Public Workshops

Beginner Bodhran

Sat 19 January, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Lomond Foyer

Andy May will help students of the instrument to reach a higher level of skill. If you have already started learning the bodhran, this workshop will build your confidence and style.

Public Workshops

Beginner Fiddle

Sat 19 January, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Clyde Foyer

If you've caught the fiddling bug then this is the workshop for you. A firm favourite amongst learners and renowned for her patience and enthusiastic teaching technique, Lynsey Tait will give you that little bit of extra help you've been looking for to develop your playing skills.

Danny Kyle's Open Stage hosted by Gibb Todd

Sat 19 January, 5pm
Free
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Hosted by Danny Kyle's good friends Gibb Todd and Liz Clark, the Open Stage is a chance to see new musical talent as they try to win a coveted support slot at next year's festival - and all absolutely free!

In partnership with the Evening Times

Spencer Bohren

Sat 19 January, 6pm
£10
City Halls, Recital Room

Born into a gospel-singing family, veteran folk/blues troubadour Spencer Bohren came of age during the 1960s folk boom, and has since won fans worldwide with his richly seasoned, grittily atmospheric songs and virtuoso guitar work.

Sh

Sat 19 January, 7:30pm
£18, £16
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

One small group of faraway islands - so much musical talent. Shetland's "national" instrument, the fiddle, rightly takes pride of place in a packed programme, highlighting the wealth of both tradition and innovation at work in this most fertile of musical territories. Four of them are wielded by Fiddlers' Bid alone, as the seven-piece instrumental powerhouse take a break from recording their fifth album to raise the Concert Hall roof.

Also featured are Shetland fiddle music's finest individual exponents, including the leading figure in its modern-day revival, Aly Bain with his renowned pianist Violet Tulloch, together with Chris Stout.

Filska alternate sparkling instrumentals with sweetly harmonised songs, while the veteran string band Hom Bru showcases some of Shetland's finest finger-pickers. From the village of Cullivoe on the Island of Yell, The Cullivoe Fiddlers will also be appearing performing traditional Shetland tunes in their own style alongside the new generation of fiddlers.

The evening will also feature a special tribute to the late and much-loved guitar legend Peerie Willie Johnson, who died in 2007. And given Shetlanders' legendary appetite for a party, there'll more than likely be another surprise guest or two dropping by.

Ronald Stevenson's 'Praise of Ben Dorain' with the BBC Scottish Symphony

Orchestra and a chorus assembled by Scottish Opera
Sat 19 January, 7:30pm
£16
City Halls, Grand Hall

The first in a series of international events during 2008 to celebrate Ronald Stevenson's 80th birthday, tonight marks the long-awaited world premiere of his epic symphonic work Praise of Ben Dorain, inspired by the great 18th century Gaelic poem of that name by Duncan Ban MacIntyre.

As one of Scotland's most distinguished and prolific composers, Yehudi Menuhin once said that Stevenson was "one of the most original minds in the world of the composition of music". Stevenson is probably best known for his massive, 80-minute Passacaglia, for solo piano, the score of which he presented to Dimitri Shostakovich (on the letters of whose name the music was based) at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1962. Present on that occasion was the revered Scottish poet Hugh MacDiarmid, who suggested to Stevenson that he compose a piece based on Ben Dorain, using MacDiarmid's own translation.

Nearly half a century on, the completed work finally reaches the concert stage. Interweaving MacDiarmid's text with the original Gaelic, it will be performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and a chorus assembled by Scottish Opera .

Old Blind Dogs with the Alan Kelly Quartet

featuring Donncha Moynihan, John Kelly and Tola Custy
Sat 19 January, 7:30pm
£12.50
Oran Mor

The Old Blind Dogs' harmony-rich, dynamically rhythmic music has long been one of the most arrestingly distinctive sounds on the Scottish folk scene. Named as Band of the Year at the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards, the Dogs released their tenth album, Four on the Floor, in summer 2007, showcasing the current line-up of Jonny Hardie (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Rory Campbell (pipes, whistles, vocals), Aaron Jones (bass, bouzouki, vocals) and Fraser Stone (percussion).

Roscommon-born Alan Kelly is Ireland's foremost exponent of the piano accordion, whose vibrant, sophisticated playing has been heard on two solo albums to date, and on an acclaimed duo recording, Fourmilehouse, with his flautist brother John. The quartet is completed by Donncha Moynihan (guitar) and Tola Custy (fiddle).

