Solas and Isla Callister

Solas and Isla Callister play The Pavilion Theatre on Friday 22 January as part of Celtic Connections. It's a double bill that brings together two very different corners of the Celtic world: the Irish-American sound of Solas and the Manx traditions of Isla Callister.

Solas formed in New York City back in 1995 and have spent the years since building a reputation as one of the most driven ensembles in Irish music. The Boston Globe once called them 'the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced', and The Wall Street Journal described them as 'an Irish traditional band bearing all the marks of greatness'. They've put out twelve critically acclaimed albums and toured internationally without much of a break, and they've become a galvanising force in the scene, setting high bars for musicianship, repertoire and intensity while keeping their love for the traditions of Irish music at the centre of everything they do.

Their sound pulls from traditional Irish music, folk, bluegrass, Americana and contemporary songwriting, weaving reels, jigs and original compositions into something that feels deeply rooted and boldly adventurous at the same time. Supporting them is acclaimed Manx fiddler and Gaelic speaker Isla Callister, whose music draws on the rich traditions of the Isle of Man. Together they're putting on an evening that celebrates the shared and distinct musical traditions of the Celtic nations.

The Pavilion Theatre is at 121 Renfield Street in Glasgow city centre, G2 3AX. The night starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are £29.12 or £31.36, including the booking fee.