The Irish Nexus at Celtic Connections 2012

Celtic Connections 2012 will bring together the cream of Irish songwriting talent for A Song for Ireland at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Celebrating their musical heritage, Irish artists Cara Dillon, Seamus Begley, Julie Feeney, Solas, Finbar Furey, Luka Bloom, Eleanor McEvoy and Dick Gaughan will assemble for this special show.

Celtic Connections 2012 runs from Thursday 19th January – Sunday 5th February and comprises 300 concerts, ceilidhs, talks, workshops, free events and late night sessions taking place over 18 days in 20 venues across Glasgow.

The Godfather of Irish folk, Dónal Lunny returns to Celtic Connections to perform with a special group comprising fellow Planxty members Liam O’Flynn and Andy Irvine alongside legendary fiddler Paddy Glackin.

Perennial festival favorites Cherish the Ladies make a welcome return, bringing their Country Crossroads show to Glasgow. The Irish-American group will be joined by special guests including contemporary banjo pioneer Alison Brown, dobro demon and Blue Highway co-founder Rob Ickes and expat Irish singer Maura O’Connell.

Also returning to the festival is the traditional Irish group Four Men and a Dog, with their big band outfit.

Other Irish artists include Dublin-based ex-boxer and street-gang survivor turned singer-songwriter Damien Dempsey, flautist Nuala Kennedy, At First Light, Matt Molloy, Andy White, Cathy Jordan, Guidewires and a night featuring some of the finest acts from the 2011 Sligo Live festival. The Alan Kelly Gang will see Ireland’s leading accordion player perform alongside special guests including Scottish songbird Eddi Reader.

More at celticconnections.com