Kevin McDermott with Colin Hay

Sat 19 January, 7:30pm
£15
ABC

Glasgow singer-songwriter Kevin McDermott launches his brand-new solo album, Wise to the Fade. The new album from this singularly gifted artist, who describes his influences as Randy Newman and Kate Bush through XTC to Queens Of The Stone Age, with an odd detour into 70s power pop, delivers wittily literate, beguilingly melodic songs which reaffirm McDermott's reputation as one of Scotland's finest performers and songwriters.

Those of a certain age will best remember Scottish born Colin Hay as the frontman with 1980's Australian band Men At Work and author of their massive international hit 'Down Under'. Now plying his immediately distinctive voice as a solo singer-songwriter, Hay is currently promoting his latest album Are You Lookin' at Me?, a collection of tautly crafted songs varying from bittersweet acoustic balladry to classic guitar pop.

Paul Burch with Diana Jones

Sat 19 January, 7:30pm
£12.50
The Classic Grand

Described by CMT as 'a thoroughly modern troubadour channeling a bit of Buddy Holly grafted onto Jimmie Rodgers and Ralph Stanley,' Nashville-based singer-songwriter Paul Burch draws deep from the well of southern US roots music, while crafting lyrics that speak eloquently to today. His sixth solo album, East to West, featuring guest appearances from Tim O'Brien, Mark Knopfler and the aforementioned Ralph Stanley, was released in 2006.

With a voice that's drawn comparisons to Iris DeMent, Stacey Earle and Mary Chapin Carpenter, Diana Jones weaves together strains of country, blues and mountain music, into poetic reflections on love, loss, healing and redemption.

"It goes without saying, Diana Jones is a consummate singer and writer, who totally charms audiences. What sets her apart - and this is the highest praise in a crowded music profession - is her originality. Her music doesn't sound like anyone else's." (Richard Thompson)

Lau with Uiscedwr

Sat 19 January, 8pm
£12.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Lau return to Celtic Connections after a truly triumphant 2007, which saw their debut release Lightweights and Gentlemen declared Album of the Year (in March) by fRoots magazine, and 'an utter corker' by the Daily Telegraph, as the band themselves stormed the festival circuit. Accordionist Martin Green, fiddler Aidan O'Rourke and guitarist Kris Drever create music of thrilling intensity and audacity, interspersed with Drever's vibrantly expressive vocals.

Opening the show will be the debut of Uiscedwr's new big-band line-up, with Anna Esslemont (fiddle/vocals) and Cormac Byrne (bodhran/percussion) joined by guests including accordionist Karen Tweed, Nick Waldock on bass, Dylan Bible on guitar and trumpeter Neil Yates.

Travellers' Day Out

Sat 19 January, 8pm
£12.50
St Andrew's in the Square

Come and share in the rich traditions of song and storytelling preserved by Scotland's travelling people, with a line-up featuring Sheila Stewart, Stanley Robertson, Elizabeth Stewart, Jess Smith and Jimmy Williamson.

Galician Night

featuring Xose Manuel Budino, Mercedes Peon & the Anxo Lorenzo Band
Sat 19 January, 9:30pm
£16
Old Fruitmarket

Galicia is famous for its summer festivals, and tonight we bring a taste of that Spanish Celtic experience to wintry Glasgow, complete with three of the region's top contemporary artists.

A supremely gifted, audaciously inventive exponent of the gaita, or Galician bagpipes, Xose Manuel Budino first honed his craft at the celebrated Pipe School of Moana, going on to fuse this traditional grounding with rock, funk, world and dance-music elements.

Featured on Budino's new CD is the extraordinary, incandescent voice of Mercedes Peon, another of tonight's performers, accompanied by her own high-octane band. Also a noted gaita player, she too cross-fertilises traditional styles and material with a welter of modern influences, and is a hugely charismatic live performer.

Completing the line-up will be the Anxo Lorenzo Band, made up of an exciting new breed of musicians who see no barriers when experimenting with traditional and contemporary music.

Celtic Connections Festival Ceilidhs

Sat 19 January, 10pm
£8
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Get your dancing shoes on! Enjoy the perfect post-concert fling or pre-festival warm up, with The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience led by Sandy Brechin.

Celtic Connections Festival Club hosted by Gibb Todd

Sat 19 January, 10:30pm
£7.50
Central Hotel

Get ready for some late night music!

