Big Groove City Halls: Studio One

Join this lively workshop with Helen Carmichael from Big Groove Promotions as she teaches a simple samba groove. There will be the opportunity to try out two different percussion instruments during the session and we will have a complete samba tune by the end of the workshop. Bang on a drum, strike a cowbell or thwack a tambourim - all good noisy fun! (Parents must remain with the children but only children need a ticket)

3.30pm – 5pm All Age Samba Band (ages 8-adult) with Big Groove City Halls: Studio One

Join Helen Carmichael from Big Groove Promotions as she turns a group of wannabe drummers into a samba band in 90 minutes. There will be a variety of percussion provided; big bass surdos, fun to bash tom-tom drums, melodic cow and agogo bells and thwacky, snappy tambourims. Players will get the opportunity to try two different pieces of percussion during the workshop. By the end we’ll be beating out a funky samba tune. Come and join the noise! (Note: this is not suitable for children aged under 8 and parents must remain with any children aged under 13)

WEEKEND TWO

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 January 10am – 3.30pm (both days)

Fiddle Village with Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas Trad Strings Weekend Masterclass (for players of violin, viola, cello and string bass) Glasgow Royal Concert Hall: Exhibition Hall £60 (Book online at celticconnections.com or call 0141 353 8000) Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas will hold a special two day Trad Music Workshop/Masterclass for intermediate to advanced string players based on the fiddle music of Scotland and beyond. Although the weekend is aimed at adult players, teenagers are most welcome. The goal is to explore playing traditional music in a group with emphasis on arrangement ideas and the techniques that give traditional music its particular

flavour. We will look at elements of language and dance, plus putting fiddle tunes together to form a larger medley. All music will be taught by ear but music will be provided to take away. Iain MacGillivray and (fiddle)and Trish Strain (cello) will be assistant tutors and on hand to make sure that all ability levels are covered. Vaughan Trower, violin maker based in Moniaive, Dumfries & Galloway will be with us on the Saturday of the Fiddle Village this year, offering a free lutherie service during the day. He will be able to help with sound adjustment, optimisation and be able to advise players how to get the most out of their instruments. www.vaughantrowerviolins.co.uk

10am – 3.30pm (both days) Ukulele School with Finlay Allison Glasgow Royal Concert Hall: City of Music Studio (Green Room) £60 (Book online at celticconnections. com or call 0141 353 8000) The Celtic Connections Ukulele School is back in the Concert Hall with a whole weekend devoted to learning the ukulele. This school is for people who already have a ukulele and a basic knowledge of a few chords. If you can already play a song or two with your ukulele then these are the only entry requirements. So what comes next? Over 2 days the Ukulele School will cover; playing in different keys; understanding and playing chord progressions; rhythms and strumming; putting power and dynamics into your playing; and many tips and tricks to keep you enthused and progressing to the next stage of your playing. Finlay Allison will help you build technique from the ground up, offering you great playing advice. There will be assistant tutors on hand to help you learn at your own speed and offer assistance. Note: No Absolute Beginners please! (Have a look at the Come&Try in weekend one for workshops that will suit you better.) Contact Finlay at [email protected] There will also be a mass play of Fiddle, Cello and Ukuleles (and other stringed instruments) on the main staircase at the end of Sunday from 3.45-4.45pm approx. A fun way to end the weekend! You are welcome to invite your friends and family along to hear what you have achieved.

Workshops

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

WEEKEND THREE Celtic Connections Song School All songs will be taught by ear, no need to read music. Sunday 5th will finish with a big sing for all participants in the Green Room after the last workshop, then a mass group sing on the main staircase from approx. 3.30-4pm. A fun way to end the weekend! You are welcome to invite your friends and family along to hear what you have achieved.

Workshops £10 each (Book online at

celticconnections.com or call 0141 353 8000)

Saturday 4 February 10.30am – 12noon

Come&Try Shapenote Singing with Harry Campbell and Rory Haye of Muldoon’s Picnic Exhibition Hall

Harry Campbell and Rory Haye will lead this vibrant American folk-hymn tradition with its raw a-cappella harmonies dating back to the late 18th century, which is now experiencing a revival around the world.

10.30am – 12noon

Bulgarian Songs with Kate Young City of Music Studio (Green Room)

Kate Young spent time in Plovdiv, Bulgaria studying specific traditional vocal and ornamental techniques. Here she will share some of the songs from different regions in Bulgaria and look at how their styles vary.

