House of Hamill will be the latest newcomers to dazzle the Sundilla audience when they take the stage on Friday, February 2. Showtime at the AUUF (450 E. Thach Avenue in Auburn) is 7:30. Advance tickets are just $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s, and online at sundillamusic.com; admission at the door will be $25. Students with an ID can pay just $15 at the door, and children 12 and under get in free. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is always welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.
Sometimes fate takes charge and says “this IS going to happen.” And sometimes Fate steps back in and says “I wasn’t kidding the first time.” And that is why House of Hamill says it owes its existence to a series of cancelled flights.
Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan first found themselves onstage together at the 2014 Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City. Rose’s band Burning Bridget Cleary was scheduled to perform, but inclement weather prevented two of her bandmates from flying. Desperate to salvage the showcase, Rose approached Brian, who she knew fronted Canadian celtic rock band Enter the Haggis. She thrust a guitar into Brian’s hands, pulled him onstage, and the two just clicked.
Four years and hundreds of shows later, the duo was booked to play a closing slot at a Colorado festival, so they hired a bass player and drummer to fill out their sound. By the oddest of coincidences, their hired bandmates’ flights were canceled the day of the show. A frantic Facebook post introduced Brian and Rose to local musician Caroline Browning, who joined them on bass for the weekend. Once again, the chemistry was undeniable, and House of Hamill became a trio.
Today, Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US, and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their version of “Pound a Week Rise” rose to #1 on the US Folk DJ charts, and the video for their all-violin cover of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” amassed over 16 million views on Facebook, where it was shared over 400,000 times. Their latest release, “Folk Hero,” captures perfectly the frenetic energy and eclecticism of their always engaging live show. A lively collection of original instrumentals, reimagined folk ballads, and new songs that showcase the trio’s versatility, “Folk Hero” is the third House of Hamill album to be funded entirely by their fans.
Whether they’re ripping through a set of original jigs and reels, adding lush three-part harmonies into traditional folk ballads, or cracking up an audience with stories from the road, House of Hamill puts on a show that captivates audiences from the very first note.
“Great hooks, eclectic arrangements and tuneful melodies that will certainly reach listeners from all walks of life.” – Jeff Goble — Folk N Rock
“An extraordinary musical experience.” – Anita Lock — Irish Music Magazine – April 2022 Issue
“Absolutely electrifying… mesmerizing melodies that redefine what’s traditional, with personality and verve.” – Paul MacArthur — CelticRadio.net
“Their harmonic sounds, lyrical stories and upbeat tempos are truly energizing and bring a new sound that is unique and refreshing.” – Kathy Stockbridge — NYS Music
“A high-energy, dynamic set with tight, intricate arrangements, thick vocal harmonies, and driving rhythms.” – Joe Ross — Roots Music Report
“Viscerally exciting” – Sean Smith — BostonIrish.com
“An art-rock level of musical sophistication.” – George Graham, WVIA — GeorgeGraham.com
“Their songs are always on the edge of tradition and innovation… their performances are electrifying.” – Sarah MacArthur — Highlander Radio