Our late night club ensures there is even more music to enjoy after all the gigs are over. Join local and international artists as they make special unbilled appearances or join in one of many sessions happening in the bars.

With food and drink in plentiful supply you can happily keep going into the early hours of the morning whilst witnessing some of the best musical collaborations of the festival.

Master of ceremonies, Gibb Todd returns to present each act on stage and Doris Rougvie hosts The House of Song in a peaceful oasis away from the main stage.

Public Workshops

Women's Samba

Sun 20 January, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

This is definitely the way to start a Sunday morning-a wonderful, releasing, therapeutic class of samba drumming. Big Groove will lead a workshop especially for women to build confidence and have fun exploring samba rhythms. Energising, invigorating and empowering- loads better than staying home and washing your hair!

come&try - Gaelic Song

Sun 20 January, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Suite

Gold medal winner and Young Trad Tour finalist Darren Maclean is a lovely singer from Skye. Darren will share his songs and enthusiasm for Gaelic singing with students in this come&try session. No knowledge of Gaelic is necessary.

come&try Traditional Scots Song

Sun 20 January, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Lomond Foyer

Having found your own voice, come and learn some songs with Maureen Jelks. Originally from Dundee, Maureen is one of Scotland's foremost singers in the tradition. This is a great workshop for those who love to sing but have little or no technical training. Maureen will encourage you to find your own harmonies and develop the confidence to sing with your own voice.

come&try Mandolin

Sun 20 January, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Clyde Foyer

The Lanarkshire Guitar and Mandolin Association are on a mission to get everyone in Scotland to play the mandolin. They will bring loads of instruments and boundless energy and enthusiasm -it's absolutely infectious! Come and have a go! It's great fun and you might just reveal the Captain Correlli within you!

New Voices Series

Gavin Marwick
Sun 20 January, 1pm
£10.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Few fiddlers can have had their fingers in more musical pies than Edinburgh-born Gavin Marwick. A past or present member of Iron Horse, Burach, Cantrip, Ceilidh Minogue, the Unusual Suspects and Bellevue Rendezvous, among others, he has also worked extensively in theatre and broadcasting.

Equally renowned as a performer and composer, he has played probably thousands of gigs and festivals around the world, travels which serve as the underlying theme for Journeyman, a newly arranged selection of Marwick's tunes from the past two decades, for which he's joined by longtime pals Fraser Fifield (sax/whistles), Gregor Lowrey (accordion), Ruth Morris (nyckelharpa), Cameron Robson (bouzouki/guitar) and Bob Turner (piano).

Sponsored by Sunday Herald

Public Workshops

Improvers Fiddle

Sun 20 January, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Suite

The strathspey is a melodic and rhythmic tune distinctive to Scottish music and Lori Watson, fine Borders fiddler and tutor at Glasgow Fiddle Workshop will introduce her students to playing strathspey tunes and techniques.

Public Workshops

Big Ballad

Sun 20 January, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Lomond Foyer

Do you want to explore the Big Ballad and discover why this style and subject matter is so important to the rich tapestry that is Scottish song? Gordeanna McCulloch and Anne Neilson are two of Scotland's finest singers and wonderful exponents of the ballad genre. They will lead this workshop featuring the big narrative ballads of Scotland. Learn something about the background to these fascinating songs, learn about the people behind them and the ways in which their stories unfold. These are the soaps of yesteryear and yet their stories are as contemporary as we are. You are welcome to bring personal recording equipment.

Public Workshops

Beginners Mandolin

Sun 20 January, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Clyde Foyer

So you're a convert and you want to learn more. Well here's your opportunity to extend your skills on this delectable wee instrument. The Lanarkshire Guitar and Mandolin Association will provide instruments and expert tuition. Fiddle players and guitar players will also find this workshop enhances their skills to complement their playing.

Danny Kyle's Open Stage hosted by Gibb Todd

Sun 20 January, 5pm
Free
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Hosted by Danny Kyle's good friends Gibb Todd and Liz Clark, the Open Stage is a chance to see new musical talent as they try to win a coveted support slot at next year's festival - and all absolutely free!

In partnership with the Evening Times

Two Tall Girls: Sophie Bancroft & Christine Hanson

Sun 20 January, 6pm
£10
City Halls, Recital Room

The statuesque pair in question are jazz/folk singer-songwriter Sophie Bancroft and Canadian-born cellist Christine Hanson, whose new duo partnership was premiered with three sellout shows at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe.

