Celtic Connections 2008: Events Diary page 6

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

Iain Anderson
Wed 30 January, 10:30pm
Free but ticketed
BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay

The perfect after gig nightcap - Iain Anderson serves up his choice blend of the festival's singers and songs in the beautiful new Pacific Quay building, BBC Scotland's new home by the river. Live on BBC Radio Scotland.

Iain Anderson In Conversation

Ewan McVicar & Tom Dalzell

Thu 31 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

Thu 31 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

Alyth & Savourna Stevenson

Thu 31 January, 6pm
£10
City Halls, Recital Room Infusing her native Gaelic song traditions with world and contemporary influences, Alyth McCormack shares tonight's bill with pioneering Scottish harpist Savourna Stevenson, whose sound draws from across the spectrum of musical genres.

Voices of the World

Thu 31 January, 7:30pm
£18, £16
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

In recognition of the power of world voices, Celtic Connections brings together two fabled female choirs from Italy and Bulgaria with one of Scotland's longest-established Gaelic choirs, in a massed celebration of song that promises a truly unforgettable night.

Coro delle Mondine di Novi (the Novi Rice Weeders' Choir) began life as its original founders toiled in Italy's rice fields during World War II, singing to alleviate the drudgery, meanwhile smuggling messages and weapons for the resistance. After the war, the songs they shared became emblems of freedom, passed on in turn to their children, and now form the basis of the 35 strong choir's spellbinding show Di Madre in Figlia (From Mother to Daughter), a collaboration with the young folk/fusion band Fiamma Fumana.

Joining them tonight is the legendary Bulgarian Women's Choir, Angelite, whose extraordinary harmonic and rhythmic blend draws on vocal traditions dating back some 2000 years, the Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2007, directed here by the celebrated singer and folklorist Margaret Bennett and flying the flag for Scotland will be the well-known harmony trio of Corrina Hewat, Annie Grace and Karine Polwart as well as the sublime, earthy vocals of renowned Lewis Gaelic singer Mairi Smith.

The Duhks with Tim O'Brien

Thu 31 January, 7:30pm
£15
ABC

After winning a rapturous reception on their debut Celtic Connections visit in 2007, the determinedly unclassifiable Canadian five-piece The Duhks return to Glasgow with more joyfully genre spanning music.

Seething away in their melting-pot of styles and influences are Celtic, Appalachian, soul, gospel, Latin, old-timey and zydeco flavours, stirred together with equal parts silky sophistication and raw edged verve. New vocalist Sarah Dugas joins the familiar faces of Tania Elizabeth (fiddle), Jordan McConnell (guitar), Leonard Podolak (banjo) and Scott Senior (percussion).

Tim O'Brien's production credit on the Duhks' last album, Migrations, represents just one of the umpteen creative hats juggled by this most prolific and multi-talented of artists. As underlined by his 2006 Grammy for Fiddler's Green, Tim's foremost gifts are as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, a master at interpreting and reinvigorating the canon of US roots music, from Celtic-derived fiddle tunes to Bob Dylan songs, while extending it with his own finely-wrought compositions.

The Megantic Outlaw with special guests

Thu 31 January, 7:30pm
£12.50
The Classic Grand

A new show devised by Lewis musician and teacher Calum Martin, best known for his Gaelic psalm recordings with the Back Free Church congregation, The Megantic Outlaw takes its name from that popularly bestowed on Donald Morrison (1858-1894), a once-celebrated figure in the frontier folklore of Quebec, where his parents settled after being cleared from Lewis.

After shooting a bounty-hunter over a disputed family debt, Morrison spent ten months on the run, frequently sheltered by other Scottish settlers in the region. Martin's Gaelic folk-rock song cycle, recently released on CD, begins with the family's voyage from Lewis, following the story through to Morrison's capture, imprisonment, and eventual death following a hunger-strike.

Helping Calum perform The Megantic Outlaw album live will be an all star Trans-Atlantic band, consisting of Runrig members Malcolm Jones (guitarist/piper/multi -instrumentalist) and Blair Douglas (accordion/keyboard) as well as Fraser Fifield (saxophone/pipes/whistles) a hugely individual and multi-talented musician who transcends various musical genres and one of the youngest ever traditional Mod Gold Medallists Isobel Ann Martin (backing vocals). From Nashville comes Arvel Bird, the most popular Native American recording artist on tour today who secured top honors as Artist of the Year at the Native American Music Awards in 2007.

