Event

PENDRAGON

New England has long had a rich tradition of Celtic-inspired music. Having celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2013, the Rhode Island-based ensemble 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.

Pendragon is comprised of dynamic step dancer and percussionist Kevin Doyle, Bob Drouin on fiddle, bouzouki and tenor banjo; Russell Gusetti on guitar and concertina; Josh Kane on flute and whistles; and Mary Lee Partington on vocals and bodhran.

The band just released their 9th CD, "Live at Blackstone River Theatre" which was recorded last September at Pendragon's 30th anniversary concert. The CD contains some new material and also serves as a career retrospective including performances by former Pendragon members Doug Brunelle, Phil Edmonds, and Ken Lyon.

Fashioning the music of tradition into the music of tomorrow, Pendragon performs their songs and dance tunes on an exciting combination of fiddle, flute, bouzouki, concertina, banjo, guitar, whistle and percussion. In performance, Pendragon elaborates on the cultural and historical context of their music while projecting a relaxed and humorous stage presence.

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 2013 and 2005-2011 Motif Magazine's Best Music Poll. The band has also been voted Best Local Folk Act of the Year in the Providence Phoenix' Best Music Poll eight times.