Urchin Street

NTIF is proud to announce the following Urchin Street musicians for the 2009 festival.

Arabesque

Arabesque is a musical duo that has been mesmerizing audiences since 2003 with their unique blend of Celtic, Arabic, Judeo-Spanish, Turkish, and other world folk traditions. Any given song can be a vehicle to take the musicians and the listeners to new places, creating spontaneous and heartfelt expressions through the blending of musical forms, ornaments, and styles. Their performances are an intelligent mix of instrumental music, storytelling, history, humor and hands-on fun.

Both hail from Norman, Oklahoma, where Miranda teaches World Music at the University of Oklahoma and Steve does archaeological survey work. They have performed at fairs, festivals, contra dances, workshops, schools, universities, and private functions throughout Oklahoma and neighboring states. Come take a magic carpet ride around the globe with Arabesque as this unique pair unveils the mysteries and enchantments of the world's diverse musical cultures, marrying lilting Irish reels and jigs to the sensuous and evocative melodies of the East.

Calamity Road with Maggie Drennon

Calamity Road are Vince Cole (guitar, banjo, and occasional vocal), Jennifer Harrison (“gutbucket bass”, vocals), Becky Ritchey (female vocals), and Rogan Muldoon (male vocals, 12-string guitar). The music: “old time” songs and ballads ranging from the plains of Texas to the Curragh of Kildare; the hills of Appalachia and the Ozarks to the Highlands of Scotland. Here is a collection of songs for children young and old, with roots reaching back to the old sod.

Don Gabbert

Don Gabbert is a very proud first generation Irish/Texan. Don was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1951 the son and grandson of Irish immigrants. Don was raised with all the songs and stories that they brought with them. Don reminds his audiences that to be an American is a great honor and that we are all proud to be of Irish heritage, but to be both and to be from Texas is the happiest distinction of all. That is why he declares to all "Tejas Go Bragh".

Don is happily married to Dr. Wrennah Gabbert and lives in Lubbock, Texas where she teaches at the Texas Tech Health Science Center. They have two grown sons, Jon and Lowell, and a new granddaughter Olivia.

JUBAlation

Though the oldest is only eighteen, the members of “JUBALation" have years of performance experience under their belt and 2009 marks their 10th year together! A focus on Celtic Harp is where it all started, but since those early years they have added fiddle, bodhran, vocals, and guitar among other things. The group hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico but the kids of JUBALation hope to share their joy of music with audiences all across the nation.

Killavil

Recently arrived on the Irish music scene, Killavil is a group of young musicians with an unwavering dedication to the Traditional Irish Music. They have performed at festivals, clubs, and pubs, across the United States, England, and Ireland. Killavil focuses on traditional music originating from the Galway and East Clare regions of Ireland. The band consists of Michael Stribling on the uilleann pipes, tin whistle, and flute; Rachel Stribling on the fiddle; and Daniel Stribling on bouzouki, banjo, bodhran, and piano.

King & Harrison

October Country

October Country is a Celtic-influenced folk duo that has performed throughout the Metroplex at pubs, music festivals, charity benefits and coffeehouses. They play an eclectic mix of Scottish, Irish, and Canadian tunes along with originals and 70's-era folk music. Singing about moors and mountains, myths and legends, and everyone's search for love and meaning, their songs remind listeners of forgotten times and faraway places.

Rebekah Passmore

As a Celtic harpist, Rebekah Passmore is sought out as an ardent soloist being noted for her ethereal arrangements and captivating musicality. With her roots in Celtic harp music since a young teen, she also holds degrees in both a Masters of Music in Performance and Bachelors of Music Performance. Since 1998, she has been principal harpist for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Garland Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Wind Symphony, Turtle Creek Choral, East Texas Symphony, Shreveport Opera and more.

As founder and director, she also performs with the North Texas Harp Ensemble (20 harpists). Within her harp studio, she teaches both the pedal and Celtic harp catering to over 25 traditional and non-traditional students, while renting and selling harps from her harp gallery. Rebekah enjoys involvement with harpists from the North Texas Harp Ring and Celtic festivals. For more information, please visit www.rebekahpassmore.com or email Rebekah at rebekahpassore@yahoo.com.