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EVENTS ::
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Mar
24
Thu
interview: RUNA
Mar 24 @ 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Tune into WMSE’s Radio Drill Time as Tom checks in with Shannon of Celtic “supergroup” RUNA before they play the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center on Saturday, March 26th. Only on WMSE!

RUNA enchants audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music into Americana and roots music and finding the universal thread that binds past to present. 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.

The backbone of their signature sound stems from the musical and geographical diversity and individual achievements of its members: vocalist and step dancer Shannon Lambert-Ryan from Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist Fionan de Barra, Cheryl Prashker from Montreal on percussion, Nashville based Caleb Edwards on mandolin and vocals and All-Ireland Champion, bodhrán player and step dancer Jake James from New York City.

Their creativity has earned them a reputation as one of the most innovative Irish folk groups in this generation. RUNA was named the Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the 2013 Irish Music Awards and received four Independent Music Awards including Best Live Album, Best World/Traditional Song and Best Bluegrass Song.

RUNA’s most recent album, The Tide of Winter, was recorded remotely during the pandemic and released in December 2020. With carols passed down through the generations, the album is a reminder to seek hope and light during the darkest of times. Writing for Irish Music Magazine, Maryann McTeague called it “Absolutely gorgeous! Captivating…”