It's a tough job...but I do it all for you!
I have not long returned from a wee trip down to Celtic Connections in Glasgow – a very agreeable part of my job as Programme Manager here at the Barn. It’s not all play – part of the trip involves a conference – but having the opportunity to combine the conference with seeing some of the best musicians on the planet is a treat, seeking out new talent to bring to the stage at the Barn just for you! Not too much of a hardship really but the late nights are a bit of a struggle for one used to being in bed by 10pm most nights....
Celtic Connections always leaves me overwhelmed by the quality of musicianship that Scotland produces (and the other nations participating). For such a small country we really punch way above our weight.
Last year, I saw The Halton Quartet play the Showcase Scotland event at the Old Fruitmarket and I liked what they were doing so much that I booked them for the Barn. They draw from a wide range of influences, Scottish trad, New York jazz, European classical and even a touch of Argentinean tango, creating an exciting and dynamic musical mix.
It’s always a bit of a risk booking a band that not many people have heard of but Woodend Barn exists to promote new talent as well as the musicians that everyone knows and I trust that our audience will come along and try something new – how else do you find out if you like something or not?
Here is a clip of the Halton Quartet on BBC Alba
and another of 2 of the band playing as a duo at Celtic Connections a few years back
Come along and see them at the Barn on Saturday 3 March – use the code HaltQuarat the online checkout and you’ll get £2 off each ticket if you book between now and Sunday.
See you there!
Susan
