Rhode Island
Take It Outside Concert + CD Release Elizabeth and Ben Anderson, a Boston-based Scottish fiddle and cello duo, has an enthusiastic following in the U.S. and internationally. Blending Scottish tunes with lively rhythms and innovative harmonies, the pair create a sound rooted in tradition, inspired by the contemporary, and completely original. On stage, they captivate…
Multistyle violinist and champion fiddler Mari Black delights audiences around the world with her energetic playing, sparkling stage presence, and virtuosic fiddling. Raised on a rich blend of traditional musical styles, Mari burst onto the international stage when she became Scotland’s Glenfiddich Fiddle Champion, 2-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion, and 2-time Canadian Maritime Fiddle Champion, all within a three-year…
With multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, Genticorum have earned a reputation as a leading voice in the evolution of Québécois traditional music. For over twenty years, the trio has earned a place of privilege on world, traditional, folk and Celtic music stages. Known for their unbridled energy, their musicianship, and their magnetic stage presence, Pascal Gemme and Yann Falquet, the…
Twenty years on from winning the Danny Kyle Open Stage Award at Celtic Connections, Breabach remain securely ranked amongst Scotland’s most skilled & imaginative contemporary-folk acts and at the forefront of the burgeoning traditional music scene. The band unites deep roots in Highland and Island Gaelic tradition alongside progressive musical influences and have cultivated a unique sound,…
The word été in French means summer – a fitting tribute to how this trio’s original, lively take on Québec traditional music is infused with a new vitality. With lush vocal harmonies, deep groove, and rich instrumentation, É.T.É are an explosive trio on stage, transforming the nostalgia of a kitchen party into an unforgettable show…
Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this group from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but…
The debut album by Macdara Yeates, “Traditional Singing from Dublin,” marks a new arrival on the Irish folkscape. Named in MOJO’s “Top 10 Folk Albums of the Year” and nominated for two RTÉ Radio One Folk Awards, the album features a rich store of old and weathered folk songs, ranging from the comic and surreal to the mournful and disconsolate. Siobhán Long…
Lily Neill has captivated audiences around the world with the dynamism and breadth of her performances, and her infectious passion for the harp. She has played for world leaders and ambassadors, luminaries in the world of music, and listeners who never dreamed they would ever hear a harp. Critics have praised her effortless technique and the uniqueness of her style, with Irish Music…
Téada will be celebrating its 25th anniversary as a band just as Blackstone River Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary year so this is a perfect match! A traditional band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Russia, Israel and Australia. Highlights…
Celebrating its 15-year anniversary as a band, the Celtic-American roots group RUNA continues to push the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, RUNA offers a thrilling…
The Glasgow-based five-piece band, Ímar, stands out from the crowd by taking things back to basics. With a line-up featuring members of Talisk, Mànran, Mec Lir, and RURA, and an impressive collection of top awards – including a 2018 BBC Radio 2 Musician Of The Year, 2016 BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year,…
Ken Perlman is a pioneer of the 5-string banjo style known as melodic clawhammer; he is considered one of today’s top clawhammer players, known in particular for his skillful adaptations of Celtic, Appalachian, & Canadian fiddle tunes. An acclaimed teacher of folk-music instrumental skills, Ken has written such widely used banjo instruction books as Clawhammer Style…
Singer, guitarist and 5-string banjo player Ed Sweeney honors people and their histories by presenting music that entertains and educates. Through his musical expertise, breadth of knowledge, and wonderful sense of humor, he helps listeners understand the motivations, and stories that have made us who and what we are today. For more than 45 years Ed has…
Skye Consort & Emma Björling return to perform trans-Atlantic arrangements of songs and tunes from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Québec, as well as original compositions. They find enchanting stories and melodies, then bring them into the 21st century with worldly chamber-folk settings. Each musician brings their own individual interpretation to these traditions to create…
Celebrate the Holidays early at BRT with Lúnasa! TWO SHOWS: 3pm & 7pm Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 from members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade, an early review from Folk Roots magazine describing the band as an…
What a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend! Damn Tall Buildings is a celebrated folk-bluegrass band known for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals. Based in Brooklyn, this seasoned trio – Max Capistran, Sasha Dubyk, and Avery Ballotta – has spent over a decade honing their craft through dedicated touring and recording. With a distinctive sound that weaves heartfelt lyrics into thoughtful…
This dynamic band blends the drive of Irish traditional music and bluegrass with the heart and soul of folk and Appalachian music – spiced up with an Italian seasoning for extra flair! Gadan was created by seasoned Italian musicians from the Irish trad and European folk/ rock scene, all with years of experience performing at…
BRT favorites Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly return with Cathy Clasper-Torch on fiddle, cello and vocals to present an engaging concert of traditional American and Celtic American folk songs, a cappella pieces, hymns, poetry, dance tunes, and original works. Elwood and Aubrey blend unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, Irish tin whistle, harmonica, old-time banjo, bones, limberjacks and other musical surprises. Their performance…
Starts: Parade starts at Smith and Rosebank Streets and ends at the Rhode Island State House. Parade Kicks off at 12:00 p.m. sharp.
As Blackstone River Theater in Cumberland, RI celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, we talked with Russell Gusetti, executive director, about what makes the theater so distinctive as a musical venue, cultural center and community gathering space. How did the Theatre get started and what was your mindset in the early days? In July 1996,…
Scottish Fish are Ava Montesi (fiddle), Caroline Dressler (fiddle), Giulia Haible (cello, piano), Julia Homa (fiddle, piano), and Maggie MacPhail (fiddle, piano). They return to Blackstone River Theatre after being the first band to sell out their debut concert so don’t miss this incredible show! The five members of Scottish Fish, now in their early twenties, came together when they were young girls, ages 7-11,…
The illustrious group of child musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and popular repertoire. The enormously popular chorus is composed of four touring choirs that hail from dozens of nations and together give over 300 concerts a year around the world. Christmas…
We can’t think of a better way to end our 25th Christmas season than by bringing back Harvey Reid and Joyce Andersen! Harvey has performed at BRT for longer than any other musician, going back to our days at the old Central Falls location. Joyce & Harvey’s spirited and reverent Christmas concert draws on traditional holiday repertoire, unknown…
On the Trail is a modern acoustic band that explores everything from bluegrass to contemporary pop, from stunning instrumentals to beautiful traditional songs. The group was founded through their love of bluegrass and the band the Punch Brothers. They have already gained recognition and praise for their exploration and strong execution of the challenging music, as well as for their new original music. The…
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These organizations promote Irish Culture in New England.
