Celtic Connections has announced the first set of artists that will perform as part of its digital-first festival in 2021. Throughout 19 days, the festival will present online performances every night between Friday, January 15 and Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
The festival will feature world class performances from some of the biggest names on the Scottish music scene and beyond, appearing on screens across the world as part of the winter festival.
The festival is creating unique digital content from specially commissioned projects and performances filmed across many of Glasgow’s much-loved venues. In doing so the festival will support and encourage the creative industries to help protect Scotland’s rich musical legacy.
The line-up for Celtic Connections 2021 will include:
- Admiral Fallow
- Aidan O’Rourke 365
- Amira Kheir
- Bassekou Kouyate & Amy Sacko
- Blazin Fiddles
- Blue Rose Code
- Breabach
- Cherish The Ladies
- Chris Stout & Catriona McKay
- Declan O’Rourke
- De Temps Antan
- Duncan Chisholm & Scottish Ensemble
- Eddi Reader
- Edwin Morgan 100th
- Elephant Sessions
- Fara
- Fergus McCreadie Trio
- Fiona Hunter
- Georgia Cécile
- Gnoss
- Grosse Isle
- Imar
- James Grant
- José González
- Kinnaris Quintet
- Kris Drever
- Karen Matheson
- Kathleen MacInnes
- Le Vent Du Nord
- Lyre
- Mairearad Green
- Mànran
- Paul McKenna Band
- Project Smok
- RANT
- Rachel Newton
- Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi
- Roaming Roots Revue
- Rory Butler
- Ross Ainslie
- SCO with Karine Polwart & Pekka Kuusisto
- Sian
- Siobhan Miller
- Shooglenifty
- Sona Jobarteh
- Sorren MacLean & Hannah Fisher
- Talisk
- The Secret Sisters
- Transatlantic Sessions
- TRYST
- Westward the Light
- Xabier Diaz
- Zoe Bestel
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “It has been a challenging but exciting process pulling this year’s digital festival together. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the musicians who have contributed both at home and abroad, it has been brilliant to see them all get behind the concept and support our vision. We can’t wait to bring all of this great music into people’s homes this January!”
Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council stated: “The announcement of the program for Celtic Connections is always an exciting moment giving a glimpse of the outstanding performances to look forward to in January. This year, more than ever, the festival will connect people around the world through a love of music with its roots in Scotland. It will be a major showcase for some incredible talent and will be a reminder of the hope we all have of being back in venues in the near future to enjoy live performances.”
Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said: “Now that Celtic Connections has announced some of the acts that will brighten up our January nights, we can start to look forward to what 2021 has to offer. This online edition of the festival will give a global boost to our home-grown artists while ensuring that an international thread continues to run through the program. So many must-see performances, all in the one place, keeping Glasgow at the heart of the musical world.”
Early Bird tickets can be purchased here.
[headline photo: 21.11.2020-Celtic Connections at City Halls-Aidan O’Rourke-Gaelle Beri]
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central