Altan & The Brendan Voyage

featuring Liam O'Flynn with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera conducted by David Brophy
Sun 20 January, 7:30pm
£20, £18
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

The first major work to integrate traditional music with classical orchestra, Shaun Davey's 'The Brendan Voyage' (1980) receives its long-awaited Celtic Connections premiere, featuring its distinguished original soloist, Liam O'Flynn, on uilleann pipes, with the Orchestra of Scottish Opera and will be conducted by David Brophy.

A landmark in the development of Irish music, the piece was inspired by historian Tim Severin's 1976 recreation of St Brendan's legendary crossing from Kerry to Newfoundland in a traditional leather-hulled boat.

The 50-member orchestra returns in the second half to accompany Ireland's top traditional band, Altan, for a reprise of their successful shows in Dublin and Galway last September with the RTE Concert Orchestra, featuring arrangements of songs and tunes from their 20-year back catalogue by leading Irish composer Fiachra Trench.

Founded in 1980, the highly-regarded Orchestra of Scottish Opera, well known to Celtic Connections audiences from previous festival collaborations, is increasingly in demand as a concert ensemble, staging its own regular performances in Glasgow since 2004.

Julie Fowlis with Chris Wood

Sun 20 January, 7:30pm
£15
ABC

A double-bill encounter between two outstanding contemporary exponents of their respective traditions, both credited with reinterpreting this heritage for a new generation to discover.

The release of Julie Fowlis's second album Cuilidh, in March 2007, was an early high point in a whirlwind year for the North Uist-born singer, gaining unprecedented media attention for a Gaelic artist. A hectic festival schedule included appearances at Glastonbury, Toender, the Outsider and Runrig's Beat the Drum, with Fowlis also performing memorably on Jools Holland's Later.

She's accompanied tonight by Eamon Doorley (bouzouki), Tony Byrne (guitar), Duncan Chisholm (fiddle), Ewen Vernal (bass) and Martin O'Neill (bodhran).

Lauded by musical luminaries as diverse as Micheal O Suilleabhain and Laurie Anderson, the singer, fiddler and guitarist Chris Wood creates masterly new versions of venerable English songs alongside his own, equally eloquent compositions, often earning comparisons to Richard Thompson. His second solo album, 2005's The Lark Ascending, has been widely hailed as a contemporary classic. Chris will be joined on-stage by well-known Scottish singer-songwriter Karine Polwart.

The Pearlfishers with Finniston

Sun 20 January, 7:30pm
£12.50
The Classic Grand

Recently celebrated in a one-hour Radio Scotland feature, The Pearlfishers have been part of Scotland's alternative cultural landscape for a good two decades now, their ever-shifting personnel and intermittent recorded output threaded together by the 60s-steeped vision of singer-songwriter David Scott.

Marking the end of their latest hiatus, 2007's Up With the Larks is another idiosyncratic gem, chock-full of the lush vocal harmonies, vibrant guitars and vivid lyrical imagery that have long been the Pearlfishers' trademarks.

Finniston's recently released debut album Organised for Hi Fi showcases their truly interesting and sublime take on modern guitar pop sound. As a group which originally started as a brother and sister duo, there is an open honesty to their song writing.

Harp Heaven

Sun 20 January, 8pm
£12.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Sponsored by The Clarsach Society

Almost certainly the first time that twelve top Celtic harpists have shared the same stage, tonight's specially-created performance will no doubt include a wealth of heavenly sounds - together with a liberal dose of musical devilment.

The harp is currently enjoying a particularly exciting renaissance in Scotland, as reflected here in the diverse styles of Corrina Hewat, Mary MacMaster, Patsy Seddon, Catriona McKay, Maeve Gilchrist, Ailie Robertson, Fraya Thomsen, Gillian Fleetwood and Rachel Hair. Joining them from Ireland are Cormac DeBarra and Laoise Kelly, with Germany's Jochen Vogel completing the line-up, for a programme that will range from solo spots to the full dozen-strong ensemble. www.clarsachsociety.co.uk

Tayside Tae Tennessee

Sun 20 January, 8pm
£12.50
St Andrew's in the Square

Singer-songwriter and fiddler Laura McGhee is joined by US roots and blues stars including Jim Lauderdale and Josh White, Jr., to explore the links between Scottish and Americana music.

