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Musical mayhem and magic
celtic2012Given that Mr Calum MacCrimmon’s Folkytown shenanigans kick off again tonight, it seems not too late to recount the cautionary tale of a certain young Scottish fiddler who attended last Tuesday’s launch night, and – like many in attendance – enjoyed himself not wisely but too well. Like a good few who were in attendance, he was meant to be up bright and early the next morning, having signed up to take part in the Artists’ Day that was jointly laid on by Showcase Scotland and the Musicians Union, offering free expert advice on such useful themes as setting up your own record label, media interview techniques, fundraising and grants. Not only that, but our fiddling friend had been designated as one of the group leaders, for a session where participants were split into four groups – this session being scheduled at 11.30am. Shortly before 3pm, he was encountered hastening along to the event’s venue, and when accosted regarding his tardiness, he hotly defended himself with tales of dodgy chicken and food poisoning. “So it wasn’t Folkytown’s fault?” we replied, sceptically. “No, it was the fact that when I got back from Folkytown, I decided to cook some chicken, and didn’t leave it in the oven long enough.” We rest our case. Anyway, for those who dare, tonight’s line-up features Ross Couper and Tom Oakes, Man’s Ruin, then Angus Binnie on the decks; the fun at the Flying Duck runs 11pm-3am; £3 to get in; cheap drinks; general debauchery.
A few final parting shots from Emir Kusturica and the No Smoking Orchestra before they blew out of town, including the very tall shaven-headed member of the band who marched up to the Coda Records stall at some point during Sunday night demanding, “Give me vodka!” (“Sorry pal, I’m just selling CDs,” came the somewhat intimidated reply.) Hours after the concert had finished, the Concert Hall crew were trying finally to clear the building after mucho festivities backstage, and thus Mr Kusturica came across the phrase, “Don’t you have homes to go to?” – leaving an open goal for his proud response: “No, we do not have homes – we are gypsies”. And having loudly announced his support for the cause during the gig, he departed with the promise (or should that be threat?) to come back and play a free show when Scotland becomes independent.
And lastly, a completely unsolicited testimonial from one of Celtic Connections’ regular visiting patrons from the US, who declared that, this year in particular, he has “just seen so much unbelievably wonderful music,” before singling out the show he was at last night, the musical theatre production Woody Sez at the Tron, for especially fervent praise – having gone along with no foreknowledge except that it was based on Woody Guthrie’s life story. “There was laughter, there were tears, the performances were just fantastic: it completely blew me away,” he said – and clearly he wasn’t alone, as he also reported not one but two standing ovations.
