So the amazing Celtic Connections Festival kicked off on Thursday night celebrating it's 25th Edition, it will host over 300 events across 26 stages and over 2000 musicians in its 18-day run! The festival has a very special place in our heart, as I first attended the festival back in 1995 with Easterhouse Arts Project and performed in the Danny Kyle Open Stage in 1997 - however it was in the year 2001 that I joined the Festival team on a student placement with their Education Officer and quickly got involved in the helping with the wider festival. Now 17 festivals later, I'm is still working for them as the Festival Club Coordinator - programming 7 bands each night from 10.30pm - 4 am in the morning for the 11 nights of the festival. Now you see why we are opening late over the next few weekends!
Those who have managed to visit the shop in person will have spotted our music section and that it is primarily folk music as that is my passion, I love all types of music but I am a folk anorak and very proud of that. So I thought that each week of the festival I would give you some of my top tips as I've had a few folk asking what they should go to.
Loads of fab gigs on tonight that feature good pals of Braw Wee (we even stock some of their CDs)
Ross Ainslie & The Sanctuary Band and Brighde Chaimbeul at The Mitchell Theatre, Ross is an amazing piper, whistle player and composer showcasing his third solo album. Brighde is an amazing young piper from Skye, I first met when working on a Feis Rois Ceilidh Trail and she was only 16/17 at the time. She has gone on to win 2016 BBC Young Folk Award.
Findlay Napier's Glasgow - a longtime pal of ours, fantastic singer/ songwriter! We've lost count of the number of times we've seen Findlay perform, it is never dull.
One of the hottest tickets has been the Croft No 5 reunion gig with support from the fantastic young band Dosca - totally sold out but will be an amazing night.
We should really mention that just round the corner from Braw Wee at our favourite venue, The Barrowlands Tiree band Skerryvore are performing and sure to have the place jumping.
Sunday 21st we recommend an afternoon of lovely music at Hazy Recollections, hosted by Findlay Napier - perfect opportunity to discover some new bands in a relaxed afternoon gig.
One of my absolute favourite flute players Jean Michel Veillion is appearing at St Andrew's in the Square, supported by new ensemble The L.I.T trio featuring Laura Wilkie, Tom Gibbs and Innes White.
Our final recommendation for this week is another fantastic singer-songwriter, who we stock here at Braw Wee - Boo Hewerdine. He is a regular visitor to Glasgow for solo shows and also plays with Eddi Reader and the composer of her hit Patience of Angels.
And of course, if you want to get a taste of the festival in one place, then the Festival Club is the place to be!