10.30am – 12noon

Scots Chorus Songs One with Mick West Clyde Foyer

This is an introduction to songs in the Traditional idiom ideal for community singing and performance led by the inimitable Mick West. Participants can feel welcome to attend both Scots Chorus workshops as different material will be covered in each.

10.30am – 12noon

Folk Songs from Glasgow with Robyn Stapleton Lomond Foyer

Award-winning singer and song leader Robyn Stapleton will lead this workshop focusing on folk songs from Glasgow, celebrating many of the city’s best songwriters, with stories, harmonies and humour!

1.30pm – 3pm

10.30am – 12noon

This workshop will focus on uplifting harmonies of unaccompanied hymns and psalms from Europe and Africa. Muldoon’s Picnic are a five-part harmony group who sing unaccompanied songs from a wide range of folk traditions.

Learn how to waulk the famous Harris Tweed and sing the songs that accompanied the work. Ainsley Hamill will take you through this step by step, with good humour and skill. This workshop is for all; participants don’t need to speak Gaelic to attend.

Songs of Praise from around the world with Muldoon’s Picnic Exhibition Hall

1.30pm – 3pm

Songs for a Changing World with Ali Burns City of Music Studio (Green Room)

Join songwriter and harmony junkie Ali Burns in learning a choice of songs written in response to global events over the past year.

1.30pm – 3pm

Wordless Songs with Kate Young Clyde Foyer

Come and escape the written language and learn about how the voice can create story through vocables, rhythm, sounds informed by the landscapes in Austrian yodelling, lullabies, Swedish ‘tralling’ and more with Kate Young.

1.30pm – 3pm

Fun Fast Scottish Songs with Robyn Stapleton Lomond Foyer

Robyn Stapleton, the award-winning singer and song leader, will teach a selection of traditional songs from across Scotland, creating effortless, wonderful harmonies and exploring the stories and the origins of the music.

Sunday 5 February 10.30am – 12noon

Short Songs with Ali Burns Exhibition Hall

Ali Burns will teach some short and easy harmony singing gems that are quick and easy to learn but satisfying and special to sing!

10.30am – 12noon

Songs of Hope with Penny Stone City of Music Studio (Green Room)

Come and learn songs of hope from different traditions around the world with workshop leader Penny Stone. This workshop will focus on shorter harmony songs, which will be taught by ear, and all are welcome.

Gaelic Waulking Songs with Ainsley Hamill Clyde Foyer

10.30am – 12noon

Scots Chorus Songs Two with Mick West Lomond Foyer

This is an introduction to songs in the Traditional idiom ideal for community singing and performance led by Mick West. Participants can feel welcome to attend both Scots Chorus Songs workshops, as different material will be covered in each.

1.30pm – 3pm

Dance Songs from around the world with Muldoon’s Picnic Exhibition Hall

This workshop will be full of exciting rhythmic songs. Dancing not compulsory! Muldoon’s Picnic are a five-part harmony group who sing unaccompanied songs from a wide range of folk traditions. For those who attended last year’s workshop, different songs will be taught.

1.30pm – 3pm

Sing a New Song O! with Penny Stone City of Music Studio (Green Room)

Come and learn Penny Stone’s newly commissioned song ‘Sing a New Song, O’ as part of the ‘Renewing the Tradition’ project, building a new Burns based repertoire for harmony singing. The song has roots in Burns’ Tree of Liberty poem. It will be taught by ear, and all are welcome.

1.30pm – 3pm

Gaelic Puirt with Ainsley Hamill Clyde Foyer

Learn how to sing a tune set in one of the most intricate styles of Gaelic song with this puirt-à-beul workshop. Ainsley Hamill, a Young Trad Musician finalist is fast making a name for herself on the Scottish scene. Come and find out why! This workshop is for all; participants don’t need to speak Gaelic to attend.

1.30pm – 3pm

Round and Round with Ali Burns Lomond Foyer

Songwriter Ali Burns will teach some of her favourite rounds and look at different ways to use them so that singers can get the most out of their singing.