Fiddle Rendezvous

Thu 31 January, 8pm
£12.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Offering a sneak Celtic Connections preview of a show that most of Scotland won't see until its Tune Up! tour in May, Fiddle Rendezvous features three top fiddlers covering a diverse array of international styles, each performing with their own duo partner and collaborating in brand-new combinations.

Appalachian and old-timey maestro Bruce Molsky teams up with Gaelic singer and clarsach player Mary Ann Kennedy, ex La Lugh frontman Gerry O'Connor with Breton guitarist Gilles Le Bigot, and Scotland's Mike Vass with sister Ali on piano and vocals.

Allan MacDonald & friends

Thu 31 January, 8pm
£12.50
St Andrew's in the Square

One of the great piping fraternity from Glenuig in Lochaber, twice winner of the Inverness Clasp, Allan MacDonald is especially renowned for his exploration of the relationship between piobaireachd and Gaelic song. He will be joined on-stage this evening by some surprise special guests.

Songs of Scotland

Gie Me the Days When We Were Young hosted by Ishbel MacAskill
Thu 31 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.

Luka Bloom with Cara Dillon

Thu 31 January, 8pm
£16
Old Fruitmarket

One of Ireland's best-loved singer-songwriters, Luka Bloom retains an innocence and optimism in his work that translate neither as naivete nor wishful thinking: rather an eloquent belief in human communion - musical or otherwise - as a force for good. This has largely been the inspiration behind his latest acclaimed album Tribe.

His incredibly gifted electro-acoustic guitar-playing guarantees an impassioned live performance of his original, poetic and melodic songs, having honed his craft whilst on tour with various acts including his older brother, Christy Moore, The Pogues, The Violent Femmes and The Dixie Chicks.

Cara Dillon, too, has a voice that transcends boundaries, its uncannily pure, exquisitely expressive tones first heard in the band Oige when she was just fifteen. Now pursuing a successful solo career, she aligns her love of traditional ballads with subtle pop and country influences, most recently on her 2006 album After the Morning.

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

Travelling Folk

Thu 31 January, 8pm
Free but ticketed
BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay

Archie Fisher introduces a varied selection of some of the finest acts appearing at the festival, in a special show live from Pacific Quay.

Celtic Connections Festival Club hosted by Gibb Todd

Thu 31 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

Keith McGinn & Mark Sheridan

Fri 1 February, 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

Fri 1 February, 5pm
Free
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

In partnership with the Evening Times

Fiona Mackenzie & Friends

Fri 1 February, 6pm
£10
City Halls, Recital Room

Through her work with Seelyhoo, Anam and the Mackenzie trio, Lewis-born Fiona Mackenzie has won rapturous praise for her exquisitely emotive singing, in both Gaelic and English, with tonight's show launching her first solo album, Elevate.

Transatlantic Sessions

Fri 1 February, 7:30pm
£24, £22
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

Following the acclaim heaped on BBC Scotland's third series of Transatlantic Sessions, broadcast in autumn 2007, Celtic Connections presents another glittering line-up of Celtic and American stars, all of whom were featured in the recent programmes.

Since their inception, these concerts have consistently ranked among the festival's fastest-selling tickets, hence the decision this time to stage the show twice, with the same line-up of artists on both nights, although - given the proceedings' traditional element of spontaneity - the set-list may well vary between the two.

Heading a truly stellar cast of singers, soul/country diva Joan Osborne makes her Celtic Connections debut. Finding inspiration in sources as diverse as blues, gospel and Indian devotional music, Osborne has collaborated with the Dixie Chicks, the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan and Taj Mahal, combining her arrestingly sensuous voice with direct, emotive songwriting. Also from Stateside comes a phalanx of top roots vocalists, including Tim O'Brien, Mindy Smith and Darrell Scott, with the Scottish team featuring Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson.

Also assembled for this year's 'ultimate back-porch session' are a mouthwatering dream team of renowned instrumentalists, with Shetland fiddler Aly Bain and dobro king Jerry Douglas (CMA Musician Of The Year 2007) once again acting as musical directors.

Among the remaining US visitors are guitarists Russ Barenberg and John Doyle, bassist Garry West and banjo ace Alison Brown, while accordionist Phil Cunningham, percussionist James Mackintosh, Donald Shaw on piano and accordion and Michael McGoldrick on flutes and whistles complete the Celtic contingent, for what promises to be two very special concerts.

