Celtic and international folk, country and rock music stars on Thursday 18th at Celtic Connections

Glasgow, Scotland – Things really kick off on the second day of Celtic Connections 2007, as its diverse line-up sees an array of international folk, country and rock music stars, one Woodstock legend and plenty of fresh talent and festival veterans take to stages across Glasgow.

Program:

Danny Kyle’s Open Stage hosted by Gibb Todd
Thu 18 January, 5:00pm
Free
The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall

Danny Kyle was a passionate supporter of traditional music and constant campaigner for its revival in Scotland. The Open Stage has been an integral part of the festival for the last six year. Each night, new musical talent is given the chance to shine under the Celtic Connections spotlight, with the six best acts going through to the coveted final night concert.

Hosted by Danny Kyle’s good friends Gibb Todd and Liz Clark, the Open Stage has been the launch pad for many now familiar names, including Adam Sutherland, Karine Polwart and GiveWay.

Mary Chapin Carpenter with Support
Thu 18 January, 7:30pm
£24, £22
Main Auditorium

With world-class artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter on the bill, one of the most distinctive elements of this year’s Celtic Connections is undoubtedly its strong Americana strand. Expect hits from her repertoire including He Thinks He’ll Keep Her, and also from her new CD The Calling, which will be released on the Zoe label in March.

Orkney Night with The Wrigley Sisters
Thu 18 January, 8:00pm
£12.50
Strathclyde Suite

The Wrigley Sisters
Saltfishforty
Kris Drever

Another major strand to Celtic Connections 2007 is its regional music concerts. The Orkney Night is one such concert, (alongside the Tiree Night, the Barra Night and Donegal Connections) and will showcase the home-grown music scene of the UK’s second most northerly islands.

Ceolraidh: Ewan MacPherson with Séamus Egan and Jenna Cumming with Mary Ann Kennedy
Thu 18 January, 8:00pm
£10
The National Piping Centre

Ewan MacPherson
Séamus Egan
Jenna Cumming
Mary Ann Kennedy

Celtic Connections is strongly committed to fostering and showcasing fresh talent. A modern day revival of a time honored tradition, Ceolraidh (meaning ‘inspiration’ in Gaelic – from a series of concerts created by Feis Rois) encourages knowledge and artistry to be shared between a seasoned expert and gifted youngster.

Following on from the Master and Apprentice strands, Ceolraidh nurtures the brightest young talents performing alongside an idol or mentor that each has chosen.

A lynchpin of the current Malinky line-up, multi-instrumentalist Ewan MacPherson trades tunes and tips with Solas founder Seamus Egan, and traditional Gaelic singer Jenna Cumming is joined by singer/harpist Mary Ann Kennedy.

Jim Lauderdale with Maeve O’Boyle
Thu 18 January, 8:00pm
£12.50
The Tron Theatre

Matt McGinn Night
Thu 18 January, 8:00pm
£12.50
St Andrew’s in the Square

The McCluskey Brothers
Carol Laula
Laura McGhee
David Hayman
Terry Winchell
Shonagh McGinn

Listed twice in the Smithsonian Institute’s list of 100 greatest folk songs of the 20th century, Matt McGinn’s immense body of work ranged from the balladic to comedic, from political to nursery rhyme.

A brash and multi-talented Glaswegian, he loved an audience and the audiences certainly loved him. With the ability to say big things in a simple way, he was a true universal artist whose work continues to touch people everywhere, through his honesty and humanity.

Guests paying tribute to Matt McGinn tonight include The McCluskey Brothers, Carol Laula, Laura McGhee, David Hayman and Terry Winchell

Richie Havens with David Ferrard
Thu 18 January, 8:00pm
£15
ABC

Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 (featuring Peter Buck (REM), Scott McCaughey & Bill Rieflin)
Thu 18 January, 8:00pm
£16.00
The Classic Grand

Veteran English alt.pop maverick Robyn Hitchcock, former helmsman of the Egyptians and the Soft Boys, describes Olé! Tarantula, the first album featuring his new band the Venus 3, as “the rockingest record I’ve made in years”.

Given that said new band features, in Hitchcock’s words, “3/4ths of the Minus 5 and half of R.E.M.” – i.e. guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Scott McCaughey, and drummer Bill Rieflin – it’s an apt summation, although Hitchcock’s signature traits of surreal whimsy and irresistibly catchy tunes also feature in the mix.

With R.E.M. having cited the Soft Boys as a formative influence, Buck’s involvement brings this particular strand of Hitchcockian history full circle.

Phil Cunningham and Friends with Dòchas
Thu 18 January, 10:00pm
£15
Old Fruitmarket

Accordionist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and broadcaster – Phil Cunningham is joined by an all-star line-up, who help him celebrate 30 years in the music business.

The night’s line-up includes the ScottishPower Pipe Band, charismatic Cherish The Ladies singer Heidi Talbot, fiddler John McCusker and Irish accordion wizard Máirtín O’Connor. A certain other famous fiddler may even make an appearance.

Celtic Connections Festival Club hosted by Gibb Todd
Thu 18 January, 10:30pm
£3.50
Holiday Inn – City West

The 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.