Celtic Connections 2004!!!

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,Roger Hayes
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 12:49 PM

To BanjoRay - You will love Celtic Connections but here's a bit of advice. Stay teetotal over Christmas and the New Year. Don't drink a drop of alcohol before you get to Glasgow because you'll more than make up for it when you do get there. Celtic Connections is one helluva party, nineteen days and nights of absolute mayhem with brilliant music and great craic.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: BanjoRay
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 07:32 AM

It looks as if I'll be making my first visit to Celtic Connections in January - helping Tom, Brad and Alice, (Sauber, Leftwich & Gerrard)with Debby McClatchy on their Appalachian Gathering tour. These guys are as good as it gets in Old Time music, and as discoverers and preservers of old American ways of playing and singing the great tunes, they shouldn't be missed, as those who saw their tour last February will know. Debby's been a regular annual in the UK for around 30 years, and it looks like this tour will be her last for a few years.
They'll be touring through most of January and into February.
More when I get the full details.
Ray

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: John Routledge
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 07:14 AM

2005 programme is to be shortly posted on website

Runs from Wed 12Jan to Sun 30Jan.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Nov 04 - 06:35 AM

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 03:48 AM

There are male and female sections. Last year the Grand Champion was a female. So that blows your excuse out!

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 18 Feb 04 - 11:49 AM

Doubt it: it's a sad fact of life that females' peak expiratory flow rates are well below those of males, so we're at a disadvantage for bluebell puffing!- unless they have separate male and female competitions! Songwriting, maybe, if I get time to think something up.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 04:30 AM

Are you going to enter the World Puff-A-Box Championships at Glenfarg?

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 07:53 PM

See ya in Glenfarg, cloudstreet!
TB

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 03:53 AM

pity about Tarneybackle not getting their slot in the Danny s. We were stuck in that jam as well.It was horrendous! Hope Tarnetbackle get a slot for next year if not I will just have to see them somewhere else.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: cloudstreet
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 07:53 PM

You probably know by now, but...

The winners were:

Graham MacKenzie
Graham is only 12 years old and is by far the youngest ever Danny winner. A fiddler from Inverness he has been playing for half his life. His mother claims that Phil Cunningham had proposed to trade Aly in for Graham. Graham is also a regular with the Kiltearn Fiddlers in Ross-shire. Graham has already played Celtic Connections at this year's opening concert - Harvest.

Sal
Sal are a duo from Aberdeen who have been playing together for two years and met at a session in a pub. Magnus Robertson originally from Shetland sings and Paul Tasker originally from Selkirk plays the acoustic guitar. By day Magnus is a support worker and Paul is a Medical Researcher.

Tacan
Tacan are five traditional musicians. Their roots are in Ireland but now four live in Glasgow and one in Manchester. Louise Hunter is a fiddle player and her brother Martin Hunter plays box. Peter Mullaney is the guitarist with the band, Emma Sweeney plays the fiddle and whistle and Julia Reid adds vocals and plays flute, bodhran and bouzouki.

Eilidh Grant
Eilidh is a 21 year old singer from Bridge of Weir. For her winning performance tonight she was accompanied by Stevie Lawrence (percussion), Angus Lyon (accordian/keyboard) and Ruairidh Campbell (fiddle). Eilidh was highly reccomended for her open stage performance last year and in her own words "came back for more".

Jen Butterworth and Sarah Naylor
Jen is a guitarist and Sarah is a fiddler. Sarah from Skye was one of the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalists this year. Jen originally from Dumfreis and Galloway also performed in the Young Tradition Scots song in The Piping Centre concert at this year's festival.

Tassle Bandits
Tassle Bandits are a group of guys all from the highlands who have been friends for many years. They recently formed Tassle Bandits and got their name because three out of the four players have tassles on their instruments. Alex Urquart Taylor plays small pipes and whistles, Ewan Henderson plays fiddle, pipes and small pipes. Colin Gordon plays guitar and bouzouki, Mathew Watson plays fiddle, whistle, guitar, mandolin, banjo and smallpipes (although he's only 13).

Megan McKerrill
Megan is a young Cape Breton taught fiddler. She currently lives in Ontario. More information to follow ...

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Fiona
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 11:17 AM

I'd never been to Celtic Connections before, I hadn't realised what I was missing. We went up for the Afrocelts concert, which was fabulous. The atmosphere was wonderful, just wish I had been up for longer. The support band Cantera, were very good too, great woman piper. I'd have liked to have caught more of the Open Stage and we couldn't get tickets too the festival club at all, we'll be better organised next time.

Did anyone see Micheal McGoldrick? I love to hear how that went, or Dick Gaughans concerto?

Fiona

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,Blackford John
Date: 04 Feb 04 - 03:13 AM

Does anyone know who won the Open Stage?

