Celtic Connections 2019 opening weekend picks…

Celtic Connections kicks off today in Glasgow marking the beginning of the 18-day programme. With over 300 events across, the festival takes in some of Glasgow’s iconic venues including the Barrowlands, Old Fruitmarket, City Halls and many more.

Now in it’s 26th year, Celtic Connections brings together artists from a wide range of genres often resulting in one-off line ups and collaborations in a unique cultural offering. 

The Herald:

Speaking on the unique and spontaneous sessions, Artistic Director Donald Shaw said: “There are situations that you’ll see where people are playing that you’ll never see again, or if you do, it’s because it worked here first.”  Donald Shaw, Artistic Director

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

From 17 January - 3 February, over 2,000 musicians from around the globe will descend on Glasgow as the 2019 Celtic Connections takes place. Programmed by Artistic Director, Donald Shaw, this years showcase brings a wide range of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, exhibitions, workshops and free events.

Founded in 1994 in Glasgow, Celtic Connections has been held every January. The festival champions traditional Scottish music alongside Americana, Folk, World, Indie, Jazz and Soul, Fusion and Gaelic genres.

WHAT’S ON

Here’s my top 3 to catch over the weekend

FRIDAY 18.01.19

TIREE: A Toast to 10 Years of Tiree Music Festival

If you can only make one event and are looking for something that will rock your socks off this weekend, then this is the one to go for.

The Tiree: A Toast to 10 years of Tiree Music Festival at the Old Fruitmarket will showcase Skerryvore, Trail West and a whole host of special appearances and collaborations from artists who have performed at Tiree Music Festival.

SATURDAY 19.01.19

Brave in Concert

Conducted by Dirk Brosse, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, perform Patrick Doyle’s score in the world premiere of Brave in Concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

The movie coupled with the orchestra will really bring the story alive with traditional Scottish music and is guaranteed to be fun / enjoyable for all the family.

Elephant Sessions and Dallahan

The Queen Margaret Union will host Elephant Sessions as they bring you a mix of dancefloor-breaking tunes, fusing trad, rock, funk, world, indie and electronic sounds sure to get you on your feet. Followed by Dallahan with their mix of Irish, Scottish, Hungarian traditions, Jazz, pop and classical flavours it’s set to be a fantastic show at the QMU.

CELTIC CONNECTIONS… ONES TO WATCH

After seeing them at the Hebridean Celtic Festival last year, I’ll be looking forward to catching Mischa Macpherson and Josie Duncan in their own shows later on in

Check out this video of their collaboration with Ceitlin LR Smith and Anna Massie from HebCelt 2018 to get you in the mood.