Celtic Connections 2007, 17 January to 4 February, sponsored by ScottishPower and Showcase Scotland 2007 Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 January.

Supported by The Scottish Arts Council, British Council Scotland, Highland 2007, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Wales Arts International and PRS Foundation.

“Showcase Scotland provides a unique opportunity to see the best established and up and coming Scottish folk artists and also to meet and discuss ideas with the leading promoters of celtic music from around the world.”  Eddie Barcan, Cambridge Folk Festival.

International music industry delegates from over 35 different countries will visit Glasgow in January to sample the cream of Scottish musical talent at Showcase Scotland 2007.

Showcase Scotland is the largest gathering of the international music community in Scotland, and will run for five days during Celtic Connections in January. Now in its eighth year, Showcase Scotland is organized by Active Events, and was initiated by the Scottish Arts Council and British Council Scotland to provide a platform for promoting Scottish music and artists to new audiences around the world.

Ian Smith, Head of Music at Scottish Arts Council, said, “We have a phenomenal wealth of talent in Scotland in traditional, folk and roots music, from every corner of this country. Showcase Scotland gives our artists the chance to play to a global audience, via the representatives who attend this event. As such it is a key part of our showcasing strategy ensuring the best of Scottish musical talent, of all genres, reaches the largest possible audience.”

Donald Shaw, Artistic Consultant for Celtic Connections and founding member of celtic band Capercaillie, said, “Creating links through music is what Celtic Connections is all about. Showcase Scotland facilitates this on an international level by introducing Scottish talent to a global network of contacts, and subsequently it remains an integral part of our festival.”

The international exposure Scottish artists gain through appearing at the showcase can lead to record deals and overseas touring contracts. Performers benefit from its popularity; every year Showcase Scotland is over-subscribed, with over 150 UK and international promoters, record labels and agents in attendance, collectively representing a global audience of over 1 million people.

This year’s Showcase Scotland will run from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 January, and will involve around 60 artists performing in 12 venues across Glasgow.

It corresponds with the launch of Highland 2007 – a year long celebration of Highland culture across Scotland. Highland 2007 and Highland and Islands Enterprises’ funding partnership with Showcase Scotland will see three Highlands and Islands music festivals – the Shetland Folk Festival, Hebridean Celtic Festival and Blas – hold seminars during Celtic Connections 2007.

Councillor Alison Magee, chair of Highland 2007, said: “We are delighted three Highlands and Islands music festivals are going to be highlights of Showcase Scotland at Celtic Connections in 2007. Highland 2007 is all about celebrating and promoting the unique and special nature of Highland culture and Celtic Connections provides the perfect platform to do that to an international audience.”

Showcase Scotland’s collaboration with first time funding partners Wales Arts International will bring 3 Welsh artists to Scotland in January to showcase their talent.

Showcase Scotland 2007 launches at City Halls on Wednesday 24 January with Burnsong, a Tune Up event, featuring a group of Scottish song-writers from jazz, pop, rock, folk and traditional music.

For further information please contact: Claire Snedden, Media Relations Assistant, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3NY.  Tel: 0141 353 8070. E-mail: clairesnedden@glasgowculturalenterprises.com