Barra (Gaelic for summit or top of) has a focus on performing traditional Irish dance music as well as ballads, songs and listening tunes with the design of carrying on the ceilidh band tradition.
Barra provides an energetic assortment of tunes for community occasions such as family dances and local gatherings. We strive to keep the music traditional as supported especially in Irish and Scottish communities, but also in the tradition of many other societies such as Appalachian, Cape Breton or any community that supports non-commercial music and dance.
Barra, "Minnesota's best-loved Irish ceili band" (St. Paul Pioneer Press), brings strains of the Emerald Isle to the St. Paul Celtic Connection. This traditional 4-piece ensemble has thrilled the Midwest concert and festival circuit for years with high energy and sensitivity, featuring the dynamic tunes, ballads and songs of the Auld Sod. The band presents John McCormick (accordion and vocals), Deborah Martin (fiddle), Paul Garding (guitar and vocals), and Amy Shaw (flute). Sometimes even a bagpipe, bouzouki or hurdy-gurdy will grace their stage.
"A talented quintet whose new CD, "Traditional Irish Music," is full of spirited performances. --Minneapolis Star Tribune
Minnesota's best-loved ceili band" --St. Paul Pioneer Press
CD REVIEWS
Minneapolis Star Tribune
January 3, 2003
Review by Jon Bream
WORLD/FOLK
The group's moniker - the Barra Band - is inspired; barra is gaelic for "summit," their favorite local ale... The group clearly knows its way around the genre, especially the ceilidh band tradition. Deborah Martin's fiddling is assured, John McCormick is accomplished on accordion... The Barra Band plays for many Irish and Scottish dances, but tonight, it's a listening party for the swell new CD.
Available: Any time, any place. Mileage negotiable.
Space: From concert halls to private homes; we adapt to available space.
Fee: Negotiable.
email: Deb Martin for booking info
Phone: (651) 357-0400
Photo: Dave Hendrickson
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