Liz Clark Producer, Co-ordinator and Presenter of the Danny Kyle Open Stage, stated – ‘The Danny Kyle Open Stage at The Spree was once again excellent with very accomplished artists of all ages and genres, from Paisley to Canada & Glasgow to the highlands , ensuring that the audience had a brilliant programme every night.
So difficult to make a decision, as all who go on the stage are winners, out of all the winners they have three finalists. These three finalists come back and perform on the final day of the DKOS, Friday 16 October and not only receive certificates but all three get the chance to appear at The Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections in 2016, as well as a generous donation by Celtic Music Radio of 2 x 1hr shows each on Celtic Music Radio to highlight their music and promote it worldwide.Well done to one and all who took part – your were ”pure dead brilliant”!’
Renfrewshire Council will endeavor to give at least one of the finalists a support gig at next years The Spree, this year they showcased Katee Kross from last year’s finalists, who was support for Barbara Dickson.
Also on board this year are local recording studio Brick Lane Studios who will choose one of the finalists for a full free days recording in their studio!
The Three finalists are :-
Linzi Clark – Paisley – On Catchup 
22 year old unsigned singer songwriter from Paisley. Releases- due to release first E.P entitled ‘Bedhead’ in September.Won a competition as a student through UWS which enabled her to play a series of gigs in Toronto during NXNE Festival. Live review- ‘Linzi had a stunning way of creating such a haunting atmosphere with her voice and over all implements a strong distinction to other female vocalists on the circuit today. I can only envisage good things for Linzi Clark’s future endeavors,it was a pleasure to have her grace us with her wonderful opening set and we look forward to embracing her music in the future.’ Miff Morris, journalist at ‘New Hellfir Club Glasgow’.
Murdo Mitchell From Glasgow – On Catchup
Murdo Mitchell is a singer-songwriter from Glasgow. With his unique voice and upbeat self-penned folk-rock songs he has amassed a wide and active fan base which he can proudly say includes sixties icon Donovan. This Hurdy Gurdy Man recently said of the eighteen-year-old musician, “…he has what I had at his age, the hunger to communicate.”With such endorsements it’s no surprise then that Murdo has been adding to his ever growing fan base – over 5,000 Twitter followers – with a slew of gigs. From busking beginnings to shining star!
Vintage Air – Paisley – On Catchup
Jasmine McFadyen – Lead Vocals & Guitar / Cameron McIlwham- Backing Voicals & Bass Buitar / Hazel Ramage – Cornet
Vintage Air are a three piece country/pop acoustic Glasgow band who focus on writing original material. They have been together for a year, starting at West College Scotland in the heart of Paisley, having an extensive range of both covers & original material, Are full of potential and are set to go far! Having graced the stages of Stereo and ABC 2, and increasing fan base.Influenced by the likes of Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift & many other acts. ‘We aim to write original songs that have a message so our fans and others can relate to them’
Highly Recommended:-
Huradal – from Across Scotland! – Listen Again
Arlene Paculan – Canada – Listen Again
Lucy Connor and Mirin McCaffray – Listen Again
Christine Sparks -From Renfrew – Listen Again
From Friday 9 th October and from Monday 12 th to Friday 16 th October Celtic Music Radio broadcast live from The Speigeltent in Paisley, The Danny Kyle Open Stage, at The Spree. It is also FREE to get in!
Three acts were on per night, they are listed below (not in running order) So if you missed them – listen in again on Catchup
Friday 9 th October :-
Quirky Jade From Glasgow – On Catchup
Joan McLaughlin / Aileen Pollacci /Isobel Evans
Quirky Jade are a Scottish acapella singing trio perform a real mixture of Scottish, Folk, African and modern songs. They started out at weddings and Burns suppers.Joni, Aileen and Izzi first sang together as a group in 2003.They never expected then that they would be finishing their album “Quirky” in Lanarkshire’s Foundary Music Lab with Graeme Duffin, (guitarist with Wet, Wet, Wet) producing!
Christine Sparks -From Renfrew – On Catchup 
Christine Sparks was born in Renfrew, Scotland and grew up in the land of Burns poetry and Celtic folk music.
The Celtic blood in her veins was surely a source of the magic and mystery that produced the artist.
Just as the bards of old would capture the very heart of their ancient Celtic communities in elaborate tales, myths and legends”Christine has the quality of voice that Burns’ words deserve. Both are masters of exposing raw, natural emotion, creating timeless masterpieces. I have shared her voice with a number of people who are aware of perfection in the human voice and all agree that Christine is as good as it gets.”
Monday 12 th October:-
Arlene Paculan – Canada – On Catchup
Arlene creates soulful pop with passion. The Filipino-Canadian’s recent successful debut album, “Everything Begins with Love” has been embraced by Canada’s largest broadcaster, the CBC, with airplay on radio. She has graced many stages across Toronto, also performed in LA, NYC, Anaheim, across Canada, In 2012, Arlene played at TD Toronto Jazz Festival and she will be performing again at the 2015 season for the full length of the festival at Habits Gastropub, as well as touring in the UK this autumn. She alsoworks encouraging others to take up music and learn to write songs or do anything creative in their daily lives.