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 03 Feb 04 - 08:00 PM

I was also at Carlos Nunez and Kepa Junkera and had previously seen Kepa in the Concert Hall a couple of years or so ago. As I said then, the percussion instrument (the txalaparta to give it its correct name) gives a whole new meaning to Black and Decker Workmates! As my husband has just ceased paid employment, I shall set him to building me one in the garage. I shall be out there with the tuning fork making sure it's sawn off to perfect pitch!
The downside of the concert was the long trek home: multiple missed connections by public transport taking 3 hours to do what would have been 1 hour in the car, and twice the price. Next year I shall book accommodation in Glasgow!
Harriet, I saw you and your Mum at Kepa, and tried to come over and say hello, but you were too engrossed in conversation with a couple of people so I didn't like to but in!
Anyway here's to next year, bigger'n'better'n ever!
Tattie B

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: 8_Pints
Date: 03 Feb 04 - 07:05 PM

Returned again this week-end with John Routledge and our respective wives as we had announced earlier.

Whilst Carlos Nunez was superb last week-end I was blown away by Kepa Junkera in the 'Barrowlands' venue. The playing of 'Totem' xylophone was a wonder to behold! Each 'bar' was about the size of a railway sleeper resting on a cradle and played by a pair of percussionists creating fantastic cross rythms - almost African!

Also astounded by Graham MacMillan, a very young Shetland fiddler accompanied by his mother, Alison on electric piano. He was one of the 7 finalists in the Open Mike competition.

Bob vG

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 29 Jan 04 - 07:44 PM

John S
I was right next to the guy who started the "Swing Low" and I was singing a sort of harmony. I eventually got to play one of those lovely Moon guitars (only £1600) after the party had finished. I envy you, getting to see Susana: I first saw her in Sidmouth (?2000), closely followed by Both sides the Tweed 1, and she never fails to blow me away. I have both CDs, but still listened to the BBC Celtic Connections link.
Enjoyed "Baltic Tae Byzantium" tonight: second half was better as I sat much further back where I coud see both video screens at once!
Tattie B

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,Blackford John
Date: 29 Jan 04 - 07:13 AM

Saw Kate Rusby last night in the main auditorium. Great singing and arrangements. She ended up with more of a choir and orchestra than a band.

Whilst the guests were all great, the highpoint was her finale of Kate singing "My Young Man" with the five brass players from Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: John-S
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 08:20 AM

Here's a treat for you. It's not from this year.

Susana Seivane at the Beeb

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 08:14 AM

You lucky lot to see it live. I live in Shanghai so I could only catch parts of it on BBC Radio 2 (Mike Harding ) and Archie Fishers Travelling Folk slot on Radio Scotland. Thank god for broadband!

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: John-S
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 08:11 AM

Tattie Bogle, I couldn't have been more than a couple of feet from you; I watched that session for a bit and was there for Swing Low. I've been keeping a lookout for Mudcat T-shirts but I haven't seen any. I was disappointed that Susana Seivane wasn't on for longer on Friday, but I did see her at the Barrowlands and she was terrific - for me, the high point of Celtic Connections. Carlos was great, but I preferred last year's concert.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 07:58 AM

Harriet: sorry I don't have any say in whom Sidmouth book, and I think they probably work more than a year ahead! Have you or your agent tried contacting them yourself?
Where were all the catters on Saturday? I wore my Mudcat T-shirt on Friday evening and Saturday, but no-one took the bait. perhaps because it looks too much like a former year's Celtic Connections T-shirt!
Agree that Bagad Kemper and Carlos Nunez's concerts were amazing: would have liked to see more of Susana Seivane on the Friday: had planned to come and see her at Barrowlands on the Sunday, but after tedious (M8 totally closed!) and icy journey back on Saturday(car nearly slid offf the road while driving slowly in a straight line!) I decided not to risk it.
Also tried to get into the Open stage on Saturday, but the queue was long and not moving, so enjoyed the impromptu bluegrass session at
one of the instrument-makers' stalls, including a superb rendition (not the rugby version!) of "Swing Low" and some graet mandolin and slide guitar.
Next gig is "Baltic tae Byzantium" as long as it's not too Baltic to brave the roads again!
Cheers, Tattie

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: John-S
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 07:40 AM

Does anyone know who the judges are for the Open Stage ?

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,Blackford John
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 08:00 AM

Tarneybackle missed their slot on Sunday's open stage. Left home for a 45 minute journey to Glasgow to find major roadworks and a 3 hour long queue of traffic. Next time we'll leave a week early !!!!

Still hoping for a cancellation and hey, there is always next year.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 06:12 PM

To clarify:

The Open Stage is free, and unticketed, and is in one of the bigger suites at the Concert Hall.

