Applications are now open for the Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections, which runs in Glasgow from January 14 to 31. A platform for new talent in keeping with Kyle’s enthusiasm for giving up and coming groups, singers and musicians a chance to perform at festivals across Scotland, the Open Stage has been the launch pad for now established names including Karine Polwart, Rura and the Chair, and the best six acts to feature win a spot in the final night showcase concert. The top six also win a support slot at Celtic Connections 2017.

celticconnections.com/Pages/Open-Stage.aspx

Tubby Hayes, pictured, who is widely considered to be Britain’s greatest-ever jazz musician, is the subject of a documentary released on DVD on October 26. Following the publication of saxophonist Simon Spillett’s acclaimed biography of Hayes, The Long Shadow of the Little Giant earlier this year, Tubby Hayes – A Man in a Hurry features exclusive interviews with those who knew and played alongside the saxophonist, flautist, vibes player and composer who worked closely with London jazz club-owning saxophonist Ronnie Scott and the late Dundee-born trumpeter Jimmy Deuchar and died, aged thirty-eight, in 1973.

amaninahurry.london

Folk duo Mairearad & Anna tour Scotland in November to mark the release of their new album, Best Day. The duo - accordionist and award winning composer Mairearad Green and fiddler and former Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year Anna Massie - have been nominated as Live Act of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards and play at Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock on November 1; Cresset Hall, Loch Arthur, Dumfriesshire (2nd); Leith Folk Club (3rd); Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles (12th); Woodend Barn, Banchory (13th); Resolis Hall, Black Isle (14th); and Glen Urquhart Hall, Drumnadrochit (15th). mairearadandanna.com

Singer Judith Owen has been added to the bill for New York singer-songwriter Nell Bryden’s concert at the Caves in Edinburgh on Wednesday, November 4. Owen, who partnered Richard Thompson on his 1000 Years of Popular Music project, will be accompanied by legendary American session musician Leland Sklar, whose bass guitar playing has featured over 2000 albums including Carole King's Tapestry, James Taylor's Sweet Baby James, Joni Mitchell's Blue, and Jackson Browne's Running On Empty and film soundtracks including Forrest Gump, Ghost, Kindergarten Cop, and My Best Friend's Wedding.

judithowen.net