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A-Z 52

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra

8, 33

Butterworth, Jenn

66

Costa, Yamandu

48, 53

3hattrio

51

Bell, Nathan

63

Byrne, Cormac

82, 83

Couper, Ross

59

Abbott, Louis

17, 45

Bella and The Bear

55

Cahill, Greg

21

Cunningham, Charlie

27

Aberfeldy

76

BEMIS celebrates Burns

26

Calexico

8

Cunningham, Colin

22

Adufeiras de Salitre Ensemble

14, 45

Beoga

34

Callaghan

51

Cunningham, Phil

9, 16

Ahlberg, Ek & Roswall

46

Best Girl Athlete

22

Cambridge, Gerry

21

Cutting, Andy

10

Ahlberg, Emma

46

Bevvy Sisters

56

Cameron, Murdo

53

Cutting, Andy

59

Ainslie, Craig

20

Bichan, Louise

17

Campbell, Harry

85

Dallahan

22

Ainslie, Ross

47, 48, 65

Big Groove

83, 84

Campbell, Rory

47

Daniels, Luke

69

Aitchison, Dominic

46

Big Hair Bagpipe Band

74

Canach

59

Darlingside

63

Aizle

18

Black Rose Ceilidh Band

78

Cannon, Hal

51

Dausgaard, Thomas

33

Alakotila, Timo

68

Blake, Steven

47

Capercaillie

9

De Temps Antan

12

Alice Drinks The Kool Aid

63

Blas Collective, The

66

Carmichael, Helen

83, 84

DeCarle, Russel

73

Allison, Finlay

82, 83, 84

Blazin’ Fiddles

31

Carnie, Kim

35

Delaney, James

48

Altan

14

Blease, John

33

Carr, Aileen

52

Dempsey, Damien

38

Alyn Cosker Group, The

22

Bloke Music

77

Casey, Karan

33

Dervish

25

Amini, Mohsen

19, 23

Blue Rose Code

32

Causeway Trio

75

Dhun Dhora

9

Anderson, Dave

72

Boyle, Danny

79

Celtic Guitar Journeys

54

Diaz, Xabier

14, 45

Anderson, Fraser

48

Boyle, Kathleen

11

Ceòl’s Craic

75

Dineen, Donal

73

Angus Nicolson Trio

53

Brady, Gráinne

54, 75

Chaimbeul, Brighde

59

Dirt Road

28

Anna Lindblad Trio

54

Bragg, Billy

27

Chambers, Róisín

75

DJ Dolphin Boy

9

Appl, Benjamin

33

Brahim, Aziza

65, 79

Chapin Carpenter, Mary

14

Doherty, Kevin

48

Armstrong, Craig

49

Breabach

34

Chatenet, Antoine

66

Donnelly, Dezi

59

Ashton Thomas, John

9

Brechin, Sandy

17

Cherish the Ladies

11

Dosca

63

Atlantic Arc Orchestra, The

33

Briggs, Steve

73

Chisholm, Duncan

32, 49

Douglas, Jerry

16

Atlas

77

Brina

26

Cirerol, Juan

8

Downes, Kit

68

Atlas, Lev

32

Brishen

18

Clark, Pete

54

Downie, Heather

54

Auld Hat New Heids

54

Broken Records

76

Clarke, Gillian

21

Doyle, John

16

Aurelio

29

Broken Witt Rebels

36

Cleary, Jon

28

Drake Music Scotland: Equilibrium

68

Austin, Jennifer

11, 17, 30, 52

Brown, Douglas-Iain

18

Clype

22

Drever, Ivan

44

Baby Do Brasil

37

Brown, Pieta

8

Cobb, Brent

38

Drever, Kris

45

Bachand, Quinn

18, 66

Bruce, Fraser

54

Collins, Shirley

34

Drickey, Ryan

54

Bagad Kemper: Melezour

12

Bruce, Ian

54

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

49

Duff, Marc

17

Baile do Almeidinha

28

Brunet, André

12

Compton and Newberry

71

Dumas, Nick

21

Bain, Aly

16

Bryde

13

Compton, Mike

71

Dunlop, Blair

77

Balkanopolis

37

Buchan, Harriet

82

Connla

47

Dunlop, Joy

75

Banda das Crechas, A

9, 44

Budapest Bár

33

Connor, Alan

29

Dunlop, Ros

74

Banda Europa, La

14

Bulley, Adam

17

Conway, Gerry

26

Dunsmuir, Davie

22, 32

Barenberg, Russ

16

Burn, Tam Dean

79

Coogan, Mary

11

Dupuis, Pierre-Luc

34

Barker, Sally

26

Burns, Ali

85

Cooper, Erland

67

Edel Ní Churraoin

75

