Pendragon (8)

New England has long had a rich tradition of Celtic-inspired music. Having celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2013, Pendragon has embraced that tradition and created a timeless sound of its own, performing roots music with an unmistakable contemporary edge. Pendragon's music celebrates the lives and lore of generations of New Englanders who brought traditions from Ireland, Scotland, French Canada and other distant shores to the banks of the Blackstone River. March 16 was the CD release of "Live at Blackstone River Theatre" which was recorded last September at Pendragon's 30th anniversary concert. The CD contains some new material and also serves as a career retrospective including performances by former Pendragon members Doug Brunelle, Phil Edmonds, and Ken Lyon. While drawing on the ethnic music of the Blackstone River Valley, Pendragon fashions the music of tradition into the music of tomorrow. The band seamlessly blends lively jigs and reels with Mary Lee Partington's original songs depicting the experiences of the immigrants who settled here. Pendragon performs their original songs and dance tunes on a combination of fiddle, flute, bouzouki, concertina, banjo, guitar, whistle, and percussion. In performance, the group elaborates on the cultural and historical context of the music while projecting a humorous stage presence that comes from 30 years of performance together. Pendragon is comprised of step dancer and percussionist Kevin Doyle, Bob Drouin on fiddle, bouzouki and tenor banjo; Russell Gusetti on guitar and concertinas; Josh Kane on flute and whistles; and Mary Lee Partington on vocals. Past tributes include three straight Boston Music Award nominations for Outstanding Celtic Act and a Governor's Tourism Award. Pendragon was voted Rhode Island's Best Celtic Act in the 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 MOTIF Magazine Best Music Polls. They have also been voted Best Local Folk Act of the Year in the Providence Phoenix' Best Music Poll eight times. Since 1995, members of Pendragon have been the driving force behind the Blackstone River Theatre, bringing traditional and ethnic music to the Blackstone Valley.