Damien Dempsey and Ellie Beaton

Damien Dempsey and Ellie Beaton play Saint Lukes and the Winged Ox on Sunday 17 January, as part of Celtic Connections 2027. It's a double bill that sits right in the middle of the festival's January run, with Dempsey bringing his live show to the East End.

His work is rooted in Irish folk tradition, though it pulls in contemporary influences too. The songs are built around powerful vocals, acoustic instrumentation and lyrics he describes as speaking with honesty, compassion and conviction. It's the kind of set that doesn't just stay on stage; Dempsey is known for the energy, emotion and connection of his performances, and he's described the atmosphere as a giant communal singalong, with the songs carried by voices from the stage and the crowd alike.

That singalong side of things is a good way to get a sense of what to expect. It's a night of song, storytelling and collective celebration, and the communal feel is a big part of it. He's built a reputation for creating a space where reflection, joy and togetherness sit side by side, which makes it a natural fit for a winter festival audience gathered in the middle of January.

The gig is at Saint Lukes and the Winged Ox, 17 Bain Street, Glasgow East End G40 2JZ, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £29.00, which includes the booking fee.