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We often say on our music tours that Celtic Connections is as much about the connections part of its name as it is about Celtic music, and there can be no better example of this than the Grit Orchestra, a 75-piece beast of a group comprising musicians from Scotland’s classical, jazz and folk fraternities. The orchestra was…

It’s our third year at Celtic Connections, and we’re very proud to run our Merchant City Trad Trail tours again. The tours have sold out for the last two years and we’re expecting to do so again in 2018. Places on the tours are limited, but there are still some tickets available here. The tour begins at…

The end of the year is traditionally the time for looking back, and with that in mind we asked Glasgow-based writer Damien Love if he had anything lurking in his archives that might be a good fit for our last blog post of 2017. He’s had a rummage and pulled us out a cracker: this is a…

Compiled by founding editor Mark Fisher, The XTC Bumper Book of Fun for Boys and Girls brings together 256 pages of XTC goodness to celebrate Limelight fanzine’s 35th anniversary and the band’s 40th anniversary. Mark has kindly donated a copy of this splendid publication for a competition over on our Facebook page. We managed to nab Mark for a…

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, women in music often had to shout to be heard. This book traces the sounds, attitudes and thrift store looks of women who refused to be silenced. From the punk and post punk scenes through the permutations of indie, shoegaze, grunge and eventually riot grrrl, Untypical Girls is a celebration…

On Friday November 24th Saint Luke’s will host a celebration of the legendary radio producer Stewart Cruickshank, who lived for music and for people. His work from Beat Patrol to the Iain Anderson show gave a start to countless musicians and enriched the lives of all music lovers in Scotland. He made things happen, brought people together,…

We love Findlay Napier writing about Glasgow, the city he now calls home and title of his new album. Findlay kindly agreed to share it with us — thank you Findlay. Glasgow is released on October 13 and you can pre-order it here Photo by Raymond Depardon, Magnum Photography In 1997 I moved from the banks of the…

On Saturday 7th October, Stuart Cosgrove will launch his brilliant new book Memphis 68 at the Admiral bar in Glasgow. We’re chairing the earlier part of the evening when Stuart will read from and answer questions about Memphis 68. From 10pm, djs Lenny Harkins and Andrew Divine will crank up their irresistible Northern Soul club night. Stuart has put together a…

We’re really looking forward to Glasgow Americana this year which boasts an impeccable line-up playing venues across the city. Check the full gig listings here The opening night celebrates the work of one of the most revered Texan singer/songwriters, Townes Van Zandt.The Late Great Townes Van Zandt Tribute features artists including; Rachel Sermanni, Jefferson Hamer, Davie Scott, Roseanne…

The inaugural Govanhill International Carnival and Govanhill Against Racism festival takes place from August 26-28. On Saturday 26 August, Govanhill International Carnival 2017, will bring Govanhill’s diverse communities together for a celebration of its unique community.  On Saturday 26 August a colourful and lively Parade will weave its way through Govanhill to Queens Park Arena where there will be…

o celebrate the launch of his new book The Passion of Harry Bingo and our Piping Live tours, Peter Ross and his publisher Sandstone Press have graciously allowed us to use this wonderful piece by Peter on The Sikh Pipe Band’s appearance at Piping Live in 2015. Thanks also to Michael McGurk for allowing us to use his photograph. Keep…

Lindsay Hutton started his seminal fanzine The Next Big Thing as a punk Xerox sheet in 1977. He went on to found the world’s first ever Cramps fan club The Legion of the Cramped along with a certain Stephen Patrick Morrissey…We invited Lindsay to guest blog for us to celebrate the 40th anniversary issue. Thanks again Lindsay! In April 1977,…