Friday Night Blues

William Lee Ellis & Guy Davis
Fri 1 February, 7:30pm
£10 Central Hotel

Born in New York of rural Deep South descent, singer and guitarist Guy Davis is perhaps today's consummate exponent of acoustic, old-time and country blues, having reinvigorated the field with a string of critically-acclaimed albums since the mid-1990s.

Named for his godfather, bluegrass legend Bill Monroe, roots'n'blues guitarist William Lee Ellis combines his Tennessee roots with a longtime love for pre-war blues artists, creating his own unique Americana blend.

Catherine Feeny with Kaela Rowan

Fri 1 February, 7:30pm
£12.50
Oran Mor

With a voice and songwriting style that's already earned comparisons to Joni Mitchell, Edie Brickell and Tracy Chapman, as well as support slots with Suzanne Vega and Martha Wainwright, Philadelphia-born Catherine Feeny seems poised for major success, following rave reviews and heavy rotation for her second album Hurricane Glass, a radiantly melodic mix of folk, pop, country and blues.

Former lead singer with such groundbreaking outfits as Mouth Music and Solas, the singularly gifted Scottish vocalist Kaela Rowan returns with a new collection of her own songs, accompanied by Shooglenifty's James Mackintosh, Quee MacArthur and Luke Plumb, plus fellow singers Gina Rae and Heather Macleod.

Session A9 with Michael Marra Quintet

Fri 1 February, 7:30pm
£15
ABC

We may still be waiting for their long-anticipated second album, but Session A9 have only themselves to blame for our impatience, given that they set the bar so high to begin with. Having hit the ground at a gallop with their superb debut release What Road? in 2003, the Highland fiddle-led supergroup, helmed by Capercaillie's Charlie McKerron, fast established themselves as a world-class live act, both in their formidable collective firepower and their elegantly orchestrated arrangements, with the subsequent addition of Peatbog Faeries drummer Iain Copeland raising the rhythmic stakes still further.

Long since elevated to the status of national treasure - an accolade he'd more than likely hate - Dundonian songsmith Michael Marra splices whimsy with bleakness, poignancy with humour and profound compassion with occasional vitriol.

After a rare visit to the studio last summer to record the EP Quintet, he appears tonight with Dick Lee (clarinet), Steve Kettley (saxophone), Kenny Fraser (fiddle) and Gordon MacLean (bass).

Box Club with Fribo

Fri 1 February, 7:30pm
£12.50
The Classic Grand

Currently hard at work on their hotly-anticipated debut album, the young accordion supergroup Box Club return after last year's Celtic Connections debut with a fistful of new tunes, featuring the formidable squeezebox frontline of Gary Innes, John Somerville, Mairearad Green and Angus Lyon, with guitarist Mike Bryan, bassist Duncan Lyall and percussionist Martin O'Neill.

Bringing together the talents of Norwegian singer Anne Sofie Linge Valdal, Scottish fiddler Sarah-Jane Summers and Englishman Ewan MacPherson on guitar and mandola, Fribo are one of the freshest and most inventive acts on the emerging 'nu-Nordic' scene, exploring and creating links between British and Scandinavian traditions, with a deft peppering of wider contemporary influences.

Classic Album: Jock Tamson's Bairns - The Lasses' Fashion

Fri 1 February, 8pm
£12.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Jock Tamson's Bairns' second album 'The Lasses' Fashion', released in 1982 (and listed among Richard Thompson's all-time Top 10 for Q magazine), remains a landmark in the contemporary revival of Scottish music, its marvellously fresh yet sensitive arrangements of Scottish traditional material having arrived on a scene still dominated by post-Corries ballads and Chieftains tunes.

It's performed tonight by the original personnel of Rod Paterson, Norman Chalmers, John Croall, Derek Hoy, Iain Hardie and Jack Evans. The concert's other half will feature fiddler Anna-Wendy Stevenson among the Bairns' current line-up, with special guests including the superb young Scots singer Siobhan Miller, and veteran bothy balladeer Jock Duncan.

The Irish Tradition with Zoe Conway & Cran

Fri 1 February, 8pm
£12.50
St Andrew's in the Square

Uniting the revered talents of flautist Desi Wilkinson, singer/bouzouki player Sean Corcoran and piper/flautist Ronan Browne, Cran are one of Ireland's top traditional acts. The brilliant Dundalk-born fiddler Zoe Conway draws skilfully on both folk and classical influences.

