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In a truly glittering launch to Celtic Connections 2007, Hands Across the Water comprises a virtual mini-festival in itself, bringing together a mighty array of Celtic and Americana talent. Based on the best-selling Compass Records release of the same name, a benefit album for children affected by the 2004 tsunami, tonight is the first live realisation of that project – whose origins, appropriately enough, can partly be traced right back here to Glasgow.

It was barely three weeks after the tsunami struck that the celebrated US fiddler Andrea Zonn found herself backstage at the Celtic Connections’ Festival Club, wondering how the vibrant collaborative spirit she saw among the musicians there might be harnessed to help victims of the disaster. Following a few late-night conversations, Zonn flew home with her first draft list of participating artists. This eventually grew to encompass over 40 top-name acts from the US, UK and Ireland, teamed up in a succession of brand-new transatlantic collaborations, recorded in 29 studios worldwide. Tonight’s live version promises to be no less special, featuring performances by members of Altan, Capercaillie and Solas along with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (Danú), Beth Nielsen Chapman, The Duhks, Flook, Jim Lauderdale, Maura O’Connell, Máirtín O’Connor, Jon Randall, Darrell Scott and Andrea Zonn among other special guests.

In keeping with the concept of the original project tonight’s artists will be making a donation to Scottish International Relief and a collection on behalf of the charity will be made after this concert.

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