DKOS Artists Sunday 25th January 2026:- Colin Manson hailing from Lochgilphead- Burach hailing from Perthshire – William Jack hailing from London via Australia . – Hilton & Walters hailing from Newcastle Upon Tyne – Thistle & Sweetgrass hailing from Montana USA
COLIN MANSON
Born and raised on the rural West Coast of Scotland, Colin Manson is a
Singer-Songwriter who spent three years on sailing voyages across the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Colin’s music combines indie and folk, with
intricate patterns of finger-picking on guitar, and luscious cello harmonies. His
thought-provoking, introspective lyrics are inspired by nature, philosophy and
the sea, many songs being written and conceived on his sailing voyages. Colin’s music resonates deeply with a peaceful and soul searching quality.
His love for nature comes through in his voice, showing a passion for truth
which echoes through his lyrics. As the songs unfurl you travel through the
vast landscapes of his words; each melody carefully wisps you into a dreamy
space. Touching, calming and full of emotion.
BRUACH
First started at the Errol Pub folk night. ll just wanted to play music again. They are a mad mix of metalheads, punks, rockers and classically trained musicians. They are a folk rock band, but we include Japanese folk music and influences in our set, which sets us apart. Known for their lively performances and unique arrangements of well-known songs. They are family-friendly and inclusive, but raucous and pub-rowdy. They get the crowd involved, and keep the drinks flowing. They were recently featured in Traditional Music Forum for TRACS.
Were also featured in SatoriZine Issue 1, and are set to be in Issue 2 as well.
Have made multiple local radio appearances all over Scotland. Were featured on Heartland FM’s Saturday Night In with Dave MacThomais, and have appeared on Celtic Music Radio on July 13th, when Ian Oliphant interviewed Davie from Tokyo Narita Airport.
Bruach are: Davie Farrell (vocals), Sean Wilkie (bass), Kris Pheely (guitar), Niall Crookston (drums), and Kayo Ono (fiddle
WILLIAM JACK
William Jack is an Australian multi-style cellist and songwriter, based in London. He is best known for incorporating his jazz guitar background into an unconventional style of cello playing, with a passion for breaking boundaries between genres and cultures. His music transitions seamlessly from virtuosic folk & bluegrass compositions, to non-Western sound worlds.
Since his classical studies in Vienna, William has forged his own cello pathway, touring Europe, Australia and the UK extensively. He has recently performed his solo compositions from his album collection ‘This Old Cello Box’ live on BBC Radio 3 at the Edinburgh Fringe and was selected to perform as a ‘New Folk’ songwriter at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. William received the best music award at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe. He has been fortunate to work with numerous world-renowned artists, both as a session musician and collaborator. William is passionate about redefining the cello possibilities, bringing the instrument into exciting new territories.
HILTON & WALTERS
Chiara Imbalzano Hilton & Alex Walters are an up-and-coming duo based in Newcastle Upon Tyne whose encapsulating and carefully crafted musical arrangements bring a distinctive edge to the exciting traditional repertoire of Scotland and Canada, and pay ‘hommage’ to some of their favourite tunes.
Chiara is a fiddler whose influences span from Scottish and Canadian fiddle music to Italian tarantella. She combines a mixed background of classical and folk training with a deep understanding and love of her repertoire to give performances radiating with skill and flair.
Alex Walters is a powerhouse multi-instrumentalist and seasoned performer who likes to elevate traditional accompaniment styles with a modern edge, utilising effects pedals to skillfully support, enhance and uplift any arrangement.
Together they create a sound worthy of a much larger ensemble and conjure buckets of energy and spirit.
THISTLE & SWEETGRASS
Janine Welch – Guitar and Vocals
Mike Welch – Whistles
Hailing from the frontier of the Montana High Plains, formaly J9 and The Welch Family Band now called Thistle & Sweetgrass are a husband/wife duo that has been playing together for a decade. They play traditional Celtic music blended with Americana influences and their own original music.
Please remember the DKOS hosted at Celtic Connections is held in the Exhibition Hall at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is still free but is now ticketed>
You can obtain tickets online from 12pm on the day of performance LINK