Breton Night

featuring Stok an Dans, Empreintes & the Hamon Martin Quintet
Fri 1 February, 9:30pm
£16
Old Fruitmarket

Filling the Old Fruitmarket with the authentic flavours and atmosphere of a typical Breton 'Fest Noz' (night festival), tonight's bill of fare will include traditional food and drink from the region, alongside a mouth-watering musical menu.

Led by percussionists Dominique Molard and Jacques Moreau, Stok an Dans perform hypnotic rhythm-driven arrangements of dance tunes old and new, interwoven with African grooves.

Guitarist Gilles Le Bigot's six-piece band Empreintes, named for his jazz-inflected 2002 album of that name, features several fellow luminaries of the contemporary Breton scene, including legendary flautist Jean-Michel Veillon, saxophonist Bernard Le Dreau, and Ronan Pellen on cistre, the Breton cittern.

Pellen is also among the line-up of the Hamon-Martin Quintet, one of Brittany's hottest young traditional bands, alongside Mathieu Hamon (vocals), Stevan Vincendeau (accordion), Erwan Volant (bass) and Erwan Hamon (bombarde).

Celtic Connections Festival Ceilidhs

Fri 1 February, 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 brilliant Scott Harvey Ceilidh Band.

Celtic Connections Festival Club hosted by Gibb Todd

Fri 1 February, 10:30pm
£7.50
Central Hotel

Get ready for some late night music!

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.

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

Iain Anderson

Fri 1 Februa

ry, 10:30pm
Free but ticketed
BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay

Bring your festival to a perfect end in the company of Iain Anderson, as he invites some of the best local and international song-writing talent to join him at BBC Scotland's new home at Pacific Quay. Live on BBC Radio Scotland.

come&try Gospel

Sat 2 February, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Feel the freedom and experience the excitement of Gospel Style singing in this fun packed session led by Eddie Binnie. This workshop will include warm ups, harmony and the possibility of solo voice improvisation. Complete beginners are very welcome as well as those with more singing experience. Lots of fun for all abilities.

Public Workshops

Learn the Small Pipes in a Day
Sat 2 February, 11am
£30
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Suite

This workshop covers use of bellows, blowing and fingering techniques and tuning of drones. During the day, Dave Shaw will teach you a relatively simple tune, generally a jig or Northumbrian reel. Numbers are strictly limited and pipes are provided. Over 14 years and complete beginners only please.

Public Workshops

Mandolin for Beginners

Sat 2 February, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Lomond Foyer

The Lanarkshire Guitar and Mandolin Association will introduce basic techniques of the mandolin, including playing melodies and chords. The general introduction to music includes looking at a variety of styles, the basics of reading music and music theory. This is a good introduction to the mandolin for players of other fretted instruments.

Public Workshops

Bodhran for Beginners

Sat 2 February, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Clyde Foyer

This workshop is for people who have started learning the instrument. Please bring your own bodhran and Mark Dunlop will take you to another level of playing. Learn about the subtleties of this fine accompanying instrument and you will be warmly welcomed at every session- you and your goat!

come&try Harmony

Sat 2 February, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Discover the intensity of singing and blending voices in a large group. An opportunity to learn some great harmonies with one of Scotland's most dynamic singers, Corrina Hewat. Use your ear to navigate a song and develop your confidence and ability to find harmony in 2, 3 and 4 parts with some of Corrina's most favourite songs. This workshop is for people who have always wanted to try harmony singing but have little or no experience.

Public Workshops

Bodhran for Players

Sat 2 February, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Clyde Foyer

Mark Dunlop will show you how to expand your repertoire of rhythms and make real progress with your playing. This workshop is for players who can play jigs and reels at real reel time and want to develop their own individual style. Please bring your own bodhran.

Danny Kyle's Open Stage hosted by Gibb Todd

Sat 2 February, 5pm
Free
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

In partnership with the Evening Times

Great Originals: Angus Grant

Sat 2 February, 6pm
£10
City Halls, Recital Room

A mere 30 years after his self-titled debut, the legendary Lochaber fiddler Angus Grant recently released his second album, The Hills of Glengarry. Angus is accompanied tonight by Ross Martin (guitar) and Christine Hanson (cello).

