Williamsburg 2008 Scottish Festival Entertainment

Albannach (AL-ban-ock)

Albannach is Scots-Gaelic for "Scottish" or "Scotsman". That's exactly what they are. Albannach are all born and bred in Scotland and their purpose in life is to share the intriguing Scottish culture, history and heritage through their music.

Albannach are not just another Scottish 'Pipes & Drums' band, indeed they bring a new and exciting form of music to your living room. A championship winning piper, an extremely talented main drummer, bass drummers and bodhran musicians bring you a brand new approach to percussion and Celtic music. Our style of music is exciting, energetic and enchanting and we promise to leave you begging for more.  Albannach just recently won the prestigious Celtic Radio Music Award for 2006 on their first Album.

Albannach YouTube Videos

Greenwich Meantime (GMT)

Greenwich Meantime is the hottest new commodity in the North American Celtic and World Music scene. The artists are truly gifted songwriters, musicians and entertainers. And with the joy they feel in their music and the energy they put into each performance, they can really connect with an audience! This season, the band features a new acoustic piece that has become a fan favorite, and inevitably brings the crowd to its feet. 

In 2007, the band released "Proof," a follow-up to their 2006 critically acclaimed debut CD. The first single, "Every Single Thing" made a hit in Canada, and on internet sites (see MySpace).  GMT also one of a select group of contemporary Celtic musicians contributing to a compilation CD called "Rootstomp," alongside such artists as Enter the Haggis, Seven Nations, and The Prodigals.  In addition to these 2007 recording achievements, GMT also toured the North American Celtic festivals and other concert venues.  This year, the Williamsburg Scottish Festival is thrilled to be included in their tour schedule! 

Greenwich Meantime website

Barleyjuice

If you like happy feet and a joyful heart, come to the Williamsburg Scottish Festival and hear Barleyjuice! This band has a real talent for writing and performing witty, lively, powerfully energetic contemporary music strongly grounded in our finest Celtic musical traditions. Their range and depth of musicianship is truly astounding - guitar, fiddle, accordion, bagpipes, bouzouki, mandolin, harmonica, banjo, tin whistle, piano, bass and drums. Sometimes they even dance (and the audience ALWAYS does!).

Barleyjuice's first recording, “Barleyjuice,” primarily featured traditional bagpipe & singable Celtic songs. Their second album, “Another Round,” introduced their signature irreverent, tongue and cheek-style of lyrical wit, and was touted by such renowned musical authorities as Rolling Stone magazine. In 2006, the third album “Six Yanks,” expanded their avid fan base across America and into Europe, and made a splash on websites such as MySpace, and a Seamless Show. 2007 introduced their fourth recording, “Bonny Prince Barley,” including immediately popular crowd favorites such as “Weekend Irish,” “Swig,” and an awesome cover of “London Calling” (The Clash).

In addition to rave critical review, Barleyjuice has enjoyed many fan accolades: Listeners of Celticradio.net voted "What's Up Yours?" as ‘Song of the Year for 2005.” Listeners of Paddy Rock Radio voted “Six Yanks” as #14 on the Top Twenty short list (paddyrock.com). Listeners at CelticFolkPod.com voted "Whiskey To The Sea" as the top ‘ShowStopper Track,” and it was also included in the iTunes ‘Celtic Essentials Collection.’

http://www.barleyjuice.com

Poisoned Dwarf

Poisoned Dwarf draws from diverse musical backgrounds to create a dazzling sound that blends Scottish and Irish music, and hints of rock and bluegrass.  Using Flute, Whistles, Scottish small pipes, Djembe, Banjo, Guitar, Fiddle, Bodhran and Vocals, Poisoned Dwarf delivers a high-energy feel-good performance sure to get your feet stomping and heart thumping!

 

 

Warpipe

Warpipe is a relatively new, exciting, extremely entertaining Celtic Pipe Band based in Roanoke, Virginia.  Led by champion piper Burt Mitchell, the band is growing rapidly, attracting some of the best pipers and drummers in Southwest Virginia.  Warpipe is redefining "Pipe Band," offering unique and powerful pipe music accompanied by highly innovative and energetic drumming.

 

David Ross

Sir David Robertson Ross is a patriotic Scot who loves his country and its people. He is passionate about the rich tapestry of Scottish history. Sir David Ross is a gifted speaker providing riveting speeches about Scotland and Scottish heritage. He is a writer and historian who is an authority on the great Scottish hero Sir William Wallace. He has appeared on the History and Discovery channels. Sir David is also known as the ‘Biker Writer' because of his other love; motorcycles.

Sir David Ross’ web site: http://www.davidrross.org/

Stay tuned! 

Our Entertainment coordinator, Donovan Murray is in the process of lining up more top level entertainment that will make Williamsburg Scottish Festival “The Fall East Coast Celtic music event of 2008.