March 20
Known for strong vocal harmonies and fine fiddling, this Celtic band has been in business for over 20 years. “Longer than most marriages,” says Alison Gillespie, one of the band’s five members, and they’ve got the experience and expertise that goes with such longevity.
Brother and sister Sean and Fionna Hennessy, husband and wife Tom and Alison Gillespie, and Al Keller wield all the classic Celtic instruments for performances at two decades’ worth of Celtic Classics, festivals, concert stages and pubs. They were separately playing a St. Patrick’s Day gig 23 years ago when they took note of each other’s great vocals and instrumentation and joined forces.
“Sean and Fionna have roots in County Waterford,” says Gillespie. “Growing up they would spend holidays there by the Blackwater river.” The band took to the name, picturing a running river carrying stories and music along the way. Blackwater’s take on Celtic music, “trad with a twist,” flows from traditional roots to original compositions, always with an ear to inspiring influences. Catch them on the 20th this month at Godfrey Daniels.
Members of Blackwater also make up Banna Lach (“Friendly Band”), formed right around the opening of Braveheart Highland Pub in Hellertown, where they play every second Sunday, between 4 and 7 p.m.
Without the Hennessys and with the addition of Pam Kalapay and MaryJoan Gaynor, Banna Lach jams with other drop-in Celtic musicians to the delight of Braveheart’s clientele. “Sometimes people stop by,” Gillespie says, “and they’re like ‘Oh my God, we just stumbled upon traditional music!’” Banjo, flute, bodhran, maybe a visiting spoon player or harpist—you never know what you’ll hear, but when it comes to Blackwater and Banna Lach, one thing’s guaranteed: the spirit and sound of Celtic culture.
Online: $19.50; door: $24.50 | 8 p.m. | 7 E. 4th St., Bethlehem | 610.867.2390 | godfreydaniels.org