Bill Wyman & the Rhythm Kings with support

Sat 2 February, 7:30pm
£24, £22
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

After 30 iconic years as half of "the straightest rhythm section in rock", former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has now been letting the good times roll in company with the Rhythm Kings, the moveable all-star feast of vintage virtuosos he formed in 1997, to play the kind of classic rhythm and blues that first inspired him to pick up the guitar as a teenager.

Blues, soul and old-time rock'n'roll also feature in the mix, performed with impeccable chops by a glittering line-up that tonight includes guitar legend Albert Lee and ex-Dr Hook vocalist Dennis Locorriere, together with Beverley Skeete (vocals), Geraint Watkins (piano), Graham Broad (drums/keyboards), Nick Payn (saxophone), Frank Mead (saxophone) and the band's co-founder Terry Taylor (guitar).

Koshka World Gypsy & Jazz Band with Lialia Shishkova & The Celtic Connections

Festival Orchestra
Sat 2 February, 7:30pm
£16
City Halls, Grand Hall

Several years in the planning, tonight's concert witnesses a unique convergence of traditions from eastern and western Europe, linked onstage as throughout history by the wild, impassioned strains of gypsy music.

Hosting the occasion are the Glasgow-based trio Koshka, comprising violinists Lev Atlas and Oleg Ponomarev with guitarist Nigel Clark, whose fiery, sophisticated blend of gypsy tunes and Hot Club jazz has earned standing ovations at previous Celtic Connections gigs.

Joining them direct from Russia is the Lialia Shishkova Band, an authentic gypsy folk ensemble led by Shishkova's enthralling vocals, while our very own Celtic Connections Festival Orchestra conducted by Greg Lawson completes the line-up.

Colin MacIntyre with Devon Sproule

Sat 2 February, 7:30pm
£12.50
Oran Mor

He may have shed his erstwhile collective alias, but the artist formerly known as Mull Historical Society is keen to reassure his many devoted fans that nothing else has changed. In other words, Colin MacIntyre remains the quirkily freebooting, brilliantly magpie-minded soul he ever was, meshing irresistibly catchy hooks and soaring choruses with his trademark one-man-band experimentation, as he prepares to release his fourth album The Water, in early 2008.

Guitarist and songwriter Devon Sproule is known for her gorgeous laid-back Southern-tinged music (Maverick magazine). Her recently released album Keep Your Silver Shined, perfectly highlights her talent for combining Appalachian, folk and jazz influences and was another important contribution to the Great American Songbook.

Alison Brown Quartet

featuring special guests Joe Craven & John Doyle with The Greencards
Sat 2 February, 7:30pm
£15
ABC

Grammy-winning banjoist Alison Brown makes a welcome return to the Celtic Connections stage this year after being forced to miss last year due to the impending birth of her son Brendan. Alison has invited two of her favourite musicians - multi-instrumentalist Joe Craven and Irish guitar great and rhythm genius John Doyle - to join quartet regulars John R. Burr (piano), Garry West (bass) and David Heyer (drums).

Alison describes this sextet as her dream band: "It's not too often that I get all these guys together on the same stage, but when it happens it always blows the roof off."

Two Australians and an Irish-descended Brit who hooked up in Nashville, The Greencards splice timeless folk lyricism with mettlesome jam-band attitude. Described by Rosanne Cash as 'a little island of Truth and Beauty in a sea of artifice and mediocrity', they released their third album, Viridian, in 2007.

Fraser Fifield Band with the Nedyalko Nedyalkov Quartet & Cora Smyth

Sat 2 February, 8pm
£12.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

The latest in western and eastern folk/fusion comes together in this collaborative encounter between Scotland's Fraser Fifield Band, led by its eponymous, consistently inventive saxophonist, piper and whistle player, and Bulgaria's foremost contemporary folk ensemble, Nedyalko Nedyalkov Quartet, combining an array of traditional instrumentation with the stunning vocals of Stoimenka Nedyalkov.

A featured soloist in Michael Flatley's hit show Lord of the Dance, Mayo-born fiddler Cora Smyth also guested on the Chieftains' Grammy-nominated album Water From the Well, before releasing an acclaimed duo CD with her whistle-playing sister, Breda, in 2005. Her eagerly-awaited solo debut, 'Are We There Yet?, mixes up traditional and original tunes with Latin sizzle and urban grooves and her fantastic live show promises an exhilarating feast of audio and visuals.

