The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90’s. Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North East of Scotland on an international stage.

Like many of the early flag bearing Scottish folk bands, the Old Blind Dogs line up has faced inevitable changes over the years but the core values at the band’s musical heart continue to beat strong. The current band line up has been settled for several years now and consists of some of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians at the top of their game. Original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals) is joined by Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/vocals) and Donald Hay (percussion/vocals) and along with Mike Katz and/or Elias Alexander (pipes/whistles) they collectively comprise one of the hottest live tickets on the traditional Scottish music scene today.

Forged in Scotland and Ireland's traditional music scene, but drawing on the music of the Balkans and North America, Dallahan take their listeners on a journey. Traversing styles and countries of the world in a dazzling live show, they create their own unique brand of World-folk delivered with stunning virtuosity. The lineup consists of Jack Badcock on guitar and vocals, Ciaran Ryan on banjo, mandolin and fiddle, Andrew Waite on accordion and Benedict Morris on fiddle.

Following the release of their debut album 'When The Day Is On The Turn' in 2014, described by fRoots magazine as “the most exciting Irish music I've heard in a long time...Lunasa for the new generation” ­the band toured extensively in Europe and North America, establishing themselves internationally at such prestigious international events as Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA), Celtic Connections (SCO), Tonder Festival (DK), Festival Dranouter (BE), Woodford Folk Festival (AUS) and countless others.

In it’s first year, Dallahan was awarded the Emerging Excellence Award from Help Musicians UK and their debut album was shortlisted for 'Album of the Year' at the Scots Trad Music Awards. 2016 saw the release of their second album, 'Matter Of Time', which they performed globally 103 times that year, including travelling to Kathmandu, Nepal on behalf of the British Council to perform at the British/Nepalese bicentenary celebrations. The band was again shortlisted for 'Album of the Year' and they were awarded 'Instrumental Cut of The Year' at the LiveIreland Awards (USA). In 2019, Dallahan released their third album, (and their first with the European record label, Westpark Records) ‘Smallworld’, to critical acclaim and were shortlisted in the German Music Critics Choice Awards in the Folk category.

To date, they have brought their live show to 25 countries, earned four nominations for ‘Folk Band of The Year’ in 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2023 and enjoyed collaborations such as with songwriting legend Dougie MacLean, a commissioned composition and collaboration with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at a WWI commemorative concert and also a concert in Kathmandu with Nepal's folk music exponents, Kutumba. After a decade together as a band, Dallahan have become a veteran touring outfit and with each album they continue to evolve their sound, as is evident on their latest studio album, ‘Speak of the Devil’ released in June 2023.

Celebrating 16 years together as a band, Celtic-American Roots music “super group”, RUNA, continues to push the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.

Seeking to preserve and continue a traditional culture in a modern age, RUNA creates the backbone of its signature roots sound from the musical and geographical diversity of its individually established band members.  Their strive for excellence and creativity blazes a trail for the future of folk music, earning them the reputation as one of the most innovative Irish folk groups of this generation.

RUNA consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia; GRAMMY-award nominated, Dublin-born guitarist; Fionán de Barra; Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion; Jake James of New York on the fiddle; and Tom Fitzgerald of Canada on mandolin and vocals. 

The Tannahill Weavers are one of Scotland's premier traditional bands. Their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies. Their music demonstrates to old and young alike the rich and varied musical heritage of the Celtic people. These versatile musicians have received worldwide accolades consistently over the years for their exuberant performances and outstanding recording efforts that seemingly can't get better...yet continue to do just that.

The Tannahills have turned their acoustic excitement loose on audiences with an electrifying effect. They have that unique combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment, and rich vocals that make their performances unforgettable. As the Winnipeg Free Press noted, "The Tannahill Weavers - properly harnessed - could probably power an entire city for a year on the strength of last night's concert alone. The music may be old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll."

Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland and named for the town's historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the group has made an international name for its special brand of Scottish music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. The Tannahill Weavers began to attract attention when founding members Roy Gullane and Phil Smillie added the full-sized highland bagpipes to the on-stage presentations, the first professional Scottish folk group to successfully do so. The combination of the powerful pipe solos, Roy's driving guitar backing and lead vocals, and Phil's ethereal flute playing breathed new life into Scotland's vast repertoire of traditional melodies and songs.

Three years and a dozen countries later, the Tannahills were the toast of Europe, having won the Scotstar Award for Folk Record of the Year with their third album, The Tannahill Weavers. Canada came the next summer, with thousands at the national festivals in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto screaming an approval that echoed throughout the Canadian media. The Regina Leader-Post wrote, "The Tannahill Weavers personify Celtic music, and if you are given to superlatives, you have to call their talent 'awesome'."

Since their first visit to the United States in 1981, the Tannahills' unique combination of traditional melodies on pipes, flute and fiddle, driving rhythms on guitar and bouzouki, and powerful three and four part vocal harmonies have taken the musical community by storm. As Garrison Keillor, the host of "Prairie Home Companion", remarked, "These guys are a bunch of heroes every time they go on tour in the States".

Over the years the Tannies have been trailblazers for Scottish music, and their tight harmonies and powerful, inventive arrangements have won them fans from beyond the folk and Celtic music scenes.  In 2011 the band was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, and in 2018 they released their highly acclaimed 50th Anniversary album Òrach ("Golden" in Gaelic) on award-winning label Compass Records. In 2019 they were nominated for Folk Band of the Year at the Trad Awards, and in 2021 they were joined by Iain MacGillivray, Scotland's youngest Clan leader, on pipes and fiddle. Iain is involved in such high profile productions as Outlander and Men in Kilts, and has brought his own following to the band.As they approach their 57th anniversary, the Tannahill Weavers are firmly established as one of the premier groups on the concert stage. From reflective ballads to footstomping reels and jigs, the variety and range of the material they perform is matched only by their enthusiasm and lively Celtic spirits.