DKOS Showcase Sat 17th January 2026
DKOS are delighted to once again to be hosted by Celtic Connections. Now in our 27th year DKOS has continued to showcase ‘Tomorrow’s Talent Today’ , to that end we start off on the 17th of January 2026 at 5pm with last years ‘Dannys’ !
See you at the place!
Liz and the team
ALMA
Alma is a new trio comprising of three independent singer-songwriters, Anna Cassidy, Marina Rolink and Ellyn Oliver who have come together over their love of lush harmony and considered songwriting.
Anna and Ellyn first met in 2020 competing at the Danny Kyle Open Stage, and more recently in 2024 a friendship between the three has blossomed though the Glasgow songwriting community. All three songwriters who are well-seasoned in performing around Scotland have now come together over the last few months to write original material which they are now ready to share with live audiences. Taking inspiration from the likes of Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling and The Staves, the trio seek to create songs that are warm, honest, and thoughtful. This is all reflected in the root origin of their name, ‘Alma’, which means soul, heart and spirit
They have also had a busy year, from their concert in Strathaven Town Mil, to the launch of their first single ‘Magpie’ with full band to a sell out audience in the Rum Shack in Glasgow In April, May saw them at the world renowned Edinburgh Folk Club . Also concerts at Tarbrax, in June, Tain House in July, August at the Corner Room / Fringe and Erskin Arts in September. Have a most excellent gig coming up along with another ‘Danny’ Quick, at the Stero , Glasgow, on the 25th October.
The girls are also recording their first album which will be with us shortly
CUAN A TUATH
Cuan a Tuath is a Glasgow based band drawing influence from the Nordic and Scottish Highland traditional styles. The band’s repertoire mixes old traditional Swedish songs & polska’s, with Highland Strathspeys and Reels.
Members include Séamus Ó Baoighill (fiddle & pipes), Kristina Leesik (vocals & fiddle) & Dan Brown (piano).
Brought up on the Isle of Skye, Séamus Ó Baoighill was introduced to Scottish Traditional Music through the many sessions around the Gàidhealtachd. He furthered his music at Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd, Queens University Belfast, Berklee College of Music and most recently completed his masters degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Séamus was a finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year award.
Kristina Leesik studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm during 2015-2020 where she completed her Bachelor and pedagogical studies in fiddle and traditional
Swedish Music. Her passion for Irish and Scottish music began after a trip to Ireland in 2013, leading her to complete a masters degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2023. Kristina performs solo and internationally with bands: Woodlands, Tern and Slängpolskekompaniet. In 2022, she collaborated and performed with Kristin Hagegård and Almas band at the Jerash festival in Jordan. Kristina has also received the prestigious silver badge Zornmärket and earned the title of Rikspelman, master of Swedish traditional music.Driven by an innately curious nature, and his capacity to absorb and evolve, Dan Brown has combined the medley of influences from the thriving Glasgow music scene, with inspiration from regular trips into the vast vistas of the Scottish highlands to become a versatile multi-instrumentalist and composer.They will be playing the Scots Fiddle Festival in November 2025 and a Christmas tour in Sweden in December
DÅNA
Dàna are a new and exciting, all-female band based in Glasgow. The band’s name, meaning “bold” or “audacious” in Gaelic, perfectly encapsulates their vibrant sound and approach to performance. Band members are Anna Robertson on fiddle, Laura Penman on clarsach, Eleanor Tout on whistle, and Alex Wotherspoon on pianoDàna have spent the past few years honing their craft at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and immersing themselves in Glasgow’s vibrant traditional music scene. Comprised of fiddle, clarsach, whistle, and piano, each member of Dàna draws inspiration from their diverse regional backgrounds and dialects. Since emerging, they have quickly established a strong reputation, performing at numerous festivals and events across Scotland this year. Recent performances include, Carradale Music Festival, Under Canvas, MOKFest and Piping l
Starting off in March at Lochwinnoch Arts Festival, The Coffeee Cadenzas, In April at the Scottish Nations Whisky Festival in the SEC in GlasgowIn May in Knoydart At Eden Festival in June, also at In Paisley Town Hall, at The Reeling in Glasgow. Under Canvas at Eden Court in July as well as Glasgow Merchant City Festival also at Edinburgh Innes & Gunn on the Mound, Belladrum where you won the Co-op Members’ Choice award. With Rura in Edinburgh in September 18th at the Liquid Rooms
DARACH
Appearing at Celtic Connections 2026 on 25th January in GRCH New Auditorium – Link
Darach’ is a new collaboration between Roo Geddes from Scotland and Hugo Franco from Galicia. Rooted in the traditional music of their homelands, they draw from various contemporary folk traditions to craft resonant music for fiddle and guitar. The duo’s first album released in June 2025 to critical acclaim.