Guitar Summit with Russ Barenberg & Bryan Sutton

Sat 2 February, 8pm
£12.50
St Andrew's in the Square

A dream-team pairing of two breathtaking US guitar virtuosos, who between them have worked with Dolly Parton, Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, Earl Scruggs, Tim O'Brien, the Dixie Chicks, Bela Fleck, Ricky Skaggs and many, many more.

Capercaillie with Kirsty McGee Hobopop Collective

Sat 2 February, 9:30pm
£16
Old Fruitmarket

Now firmly established as one of the world's top contemporary Celtic acts, Capercaillie balance mature sophistication with unfailing enthusiasm for the music they play, from Karen Matheson's sublime singing in Gaelic and English to barnstorming instrumentals.

Expect a fair few tasters from their eagerly-awaited new album, the band's first studio recording since 2003's Choice Language in what will be their debut Old Fruitmarket gig.

Their current line-up, described by MOJO as "a marriage made in heaven" continues to set the bar in Celtic music with a front line boasting Michael McGoldrick (flute), Charlie McKerron (fiddle) and in a chance to swap hats, the festival's Artistic Director, Donald Shaw on accordion.

Kirsty McGee Hobopop Collective is the latest development in a career that has seen the talented singer songwriter go from strength to strength. The quartet has her constant musical sidekick and collaborator, Mat Martin joined by jazz bassist Nick Blacka and Rob Turner (drums) to bring a new dimension to the material and add a grainy groove to their already woody and mellow sound.

Celtic Connections Festival Ceilidhs

Sat 2 February, 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 brilliant Scott Harvey Ceilidh Band.

Celtic Connections Festival Club hosted by Gibb Todd

Sat 2 February, 10:30pm
£7.50
Central Hotel

Get ready for some late night music!

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.

come&try Irish Dance

Sun 3 February, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Riverdance continues to inspire people to try out the Irish form of step dance so here's your chance! This workshop will be led by Louise and Mary Hunter who will teach basic steps and rhythms to get you started. Complete beginners are very welcome.

Public Workshops

Learn the Irish Pipes in a Day

Sun 3 February, 11am
£30
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Buchanan Suite

This instrument has a reputation for being difficult to learn but in the skilled hands of Dave Shaw, piper and pipe-maker from North Durham, you will find that you can learn this sweet instrument in just one day. Over 14's and complete beginners please.

Public Workshops

Clarsach for Beginners

Sun 3 February, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Lomond Foyer

If you've ever wanted to try your hand on Scotland's most beautiful of instruments, here's your chance. You will learn the basics with some simple tunes and melodies. Please book early to avoid disappointment as numbers of harps are very limited.

Public Workshops

Bodhran & Spoons

Sun 3 February, 11am
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Clyde Foyer

The workshop programme wouldn't be complete without the cutlery cacophony of Eddie Scott. Norman Chalmers will lead the bodhran players and the space will reverberate with the clattering rhythmic sounds. Some spoons will be provided but if you have a favourite set, bring them along. GFW will provide the tunes.

New Voices Series

Patsy Reid

Sun 3 February, 1pm
£10.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Two-times Glenfiddich Fiddle Champion, aged just 15 and 16, Perthshire-born fiddler Patsy Reid released her debut album, 'With Complements', in 2004, and plays with the Danny Award-winning Breabach.

Her New Voices composition, 'Bridging the Gap', combines her love of traditional and classical music. While studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, Reid recalls, 'I would put on my "classical hat" during the week, and at some point during the commute between Manchester and Friday night's gig, that hat would be flung aside to reveal the more rebellious "traditional hat". Featuring fiddle, string ensemble, piano, guitar and bass, Bridging the Gap sets out to transcend such divisions.

Public Workshops

Djembe

Sun 3 February, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

The djembe, although originating in West Africa, has been growing in popularity as an accompanying instrument in Celtic music over the last few years. Allan Hughes will show you how to get the most out of your drum, learning specific rhythms and developing hand co-ordination. Some drums are provided.

Public Workshops

Already Harmony

Sun 3 February, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Lomond Foyer

Do you already love singing in harmony? Would you like to expand your creativity and technique, while learning a new song? Corrina Hewat has designed this workshop specifically for singers who want to improve and develop their range of harmonies and take their harmony singing to another level.

Public Workshops

Mandolin for Players

Sun 3 February, 1:30pm
£6
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Clyde Foyer

This workshop with the Lanarkshire Guitar and Mandolin Association will develop your skills on the mandolin. Further plectrum techniques are introduced and the possibilities of musical interpretation are explored. Pieces are taken from a variety of styles including folk, classical and popular music.

