A quiet fixture of the Celtic Connections programme since 2011, piper Ailis Sutherland brings her first solo show to the festival on January 30, 2026, at the Drygate Brewery – expect new tunes, rocking tempos and a wee bit of vibe.
Ailis has a super busy 2026 ahead, and part of that is starting to play gigs under her own name. She has a very exciting line-up for her band’s first appearance at Celtic Connections with Eryn Rae (fiddle), Mike Vass (tenor/baritone guitar) and Pablo Lafuente (guitar). Ailis said: “I’m writing lots of new stuff for the show, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens once we start gigging it.
“I’ll also be spending a fair amount of time in the States next year, starting with what has become the antidote to the post-festival blues: Celtic Arts Foundation Winter School in February, not far from Seattle. There are some cool things to be announced for Summer 2026, but all going to plan, I’ll be visiting Washington, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut.
“I’ve also been building up a roster of very lovely and dedicated online students from all over the world. Although my teaching diary is starting to fill up, I’m always happy to make space for new students.” Contact Ailis through Instagram @ailis_suth
Also playing on the Drygate concert stage is Rum Ragged who are champions of their native Newfoundland’s distinct folk music. Their music combines a reverence for their roots with masterful musicianship and a creative, contemporary edge. With striking four-part vocal harmonies layered on top of bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar and button accordion, the JUNO award-nominated group have quickly become recognised as the finest performers of their Eastern Canadian island’s great musical tradition.
Having performed at some of the world’s premier folk, Celtic and roots festivals, Rum Ragged bring their signature blend of Newfoundland folk, song, and storytelling to Celtic Connections for the first time. Don’t miss out on this honest, humorous, thought-provoking live show.
Also playing is highly respected voice in Scottish trad, Ewan Robertson, who is an accomplished solo performer, composer and arranger, known for innovative guitar accompaniment.