Celebrating its 10-Year Anniversary as a band, Celtic-American Roots music “super group” RUNA returns to Sundilla on Friday, February 7. Showtime at the AUUF is 7:30; admission at the door will be $20, advance tickets are just $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, and online at www.sundillamusic.com. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available for all, and attendees are invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.
SPECIAL DEAL: IF someone who HAS been to Sundilla brings someone who has NOT, they both get in for the price of one! (Divide the savings however you like. Does the Sundilla veteran pay for the newbie? Does the newbie pay as a way of thanks for introducing Sundilla into his life? Do they split the bill? You decide!)
RUNA continues to push the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music.
This group is truly an international coalition, with members from Canada, the States, and Old Eire itself— each of them contributing the strains of their indigenous disciplines, in a glorious, flouncing mishmash of cultures and cadences. What you should know is that these folks are among the very best to be found in the public prosecution of Celtic and traditional stringed minstrelry— they’ve individually appeared in high-end full-scale stage shows such as Riverdance and Celtic Woman. The RUNA approach, though, emphasizes their disparate interests from sources like The Chieftans, Nickel Creek, U2, and Amos Lee— a flavorful blend of bluegrass, flamenco, blues, and jazz.
Seeking to preserve and continue a traditional culture in a modern age, RUNA creates the backbone of its signature roots sound from the musical and geographical diversity of its individually established band members. Their strive for excellence and creativity blazes a trail for the future of folk music, earning them the reputation as one of the most innovative Irish folk groups of this generation.
RUNA consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Jake James of New York on the fiddle, and Caleb Edwards of Nashville on mandolin and vocals.
“Timeless and flawless…” – Jim Allford, PA Music Scene
The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Groupand Top Traditional Groupin the Irish Music Awardsand three Independent Music Awards including Best LIVE Album, Best World/Traditional Song,and Best Bluegrass Song.
Their new album, “TEN: The Errant Night”, is already receiving international praise on both sides of the Atlantic! “This is RUNA’s most ambitious album yet and it is a stunner!” – Bill Margeson, LiveIreland
“One of the best and inventive folk bands of this modern era!” – London Celtic Punks
“Celtic music at its very best!” – Gene Shay, co-founder of the Philadelphia Folk Festival; WXPN-FM
“There is truly a mystical quality to their playing. They create a lyrical sound that is at once unique as well as seamless.” – Lori Lander Murphy, Irish Philadelphia
“Timeless and flawless…” – Jim Allford, PA Music Scene
“Best of all, RUNA sounds like no one else.” – Travis Rogers, Jr., Music Life and Times