Songs of Scotland

Political Songs hosted by Doris Rougvie
Sun 20 January, 8pm
£8.50
Universal

Over the last two years the Songs of Scotland series has looked at different regions of Scotland and the songs that have emerged from these areas.

For the 2008 festival the series looks at different themes that occur in Scots song, mixing Gaelic and Scots, and how they have inspired songwriters and singers throughout generations.

Each of the ten themes will showcase a selection of songs, so each night will see the audience taken on a journey of discovery through different languages, dialects and stories, all linked with one common theme.

Solas with Antje Duvekot

Sun 20 January, 8pm
£16
Old Fruitmarket

Even before they'd released an album, the Boston Herald called Solas 'the first truly great Irish band to arise from America'. Following their triumphant Reunion CD and performances, celebrating their tenth anniversary in 2006 with a full complement of past and present members, few would tend to disagree.

Combining their love of Irish tradition with jazz-inspired improvisational flair and an array of global influences, Solas currently feature multi-instrumentalist Seamus Egan and his co-founder Winifred Horan on fiddle, with Mick McAuley (accordions/whistles) and Eamon McElholm (guitar/keyboards).

Solas also had a hand in the buzz that's fast developing around German-born, Boston-based singer-songwriter Antje Duvekot, covering one of her songs on their Edge of Silence album, before Egan produced her acclaimed 2006 release 'Big Dream Boulevard'. Championed by cult urban troubadour Ellis Paul as 'the next great American folk singer-songwriter', Duvekot's captivating voice and poetic lyrics have drawn comparisons to Patty Griffin, Suzanne Vega and Dar Williams.

Celtic Connections Festival Club hosted by Gibb Todd

Sun 20 January, 10:30pm
£5
Central Hotel

Get ready for some late night music!

Our late night club ensures there is even more music to enjoy after all the gigs are over. Join local and international artists as they make special unbilled appearances or join in one of many sessions happening in the bars.

With food and drink in plentiful supply you can happily keep going into the early hours of the morning whilst witnessing some of the best musical collaborations of the festival.

Master of ceremonies, Gibb Todd returns to present each act on stage and Doris Rougvie hosts The House of Song in a peaceful oasis away from the main stage.

Iain Anderson In Conversation

Donald Smith & Anne Lorne Gillies
Mon 21 January, 12:30pm
£3.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

BBC Radio Scotland's Iain Anderson hosts an eclectic mix of local figures as well as musicians performing at the festival for a lunch time blether.

Danny Kyle's Open Stage hosted by Gibb Todd

Mon 21 January, 5pm
Free
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Hosted by Danny Kyle's good friends Gibb Todd and Liz Clark, the Open Stage is a chance to see new musical talent as they try to win a coveted support slot at next year's festival - and all absolutely free!

In partnership with the Evening Times

Baaba Maal with the Jenna Cumming Trio

Mon 21 January, 7:30pm
£22, £20
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

Continuing this year's celebration of great international voices, Celtic Connections 2008 presents one of world music's most transcendent stars, Senegalese singer-guitarist Baaba Maal. Born at the crossroads of Saharan and southern Africa, Maal grew up absorbing a wealth of diverse influences, from the intermingled traditions of his homeland to soul, blues, jazz, funk and reggae, a breadth of vision brilliantly reflected in his music.

His forthcoming ninth album forges new links between African and contemporary urban sounds, in collaboration with Philadelphia hip-hop crew the Roots amongst others, while he's accompanied tonight by his regular 15-piece band Daande Lenol (Voice of the People).

Inverness-born Jenna Cumming is one of Scotland's most highly regarded young Gaelic singers. Originally introduced to the tradition by her mother, Chrissie MacVicar, also a noted singer, Cumming has won several major awards in recent years, and released her warmly-praised debut album, Kintulavig - named for her mother's birthplace in Harris - in 2006. She appears tonight with her trio including Mary Ann Kennedy and Aaron Jones.

Teddy Thompson with Support

Mon 21 January, 7:30pm
£15
ABC

After winning widespread praise in both the folk and mainstream media for the evocative, insightful songwriting featured on his first two albums, 2000's self-titled debut and its 2006 follow-up, Separate Ways, Teddy Thompson - son of folk-rock legends Richard and Linda - recently revisited the music that first inspired him, with his latest release, 'Up Front & Down Low', comprising a set of classic country covers.