Barluath

45

Burton, Euan

45, 53

Cormack, Eilidh

58

Ek, Daniel

46

Barry, Leonard

73

Burton, Jessica

23

Cortese, Laura

17

Elephant Sessions

63

Basco

19

Butler, Rory

13

Cortese, Laura

71

Eliza Carthy

39

0-9 101 Scottish Songs - The Wee Red Book

A

B

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C

D

E

A-Z

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

F

G

Emmanuel, Tommy

10

Georgsson, Mark W

76

Hewat, Corrina

11

Kelman, James

79

Ennis Sisters, The

59

Gibbs, Tom

17, 45

Hladowski, Stephanie

41

Kenchington, Sarah

74

Eubanks, Dan

21

GINKGOA

66

Holland, Jolie

50

Kennedy, Mary Ann

18

Ezza

39, 67

Glad Community Choir, The

74

Holmes, Adam

10, 42, 63

Kennedy, Ross

17

Fair Mothers

76

Glennie, Evelyn

15

Honey and the Herbs

74

Kenny, John

14

Fairport Convention @ 50

26

Graham, James

18, 73

Hoop, Jesca

13

Kerr, Nancy

19

Far Flung Corners

20

Grant Sr, Aonghas

9

Horse Thief

36

Kettley, Steve

72

Fara

11

Grant, Danny

20

Houston, Charly

71

Kiah, Amythyst

64

Faris, Rick

21

Gray, Seán

17

Houston, Suzanne

75

Kila

38

Farrell, Lucy

24

Green, Mairearad

23

Hughes, Allan

84

King Creosote

27

Faustus

19

Green, Martin

46

Hunter, Ben

45

Kittel, Jeremy

66

Feis Rois

23

Greig, Robbie

23, 58

Hunter, Fiona

17

Koshka

32

Felice Brothers, The

36

Greive, Chris

65

Hurray for the Riff Raff

64

Kothari, Lopa

43

Felker, Evan

64

Gripper, Derek

10, 68

Hutchison, Scott

13

Kumaresh, Dr Jayanthi

48, 50

Feral Choir, The

21

Gurtu, Trilok

15

Hutton, Ali

32, 47, 65

Lake, Tissø

74

Ffion, Martha

76

Haas, Natalie

50, 84

Hyde, Barry

77

Lakeman, Seth

47

Fifield, Fraser

14, 65

Half Waif

76

Ímar

48

Lanarkshire Guitar & Mandolin Association

83

Fink, Cathy

44, 58

Hamill, Ainsley

85

Impala, Cera

52

Lang, Jani

22

Fisher, Hannah

20

Hamilton de Holanda

28

In the Shadow’s of Steam

67

Lara, Camilo

8

Foreman, Steve

66

Hamilton, Ross

32

Innes, Gary

42, 67

Lara, Camilo

37

Forsyth, Janice

43

Hamilton, Steve

22

Inveraray & District Pipe Band

12

Las

75

Foulds, Mattie

19

Harbron, Rob

59

Inyal

28

Law Holt

77

Four Men and a Dog

48

Harcourt, Ed

39

Iorwerth, Miriam

73

Law, Kirsty

21

Fowler, Dylan

54

Hardie, Jonny

22

Irving, Craig

19

Lawrie, Mark

73

Fowlis, Julie

14, 45

Hardy, Stewart

17

Issho Drummers

74

Lawson, Greg

32, 34, 65

Fox, Joe

77

Hart, Roddy

13, 56

Istock, Greg

51

Lee, Su-a

17, 32, 65

Frame, Gillian

53

Harvey, Kristan

11

Jackill

22

Leigh, Alva

55

Francey, David

69, 73

Harvey, Pete

20

Jakobsdottir, Signy

17, 53

Les Bars, Ronan

19

Francis Leftwich, Benjamin

13

Hastings, Claire

17, 23, 54

Jarosz, Sarah

13, 32

Leslie, Chris

26

Fraser, Alasdair

50, 84

Hayden, Cathal

48

Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project

24

Leslie, Jeana

11

Fraser, Galen

50

Hayden, Stephen

48

Jeremy Kittel Trio, The

66

Leveret

58

Freeman, Dr Fred

17

Haye, Rory

85

Jerry Cans

56

Lewis & Leigh

55

Fuaran

20

Hayes, Martin

18

JOHNNYSWIM

57

Lewis, Al

55

Furrow Collective, The

24

Hayes, Sarah

52

Johnston, Clare

68

Light Comes Back, The

72

Fyfe, Iona

22, 35

Hayman, David

79

Johnstone, Neil

49

Lindblad, Anna

54

Gaelic Psalm Singers

41, 49

Hazey Janes, The

72

Jones, Aaron

Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys

17, 31

Gaels Blue Orchestra, The

55

Hazy Recollections

40

17, 21, 45, 53

17

75

Henderson, Ewen

23

25

Lindsay, James

Gaels Le Chèile

Jordan, Cathy

72

59

Henderson, Ingrid

73

13, 76

Lions of Lisbon, The

Gaffney, Bella

Joseph, Kathryn

22

Henderson, Jarlath

15, 32, 33

38

72

Gall, Simon

Kayah

Lochhead, Liz

78

Henderson, Megan

67

45

82

Keeney, Michael

Lorenzo, Anxo

Gatherer, Nigel

17, 23, 32, 45

19

54

Gary Sutherland Ceilidh Band

Keenan, Hayley

Löftberg, Anders

Henry, Joe

27

Keineg, Katell

8

Los Pacaminos

36

Hermitage Green

38

Keldie, Denis

73

Lowe, Jez

26

H

I

J

K

L

87

A-Z

M

88

celticconnections.com

Lowrey, Gregor

54

Marshalsay, Karen

68

Modern Studies

74

Olympic Swimmers

76

Luksengård Mjelva, Olav

34

Matheson, Karen

45

Moffat, Aidan

25

O’Neill, Martin

32

Lunny, Dónal

33

Martin, Calum

49

Molleson, Conrad

24

Orchestra Baobab

15

Lupari, Gino

48

Martin, Isobel Ann

49

Monbiot, George

51

O’Rourke, Aidan

Lyall, Duncan

17

Martin, Ross

53

Mooney, Shona

30

30, 33, 68, 41

Lynch, Johnny

61

Marvi, Sanam

26

Moreno, Gaby

8

Owers, Mikey

19

Lyon, Angus

17

Marxer, Marcy

44, 58

Morran, John

17

Ozere

20

MacAskill, Fiona

52

Massie, Anna

53

Moth and The Mirror, The

76

Parton, Samantha

50

MacColl, Lauren

19, 23, 43

McAllister, Archie

73

Muldoon’s Picnic

85

Paterson, Alistair

53

MacCrimmon, Calum

47

McAlpine, Brian

54

Mulhearn, John

47

Paterson, Angela

54

MacDonald, Allan

23

McArdle, Martin

72

Mulholland, Liza

21

Paterson, Rod

17

MacDonald, Ellen

58

McCance, Dougie

35

Mull Historical Society

57

Paxton, Tom

44

MacDonald, Finlay

47

McClennan, Jamie

20, 21

Munro, Ella

35

Peel, Hannah

67

MacDonald, Somhairle

23

McCormack, June

49

Murphy, Donal

48

Pegg, Dave

26

MacDougall, Jamie

42

McCusker, John

10, 16

Murphy, Grainne

11

Pena, Lula

32

MacDougall, Lorne

47, 83

McDermott, Neil

74

Murray, Alasdair

73

Phillips, Jonny

69

MacGillivray, Iain

84

McDowall, Rose

76

Murray, Donald S

21

Pictish Trail

61

MacGregor, Bruce

42

McFarlane, Grant

35

Murray, Jim

29

Pife Muderno

11

MacInnes, Alana

58

McGeechan, Paul

45

Murray, Mirella

11

Pinkham, Joshua

66

MacInnes, Kathleen

21

McGlone, Allan

55

musicALL: The Fridays

69

Pollock, Emma

13

MacIntyre, Sineag

23

McGoldrick, Michael

16, 49, 58

Nae Plans and Jenn & Laura-Beth

66

Polwart, Karine

46, 72, 79

Mackenzie, Graham

33

McGovern, Padraig

73

Napier, Findlay

40

Portman, Emily

24

Mackenzie, James

53

McIntyre, Calum

67

Napier, Hamish

66

Povey, Colin

24

Mackenzie, James Duncan

47

McKay, Catriona

46

National Whisky Festival, The

49

Powell, Dirk

16, 28

Mackintosh, James

16, 45

McKerrell, Simon

14

Neilson, Alex

41

Power, David

18

Maclean, Sorren

20

McKerron, Charlie

12

New Prohibition

52

Price, Catriona

11, 52

Macleod, Calum Ian

49

McLaughlin, Frank

17

Newberry, Joe

71

Price, Margo

62

MacLeod, Kevin

80

McLaughlin, Tommy

67

NeWt Trio

65

Primrose, Neil

54

MacLeod, Linda

18

McLennan, Ewan

51

Newton John, Olivia

10

Pronto Mama

64

MacMath Collective, The

21

McMurtry, James

63

Newton, Rachel

19, 23, 24

Q

Quick

21

MacMillan, Calum Alex

53

McNally, Luc

59

Ní Shuilleabhàín, Catherine

75

43

