Well what a weekend at Celtic Connections.
First up John, Dónal & Tony joined Grainne Holland for her gig in The Tron Theatre on Saturday night. Grainne sang a blinder and blew the roof off the Tron. We suspect she’ll be appearing at a few big festivals this year.
Then BBC Scotland filming on Sunday for Horo Gheallaidh. Bright lights and sweltering heat – never the best combination after a night at CC.
On Sunday night John & Dónal played a set at the Piping Centre – what a great venue with real commitment to the scottish piping tradition. Hamon/Martin played a blinding first set. This was followed by a late night set at the festival club which was pretty mental. Snorting Jagermeister while dancing to Shetland Fiddle surely shouldn’t be allowed!!
Plenty of drama on monday as John opened his pipe case for the soundcheck to discover broken bellows. After plenty of tweeting, phoning, freaking and bleating the amazing Sheila Friel saved the day with 5 mins to spare. Míle buiochas a Shíle. Thanks also to Jarleth Henderson who donated a set of bellows also. Anyhow the gig in the City Halls was great. Thanks to the Co. Down brigade for the encouraging high pitched screams!! You know who you are. Jaadu was mindblowing. Una Monaghan – made sure everything sounded great. Great to bump into so many old friends and meet so many new ones over the course of the weekend (the Dervishers, the Solasers, the Lauers, Eamonn Coyne, Mattie Foulds, Fraser Fifield, Maeve McKinnon, Sean Purser, Graham Henderson, Tom Oates, Roisin NiDhuill…..and so many more…… Caught some great sets from Aillie robertson, Duncan Lyle band, Ian Stephenson trio, Treacherous Orchestra, Alison Brown etc…
Finally a huge thanks to Donald, Lesley, Eamonn, Peter, Susan and all at Celtic Connections for looking after us so well.
Hope to see you all again next year
Now for some recovery time!!
Oh and if anyone has any video clips or pics from any of the gigs feel free to upload them on our facebook page. Merci
Some reviews;
The Scotsman Review
Oak an Thorn Radio
