Runa

“There is truly a mystical quality to their playing. They create a lyrical sound that is at once unique as well as seamless.” – Lori Lander Murphy, Irish Philadelphia Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music's new "super-groups", RUNA has been enchanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music, since their formation in 2008. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of bluegrass, flamenco, blues, jazz, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. The group has been honoured internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and an Independent Music Award for Best World/Traditional Song. “Timeless and flawless…” – Jim Allford, PA Music Scene Seeking to preserve and continue a traditional culture in a modern age, RUNA creates the backbone of its signature roots sound from the musical and geographical diversity of its individually established band members. Their strive for excellence and creativity blazes a trail for the future of folk music, earning them the reputation as one of the most innovative Irish folk groups of this generation. “Best of all, RUNA sounds like no one else.” – Travis Rogers, Jr., Music Life and Times Members of RUNA have played with Solas, Riverdance, Slide, Clannad, Fiddlers’ Bid, Moya Brennan, Eileen Ivers, Hazel O’Conner, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Barcó, Téada, Jonathan Edwards, and the Guy Mendilow Band. RUNA consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Dave Curley of Galway on mandolin, vocals, bodhrán, and step-dancing, and Maggie Estes of Kentucky on the fiddle. Receiving lavish praise on both sides of the Atlantic, RUNA recently released their fourth album, “Current Affairs”, a cross-pollination of RUNA's signature roots sound with the overtones of Appalachia and Americana. Hailed by Marcene Bronson, (The Celtic Crier) as “an incredible masterpiece”, "Current Affairs" has been nominated in the 2014 Irish Music Awards for "Best New Irish CD" and in the 2015 Independent Music Awards for "Best Bluegrass Song" (Ain't No Grave) and Best World/Traditional Song (False Knight Upon the Road). “Celtic music at its very best!” – Gene Shay, co-founder of the Philadelphia Folk Festival; WXPN-FM Innovative and award-winning Celtic Roots band, RUNA, draws on the diverse musical backgrounds of its band members and offers a contemporary and refreshing approach to traditional and more recently composed Celtic material. Through their repertoire of both highly energetic and graceful, acoustic melodies, along with their fusion of music from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the United States, this vocal and instrumental ensemble gives its arrangements of traditional songs and tunes a fresh sound. “Best of all, RUNA sounds like no one else.” – Travis Rogers, Jr., Music Life and Times Members of RUNA have played with Solas, Riverdance, Slide, Clannad, Fiddlers’ Bid, Moya Brennan, Eileen Ivers, Hazel O’Conner, Full Frontal Folk, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Barcó, Téada, and the Guy Mendilow Band. RUNA consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Dave Curley on mandolin, vocals, bodhrán, and step-dancing, and Maggie Estes of Kentucky on the fiddle. The band often performs with world-renowned, guest musicians, including Ross Holmes (Mumford & Sons, Cadillac Sky, Chessboxer) on fiddle, Matt Mancuso (Cathie Ryan Band) on fiddle, and Isaac Alderson (The Yanks, Comas) on the uilleann pipes, flutes, and whistles. Recognized on an international level, RUNA won Top Group (US, IRE, EU, UK) and Top Traditional Group, and a nomination for Best Female Vocalist (2013, 2012) in the Irish Music Awards for 2013, and won both the fan ballot and judges’ votes for Best Song in the World Traditional Category for “Amhrán Mhuighinse” (Somewhere Along the Road) in the 12th Annual Independent Music Awards. The band won several awards at the 2010 Montgomery Buck Music Awards, including Best Entertaining Band, Best Folk Artist, Best Female Vocalist, and Best Album – “Jealousy”. RUNA just released their fourth album, "Current Affairs" – hailed by The Celtic Crier as “an incredible masterpiece" and by Hearth Music as "Music inspired by tradition, but unafraid of a bright new future!". “For contemporary Celtic music at its very best – do yourself a favor and check out RUNA.. brilliant!” – Gene Shay, co-founder of the Philadelphia Folk Festival; WXPN-FM Innovative and Award-winning Celtic Roots Music