Runa (band)

Runa
OriginNewtown, PA
GenresCeltic, folk,
Years active2009–present
MembersShannon Lambert-Ryan, Fionán de Barra, Dave Curley, Maggie Estes White, Cheryl Prashker
Websitewww.runamusic.com

Runa is a Celtic music group. They combine the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland with modern music such as folk and jazz. The band members are based in Philadelphia, Nashville, and Chicago - they come from Ireland, USA and Canada.[1] Their influences include Mary Black, The Chieftains, U2, Solas, Karan Casey, Loreena McKennitt, Wolfstone, Nickel Creek, Sarah McLachlan, Enya, Moya Brennan, Kate Rusby, Dervish, Gerry O'Beirne, Clannad, Natalie MacMaster, and Amos Lee.[2]

History

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The band includes two husband and wife duos: vocalist Shannon Lambert-Ryan and guitarist Fionan de Barra; and Zach and Maggie White.[3] The band celebrated their tenth anniversary in 2019.[4] In 2020 they worked on a project inspired by the Native American gift to Ireland during the Irish Famine.[5]

Members

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  • Shannon Lambert-Ryan: vocals, step-dancing, bodhrán
  • Fionán de Barra: guitar, vocals, bodhrán
  • Caleb Edwards: mandolin, vocals
  • Jake James: fiddle, step dancing
  • Cheryl Prashker: percussion

Discography

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  • Jealousy (2009)
  • Stretched on your Grave (2011)
  • Somewhere along the Road (2012)
  • Current Affairs (2014)
  • Ten: The Errant Night (2019)
  • The Tide of Winter (2020)
  • When the Light Gets In (2024)

Awards and honours

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  • They have won several awards in the Montgomery-Bucks Music Awards in 2009 and 2010, including Best Folk Band, Best Album and Best Female Vocalist.
  • Irish Music Awards 2012: Top Group & Top Traditional Group
  • 12th Annual Independent Music Awards : Best Traditional/World Song ("Amhrán Mhuighinse")
  • 14th Annual Independent Music Awards: Best Traditional/World Song ("The False Knight Upon the Road")[6]

References

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  1. ^ Fahey, Linda (2014-08-27). "RUNA 'Current Affairs' - Review and Interview". Folk Alley. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  2. ^ "RUNA – contemporary Celtic music". Irish Music Daily. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  3. ^ Brown, Dan (20 February 2018). "Drawing on Irish, Scottish and Appalachian roots, Runa makes energetic music that moves the heart". The London Free Press.
  4. ^ Writer, Staff. "RUNA redefines take on traditional Irish music". Utica Observer Dispatch. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  5. ^ Boyle, Fionnuala (2023-04-24). "Celtic-American Roots group RUNA on 'pushing boundaries of Irish folk music'". Irish Star. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  6. ^ The 14th Annual Independent Music Awards Winners
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Official site

Link to video