About Transatlantic Sessions

Age  Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+

Running time  Doors: 7.00pm Set 1: 7.30pm - 8.45pm Interval: 8.45pm - 9.05pm Set 2: 9.05pm - 10.20pm

Guest Artists:

Loudon Wainwright III

Julie Fowlis

Larry Campbell & Theresa Williams

Nial McCabe

Transatlantic Sessions returns for 2025, marking 30 years since the original TV series first aired and continuing to explore and celebrate the rich musical traditions that connect Scotland, Ireland and the US. An annual focal point of Celtic Connections, the exclusive line-up combines guest singers and the celebrated house band, inviting them to interweave original material with age-old tunes and songs as they explore shared roots and find new common ground.

For the past fifty-four years, Loudon Wainwright III has carved out a distinguished career as one of our most original singer-songwriters, releasing over thirty albums, winning a Grammy, acting in films and TV shows (including MASH and resident artist on BBC TV’s Carrott Confidential), and has had his songs recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Mose Allison, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Bonnie Raitt, and his own son, Rufus Wainwright. In 2015 LWIII won the Lifetime Achievement Award on BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Hailing from the Outer Hebrides and now based in the Highlands, Julie Fowlis (perhaps best known for her work with the Disney Pixar movie Brave) is widely heralded for championing traditional Gaelic. Her music is deeply influenced by the Hebridean islands where she grew up and by the Highland landscapes where she now resides.

Acclaimed Americana musicians Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams bring their deep-rooted songs and instrumental virtuosity to the Transatlantic Sessions stage, honed by years of touring (both together and separately) with a who’s-who of American music: Bob Dylan, kd lang, Levon Helm, Sheryl Crow, John Prine, Keith Richards, and Emmylou Harris to name a few.

Born on Clare Island, Co.Mayo, Niall McCabe grew up in the family-run pub awash with strong musical influences from traditional Irish and folk to rock and soul. Having earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest singers and songwriters, he has performed extensively across Ireland, Europe and the USA.

The show's seasoned house band, guided as ever by Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas, features renowned Celtic and Americana roots musicians Phil Cunningham, John Doyle, Michael McGoldrick, Tatiana Hargreaves & Allison de Groot, John McCusker, Donald Shaw, James Mackintosh and Daniel Kimbro.

Booking Info

Ticket commission

*Events may carry a £1 - £5 ticket commission; charged per ticket. This is charged when you book through B:Music’s Box Office – online, by phone or in person. Any advertised prices will include any per-ticket fee that may apply.

Wheelchair Users and Disabled Patrons

If you require a wheelchair position (subject to availability) please call the Box Office on 0121 289 6343.

A range of tickets and services are available under our Access Scheme. To find out more, or to join the Access Scheme, email boxoffice@bmusic.co.uk or call us on 0121 289 6343.

Running Times

Our performance running times are usually confirmed close to the show. Where available we'll post the times as soon as we can get them, so check back about a week before for updates. Performance running times are approximate and subject to change.

Getting here

  • Symphony Hall
    Broad Street
    Birmingham
    B1 2EA
  • More info