BRT Presents – Rakish

This concert continues the 2025 Take It Outside Concert Series and is held in back of Blackstone River Theatre. Chairs are provided or bring your own! In the event of rain in the forecast the concert moves inside. Tickets are also available at the gate.

Rooted in tradition with an ear toward the future, contemporary folk duo Rakish embodies both earnest musical exploration and playfulness onstage. It is evident the two friends share an unbridled love for the traditional sounds of Celtic and American music, and they have years of collaboration under their belt. Strings Magazine says: “Explorative and versatile, the duo draws evident inspiration from not just the deep and wide history of Scottish and Irish Celtic composition, but also the precision-focused structures of classical chamber music and a whole array of improvisational styles.” Known for her toneful and award-winning fiddle playing in the Celtic music world, Maura Shawn Scanlin grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.

Steeped in the Irish music communities of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD where he was raised, acclaimed guitarist Conor Hearn‘s guitar style combines bass and rhythm for a uniquely powerful and precise sound. The duo is making a name for themselves throughout the Celtic Music world, and have recently released their sophomore album, “Now, O Now,” which is charting in Folk Radio DJ Charts Top 10. They were Official Showcase Artists at Folk Alliance International this in 2023 and 2024. Highlights have included playing the Celtic Colours Festival, headlining the Corvallis Celtic Festival, Library of Congress, and Sierra Fiddle Camp Faculty. This will be their Blackstone River Theatre debut!