Celtic Connections event honours Paisley singer’s memory
The spirit of late Paisley musician Danny Kyle will again be at the forefront of the Celtic Connections festival.
It has just been announced that the event will take place in Glasgow from January 19 to February 3 next year.
And, once again, entries are being invited for the Danny Kyle Open Stage event.
Danny, who passed away in 1998, was a popular folk singer and songwriter.
And after his death, his family and friends set up the open stage at the now- world famous Celtic music celebration.
At the event in his honour, new musical talent is given the chance to shine under the Celtic Connections spotlight and the six best acts win through to the final night showcase concert.
A support slot at the following year’s festival is up for grabs, and the competition is keen.
Compered by Danny’s close friend Liz Clark, the stage has been the launch pad for many now-familiar names such as Karine Polwart, Rura and The Chair.
Liz, who has leads the event every year, said: “To get on stage people have to be out there gigging and trying to get their foot on the ladder.
“Danny always encouraged people and believed in everyone being given a chance. When he was alive he used to recommend up-and-coming acts to folk clubs festivals.”
Danny was born in Paisley in 1939 and was brought up in a tenement in McKerrell Street.
The family later moved to Renfrew Road, and it was there that he was living at the time of his death.
It was in the early 1960s that Danny’s career as a folk singer began during the folk revival of that era.
He recorded two albums, Ah’ll Get Ye, in 1975, and Heroes & Soft Targets. in 1998.
Celtic Connections’ Danny Kyle Open Stage will take place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in the Exhibition Hall.
The six winners will perform in a showcase concert on Sunday, February 3.
Information on how to apply for the 2019 Danny Kyle Open Stage will be available online soon.
Visit www.celticconnections.com for more.