However, because it gets very busy, and demand is high, you may have to queue up to get in and get a seat - frankly you may have to queue up even to stand.

Doors open at 5pm.

If you intended to perform, you'd really need to have applied quite a while ago..

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: John Routledge
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 05:45 PM

Yes Fiona you can just turn up to watch the Open Stage free but if you want to perform then you need to apply well in advance such is the demand. Six of the 10 acts that I saw were wonderful and the other 4 were very good although not quite to my taste. Good average :0)

Bob did mean Central Hotel although at times it was a bit like the Station opposite.

So good going again next weekend!!

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Fiona
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 04:28 PM

Thanks for all the info, I rather naively thought you could just turn up and watch the stuff on the Open Stage (like at an ordinary festival). I believe Cantera, the support band at the Afrocelts gig was a hit at last years open stage, sounds well worth a look.

Bob vG - do you really mean Central Station? Conjures up quite an image!

Thanks again,

Fiona

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: 8_Pints
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 10:39 AM

Just back from the late night session in Central Station that was still going strong at 4.30 this morning!

Everything was fabulous apart from 'Unusual suspects' that wasn't to my taste. The arrangements I felt were wholly incompatible with the traditional material being presented.

Bagad Kemper & Carlos Nunez seemed to create fantastic performances in perfect accord with contemporary and traditional styles.

And Susana Seivane was as briiliant as ever!

Bob vG

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,Scabby Douglas
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 08:26 AM

Missed my shot at the Open Stage this year... Curses!
They phoned on Saturday afternoon when I was out, as there was a cancellation and needed a replacement. I didn't hear about it till too late. Ahh never mind, there's always next year.

The Open Stage audiences are really friendly and welcoming. When I did it last year, I was astounded how nice they were.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: John-S
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 07:21 AM

Ooh! I got mentioned by a famous person. Harriet, I hope to see you back next year and maybe sooner.

Fiona, if you're going to the Danny Kyle Open Stage, be there early. I've been to a few and the attendances this year have been massive, with long queues to get in. I arrived at 6 o'clock on Saturday and managed to get in after a twenty minute wait. I heard that people had started queuing at 4 o'clock. The Open Stage isn't a ticketed event, so it's a case of first come first served. Good luck and enjoy!

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 04:42 AM

Hi, Firstly, thankyou to Scabby Douglas, Tattie Bogle, and John S for their lovely comment.
Secondly, Tattie Bogle, I don't know if I am going to Sidmouth this year.. maybe you could get in touch with the festival and ask them if I could be booked? ;-)

In response to Fiona's message - the Danny Kyle stage is in the exhibition hall of the Concert Hall every day from 5pm - 7pm. It is pot luck who is on, there is normally a poster on the door saying who is on that day, but other than that, there is no advanced notice.

I had a great time at Celtic Connections launching my CD 'Eyes Wide Open' (CD Trax 255). I played to about 1500 in the Auditorium of the Concert Hall when I supported Cherish the Ladies, and loved every minute of it! I even took a picture of the audience!!

Anyway, hope everyone who is going up has a great time,

Love Harriet
www.harrietbartlett.com

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Santa
Date: 25 Jan 04 - 06:30 PM

maybe because people are busy enjoying it, not surfing the net?

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jan 04 - 06:18 PM

Why has this music festival thread, about a music festival that is going on right now, been relegated to the below the line shit heap?

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Fiona
Date: 25 Jan 04 - 07:03 AM

Is there a listng for Danny Kyles open stage anywhere or is it just pot luck? We're only going to be up 30/31 to see the Afrocelts and it would be nice to catch a wee bit more music. I'm relly sad to be missing Micheal McGoldrick tonight and gutted that Malinky are playing at the same time as the Afrocelts. Wish I still lived in Glasgow!

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Dickmac
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 05:58 PM

I just caught part of Cloudstreet at the open stage on Friday 16th.
Great set and hope to hear more from them in future.
Yes Santa the Scots gave them a great reception - we know class when we hear it.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Santa
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 03:32 PM

And performed at Blackpool Wednesday night despite not getting to bed until 5am.

Excellent. Hope the Scots appreciated you. (Bet they did.)

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: cloudstreet
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 03:23 PM

We've just come back from our week up in Glasgow and it was fantastic!!!! We had a couple of spots in the festival club and a real hoot on the open stage (fingers crossed). An absolutely exhausting party. I can't imagine how people do it for three weeks.

Get there if you can.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,tt
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 04:13 PM

don't forget McGinn's pub on hope street , at the back of the central train station

they have folk nights upstairs

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,scottishvoice
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 03:51 PM

Anyone gonna be at celtic this weekend? (23rd-25th) Im back down in glasgow now so it would b cool to meet some other catters! sho x

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: John-S
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 11:21 AM

I'm just about knackered already. I always keep two weeks free in January for Celtic Connections. Been to loads so far, starting off with Harriet Bartlett, who told a rude true story about a kilted accordion player. And played some great music.

