“Among the best in her genre.” – Irish Music Magazine

Acclaimed traditional singer Colleen Raney returns to the Maine Celtic Celebration with her band – Ryan Davidson, Nathan Gourley, and special guest Hanz Araki.

As a member of the thriving Irish music community in the Pacific Northwest for over two decades, Colleen has been fortunate to appear alongside Johnny B. Connolly, Hanz Araki, Cary Novotny, Magical Strings, Tom Creegan, Dale Russ, and Colm MacCárthaigh in addition to her touring work with the West Coast Celtic band Story Road.

“Rarely is an artist as deeply entrenched in a musical niche as Colleen Raney able to present centuries-old music with an eye toward current and future listeners outside of the genre. By adapting and developing her voice, however, and by surrounding herself with a constantly-evolving ensemble of the best musicians the Northwest has to offer (Celtic-centric or otherwise), she manages to both credit her training and history, and stake claim as a serious presence in contemporary folk music.” Katie Presley, Bitch Magazine, January 2011

“Singing with a deep love for the tradition, and for the dark poetry of Celtic song, Colleen has been drawing new life from the old ballads and renewing our love for Celtic music.” Devon Leger, Hearth Music

“Raney brings a rich, hearty, and inviting voice – unmistakably American and without affectation or pretense – to her music.” Sean Smith, Boston Irish Reporter, May 2012

“Raney has an incredibly expressive voice – powerful, yet full of emotion” – Jamie O’Brien, The Irish Edition

3 lads from Cornwall with a love of Cornish and Irish folk music. A rousing mix of shanties, Traditional tunes and contemporary folk songs can be expected!

Boghat is a Traditional Irish Dance Music trio of accomplished musicians based out of Portland, Maine.

Boghat plays the traditional music of Ireland with a contemporary twist. From fiery reels and sexy jigs to plaintive airs and the occasional song, Boghat covers the entire spectrum of the genre, experimenting with contemporary elements while maintaining a healthy respect for the tradition.

Boghat currently performs regularly at venues and is often booked for weddings, parties and formal occasions.

Chris Gray grew up on Mount Desert Island, Maine, and has been playing music and creating art for as long as he can remember. He received his BA in Music and Visual Arts from Bowdoin College in 2010. He then went on to attain his Diploma in Irish Traditional Music and an MA in Ethnomusicology from University College Cork, in the south of Ireland, in 2011 and 2012.

Chris is both an artist and a musician/composer. As a multi-instrumentalist, he specializes in playing the Great Highland Bagpipes, the Uilleann pipes, and Irish whistles in addition to being an accomplished percussionist. He has recorded and produced two albums, Piob More (2010) and Ceol As Corcaigh (2011), and is currently working on a third.

Chris has performed for numerous events and venues in New England and Ireland, including the Saint Andrew’s Society of Maine Burns Dinner; the Maine Celtic Celebration; the Maine Saltwater Festival; and the Highland Games in Maine, New Hampshire, and New Brunswick. In addition, he has annually been piping for the Blessing of the Fleet in Bass Harbor, Maine. During the summer, Chris co hosts sessions every Tuesday night at Paddy Murphy’s in Bangor, Maine.

Fiona Howell is a traditional Irish flute and whistle player as well as a Sean-Nós singer. She played in New Orleans for five years where she appeared in the local music magazine, Offbeat, and on Fox News 8 for St. Patrick’s Day. Fiona also played and sang on “New Hampshire Chronicle,” a local TV news show. She has studied at the Acadia School of Traditional Music and Arts of 2014 and 2015. Fiona appeared at the Celtic Celebration of Belfast, ME in 2014. Recently, Fiona has performed on WERU, a local Maine radio show, the “Wicked Good Music Hour,” with Chris Gray and Jennifer Torrance. She released her debut album, Crossing The Sea, in January 2015. Contributing musicians include Chris Gray, a Maine-based musician on pipes, and Steve Wehmeyer on bodhrán (a founding member of Gaelic Storm, the Irish band from Titanic). Mastered by Irish flute player, Grey Larsen. Crossing The Sea was inspired by the Irish myth of the selkie, which is also the focus of the cover artwork.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 2014.

Coming to a bar near you, The Napper Tandies are a three piece Irish folk group from Maine. Drawing heavily from legendary groups such as The Dubliners and the Pogues, they carry on the great pub music tradition with a energy and pride. With their unique blend of instruments and generous repertoire of music, they can keep any crowd singing, dancing, and drinking for hours.

Castlebay has been musically weaving together the heritage of New England and the Celtic lands since 1987. Members Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee have loved and researched traditional music for most of their lives and blend history, legend and experience into their personable performance style. Their concerts feature poignant ballads sung in Lane’s ethereal soprano and Gosbee’s rich baritone interspersed with joyous dance tunes played on Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle and tin whistle. Castlebay treats the audience to a musical journey through time and across the Atlantic. The duo also presents special theme concerts on various aspects of Celtic lore, nautical life or Colonial America.

The Galley Rats are a Maine based band made up of Josh King (Bass and Vocals), Pat Sylvia (Guitar and Vocals), Colin Graebert (Fiddle and Vocals), and Drew Albert (Percussion, and Vocals). The band has been performing in different incarnations since 2008. With the current line-up, the direction of the band has shifted, from pub-centric cover band, to all original folk rock innovators. The Galley Rats blur the lines of genre with their compositions

Twisted Strings is an acoustic duo, playing old and new tunes with traditional Celtic roots. Michele Roy has been playing fiddle tunes since the late 80s and has worked with various Contra Dance bands including Catharsis, Walker Street, and The Growling Old Girls. She first met Will in 2003, and they reconnected in 2009 to form Twisted Strings.  Will West has played a variety of genres over the years, but has always been rooted in traditional music. Since the forming of Twisted Strings, Will has focused on Irish and American tunes on both guitar and Irish bouzouki. Michele and Will bring their playing experiences together to create a powerful and creative musical duo, with fresh interpretations of tunes grounded in the traditions of the form.