Music Entertainers

Tairis, A Tenacious Celtic Trio

Thu, 01 May 2008 22:51:55 -0500

Tairis (TAR-ish) is Amy Curl (vocals), Daithi (DAH-hee) Wolfe (fiddle, vocals) and Sheila Shigley (vocals, fiddle, cello)--three Celtic traditional musicians from Madison, WI whose respective membership in other Celtic groups (Navan, The Currach) brought them into contact with each other so often that they finally decided to form a project of their own! From tightly-knit Gaelic work songs to eerie Breton fairy laments to rip-fire Irish fiddle reels, Tairis's music explores the infinitely colorful world of Celtic song and tune traditions.

Shortleaf Band, Trad With A Twist

Thu, 01 May 2008 22:51:44 -0500

The Shortleaf Band began about fifteen years ago in the clear river country of the Ozark Mountains. The band was named after the Shortleaf pine, which is the only native pine tree of Missouri. Although the band has gone through several members and has relocated to the Kansas City area, the music has always had it’s foundation in the driving, energetic music required for dancing. The Shortleaf band features: lead fiddle and founding member, Michael Fraser, Joe Conklin on guitar, Tenley Hansen on piano, Gordon Bearss on bass and Dorothy May on Highland Pipes.

http://shortleafband.com/

Ellis Island, Irish Trad Duo

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:26:52 -0500

Ellis Island brings the Irish pub experience to America with traditional Irish songs and dance tunes. Born in Dublin, lead vocalist and guitarist Mick Doyle immigrated to the United States at age eighteen. Multi-instrumentalist David Marsh has performed Irish music for nearly 25 years. From Gaelic singing to popular ballads, Mick and Dave present songs of joy, drinking, skullduggery, sorrow and loss. With strong vocals and over a dozen instruments, Ellis Island delivers a versatile display of Irish music, humor and cabaret-style entertainment. The Irish trad duo is based in Nebraska and has played various Irish festivals.

http://www.ellisislandmusic.com/

Alex Beaton, Scottish Balladeer

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:26:41 -0500

Everywhere Alex performs, this quintessential entertainer delights audiences with his rich baritone voice, virtuoso guitar playing and engaging stage presence. Alex's talent is showcased by a body of music ranging from ballads such as "The Loch Tay Boat Song," to rousing anthems like "Flower of Scotland," to his classic children's favorite "Coulter's Candy."

Alex was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and his impressive musical career spans four decades. He launched his solo career in New York in 1968 and although he enjoyed his success as an entertainer, he recognized that there was a desire among American audiences for traditional Celtic music. The natural outlet for his music was the Highland Games, and he began to open a market for the traditional singer at the gatherings. Now, at every one, the folksinger is there along with the athlete and the piper.

Alex's repertoire includes a wide range of musical expression from poignant ballads to rousing Celtic classics.

http://www.alexbeaton.com/