This is no slavish imitation exercise, however, with tracks like George Jones' 'She Thinks I Still Care' and Dolly Parton's 'My Blue Tears' highlighting Thompson's eloquent interpretative gifts amidst artfully fresh arrangements.

Accordion Hell

Mon 21 January, 8pm
£12.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Persons of a sensitive disposition regarding the squeezebox should certainly take warning from the title of this unique show, but for admirers of the instrument in its various sizes and guises, tonight promises pure nirvana.

A diabolically talented line-up of accordion virtuosos from Scotland, Ireland, England and the US, between them covering a rich panoply of styles and traditions, includes Karen Tweed (the Poozies/Swaep), Phil Cunningham, Maria Kalaniemi, Sandy Brechin, Angus Lyon, Dermot Byrne (Altan), Andy Cutting (Kate Rusby Band) and Mick McAuley (Solas). With all the participants having contributed material to the set-list, the programme will focus on newly-arranged collaborations.

Tom Paxton with Karan Casey

Mon 21 January, 8pm
£16
City Halls, Grand Hall

Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the North American Folk Music Alliance and the Radio 2 Folk Awards, US singer-songwriter Tom Paxton ranks among the wisest, wittiest and most enduring voices of his generation. An early champion of original songwriting amidst the traditional folk revival of the 1960s, author of such classics as 'Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound', 'Ramblin ' Boy' and 'The Last Thing On My Mind', Paxton has seen his work covered by artists from Willie Nelson to Placido Domingo, but remains his own most winning interpreter.

Described by the Herald as 'The most soulful singer to emerge in Irish traditional music in the past decade', ex-Solas vocalist Karan Casey allies her delicate yet passionate tones to an expanding range of traditional, contemporary and original material.

She'll be airing new tracks from her imminent fourth solo album, accompanied by Kate Ellis (cello), Caoimhin Vallely (piano), Robbie Overson (guitar) and Liz Knowles (fiddle).

Songs of Scotland

A Celebration of Norman Buchan's "The Wee Red Book" hosted by Doris Rougvie
Mon 21 January, 8pm
£8.50
Universal

Over the last two years the Songs of Scotland series has looked at different regions of Scotland and the songs that have emerged from these areas.

For the 2008 festival the series looks at different themes that occur in Scots song, mixing Gaelic and Scots, and how they have inspired songwriters and singers throughout generations.

Each of the ten themes will showcase a selection of songs, so each night will see the audience taken on a journey of discovery through different languages, dialects and stories, all linked with one common theme.

Celtic Connections Festival Club hosted by Gibb Todd

Mon 21 January, 10:30pm
£3.50
Central Hotel

Get ready for some late night music!

Our late night club ensures there is even more music to enjoy after all the gigs are over. Join local and international artists as they make special unbilled appearances or join in one of many sessions happening in the bars.

With food and drink in plentiful supply you can happily keep going into the early hours of the morning whilst witnessing some of the best musical collaborations of the festival.

Master of ceremonies, Gibb Todd returns to present each act on stage and Doris Rougvie hosts The House of Song in a peaceful oasis away from the main stage.

Iain Anderson In Conversation

Alastair Moffat & Fred Freeman
Tue 22 January, 12:30pm
£3.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

BBC Radio Scotland's Iain Anderson hosts an eclectic mix of local figures as well as musicians performing at the festival for a lunch time blether.

Danny Kyle's Open Stage hosted by Gibb Todd

Tue 22 January, 5pm Free Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Hosted by Danny Kyle's good friends Gibb Todd and Liz Clark, the Open Stage is a chance to see new musical talent as they try to win a coveted support slot at next year's festival - and all absolutely free!

In partnership with the Evening Times

The Unusual Suspects

featuring Corrina Hewat & David Milligan with Alyth
Tue 22 January, 7:30pm
£18, £16
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

Returning in triumph once again to the festival that launched their career in 2003 - a debut recently named by the Scotsman among the Top 20 Scottish gigs of all time - Scotland's unofficial 'national folk orchestra', The Unusual Suspects continue to leave audiences gasping in delight wherever they play.

The past year's highlights have included playing for a crowd of over 50,000 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the EU, at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, and opening the Scots Trad Music Awards in Fort William.

Tonight will see this 22-piece musical juggernaut performing an all-new set, including a recently-premiered commission, The Lorient Suite, written by the group's musical directors, Corrina Hewat and David Milligan, in honour of Brittany's world-renowned inter-Celtic festival.

