Brian Finnegan's music is forged from both his native tradition and from his love of a wider musical tapestry. His travelling and touring in India and Eastern Europe had a deep and profound affect on his talent as a composer, hinted at early on with the release of his first CD, 'When The Party's Over' in 1993. In 2008 he was commissioned by The Sage Gateshead to compose a piece for the opening of 'The Eighth Bridge', a major art installation across the River Tyne. He has toured and recorded with many artistes including Kate Rusby and Cara Dillon, and at Celtic Connections 2008 premiered his northern big band, The Singing Tree; thirteen performers, musicians, singers, poets and dancers, all from the northern counties of Ireland.

Both as a fiddler and a composer, Aidan O’Rourke ranks with the foremost Scottish musicians of his generation, deeply rooted in tradition while audaciously expanding its parameters. A founder member of top UK folk acts Lau and Blazin’ Fiddles, he has also released two outstanding solo albums, Sirius (2006) and An Tobar (2008), as well as featuring on more than 80 recordings by other artists. His original compositions, including a string of high-profile commissions, have won widespread acclaim for their innovative synthesis of diverse musical styles.

The first live dates are:

22 May The Sage Gateshead
24 May     Colchester Arts Centre
12 June    Gower Folk Festival
27 June     Crawley Folk Festival
04 November    The Junction
07 November    Hitchin Folk Club
12 November    The Met
13 November KAN

Full details at www.alanbearmanmusic.co.uk

Brian Finnegan MySpace
Aidan O'Rourke MySpace