MacPhee, Cathy-Ann

23, 59

McNeill, Caitlin

58

Nicol, Simon

26

R

Radcliffe, Mark Rajagopalan, Kumaresh

15

MacPherson, Andrew

23, 49

McPartlan, Mary

71

Nicolson, Angus

53

Rant

47

MacPherson, Ewan

45

McShane, Rachael

19

Nielsen Chapman, Beth

10

Rayon

41

MacPherson, Mischa

59

Melrose, Ian

54

Night Moves

61

Reader, Eddi

16

MacRae, Hannah

23

Meredith, Anna

75

Niteworks

28

Rees, Tina Jordan

54

Madden, Joanie

11

Merritt, Tift

16

Noakes, Rab

29

Regan, Sean

29

Malta, Carlos

11

Meursault

77

Ó Casaide, Maitiú

73

Reid, Bethany

47

Mann, Claire

21

Mexrrissey

37

Ó hEadhra, Brian

17

Reid, Jenna

47

Mànran

31

Miller, Ross

58

Oakes, Tom

59

Reid, Patsy

48, 53

Markey, Conor

17

Miller, Siobhan

45

O’Connor, Mark

33, 48

Reid, Roseanne

64

Marling, Laura

8

Milligan, David

11

Old Blind Dogs

22

Rick Redbeard

22

Marra, Alice

55

Moar, Amy

68

Old Roots New Shoots

22

Rigby, Lisa

48

Rilko, Lindsay Lou

17, 31

N

O

P

A-Z

Tickets: 0141 353 8000

S

RM Hubbert

76

Smith, John

46

Thomson, Inge

67

Whyte, Alasdair

23

Roaming Roots Revue

13

Smith, Phillip

15

Thorpe, Daniel

83

Wiggins, Phil

45

Roberts, Alasdair

24, 41, 74

Smith, Rhona

68

Thoumire, Simon

14, 30

Wildings

52

Rochelle, Nicolle

66

Songs of Robert Tannahill, The

17

Tilston, Steve

26

Wildwood Kin

47

Roddy Hart’s Lonesome Fire Band

13, 56

Southern Tenant Folk Union

64, 77

Tiree Song Book

18

Willis, Murray

23

Rooney, Michael

49

Souza, Carmen

15

TMSA Young Trad Tour

23

Wilson, Ross

32

Rosa, Renata

32

Special Consensus

21

Tom Orr Ceilidh Band

78

Wilson, Siobhan

67

Ross, Ricky

42

St Paul and The Broken Bones

38

Top Floor Taivers

54

Wind Resistance

72

Roswall, Niklas

46

St Roch’s Ceili Band

49

Transatlantic Sessions

16

World Beat Bothy

28

Rowan, Kaela

45

Stand and Stare

21

Transports, The

19

Wrankle, Eli

51

Russell, Greg

19

Stapleton, Robyn

21, 53, 85

Treacherous Orchestra

39

Yip Man

77

Russell, Tom

52

Starless

45

Tribal Global Collective

26

Young, Kate

85

Russo, Lizabett

51

State Broadcasters

76

Trkulja, Slobodan

36

Young, Paul

36

Ryan, Ciarán

22

Stephen, Graeme

65

Trower, Vaughan

84

Young, Ryan

18, 23

Rynne, Padraig

33

Stewart, Charlie

35, 58

Tryst

47

Young’uns, The

19

Sá, Roberta

66

Stewart, Christina

82

Turner, Pierce

71

Yule, Heather

83, 84

Saich, John

54

Stewart, Wendy

21

Turnpike Troubadours

64

Yummy Fur, The

61

Salter, Laura-Beth

66

Stone, Jayme

24

Twelfth Day

52

Sanders, Ric

26

Stone, Penny

85

Unthank, Becky

46

Sartin, Paul

19

Stout, Chris

46

Unusual Suspects, The

11

Scanlon, Pauline

33

Strain, Trish

84

UrbanFarmHand

67

Scottish Clarinet Quintet

74

Strathspey and Surreal Society

30

Utley, Adrian

46

Scottish Ensemble

49

Strì Is Buaidh: Strife and Success

23

Vass, Mike

17, 49

Seal, Ben

67

Strings of the World

48

Vent du Nord, Le

12

Seamons, Joe

45

Sturgeon, Jenny

22

Vernal, Ewen

33

Segarra, Alynda

64

Summers, Sarah-Jane

47

Vishtèn

22

Serci, Giorgio

69

Suns of Arqa

61

Wadada, Michael

61

Sermanni, Rachel

50

Sutherland, Adam

66

Wainwright, Martha

39

Session A9

12

Sutherland, Jim

14

Waite, Andrew

22

Seuden

73

Sweeney, Sam

59

Walker, Dabhaidh

21

Shaer, Toby

10

Swift, Esther

52

Walker, Rachel

73

