DKOS Artists La’l Tethera – The Wispz  –  Joe McMahon. –  Heel an’toe  – The Anne Gair Band……..

La’l Tethera – Based in the rainy Lakeland Fells, Georgie Rix, Ada Wood and Leo Rix (viola, fiddle and accordion) combine broad, textural arrangements with close vocal harmony, to create a tight and intentional sound, full of groove, grit and lilt. They bring a deep-rooted knowledge of English folk to a globally inspired repertoire. Blowing you away with their unmistakable sound yet making you feel like you’re around the kitchen table with them all at the same time.
Having independently learnt their craft in pubs and community projects, La’l Tethera developed their collective sound busking, before earning local acclaim playing festivals and events. They have since taken the opportunity to learn from respected teachers including, Jo Freya, Bryony Griffith, Carolyn Francis and Marie Fielding. Both Georgie and Ada currently study degrees in traditional music, at Leeds Conservatoire and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 
Their creativity and skill have earned them places on national and international projects, enabling the three to place their distinctive sound within a contemporary social context. Their close-knit friendship shines through their playing accentuating repertoire which both remembers the past and looks to the future. 

THE WISPZ

Born where the wild Atlantic wind meets the open road, The Wispz blend the mystic pulse of Celtic roots with the heart-thumping swagger of Americana. With harmonies that haunt and guitars that growl, their sound drifts somewhere between the misty highlands and a honky-tonk highway — equal parts Fleetwood Mac dreamscape, Dolly Parton grit, and Rolling Stones edge, tied together by storytelling that would make Tom Petty proud. Formed by kindred spirits chasing the same restless muse, The Wispz weave their songs with raw emotion, poetic honesty, and a touch of otherworldly charm. Their music dances between the shimmer of electric guitars and the lilt of fiddle, anchored by rhythms that feel both timeless and alive. Whether it’s a soulful ballad or a foot-stomping anthem, their lyrics wander through love and loss, freedom and fate — always returning home to the heart. With their signature “Celtic roots and country boots” sound, The Wispz are carving out a space all their own — where ancient echoes meet modern fire, and every note feels like a spark in the dark. On stage, The Wispz transform their songs into immersive experiences — lush harmonies, glowing energy, and a magnetic presence that turns every performance into a shared moment of magic. Their connection to both their roots and their audience is undeniable. With their first single, Wings To Keep Me Warm released earlier in the year, their brand new track, Black Medicine on the horizon, and a growing reputation for captivating live shows, The Wispz are ready to bring their unique blend of Celtic spiritual and country heart to listeners around the world.

JOE MCMAHON

Singer-songwriter Joe McMahon creates a sound aptly described as “uplifting Scots Americana.” His current album, When Adam Was A Boy, recently earned a “Celtic Music Radio Album of the Year” nomination and frequent airplay on BBC Radio Scotland’s Iain Anderson Show and community radio worldwide. Featuring a cast of high-profile musicians, the record has garnered rave reviews for its “Tex-Mex warmth” and “Clydeside Country” sensibilities.
Joe’s performance history spans from Glasgow’s King Tut’s to the legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville. A songwriter with a conscience, his most recent release is the 2025 charity single “IF,” with download proceeds donated to Médecins Sans Frontières. Joe is delighted to return to the iconic Danny Kyle Open Stage this January.
Discography: A Day To Remember (Debut Album); When Adam Was A Boy (Bandcamp Exclusive); and the singles “Bonnie Scotland” and “IF.”

HEEL AN’TOE

Heel an’toe is a Warsaw-based duo that made its debut on the Celtic music scene at Celtycki Gotyk Festival in 2024. Rafał (fiddle, podorythmie) and Sai (guitar) play tunes from Cape Breton, Quebec, Scotland and Ireland and their lively melodies are made for dancing.
Both passionate about Celtic culture and its influences around the world. Rafał, the artistic drive of the duo, has been particularly fascinated by Cape Breton fiddle style and Quebec traditional music since childhood, which made him develop a unique fiddle style. Sai was inspired by the vastness of Celtic music and its welcoming community and provides a range of accompaniments in the duo. They like to bring an anecdote or two about a tune’s history. 
It started with us playing together in a session and suddenly getting invited to play at a local festival as a duo. We’ve since played at many events such as Jadow Scottish Day; celebrations, festivals such as Krakow Celtic Festival, Numinosum, Sploty and provided musical backup for dance shows at cultural centres.
Most of all we love going around and playing wherever and with whomever, driving countless sessions to dance. The more the merrier!

ANNE GAIR

The Anne Gair Band have been performing throughout Scotland over the past year in theatres and venues including Biggar Corn Exchange, Bell;adrum, and in different formats, folk clubs and venues. The band consists of Anne Gair, (vocals, guitar), Maria Quinn (piano), Ian Murray (bass), John Inglis (guitar), William Bowes (drums). Originally playing together to perform a Joni Mitchell show, they have now ventured into performing Anne’s own music and recording with her in the studio. The debut album’ Cigarettes and Smokescreens’ was awarded Album of the week CMR and came third in Album of the Year.

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