It is that time of the year again in Glasgow where the city welcomes musicians from all round the world for 18 Days of Celtic Connections Festival! Now in it’s 26th Year the festival hosts gigs, talks and workshops across the city. We have a great fondness for the festival as our Jennifer has been working at the festival since 2000 (she went in as a wee student placement - very young ;)) - this year she is looking after the late night Festival Club again at The Art School so you won’t see her doing many early mornings this month!
There are some fantastic gigs taking place right on the Braw Wee doorstep at the Barrowland Ballroom and St Luke’s just up the road, St Andrew’s Square, The Tron, Old Fruitmarket and the Drygate which are all max 10 mins walk away!
Here are some of the gigs that we recommend you get to!
Sal/ Saltwater: Iain Morrison with Dalzell + Scullion at the Mitchell Theatre - 22nd Jan
Sal is a major new work composed by Lewis Born musician Iain Morrison with imagery by Scottish artists Dalzell + Scullion. It commemorates the centenary of the Iolaire disaster which took place on New Year’s Day 1919. Co-commission by An Lanntair and 14-18 Now. It also features East End musician Lori Watson.
Shooglenifty and Kinnaris Quintet at the Barrowland Ball Room - Friday 24th January!
Two of our favourite bands - Shooglenifty the originators of ‘acid-croft’ will no doubt have the place absolutely jumping with their blend of traditional music and dance beats. They are joined by the amazing Gaelician singers of Tanxuguieras!
The support is the totally amazing all-female five-piece, the Kinnaris Quintet, who have just released their debut album and taking the scene by storm! It also features another East End lass based just up in Denniston!
Siobhan Wilson and Old Sea Bridge at St Luke’s - Saturday 26th January.
Siobhain Wilson’s voice has stopped the rowdy Festival Club audiences in the past, which is not a easy task! She is joined tonight by Stina Tweeddale (Honeyblood) and David Jean, to bring her spellbinding songs.
The support for the gig is American indie folk singer-songwriter Old Sea Brigade, who will deliver a compelling, heartfelt and atmospheric blend of folk, americana country and indie rock. We’ve not heard them ourselves but always great to make a new discovery.
There is so much more to check out on the website, we recommend you have a look!
We are also offering 10% off to anyone that comes into the shop with their Celtic Connection Ticket subs or Artist pass!