Shannon, Sharon

29

Talbot, Heidi

46

Wallace, Chris

65

Shaw, Donald

16, 53

Talisk

19

Watson, Aaron

62

She Moved Through the Fair

71

Tartine de Clous

74

Wayward Band

39

Shooglenifty

9

Tasjan, Aaron Lee

62

Weatherby, Wendy

17

Shovels & Rope

57

Taylor, Alasdair

21

West, Mick

85

Sibéril, Soig

54

Taylor, Joanne Shaw

36

Weston, Cecilia

49

Sinderins

62

Taylor, Rick

14

Where You’re Meant To Be Ceilidh, The

25

Sky, Amy

10

Ten Strings and a Goatskin

25

White Buffalo, The

36

Smith, Ceitlin LR

58

The Pipes, The Pipes

73

White, Innes

Smith, Emily

20, 21

Thompson, Danny

16

10, 23, 53, 59

Smith, Ian

18

Thomsen, Fraya

23

White, John Paul

16

Smith, Jake

36

Thomson, Chris

45

White, John Paul

51

Whiterobot

46

T

U

V

W

Y

Photography Credits Louis de Carlo: Old Fruitmarket (inside front cover), Lieve Boussauw: Education (81), Peter McNally: Aidan O’Rourke (68,41), Allister Ann: John Paul White (51), Andrzej Pilarczyk: Martin Hayes & David Power (18), Rowland Thomas: Martin Green’s FLIT (46), Callum Woodbridge: Niteworks (28), John David Pittman: The Mark O’Connor Band (33), Laura Agustin: Mexrissey (37), Andrea Rocha: Baby Do Brasil (37), Colin Murnane: Pierce Turner (71), Tom Brennan: Compton & Newberry (71), Eddie Middleton : The Lions of Lisbon (72), Gary Holden: The Pipes, The Pipes (73), Alynda Venice: Hurray for the Riff Raff (64), Johannes Haslinger: Rayon (41), Kate Bones: Anna Meredith (75), Ben Mose: Mull Historical Society (57), Jannica Honey: The Pictish Trail (62) We would like to thank all photographers who may be uncredited, this was completely unintentional.

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Danny Kyle’s Open Stage

Showcase Scotland

The talent of tomorrow today! Starts 20 January, 5pm Exhibition Hall, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

In Partnership with the Evening Times

Celtic Connections Showcase Scotland Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 January

“We are ready to make new friends from all over the world and bring the best of our music to the vibrant and passionate audiences in Glasgow. We are proud to say that music is in the DNA of our people and that our country produces a kind of music that represents a unique blend of so many different accents, rhythms and influences - a reflection of the richness and diversity of our enormous, complex, and beautiful territory.“ Aline Paes, Head of Production, the MIMO Festival, Brazil

The Danny Kyle Open Stage is a chance for new musical talent to perform as part of Celtic Connections. As well as fantastic exposure for the musicians, six of the best acts are chosen to be part of a final night showcase concert and have the opportunity to appear in support slots at next year’s festival. The concerts are inspired by the memory of Danny Kyle, a passionate supporter of traditional music and a constant campaigner for its revival in Scotland, with his close friend Liz Clark compering. Karine Polwart and Rura are just two of the now hugely successful names who first came to attention thanks to the Danny Kyle Open Stage. The six finalists will perform in a ticketed showcase concert on Sunday 5 February. Check www.celticconnections.com for more information and details on how to enter. All of the other concerts throughout the festival are absolutely free!

