Hamilton’s Steel City Rovers are coming to the Eden Mills Community Hall on Nov. 28 at 7:30pm.
The Steel City Rovers are regulars at the heart of Celtic music events. In 2014 they were nominated for the best world/ethnic recording at the Hamilton Music Awards. Now, as they set out on the early winter road, they will flavour their concerts with some seasonal music too.
The Steel City Rovers are known for their sonic character and original music, which is covered by many other traditional groups. Rooted in Celtic traditions, the group incorporates Folk Rock, Southern Blues and Bluegrass stylings, a crossover which has their fans call “Celtibilly.”
The band members are Mark Fletcher, Ryan and Joel McKenna, Jess Gold and Dave Neigh.
Mark Fletcher is known for his multi-instrumental skills, which range from Scottish small pipes to mandola, accordion to Irish, whistle to guitar. He has been the architect of many well-known Celtic ensembles and contributed to nearly 40 albums. Fletcher’s solo album The Unbroken Line was nominated for “Celtic instrumental of the year” by the Just Plain Folks Music Awards in 2008.
Ryan McKenna brings his distinctive baritone voice to the band. He has written the music for two theatrical productions – Into the Parlour and Home in Alfalfa.
Since 1996 he has toured with his brother Joel as the Celtic duo McKenna.
Joel McKenna is an acoustic guitar player. He also produces the group’s recordings.
Jess Gold is the percussionist, and won the drums gold medal at the Humber Jazz Fest. She is studying music at Humber College.
Fiddler Dave Neigh spent his summers at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton learning from the fiddle masters. Later he travelled to the southern states in order to immerse himself in early American String Band styles. In addition to performing with the Steel City Rovers he plays with the Everlovin’ Jug Band, and the blues fiddle group Step On It!
The show is Nov. 28 at 7:30pm (doors open at 7) at the Eden Mills Community Hall, 108 York St. A cash bar with beer and wine will be available.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. To purchase tickets in advance or for more information, contact Kit Bresnahan at 519-856-1188 or kitbresnahan1@gmail.com.