Support comes from the renowned Gaelic singer Alyth McCormack, whose magical vocals have previously graced the bands Shine and Sunhoney. Currently working on the follow-up to her solo debut An Iomall, she's accompanied tonight by Jonny Hardie, Brian MacAlpine and a special guest.

Steve Forbert & the Soundbenders with Jim Lauderdale

Tue 22 January, 7:30pm £15 ABC

Bringing together two veteran stalwarts of leftfield US roots music, tonight finds both in the prime of their powers, each having released some of their finest work to date during 2007.

Mississippi-born Steve Forbert's latest album, Strange Names & New Sensations, includes a winsome new version of 'Romeo's Tune', the song that almost made him famous back in 1979 - before contractual travails stalled his career for most of a decade.

The long and winding road has proved a creatively fruitful one for Forbert, whose mix of raw-boned country-rock and gritty balladry channels a brilliantly seasoned musical intelligence.

Long acclaimed as one of Nashville's most articulate and versatile songwriters, Jim Lauderdale has successfully pursued a parallel career in both country and bluegrass music.

His new release The Bluegrass Diaries returns to the latter fold with a set of superbly executed Lauderdale originals, described by All Music Guide as 'a collection of heartfelt music as honest and beautifully crafted as the day is long'.

A' Adam's Bairns

Tue 22 January, 8pm
£12.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

A launch concert masterminded by musical arranger and producer Dr Fred Freeman, A' Adam's Bairns draws on his collaborative education project with National Library of Scotland, commemorating 200 years since the abolition of the slave trade.

Blending songs and light narrative the show explores Scotland's history as a multicultural society struggling to maintain its egalitarian values.

A star-studded line-up of singers includes Rod Paterson, Tich Frier, Nick Keir, Steve Byrne, John Morran, Ross Kennedy, Dave Taylor, Emily Smith, Wendy Weatherby and Gillian McDonald accompanied by Sandy Brechin, Aaron Jones, Frank McLaughlin, Stevie Lawrence, Shona Mooney, Richard Werner and Chris Agnew.

Commentary by Fred Freeman.

Russell's House

Tue 22 January, 8pm
£12.50
St Andrew's in the Square

Russell's House reconvenes the much-loved late-1990s line-up of Russell Hunter, Sandy Wright, Eamonn Coyne, and Simon Bradley, well known for their enigmatic and endearing mixture of Scots, Irish, American and bluesy tracks, vocals, banjo, fiddle, piano and guitar.

Songs of Scotland

Songs of the Sea hosted by Doris Rougvie
Tue 22 January, 8pm
£8.50
Universal

Over the last two years the Songs of Scotland series has looked at different regions of Scotland and the songs that have emerged from these areas.

For the 2008 festival the series looks at different themes that occur in Scots song, mixing Gaelic and Scots, and how they have inspired songwriters and singers throughout generations.

Each of the ten themes will showcase a selection of songs, so each night will see the audience taken on a journey of discovery through different languages, dialects and stories, all linked with one common theme.

Boston Tea Party

Alastair Moock, Kris Delmhorst, Tim Gearan and Rose Polenzani
Tue 22 January, 8pm
£12.50
The Tall Ship

One of America's most famous incidents saw colonists, disdaining British taxes, destroy crates of tea aboard ships in Boston Harbour in 1773. Two centuries on, Boston was famous for a music scene that developed in its tea and coffee houses. Joan Baez, Taj Mahal, Tom Rush and Bonnie Raitt are just some who served apprenticeships on the local scene before gaining international recognition and today, Boston remains as vibrant as ever.

This Boston Tea Party, like the original, held aboard a sailing ship, features four names who are major creative forces among the current crop of leading Massachusetts singer-songwriters.

Alastair Moock, Kris Delmhorst, Tim Gearan and Rose Polenzani present a programme that will show why leading radio presenters both here and in the USA are describing them as "wonderful", "outstanding" and "must-see", performing together over three nights in-the-round, sharing stories and collaborating on some of the finest music of our times.

BBC Radio Scotland 92-95FM & 810MW Live Radio Broadcasts

Global Gathering
Tue 22 January, 8pm
Free but ticketed
BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay

A handpicked selection of festival artists - from both home and abroad - play live in BBC Scotland's stunning new building. Live on BBC Radio Scotland.