In the midst of a bleak, dreich winter, Celtic Connections arrives again to provide music and joy, lyrics and stories, to its many devoted fans in Glasgow and beyond.
Now in its 22nd year, the festival, more than ably led by its artistic director, Donald Shaw, runs until February 1 and will feature 2,000 musicians in 300 shows in venues, big and small, across the city.
As in previous years, the line up of talent is tremendously eclectic, from traditional Scottish folk artists to modern bands, from American talents to soul, jazz and more. Its Transatlantic Sessions, which bring together kindred musical spirits from either side of the pond, have been a great success.
It is not a surprise, then, that Shaw and the festival are with some confidence exploring the idea of expanding the festival to North America. They are considering running a series of gigs in a New York venue for a week, as part of an effort to expand a successful brand. That brand is powerful - last year the festival saw an increase to 7% of visitors from oversees, and a rise in 4% of audience who visited the festival from the rest of the UK. But the heart of the festival is the cheer it spreads to music fans of all kinds in Glasgow every January who can hear some of the finest music Scotland and its international cousins have to offer. It's perennial success is something to savour.
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