Rhode Island

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…

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…

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,…

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…

New Orleans jazz exponents Soggy Po Boys, native to New England, return to Blackstone River Theatre for a Saturday matinee show! Spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, the Po Boys formed in 2012 to shake the walls of a local club on a Fat Tuesday but have honed their…

Zafarán crosses time and boundaries and incorporates musical traditions from around the Mediterranean, weaving together such diverse threads as Southern Italian chants, Sephardic love songs, Romani laments, and Turkish and Greek folk tunes. With driving rhythms, virtuosic improvisation, and the powerful voice of award-winning Italian singer Carmen Marsico, Zafarán bridges languages and cultures with their own eclectic…

The Swedish phenomenon Symbio is regarded as one of the most prominent bands from the progressive Folk & World music scene today. Hearing this symphonic duo will make you doubt the fact that they are only two musicians on stage. This is music that you have never heard before — prepare for a mesmerizing and…

Drenched in the emotions of blues, soul, folk and country music, roots singer-songwriter Kerri Powers uses her dramatically dark voice to mine the depths of romantic heartbreak and broken dreams in the edgy narratives of her songs. A native of rural Massachusetts, Powers sings the blues with such authentic, down-home grit that you might well think she’s from Mississippi. With “Love…

Traditional music that causes a wonderful stir and fills to overflowing every venue – that is Cécilia! Widely recognized as three of Canada’s finest musicians, it is a pleasure to see how much enjoyment Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy, and Louis Schryer find in playing together. While honouring their heritage as Cécilia, their music making has…

Nathan Gourley, Joey Abarta, and Owen Marshall are three of the finest traditional musicians in the Northeastern U.S., bringing together fiddle, uilleann pipes, bouzouki, and guitar in a beautifully expressive and masterfully crafted sound. Their latest album, Copley Street 2, builds on the success of their acclaimed 2016 release, weaving together intricate tunes with deep musical chemistry and…