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Pendragon - Music in the Celtic Tradition
New England has long had a rich tradition of Celtic-inspired music. Looking forward to their 25th anniversary in 2008, Pendragon has embraced that tradition and created a timeless sound of its own, performing roots music with an unmistakable contemporary edge. Pendragon's music celebrates the lives and lore of generations of New Englanders who brought traditions from Ireland, Scotland, French Canada and other distant shores to the banks of the Blackstone River. 2008 will see Pendragon return to their roots with an emphasis on Scottish and traditional and original music. The band released their 7th album, "Artistic License," on Blackstone River Theatre's RiverFolk Productions label in 2005. Pendragon is back in the studio this summer recording a new CD set to coincide with the band's 25th anniversary in September.
While drawing on the ethnic music of the Blackstone River Valley, Pendragon fashions the music of tradition into the music of tomorrow. The band seamlessly blends lively jigs and reels with Mary Lee Partington's original songs depicting the experiences of the immigrants who settled here and their role in the mill and textile traditions of New England. Pendragon performs their original songs and dance tunes on a combination of fiddle, flute, bouzouki, concertina, banjo, guitar, whistle, and percussion. In performance, the group elaborates on the cultural and historical context of the music while projecting a humorous stage presence that comes from over two decades of performance together.
Pendragon is comprised of Bob Drouin on fiddle, bouzouki and tenor banjo; Russell Gusetti on guitar and concertinas; Josh Kane on flute and whistles; Mary Lee Partington on vocals; and step dancer and percussionist Kevin Doyle, a U.S. champion dancer who has performed throughout the New England area for over 30 years.
Past tributes include three straight Boston Music Award nominations for Outstanding Celtic Act and a Governor's Tourism Award. Pendragon was voted Rhode Island's Best Celtic Act in the 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 MOTIF Magazine Best Music Polls. They have also been voted Best Local Folk Act of the Year in the Providence Phoenix' Best Music Poll eight times.
Since 1995, members of Pendragon have been the driving force behind the Blackstone River Theatre, bringing traditional and ethnic music to the Blackstone Valley.
Contact Pendragon by calling Blackstone River Theatre at (401) 725-9272 or e-mailing russell@riverfolk.org
As of May 1, 2008, please visit PENDRAGON'S OFFICIAL WEB SITE at: www.celticpendragon.com
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