Danny Kyle's Open Stage hosted by Gibb Todd

Finale showcasing Danny Kyle's Open Stage Winners 2007 Sun 3 February, 5pm
Free
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

In partnership with the Evening Times

Transatlantic Sessions

Sun 3 February, 7:30pm
£24, £22
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Main Auditorium

Following the acclaim heaped on BBC Scotland's third series of The Transatlantic Sessions, broadcast in autumn 2007, Celtic Connections presents another glittering line-up of Celtic and American stars, all of whom were featured in the recent programmes.

Among the remaining US visitors are guitarist Russ Barenberg, bassist Garry West and banjo ace Alison Brown, while accordionist Phil Cunningham, percussionist James Mackintosh, Donald Shaw on piano and accordion and Michael McGoldrick on flutes and whistles complete the Celtic contingent, for what promises to be two very special concerts.

Final Night Bash with Malinky & special guests

Sun 3 February, 7:30pm
£12.50
The Classic Grand

End the festival with a bang and enjoy a closing concert to remember with Malinky and their friends. Having first emerged at Celtic Connections 1999 as winners of a Danny Kyle Open Stage Award, Malinky are now ranked among today's foremost young exponents of Scottish song.

The quintet have a diverse range of influences and backgrounds, with their fast-track progress on the international Celtic scene underpinned by outstanding musical prowess and a maturity well beyond their years.

Their superb original songwriting together with "Magnificent vocal talent" (Scotland on Sunday) sets them apart from the crowd and this evening they will welcome on stage some special guests, including Canadian folk singer-songwriter David Francey.

Mary Ann Kennedy & Na Seoid

Sun 3 February, 8pm
£12.50
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite

Premiered at the 2007 Blas festival, Na Seoid (The Heroes) is Mary Ann Kennedy's gathering of a seven-strong ensemble showcasing today's finest young male Gaelic talent. Alongside 2004's Young Traditional Musician of the Year, James Graham, a dream-team vocal cast includes three Mod medallists - Calum Alex MacMillan (Daimh), Tormod MacArthur (Meantime) and Gillebride MacMillan - plus Norrie MacIver, of Young Folk Award winners Bodega.

The instrumental talents of Griogair Lawrie (bagpipes) and Angus MacPhail (bagpipes/accordion) round out an awesomely powerful line-up.

The Music & Song of the North East of Scotland

with Paul Anderson & Shona Donaldson
Sun 3 February, 8pm
£12.50
St Andrew's in the Square

The musical riches of the region that Francis J. Childe called 'the singing land', also home to a world-renowned fiddle tradition, are explored by two of Aberdeenshire's leading cultural ambassadors, fiddler Paul Anderson and singer Shona Donaldson.

Trilok Gurtu & the Arke String Quartet with India Alba

Sun 3 February, 8pm
£16
Old Fruitmarket

Having worked with artists as diverse as Jan Garbarek, Neneh Cherry, Salif Keita, Nitin Sawhney, Sting, Annie Lennox and Huun Huur Tu, master Indian percussionist and composer Trilok Gurtu is a true fusion virtuoso, bringing the folk and classical traditions inherited from his musical family into new and unexpected spheres of influence, with consistently dazzling results.

His latest collaboration, as captured on 2007's superb Arkeology album, unites Asian, Balkan, Celtic and Mediterranean influences in cahoots with Italy's Arke String Quartet, an alternative-classical outfit featuring double bass instead of cello, plus unconventional extras like recorder, thumb-piano, Indian dilruba and ukulele.

India Alba bring together leading players of North Indian classical music, Sharat Srivastava (violin) and Gyan Singh (tablas) with two Scottish Traditional musicians, Ross Ainslie (bagpipes and whistle) and Nigel Richard (cittern) in a unique fusion of their musical cultures.

With a rich area of common ground, since both Indian ragas and Scottish pipe music are based round a drone, they produce "genuinely new and exciting music" (The Herald)

Celtic Connections Festival Club hosted by Gibb Todd

Final Night
Sun 3 February, 10:30pm
£7.50
Central Hotel

Get ready for some late night music!

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.

Tickets can be booked:

In person Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
2 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow, G2 3NY

City Halls and Old Fruitmarket
Candleriggs
Glasgow, G1 1NQ
By phone 0141 353 8000
Online www.celticconnections.com