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As it reaches its 18th year, Showcase Scotland is established as the country’s leading international gathering of the music industry. Over the middle weekend of Celtic Connections more than 170 delegates will attend shows by Scottish musicians and bands, and artists from our partner country this year, Brazil leading to invaluable new opportunities and relationships.

Map and Venue Details

Tickets: 0141 353 8000 Tickets: 0141 353 8000

5 Tron Theatre 63 Trongate, G1 5HB 0141 552 3748 www.tron.co.uk 6 St. Andrew’s in the Square 1 St Andrew’s Square, G1 5PP 0141 559 5902 www.standrewsinthesquare.com

12 The Mitchell Theatre 3 Granville Street, G3 7EE 0141 287 2999 www.glasgowlife.org.uk

SAUCHIEHALL ST

BATH ST

CATHEDRAL ST

GEORGE ST

GEORGE SQUARE

ARGYLL ST

BROOMIELAW

HIGH ST

ALBION ST

CANDLERIGGS

BRUNSWICK ST

HUTCHESON ST

7

5 A ST JAMAIC

8

VIRGINIA ST

MILLER ST

QUEEN ST

CENTRAL STATION

MITCHELL

ST

GORDON ST

HOPE ST

WELLINGTON ST

CADOGAN ST

15

QUEEN ST STATION

INGRAM STREET

BOTHWELL ST

WATERLOO ST

WEST NILE ST

RENFIELD ST

ST VINCENT ST

UNION ST

WEST CAMPBELL ST

BLYTHSWOOD ST

DOUGLAS ST

WEST GEORGE ST

BUCHANAN ST

WEST REGENT ST

GLASSFORD ST

12

17 The Art School 20 Scott Street, G3 6PE www.theartschool.co.uk

13

1

2

3

16 The Glad Café 1006a Pollokshaws Road, G41 2HG 0141 636 6119 www.thegladcafe.co.uk

18 Saint Luke’s 17 Bain Street, G40 2JZ 0141 552 8378 www.stlukesglasgow.com

BUCHANAN BUS STATION

KILLERMONT ST

OSWALD ST

11 The National Piping Centre 30-34 McPhater Street, G4 0HW 0141 353 5551 www.thepipingcentre.co.uk

COWCADDENS RD

14 RENFREW ST

17

ROBERTSON ST

10 The Barrowland Ballroom 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G4 0TT www.glasgow-barrowland.com

11

19

YORK ST

4 Òran Mór Byres Road, G12 8QX 0141 357 6200 www.oran-mor.co.uk

9 The Mackintosh Church 870 Garscube Road, G20 7EL 0141 946 6600 www.mackintoshchurch.com

15 Drygate Brewery 85 Drygate, G4 0UT 0141 212 8815 www.drygate.com

9 4

JAMES WATT ST

3 CCA 350 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JD 0141 352 4900 www.cca-glasgow.com

8 SWG3 100 Eastvale Pl, Glasgow G3 8QG www.swg3.tv

14 Holiday Inn Glasgow Theatreland 161 West Nile Street, G1 2RL 0141 352 8300 www.higlasgow.com

PITT ST

2 O2 ABC Glasgow 300 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JA 0141 332 2232 www.o2abcglasgow.co.uk

7 City Halls & Old Fruitmarket Candleriggs, G1 1NQ 0141 353 8000 www.glasgowconcerthalls.com

BROWN ST

1 Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Main Auditorium, Strathclyde Suite & New Auditorium) 2 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3NY 0141 353 8000 www.glasgowconcerthalls.com

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Map

10 18 6

HOWARD ST

CLYDE ST

RIVER CLYDE 16

19 The Hug and Pint 171 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G4 9AW www.thehugandpint.com

13 Platform at The Bridge 1000 Westerhouse Road, G34 9JW 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk

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a UNESCO Creative City 92