They were featured at this year’s Scots Fiddle Festival and performed their debut Scottish show to a sold out crowd at the Gathering South Sessions (Folk Club of the Year) in November. They have also featured at festivals across Spain including the Encordass Festival 2023. Also appeared at Festival Internacional -Mundo Celta – Oritigueira 2025 and WayWORD festival in Aberdeen and The Encordass Fiddle Fest in June 2025
Neil will be in India for a few months traveling the length and breadth of the country – between absorbing the culture to hosing workshops, it will again be a busy time for Roo.
LIAM DOCHERTY
Liam is an official partner of Taylor Guitars and has been playing publicly since the age of 7. He has performed at multiple music festivals including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival AGM and Vancouver Island Music Fest. He played his first music festival at 12 years of age. As a dual UK/Canadian citizen he now permanently reside in Scotland.
His debut album Modern. Magic. Melody. sold records internationally and received TV, radio, and print media time from CBC, Globe & Mail, Vancouver Sun, Time Colonist, and Chek TV. It also yielded a nomination for New Act of The Year at the Maple Blues Awards. At 13 years of age, he became the youngest person in the history of the awards to be nominated. Liam was also voted as winner of Best Original Song at the UK FAB Awards. His second album Gemini Rising was released in June 2023.`
Liam’s own music weaves together elements of folk, blues, and Celtic traditions. Inspired by artists such as Robert Johnson, Nick Drake, Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Tommy Emmanuel and Tony McManus, he love performing original pieces and classics from the blues and folk canon fusing together storytelling, melody, and intricate guitar work. Also enjoy engaging with audiences by sharing stories of the artists and influences behind my music, whether it’s folk ballads, Mississippi Delta Blues, or my own original material
He appeared at Dalry Folk Festival in July, Fresh Ayr Festival, Lian also appeared at Folk In A Field in Norfolk in July.
WOODLANDS
Woodlands combines Celtic folk music with the modern Scandinavian sound. With roots in Swedish folk music and classical music, Kristina Leesik and Justyna Krzyżanowska perform traditional and original tunes on clarsach, fiddle and vocals. Rhythmic drive, expressiveness and dreamlike sounds characterise their playing, creating a captivating soundscape that transports the listener to the Nordic pine forests and the stormy coasts of Scotland.
Kristina Leesik is a fiddle player, singer and teacher from Stockholm, Sweden and a graduate of the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In 2022 Kristina received the prestigious silver badge Zornmärket and earned the title of Rikspelman, master of Swedish traditional music.
Justyna Krzyżanowska is a harpist and singer from Stockholm, Sweden with a bachelor in classical music from the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and a master’s degree in Scottish traditional music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She is also sought-after photographer and videographer.
The Duo teamed up with BAckafall this summer to tour in the Nordic countries with this stunning combination of artists – releasing an album – Traditional Colours – which is very highly regards both in the UK and our Nordic cousins.
Woodlands also toured throughout the UK and a trip to Thiant in France for a gig.
The Duo also teamed up with a Canadian duo and formed Anemara which toured Scotland in May
We have to sincerely thank Celtic Connections for allowing DKOS to be a free entry event.
Due to the new ‘Martyn’s Law’ – to keep events and the public safe – you will need to have a free ticket – again it will cost you nothing – we will give you links nearer the time.
You could also become a ‘Rover’
it only costs £42 for a Rover Membership or £66 for a joint Membership – also – under 26 Community can join free. With a range of exclusive benefits, a Celtic Rover membership places you at the heart of the festival with access to exclusive events, selected ticket presales and generous discounts. Most importantly you can get early entry into the Danny Kyle Open Stage!
link to become a Rover.
Once again we are also delighted to have as our media partner Celtic Music Radio who will broadcast DKOS live every day from 5-7pm.