Christina Pato is nuts, but maybe it's something in the Galician water. Wonderful concert.

I'm also going to see Bagad Kemper, Carlos Nunez, Susana Seivane.

The Danny Kyle Open Stage is great as usual and well worth a visit.

I saw Phamie Gow twice, first supporting Alan Stivell and then doing the Master/Apprentice show with him. I'm pretty sure she's a former Danny winner as well, and she's great.

I love being in Glasgow just now.

If anyone can make it, Carlos Nunez and Four Men and a Dog will be part of the Travelling Folk recording session on Friday at 2 PM. Be there early.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: John-S
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 11:07 AM

I picked up a flyer at the Concert Hall today for The Arches tonight, Wednesday 21st January. BBC Scotland and BBC Four are recording.

Fiddlers' Bid
Salsa Celtica
Ricardo Tesi and Banditaliana
Four Men and a Dog
Carlos Nunez

Tickets are free from the Arches Box Office. 0141 585 1023

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,jennifer
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 01:47 AM

Or, Lúnasa. BBC radio2 Folk

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,jennifer
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 01:43 AM

BBC radio 2 tonight: Malinky, John Tams and Barry Coope, Lunasa. Also on the BBC Folk website with playback available.

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Emma B
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 06:19 PM

Just been listening to the Fado singing and interview on Late Night Junction (Radio 3) fantastic! Wish I was there

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 08:01 PM

Hi to Cloudstreet: have I missed you? Enjoyed your singing and playing in Sidmouth and the Royal oak Edinburgh last August. Please say if you're on again during CC and I'll try to be there!
Hi to Harriet: saw you on Saturday in the Strathclyde Suite - great performance and congratulations on your success. I also remember seeing you in Sidmouth when you were a few years younger, and everyone then was ready to chop their hands off as they could never play like you! Hope you will be back there this year as it's their 50th!
Harriet was followed by Cristina Pato: what a gas! Great Galician folk/rock/gaita plus a lot of bottom-wiggling and facial expression! (Difficult to do both at the same time!)
I shall also be seeking out anything else from the North of Spain, i.e Susanna Seivane, Kepa Junkera, Carlos Nunez, and a wee bit of Bagad Kemper wouldnae go amiss!
I'll wear my Catters T-shirt next weekend, as my CC one is in the wash after dancing to Cristina Pato. Please miaow me, fellow-catters!

Subject: Celtic Connections 2004 on BBC radio
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 06:32 PM

very long connections; I'm listening to African music on the Celtic Connections coverage on BBC radio 3.

from 10.15 pm nightly this week I understand... over an hour later the music is still om air

Of course, BBC Radio Scotland (which is available on-line)will have coverage earlier on in the days

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,Blackford John
Date: 18 Jan 04 - 06:34 AM

Not sure where I'd park a campervan in Glasgow.

I was at the Royal Concert Hall yesterday to hear the open stage. The quality of performers was excellent.

If you like traditional Scots song performed well, come along to the open stage on Sunday 25th January to hear "Tarneybackle" a three piece group from Perthshire.

"The enjoyment is infectious" - The Scots Magazine.
"One of the best folk-based acts in Scotland" - The Perthshire Advertiser.


John

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: 8_Pints
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 11:07 AM

We intend to see Susana Seivane, Carlos Nunez & Bagad Kemper.

Anyone know where we could safely park our campervan in Glasgow?

Bob & Sue vG

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: breezy
Date: 14 Jan 04 - 06:30 AM

Cloudstreet on their way and may be , worth a listen.
Had the pleasure of their performance last night, magical.
open stage

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,Scabby Douglas
Date: 13 Jan 04 - 11:17 AM

Well Harriet, it's nice to hear about who won something at the Open Stage last year. Celtic Connections are as, usual, remarkably poor at communicating the information.

Belated Congratulations!

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,DaisyA
Date: 13 Jan 04 - 10:43 AM

Hello there everyone... should we arrange a big meet up again? Since I missed the last one!

Subject: RE: Celtic Connections 2004!!!
From: GUEST,Harriet Bartlett
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 02:31 PM

Hi Everyone! I'm playing at Celtic Connections on the 15th (as one of the winners of the Danny Kyle Award last year), and also supporting Cherish the Ladies in the Main Auditorium of the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on the 19th. Hope some of you will come and support me, and maybe buy my debut CD!! (Out on the Greentrax Record Label CDTRAX 255 - plug plug!!)

See you there!

Love Harriet
www.harrietbartlett.com