CAISLEÁN Irish/Celtic Music

A performance by Caisleán is a feast for the imagination. Something about traditional Celtic music, when authentically rendered, evokes images of mist-shrouded mountains, dark castles atop plunging seaside cliffs, and green, tranquil hillsides dotted with grazing sheep. Part of the popularity of the international phenomenon, Riverdance, springs from the power of its Celtic roots, the same musical heritage Caisleán recreates in traditional styles.

Boisterous hornpipes, graceful set dances, spacious airs, lively jigs, galloping polkas and haunting ballads animate Caisleán's performances. Caisleán (pronounced KOSH-lawn, which is Irish for "castle") draws on a wealth of Irish, Scots, and Cape Breton music from the 18th century to the present, offering a variety of contrasting moods, rhythms, and textures, for an entertaining and culturally enriching experience for young and old alike.

The ensemble has travelled nationwide to play at festivals, concerts and private parties, as far away as San Juan Capistrano in California and Albuquerque in New Mexico. Southeastern venues have included First Night Mobile in Alabama, First Night Americus in Georgia, the Stone Mountain, Georgia Highland Games and the Atlanta, Georgia Celtic Festival.

Caisleán's talented quartet is imbued with the musicianship and humor that make the group's audience feel a welcome part of the entire musical experience. John Westerfield wins audiences with his impudent, yet charming style and deft fiddling, as Susan Clearman frolics with buoyant dance tunes on her accordion. Mike Simpson dazzles with versatility on pennywhistle, Irish flute, bodhran and guitar. Whit Wright fashions Celtic rhythms on the bodhran (Irish drum) and guitar, and provides lead vocals. Together, they are a winning combination.

Formerly known as Celti Ceili, Caisleán has made two recordings, Celti Ceili and Out on the Ocean, selections from which have been aired on National Public Radio.

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