Celtic Connections off to a flyer 

I didn’t make it to any of the vast programme of concerts but I have heard people raving about the opening night in the Royal Concert Hall.

I also read Scots singer, Hannah Rarity, describe her show with Anna Massie and Innes White in the Drygate Brewery as one of her “favourite gigs to date”. 

Meanwhile, Trail West rocked the Old Fruitmarket by all accounts on Saturday night. It’s been some weekend for the boys who announced two Barrowland shows from the stage and then put them on sale the very next morning. 

Surprisingly after such a night, their fans must have been up early because the first one sold out within minutes and the second one is not far behind! 

Attention now turns to this weekend with an exciting array of gigs, some of which I select for the What’s On section below. 

Perhaps the most eye catching is Peat and Diesel playing the first gig in the Emirates Arena, otherwise known as the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. 

Tiree Association Burns Supper 

Among the excitement of Celtic Connections, don’t forget the Tiree Association are hosting their annual Burns Supper this Saturday, January 25. 

Having spoken at this event before, I can vouch for it being an enjoyable evening.

 
It takes place in the Ralston Community Hall and entertainment is provided by Cathie Lees, Kenneth MacLeod, Norman MacKinnon, Seona Brown, Susan MacFadyen, and John Campbell. Tickets are £20 and this includes a three course meal of soup, haggis, and cranachan as well as a welcoming dram on arrival. 

The event is BYOB. To book your tickets, email the association at thetireeassociation@gmail.com stating any dietary requirements. 

Edinburgh Cèilidh 

Comunn Tir nam Beann Dun Eideann host their next ceilidh on Saturday February 1 in Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh at 7pm. 

Performing will be Ceitidh Campbell (Gaelic song), Karl Patterson (clàrsach), Violet Pappe (guitar), Andrew MacIntyre (pipes), and Ann Paterson (poems in Gaelic and English). 

Admission, from 6.30pm, is £10 or £6 for members and free for U16s who are accompanied by an adult. 

What’s On at Celtic Connections 

• Thursday January 23: Eabhal with The Canny Band in The MacKintosh Church at 7.30pm 
• Thursday January 23: Breabach with Scottish National Jazz Orchestra in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall at 7.30pm 
• Thursday January 23: Peat and Diesel and the Seeger Sessions Revival in the Emirates Arena at 8pm
• Friday January 24: Elephant Sessions and The East Pointers in the O2 Academy at 7.30pm 
• Friday January 24: Orkney Anniversary Special in the Barrowland Ballroom at 7.30pm
• Saturday January 25: Burns Night Concert in Kelvingrove Art Gallery at 7.45pm 
• Saturday January 25: Canntaireachd and Fiárock in the New Auditorium at 8pm
• Sunday January 26: Blazin’ Fiddles in The Barony Hall at 7.30pm 
• Sunday January 26: Rachel Walker and Aaron Jones with Natalie and Brittany Haas in the Strathclyde Suite