Blackthorn on the road to Saskatchewan
VANCOUVER – In response to a very successful showcase at the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils’ conference, the popular local Celtic band Blackthorn will be touring Saskatchewan in November (we know, Saskatchewan in November??? but they're sure to receive a warm reception) and again in April 2011.
Blackthorn was launched back in 1988 when a small group of expats found a common interest in a style of music that wasn’t all that common in Vancouver at the time.
Since then, the group has travelled a long road through the streets of traditional and not-so-traditional Celtic music, expanding their repertoire, musical artistry and compositional skills along the way.
Blackthorn’s repertoire celebrates the traditional music of Scotland, Ireland and England, as well as folk music of English and French Canada.
They play in their own style, with their own interpretation of the music and it is very apparent when watching them that they enjoy what they are doing.
Blackthorn has released three albums to date – Market Town (1996); Singing the Travels (2003); Sweet Forget-Me-Not (2008) – with plans to begin work on a fourth later this year.
Blackthorn will be premiering a new song while on tour entitled Open Skies, penned by band member Michelle Carlisle who was born in Broadview, Saskatchewan.
Her experiences growing up in the prairies and of having to move away provided the inspiration for this beautiful ballad that is sure to pull the heartstrings of anyone, whether still living in the prairies, or now living elsewhere but continuing to hold the prairies near and dear.
Other members of Blackthorn have relatives living in Saskatchewan, so they are all looking forward to spending time there and sharing their music with family, and friends old and new.
They will be featuring selections from their past three recordings along with “Open Skies” and other new material being considered for the upcoming album.
For more information on Blackthorn, their recordings, or where they’ll be performing in Saskatchewan, check out www.blackthornband.com.
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