CELTIC CONNECTIONS

CELTIC Connections, which kicked off on Thursday, features 18 days of the best-known musicians in traditional and roots music, world, indie, jazz, folk, soul and Americana. The festival, which takes place in venues across Glasgow, is a tuneful mix of concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, free events and late night sessions.

Each night at 5pm – including today and tomorrow - you can listen to new musical talent, for free, at The Danny Kyle Open Stage in the Exhibition Hall of Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Danny Kyle was a passionate supporter of traditional music and a constant campaigner for its revival in Scotland.

The six best acts win through to the final night showcase concert on February 1 for the star prize – a support slot at next year’s festival. The Open Stage is compered by Danny’s close friend, Liz Clark and the event has acted as a launch pad for names including Karine Polwart, Rura and The Chair.

Why not flex those vocal cords in a series of song workshops which run all weekend? They cost £10 each and take place in the Royal Concert Hall. Scots Chorus with Mick West, Today, 1.30pm, Clyde Foyer Mick West, one of the world’s leading exponents of Scottish folk song, will teach a variety of traditional chorus songs. Scots Song with Christine Kydd, Today 1.30pm, Lomond Foyer Christine Kydd will teach a selection of songs suitable for beginners and more experienced singers. She has also created arrangements of the songs of Robert Burns. Harmony Song with Alison Burns, Tomorrow, 11am, Exhibition Hall Alison’s work is all about people singing together in harmony and loves the way that singing can unburden people, which inspires her workshops and songwriting. Gaelic Song with Darren Maclean, Tomorrow 1.30pm, Clyde Foyer Learn more from Darren – who is a Mod Gold Medal winner.

LINDA ROBERTSON For more information and details on how to book, visit www.celticconnections.com