Celtic Connections announces an array of new acts for the 2023 line up
Celtic Connections, the home of world-class music and one-off collaborations, has announced a host of new acts to be added to the dynamic bill for its celebratory 30th edition this January.
Article Source: Celtic Connections
Last Updated: 1 November 2022 13:33
The internationally renowned event will mark its 30th festival with an ambitious and eclectic programme of music that will be showcased between Thursday 19th January – Sunday 5th February 2023.
Thousands of musicians will perform at venues across the city over the course of the 18-day event, with concerts and performances spanning traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music.
Post-punk indie rockers The Twilight Sad are back after having to cancel their performance at last year’s festival. Famed for their notoriously loud live performances, the band will bring a very special and intimate show to Celtic Connections, featuring stripped-back songs from across their critically acclaimed body of work.
Glasgow’s southside venue Tramway will host two very special performances across the last weekend of the festival. Genre-defying Scottish composer and performer Anna Meredith will bring her acoustic and electro performance to Celtic Connections 2023 on the final Friday, straddling the different worlds of contemporary classical, art pop, techno, large-scale installations, and experimental rock. The penultimate night will welcome Malian singer and guitarist Vieux Farka Touré to the Tramway stage to present his new album Ali, described by Elton John as “one of the albums of the year.”
Gaelic supergroup Dàimh will also set the Celtic Connections stage ablaze this January. Regarded as giants of the bagpipes and fiddle, Angus Mackenzie and Gabe McVarish lead the melodic powerhouse, with fellow founder member Ross Martin underpinning the groove on guitar. The band are joined by ’new guy‘ Murdo “Yogi” Cameron on mandola and accordion to complete the instrumental line up. Joining them on vocals is the Gaelic firmament’s rising star, Ellen MacDonald.
Joining Dàimh on this bill will be Irish singer-songwriter Karan Casey who has been blazing a trail for over 25 years. A lover of ballads, love songs and searing versions of social justice songs, as well as a great storyteller, Karan has toured the world connecting with her audience through Ireland’s past, while crucially repositioning women and songs in a universal and a modern setting.
Award-winning folk band CARA will celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band with a special anniversary line up, including Jeana Leslie (FARA), winner of the 2010 World Bodhrán Championship, Aimee Farrell-Courtney, and Steffen Gabriel (Northern Light).
Sam Kelly & the Lost Boys will also take to the Celtic Connections stage as part of its 30th edition. The brainchild of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Sam Kelly, The Lost Boys band has gained a reputation as one of the best live acts in the UK, with the virtuosic talents of Jamie Francis (banjo), Graham Coe (cello), Toby Shaer (whistles/fiddle), Archie Moss (melodeon) and Evan Carson (drums) showcasing an eclectic and innovative reworking of traditional songs and tunes from England, Scotland, Ireland and the USA.
Former BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year Claire Hastings will perform her varied repertoire of traditional, contemporary and original songs, with the accompaniment of her full band.
The Friel Sisters will bring their traditional Irish music and song to the festival, while Shetland fiddle player Ross Couper will make his return to Celtic Connections, this time with his own band. Joining him is BBC Radio Scotland’s Traditional Musician of the Year 2021, Michael Biggins and drumming legend Paul Jennings. This will be the first outing of The Ross Couper Band and it’ll be a chance to hear some material from his greatly received Celtic Connections New Voices commission last year, alongside some new material.
Rokia Koné, aka the Rose of Bamako, visits Celtic Connections for the first UK live performance of her debut album Bamanan, a collaboration with Irish-born, California-based rock producer Jacknife Lee (U2, R.E.M, Snow Patrol, The Killers)
Rokia’s voice soars – pure, clear and true — above bass and synths, traditional percussion and infectious Mande guitar grooves. A stop-you-in-your-tracks voice instantly familiar to anyone in Mali, West Africa – and previously a core member of supergroup Les Amazones d'Afrique - her captivating performances run the gamut of emotion from joy to despair and fury to tenderness, wielding her astounding voice with grace and power. Jacknife Lee has become one of the most sought after and highly influential producers, having worked with some of the most influential artists on both sides of the Atlantic including Taylor Swift, U2, R.E.M, Snow Patrol & The Killers. Working together across three continents on Bamanan, Rokia and Jacknife have reimagined the Malian sound in ways leftfield and groundbreaking.
Marking 100 years since James Scott Skinner recorded ‘The Strathspey King’, Alice Allen (cello) and Patsy Reid (fiddle) will celebrate this milestone at next year’s festival by releasing their own take on his last, iconic recording from London, 1922.
Patsy and Alice both grew up steeped in the Northeast fiddle tradition, becoming effortlessly fluent in their native strathspeys, reels and airs, whilst simultaneously pursuing a hybrid musical education, achieving much sought-after string technique (that Skinner himself flaunted) whilst remaining true to their respective roots. Together, Alice and Patsy breathe new life into these wonderful tunes, and it is hoped their recording may be enjoyed by Scottish music lovers for another century.
Cottiers Theatre will be the venue for a unique Celtic Connections show entitled When Mountains Meet / Jub Milain Pahaar: A musical adventure from Scotland to Pakistan. The performance will showcase a unique musical journey with Scottish and South Asian influenced music and storytelling, alongside striking visual images. Composed and musically directed by Scottish violinist Anne Wood (The Raincoats, Deacon Blue, Michael Marra) the show will navigate along her unforgettable voyage from the Scottish Highlands to the Himalayas, in search of her Pakistani father whom she had never met.
