The Isle of Man in the Irish Sea between Ireland and England is a small place with big music to offer the world. From this island measuring only 32 miles long and 14 miles wide, comes some of the most powerful sounds making waves on the international music scene today. And at the forefront is the young band Barrule, which is about to burst onto the American scene in its first U.S. tour. “We are delighted to be one of the very first stops on Barrule’s U.S. tour,” said Great North Woods Committee for the Arts President Charlie Jordan. “When we had a chance to see them perform at a festival in Montreal last year we knew that we wanted to bring them to Colebrook. Fortunately their schedule this month allows for that to happen.” Barrule will be appearing presented by the GNWCA and sponsored by VR Concrete on Monday, June 20, at 7 p.m. The GNWCA has chosen to bring the group to the Tillotson Center, where the GNWCA has brought over 300 performers over the past six years. |
A fusion of three distinct musical forces, with Mabon frontman and accordion wizard Jamie Smith, gifted young fiddler Tomas Callister and versatile accompanist Adam Rhodes on bouzouki, Barrule’s fresh approach to traditional music of their land evokes an atmosphere that reflects the diverse natural beauty of the island: from foot-stomping marches, jigs and reels to sorrowful slow airs and beautiful songs sung in both English and the Manx Gaelic language. Stories are told of ancient Celtic Gods, of unrequited love, of the toils of island life. And always the sea is close by.
“They were the knockout band at the Festival La Grand Rencontre in Montreal last year,” Jordan said. “It will be a night to remember in Colebrook as well.” Tickets are available at Fiddleheads, 110 Main St., Colebrook, or at the door. General admission prices for the night are: adults, $15; students, $12; children under 12, $5. For more information on this and other GNWCA shows, find the Great North Woods Committee for the Arts on Facebook, visit www.gnwca.org or you can call 237-9302 or 246-8998.