Land of Rubber Men – Glasgow – On Catchup 
Jack Hand-Bass Guitar, Angus Burns-Guitar and vocals
‘Once escaping suburbia we have found ourselves based in Garnethill, Glasgow’s city centre. Our intention behind the move was to become heavily involved in Glasgow’s ever growing music scene and make our mark. After only playing gigs for a number of weeks we have managed to gather a small but loyal following which seems to grow larger with every gig we play. In the past we have been described as having a distinct folk/rock sound which can be defined as our own..We have been influenced by a wide variety music stretching from John Martyn and Nick Drake to more modern energetic bands such as The Amazing Snakeheads and Uncle John and Whitelock’.
Rachelle & Brittany Davies – Eaglesham – On Catchup
Twin sisters Racelle and Brittany Davies (15) are an acoustic driven guitar duo. Earlier this year they wond the Best Newcomers at Unsignes Scottish Pop Music Awards. They also released their debute singe ‘ Shout Out’ in May this year, Brittany wrote it about a fiend who sadly took her own life, all sales of this single from the download are going to the wonderful charity ‘YoungMinds’ The also got together with Holyrood Secondary School and took part in the YPI in The Conservatoire which helped them wing £300 for the charity. They have a very bright future ahead
Tuesday 13 th October:-
The Brand New Heartaches – Inverkip – On Catchup 
Gram Allan & Mark Anderson
2 solo artists in their own right, Gram and Mark came together to record and release a joint 7″ vinyl single. They take their name from their favourite version of a classic Everly brothers track, done by the country/folk legend Gram Parsons along with his longtime collaborator Emmylou Harris – Brand New Heartache. The boys are currently gigging and selling an E.P. of each of their solo work in order raise capital for their 7″ venture…
Jay Mansfield – Glasgow – On Catchup
“Hailing from the Glasgow satellite town of Barrhead, Jay Mansfield didn’t pick up a musical instrument in earnest until he was 18. Since then, he’s been trying to catch up for lost time, as well as attempting to translate the full-band sound he hears in his head to something he can play on an acoustic guitar.A member of bands in both Birmingham and Glasgow, he nevertheless keeps coming back to the singular challenge of playing solo. Inspired by the Manic Street Preachers, Doves, Public Sector Broadcasting, and Hans Zimmer, his songs are an attempt to capture a more cinematic sound. Despite this, he finds himself attempting to record an album of original material in almost as lo-fi one can get. There’s quite a backlog to get through, though…”
Wednesday 15 th October :-
Lucy Connor and Mirin McCaffray – On Catchup 
Two young singer songwriter – ready willing and able to start their musical journey! From busking to open stages they have been wowing audiences where ever they go, while getting great experience along the way.
Michael Timmons – Glasgow – on Catchup
“Michael Timmons music is ethereal, thought provoking and emotional. Recently signed to Gargleblast Records, Michael is due to release his debut single before the end of the year and his debut album next year”
I am a solo musician based in Glasgow. My music tends to be atmospheric, bare and personal. Personal experience and those around me are among the things that inform my song writing. I am looking forward to playing shows all over Scotland and the wider UK this year, I love playing my songs to people and just hope they can engage with them.
Thursday 15 th October:-
Huradal – from Across Scotland! – On Catchup
Ellidh Munro / Robbie Grieg/ Mairi Britton / Sophie Stevenson
From Glasgow to Fort Agustus, Edinburgh to Uist Huradal’ brings together four traditional young musicians and dancers from across Scotland in a dynamic ensemble which showcases the rhythmical links between puirt-à-beul (Gaelic mouth music) and step dance. Dancers Sophie Stephenson and Màiri Britton follow in a revival which has seen an old style of percussive step dancing reintroduced to Scotland from Cape Breton. They are joined by Mòd Gold Medallist Eilidh Munro on clàrsach and vocals, and Robbie Greig on fiddle and guitar. All Gaelic speakers, they share an appreciation for the connection between the Gaelic language and music within the Scottish tradition. Puirt-à-beul have informed and influenced the traditional dance music repertoire of Scotland for generations. Drawing fresh inspiration from these ties, ‘Huradal’ seeks to reconnect the old world with the new through song, music, dance and spoken word from Scotland and the diaspora.
Martin Jones – Greenock – On Catchup 
Hailing from Sugertown , this young singer sowngwriter is no stranger to the Danny Kyle Open Stage, first being encouraged by Danny at the Killin Festival when he was smaller than his guitar. Martin has gone on to share a stage with numerous well established national and international artists!
Maturing as a writer of fine songs gigs wildly throughout Scotland and is the main stay at many a festival. Also a great supporter and champion for his own home towns Inverclyde Folk And Roots Festival
Well Happy – on Catchup
Well Happy movement is an organisation set up a business that would have a positive impact on the lives of others. Their passion to make everyone Well Happy! Comes from having developed a unique understanding of the science behind the techniques that they use, and their desire to share this formation with as possible. Three of the group have got together and formed a ‘band’ consisting of 2 Ukulele’s and some percussion! And have been out gigging – spreading the word! Have even appeared at Eden Festival !
Everyone on the stage is a WINNER out of all the winners we will have three finalists playing on Friday 16 th. October
If you have any queries regarding the Danny Kyle Open Stage at The Spree – please contact Liz Clark at :- dkos.info@yahoo.com