Scottish folk quartet Westward the Light will bring their powerful and dynamic music to the 2023 edition of the festival. Comprising musicians Charlie Grey, Sally Simpson, Owen Sinclair and Joseph Peach, they will also be joined by Scottish Uilleann piper, flautist and composer, Calum Stewart and percussive Scottish step dancer, Sophie Stephenson.
Other names added to the 30th edition of Celtic Connections include, Adam Sutherland, Ainsley Hamill, Alastair McDonald, Amythyst Kiah, Archie Fisher, Assynt, CLR Theory, Early James, Firelight Trio, Fraser Bruce, Gavin Paterson, Grainne Brady, Hamish Napier, Ian Bruce, Madison Violet, Malcolm MacWatt, Nae Plans, Pete Clark, Ron Jappy, Scott Wood Band, Seckou Keita, Session A9, Staran, Sylvia Barnes, Terra Kin, The Coaltown Daisies, The Routes Quartet, The Special Consensus, Tim Baker and William Prince.
Tickets for Celtic Connections 2023 are available from www.celticconnections.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Iconic singer songwriter Horse to perform spectacular rooftop set at the Pavilion Theatre on Monday 7th April
Legendary Scottish singer-songwriter Horse McDonald is set to deliver an unforgettable performance on top of the Pavilion Theatre on Monday 7th April.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
First Bus to improve reliability of over 30 Glasgow bus services thanks to AI
First Bus is making minor service updates to 33 routes across Glasgow from Sunday 20th April as its new AI-driven timetables continue to improve reliability for customers across the city.
READ MORE
June dates now on sale for Bongos Bingo, including 90s specials!
Expect all of the usual madness plus special themed prizes and music at Bongo's Bingo's 90s specials at SWG3 Glasgow in June!
READ MORE
HARIBO UK announces first Scottish retail store in Silverburn shopping centre
Scottish HARIBO-lovers are in for a treat! The UK’s leading confectionery manufacturer, and creator of Tangfastics and Starmix, is set to open its first retail store in Scotland.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
American BBQ legend and first Arab pitmaster both set to cook in Scotland for the first time
Pioneering pitmaster Pat Martin is coming to Glasgow as Meatopia makes its Scottish debut at SWG3 in June!
READ MORE
Taste the Place launches to celebrate culinary heritage of Glasgow
Taste the Place, a new range of experiences celebrating Glasgow's rich cultural heritage through food, has launched!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces record breaking statistics as festival draws to a close
Glasgow International Comedy Festival welcomed over 61,000 comedy fans to 605 shows this year, marking its biggest ever event!
READ MORE
Premium menswear brand, Bee Inspired, confirmed for Silverburn
Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn has expanded its streetwear offering with the addition of globally recognised urban fashion brand, Bee Inspired.
READ MORE
Pitch perfect Govan Music Festival wraps up fantastic fourth edition
Govan Music Festival has wrapped up in Glasgow after four joyful days of music and community participation, showcasing themes of hope, renewal and connection across its programme.
READ MORE
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton to star in supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story
The King's Theatre Glasgow is delighted to announce that Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton will star in the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story!
READ MORE
Rosco McClelland wins Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at GICF
Rosco McClelland has been announced as the winner of 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, at Glasgow International Comedy Festival's Comedy Gala.
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
University of Strathclyde retain the Glasgow Taxis Cup
University of Strathclyde were crowned winners of Scotland's largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, for the third time since 2022.
READ MORE
Glasgow bus tour unveils hidden gems
An open-top bus company is offering a new tour of Glasgow, highlighting its hidden gems and maritime history.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850: Citizens Invited to Unleash Their Inner Poet and Join the Great Big Glasgow Poem!
Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations have taken on a poetic twist with the launch of the Great Big Glasgow Poem, encouraging every Glaswegian to contribute a line to a collective masterpiece!
READ MORE
Sinitta and Darren Day join the cast of CHICAGO
Darren Day and Sinitta will join Strictly star Janette Manrara when CHICAGO comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in August!
READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops
Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850: More shows and festival showcase acts announced as part of Clyde Chorus
Clyde Chorus, part of Glasgow 850, is thrilled to unveil its festival showcase acts, featuring an eclectic mix of talent that celebrates Glasgow’s rich and diverse musical heritage.
READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MORE
VR experience at Glasgow Central station aims to help combat sexual harassment on the railway
Immersive VR film at Glasgow Central station invites passengers to find out how they can help to tackle sexual harassment on the railways.
READ MORE
Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!
Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania
READ MORE
Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow
Kai Widdrington, renowned professional dancer across the UK and Ireland, is set to bring his highly anticipated dance tour, Kai - Evolution to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre!
READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month
More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister is set to join its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.
READ MORE
Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition
Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, crowned Slam Masters and Individual winners at the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, will return to this year’s competition to defend their title.
READ MORE
Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society
This year's programme showcases the diversity, talent and passion of the historic Glasgow district, with one show featuring a song inspired by local lifesaving outfit, the Glasgow Humane Society.
READ MORE
Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian
Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances
Stellar lineup of Hollywood stars including Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, James McAvoy and Tim Roth lit up the city alongside a programme of free films and events for the community.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links