Celtic Music

Blackthorn BAND

TUNES, SONGS & DANCES
from Britain & Ireland

Celtic Music

Irish Music Band
Blackthorn Band Blackthorn Band Blackthorn Band Blackthorn Band Blackthorn Band Sarah, Philippe, Alex, Mannie & Fergus

"Extremely accomplished." Folk London
"Musicianship of such a standard deserves recognition and success" The Folk Mag
"A commendable musical collective" fROOTS
"superbly rich and colourful" Irish Dancing
"Fresh like spring water" Keltika (Italy)

Irish Music - Traditional Music - Ceilidh
If you are looking for lively, melodic Celtic tunes and a good singalong or ceilidh for your wedding or party give Blackthorn a call. If you need an experienced, professional high quality act for your arts event, Blackthorn have become a popular choice for festivals, clubs, and arts venues such as the Royal Albert Hall (ignite series). Based in Southern England the band also travels further afield for public events.
All the band are multi instrumentalists, and a provide a varied and traditional feel to the music. Blackthorn's music is led by strong flute, whistle and fiddle melodies, backed by guitar and bouzouki rhythms, and contrasted with the sounds of concertina and their many other instruments.
In 2005 Seered.co.uk wrote about Sidmouth Folkweek ceilidhs "Blackthorn were one of the best bands on offer during the whole week. ..Have them back next year!" In 2007 Sarah McQuaid wrote about Blackthorn's Sidmouth concert "Do send me a copy of your new CD when it's out and I'll be delighted to review it for Hot Press. If it's anything like as good as the live act I'm sure it'll be favourable!" Read more
  • Mannie McClelland - Concertina, Guitar, Bodhran, Vocals.
  • Fergus McClelland - Vocals, Bouzouki, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo.
  • Philippe Barnes - Flute, Whistle, Guitar
  • Alex Percy - Guitar, Fiddle
  • Sarah Mooney - Flute, Whistle, Guitar

The band is also available with a dance caller, and sometimes as a 4 piece, please call or e-mail to discuss the options.

CALL: 01273 455202
pete@blackthornband.org

Demo CD available, or listen to these 3 sound clips:
Tom Bhetty's Waltz | Byrne's Hornpipe | Whiskey in the Jar
Download two free tracks from the Far From Home album:
Dance of the Honeybees | Mna na h'Eirann/The Legacy

Available For

CONCERTS * WEDDINGS * CEILI

We enjoy playing for weddings and private parties. Listen to Traditional tunes from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales - Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, Polkas, Waltzes, Planxties and Airs. Sing along with well known songs like the Wild Rover, and the Leaving of Liverpool. Or get up and dance! When booked with a caller, we can arrange a complete ceili or ceilidh dance evening for you.

Festivals booked so Far for 2008
Crawley Folk Festival June 28th afternoon
Sidmouth Folk Week August 2nd 8:00pm and August 5th 8.00pm



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