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Tir Na Nog is Irish for Land of the Young. TNN's brand of Celtic eclectic folk rock fusion has charmed audiences in Calgary and southern Alberta since the band's inception in 1999. With a combination of original songs, traditional material and esoteric interpretations of some oft-heard pieces, Tir Na Nog loves to energize and uplift.
Founded by Saskatchewan ex-pat Brian Volke, the band's current line-up coalesced about seven years ago (at the time of this writing, January 2012). Native Calgarian singer/songwriter Christie Simmons brings along her Bluegrass folk roots and heartfelt voice. RJ McConnell, a cowboy at heart transplanted from Toronto, joined in 2000. He has been rock steady on bass as well as friendship. Colin Peters, who has lived in Alberta and BC is masterful at filling in the gaps on the fiddle, while always ready to jump in with a tune or two. Originally signing on as a bodhran player, Brad Uphill, from Kimberly BC, has gradually been expanding his percussive purview. Newest member Shawn Kingston brought along his dobro in the spring of 2011 and the band hasn't gotten over it yet.
Tir Na Nog has been a mainstay at the Water Valley Celtic Music Festival since it began in 1999. As well, TNN has performed at the Lethbridge Folk Club, the East Coast Kitchen Party at the David Thompson Resort in Nordegg, Alberta; the East Coulee Spring Fest, the Cochrane Valley Folk Club in Cochrane, Alberta; the Room Full of Sound Concert Series in Okotoks, Alberta; as well as numerous pubs, clubs, living rooms and functions in Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, High River, Drumheller and Banff.
In 2003 Tir Na Nog released Home Again, a CD comprised of Brian's originals and some of the band's best trads. Cuts from the album have been played on CBC, CKUA, KTAO and Accuradio.
Beginning in the spring of 2011, Tir Na Nog has been working on a follow-up to their first CD. As yet untitled, it will once again feature Brian's originals, dealing with performances (Everyone's Irish, Glad to Be), pastimes (Brenda's Ceilidh, Out on the Parlour), transcendence (Look For What You Love) and the merry effects of aging. As well, some of our favourite covers (Fisherman's Blues, Gallows Pole) will be there. |
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