Celtic Connections 2013 to Bring a Taste of other Festivals to Glasgow

Since its inception in 1997, Celtic Colours in Cape Breton has been one of Celtic Connections’ closest kindred festivals, building on the island’s unique Scottish and Gaelic heritage. The Cape Breton ceilidh will showcase some of its leading contemporary stars including Mary Jane Lamond and Wendy MacIssaac.

Following its successful debut as a week-long city-center event last March, the Glasgow St Patrick’s Festival will host a collaborative concert to showcase the UK’s Irish musical diaspora, featuring 13 musicians from four different cities.

A Glasgow contingent of eight, largely drawn from the Comhaltas/St Roch’s Ceili Band ranks, might seem like an unfair home advantage, but there’s little doubting that London-born accordion firebrand Damien Mullane (with ex-Lunasa guitarist Donogh Hennessy), Leeds guitar/piano/fiddle duo Chris O’Malley and Des Hurley, and Manchester singer-songwriter, fiddler and tin whistle ace Grace Kelly will collectively hold their own.

Celtic Connections 2013 takes place in Glasgow between January 17th and February 3rd.

Tickets for Celtic Connections are available at www.celticconnections.com, by phone at 0141 353 8000, or in person at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, City Halls and Old Fruitmarket.