Steeped in the Living Tradition
This powerful five piece Michigan based band plays invigorating
Irish, Scottish and Celtic-American folk music. Traditional and contemporary
songs are punctuated with wonderfully inventive arrangements of jigs,
reels and hornpipes, hotly fueled by Alison on fiddle and whistles, Terence
on the uilleann pipes and whistles and Asher on buttoned accordion and
concertina.
Jim and Cheryl's unique vocal blend bring an irresistible approach to
the songs placed against rich musical arrangements that include Appalachian
dulcimer, bodhran and guitar as well as the more traditional fiddle,
whistles , box and pipes. Terence and Alison also add lush and surprising
vocal harmonies to such accapella gems as "Country Life" or "Brown
and Yellow Ale". Ocassionally, the band is joined by 3 time All-Ireland
champion Síobhan McKinney on
Irish harp.
The Wren Band performs primarily in concert settings around Michigan
but can be hired for festivals , concerts and select pubs. Contact
Jim for more info. All the members are active and teach at the Detroit
IMA (Irish Music Association) the local branch of Comhaltas in Detroit.
QUOTES
"Finvarra’s Wren unequivocally ranks in topmost echelon
of American bands performing Irish traditional music today. With expert
musicianship from every quarter, the band’s imaginative interpretations
of tunes and songs are wholly true to the Irish traditions from which
they draw their material and inspiration. Their performances are most
engaging, and they are an absolute delight on and off the stage." Don
Penzien, Festival Director, CelticFest Mississippi
"Plays traditional Celtic music so heartachingly
well that even Finn
McCool would be impressed."
Detroit Metro time
"Irish folk band Finvarra's Wren .... making
the kind of music you'd only hear on the west coast of Ireland."
Detroit Metro Times , March 2007
"Finvarra's Wren is lovely!"
- Jean
Ritchie
"Jim Perkins is simply one of the finest and most versatile
musicians in the state. To watch the band is pure delight. It's a swirl
of musical tradition and performance energy that I highly recommend."
- Matt Watroba WDET public radio "Folks like us"
"If you enjoy Celtic and American folk music, then you won't want
to miss this performance, showcasing the groups devotion to traditional
Irish music and culture."
Joalynn Brown - Detroit News
"Finvarra's Wren is a group with a diverse
musical background that gives a great traditional Celtic Performance." They're
versed in both Celtic music and American folk music, so they appeal
to people who enjoy both of those styles."
Glen Kealy, Detroit
IMA. / Kevin Ransome - Ann Arbor News
"Back to back nights of terrific music fill
the bill at the Ark in Ann Arbor... Finvarra's Wren will present it's
annual Solstice Show tonight."
Tahree Lane - Toledo Blade
“Finvarra's Wren brings the liveliness of
Celtic reels to a new generation.“
- Kristina Hughes - Petosky News
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