charms
From Africa to America, bluegrass to country, Celtic Connections looks set to showcase a roster of international talent, finds Anna Millar
dwyn Collins. Youssou N’Dour and
Nanci (iriflith are just some of the
highlights of next year's Celtic Connections festival in (ilasgow. ()rganiser‘s said 2009‘s programme showcased some of Scotland‘s best homegrown talent. alongside some of the world’s finest award-winning musicians.
Bluegrass acts arrive in the guise of
Crooked Still. Tim O'Brien and The Sparrow Quartet: elsewhere. Justin Townes Iiarle (son of Steve liarle). Nanci Griffith and Dirk Powell will all make an appearance.
New Orleans legends Dr John (pictured)
and Allen Toussaint. New York blues master
Eric Bibb. dub superstars Sly and Robbie (pictured above) and Michael Nyman will also feature. alongside folk favourites Jttdy Collins. Kate Rusby. Michael Marra. Shooglenifty and Julie l"owlis.
Following his much-publicised health problems. lidwyn Collins will also perform. supported by Scottish band The Bluebells (with original members Ken McCluskey. Robert Hodgens and David McCluskey reuniting especially for Celtic Connections).
as well as the official debut performance of
The Burns Unit featuring Karine Polwart. Sushil Dade and King Creosote.
Other highlights include the world premiere of ‘Conflict and Resolution] a new composition by David Heath. celebrating the life of Charles Rennie
Mackintosh. lilsewhere. as part of a special African strand of the programme. Senegalese singer and l'NlClil" Goodwill Ambassador Youssou N‘Dour will visit the [K for some one-off shows.
The festival will also pay tribute to Robert Burns with a Twelve Hour Burns Marathon.
Celtic Connections‘ Artistic Director
Donald Shaw said of the line-up: ‘()nce again. Celtic Connections will celebrate the connections between cultures across the globe and trace the roots of musical traditions. particularly through the world music strand of the programme. We have some incredible world music acts on the bill. such as Youssou N‘Dour and ()umou Sangare: that's a testament to Glasgow‘s international reputation.‘
www.celticconnections.com
TURNIP FOR THE BOOKS
I Organisers of Homecoming 2009 have announced their hopes of
of Edinburgh-born establishing a new World Record artist A"? for the greatest number of Burns amsay as gone under the suppers ever held, as part of next
year’s festivities. The World Famous Burns Supper Celebration will help mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. A new website will showcase everyone’s plans for
hammer in the capital's Christie’s auction for almost £300,000. A painting by Edinburgh-born Samuel Peploe, Roses, fetched
£529,250 _ a celebrating Burns Night and every re°°rd sum ‘0' a supper registered will be flagged Scottish , .
coburist. on an Interactive world map. Check
out the website for a range of Burns material, including a step by step guide to hosting a Burns supper, poems, songs, film clips andmusic downloads. See www.burnssupper2009.com.
Just when you thought it was safe to leave your houses, Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre have announced a 3D genie will appear alongside pantomime favourites, Allan Stewart and Grant Stott in this year’s Aladdin panto.
BREAD FILM RISES A short Scottish film about Garvald Bakery, staffed by peo le with Down’s syn rome and autism, has won almost £50,000 at a festival in Abu Dhabi. The documentary was previously Bafta nominated and screened at EIFF.
TI-IE SCOTTISH BOOK TRUST'S Jura Malt Whisky Writer Retreat has won the Cultural Branding Award at this year’s Arts & Business Scotland Awards. The popular initiative has also been nominated for the Arts & Business UK Awards which will be announced on 24 November. See scottishbooktrust.
Visit us daily com/jura.
for arts & entertainment news
30 Oct 13 Nov 2008 THE LIST 7