More than 20 years ago six dynamic solo performers came together to jam at a late-night session during the Celtic Colours International Music Festival… this session was the spark that lit Beòlach.
During the next decade, Beòlach continued to grow artistically through their innovative and exciting arrangements of traditional Cape Breton, Scottish and Irish tunes for fiddle, bagpipes, piano and guitar. The energy they present on stage demonstrates their knowledge of and passion for the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and Cape Breton. The natural, easy wit and banter they exchange on stage reflects lifelong friendships, a shared sense of fun and years of experience as professional musicians. The band has delighted audiences throughout the world with their original compositions and unique arrangements of traditional tunes and their ability to light the stage on fire with their energy and witty stories. Their versatility as instructors has provided an opportunity for learners to gain knowledge of traditional music and dance as well as insight into the relationship between these traditions that makes this style of music unique.
Beòlach has recorded three albums: Beòlach (2001) and Variations (2004), each of which gained critical acclaim and earned nominations for East Coast Music Awards. In 2005 the group was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award as Best Instrumental Artist. More recently, Beolach’s latest release, All Hands (2020), has garnered much attention. It has been nominated for a Juno, 4 East Coast Music Awards, and 2 Canadian Folk Music awards. It has also appeared on Alex Monaghan’s Top 10 Albums (Folkworld) for 2020.