Haunted Hearts & Kentucky Fire Kelsey Waldon – Live – Cottier’s Theatre (Celtic Connections)

Review by Darren McIntyre | Images by Scott Anderson

Cottier’s Theatre is a venue that thrives on intimacy, and on this Celtic Connections evening it proved the perfect setting for Kelsey Waldon’s fiercely honest, roots-soaked country rock ’n’ roll. With its close seating and stunning architecture, there’s nowhere to hide here—and that suits an artist like Waldon just fine. From the moment she stepped on stage to rapturous applause, it was clear this would be a night built on connection, storytelling, and raw musical soul.

Hailing from Ballard County, Kentucky, and raised in the memorably named Monkey’s Eyebrow, Waldon’s journey into music began at just 13, when she picked up a guitar to process her parents’ divorce. That emotional honesty still sits at the core of her songwriting. After relocating to Nashville, enrolling at Belmont University, and grinding it out on small gigs, Waldon has grown into one of modern Americana’s most compelling voices, with six albums, five EPs, and her latest release Every Ghost firmly underlining her stature.

Opening the set with the album’s title track, Every Ghost immediately hushed the room. The audience leaned in, captivated as Waldon’s melodic yet soul-wrenching vocals filled the theatre. It was a perfect introduction to her world—steeped in blues, country, and a loose, hoedown swagger that feels both timeless and fiercely personal. The band settled into a deep groove, allowing the song to breathe and unfold naturally.

Let It Lie and Lost In My Idlin followed, with Waldon sharing stories from back home and reflecting on life on the road—loving the journey but missing family all the same. These moments of quiet candour only deepened the bond between artist and audience. Kentucky, 1988 brought a toe-tapping lift to the set, showcasing her sharp songwriting instincts and confident guitar work, while White Noise kept the emotional momentum flowing.

One of the night’s standout moments arrived with Sweet Little Girl. Blakeley Burger’s fiddle intro was nothing short of sensational, weaving haunting, elegant lines through the venue and drawing an audible reaction from the crowd. It was a moment where the room seemed to collectively exhale, fully absorbed in the performance. That sense of immersion continued with the powerful Comanche, driven by a rippling rhythm section and rich acoustic textures that let the song tell its own story without excess.

As the set rolled on through Tiger Lillies, Fallin Down, and My Kin, the band played with a relaxed confidence, clearly locked into one another. Junior Tutwiler’s guitar work was tasteful and restrained, Cooper Dickerson’s lap steel added depth and colour, while Eric Mendez and Michael McLaughlin provided a rock-solid foundation that allowed the songs to soar.

The night closed with Ramblin Woman, a kick-ass finale and a proud nod to strong-willed women who know exactly who they are and how to get the most out of life. It was defiant, joyful, and utterly fitting.

This wasn’t just a concert—it was an evening of shared stories, emotional release, and first-class musicianship. At Cottier’s Theatre, Kelsey Waldon didn’t just play songs; she invited Glasgow into her world, and the audience happily stayed there until the very last note.