Norwegian guests at Showcase Scotland

Six of Norway’s top music acts descend upon Glasgow this weekend (30 January) to appear as part of Showcase Scotland.  Taking place on the last weekend of Celtic Connections, this year’s Showcase focuses on the connections between Norwegian and Celtic musical traditions.

Now in its 11th year, Showcase Scotland, runs from Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 January, and will involve 60 artists performing in venues across Glasgow.  Norwegian artists selected for this years Showcase include SynnØve S. BjØrset, Gjermund Larsen trio, Unni Boksasp Ensemble, Skaidi, Majorstuen and Valkyrien Allstars, for further information on the bands please visit www.folkmusic.no.

Organised by Active Events on behalf of the Celtic Connections, Scottish Arts Council and the British Council, the showcase is a ’spotlight’ on different international partners each year.

This year Active Events has worked in collaboration with The Norwegian Traditional Music Agency, Music Export Norway, The Royal Norwegian Embassy in London and The Norwegian Arts Council to provide an opportunity for artists to raise their international profile and gain new audiences from across the world.

Showcase Scotland is one of the largest delegate-based events of its kind in Europe. Artists will perform in front of promoters, record labels and agents spanning 15 countries.  Representatives from music festivals from as far afield as Japan and the USA attend the event, leading to the possibility of overseas touring contracts and record deals for the performers.

Delegates can attend a music tour of Glasgow and are welcomed at a host of receptions and seminars.  This year’s seminars include Digital Audience Development, by production company Inner Ear, focusing on how festivals can increase audiences through use of current social networks and free internet tools.

Wales Arts International and Sain Records will also be hosting a Wales Reception at the showcase, including performances from Lleuwen Steffan and Gwenan Gibbard.

Ian Smith Head of Music said;
‘International showcasing for Scottish artists and their music is a key priority for the music department of the Scottish Arts Council. We have a great partnership with Active Events for our Showcase Scotland portfolio at Celtic Connections, where the hosting of international partners is now such an integral part of its success.  In 2009 we welcomed Quebec, this year we host Norway and in 2011 Nova Scotia. We have already worked with the FØrde Festival and look forward very much to working with our Norwegian colleagues for Showcase Scotland 2010.’

Scottish representation at this years Showcase includes performances from bands such as The Chair, an eight peice Orkney-based band formed in 2004, and winners of the prestigious Danny Award at Celtic Connections in 2007.  As well as the Peat Bog Fairies, based on the Isle of Skye, who have become one of Scotland’s best known names in contemporary folk music.  Other performances include Duncan Chisholm, Michelle Burke, The Shee, Stuart McLennan and Nuala Kennedy and many more. 

For the full line up please visit the Celtic Connections website.