Tir Na Nog is……..
Brian Volke: lead and harmony vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, mandolin
Christie Simmons: lead and harmony vocals, whistles, guitar
Shawn Kingston: harmony vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, mandolin
Colin Peters: fiddle, harmony vocals
Brad Uphill: percussion
RJ McConnell: bass
Tir Na Nog is Irish for Land of the Young. TNN’s brand of Celtic eclectic folk rock fusion has charmed audiences in Calgary and southern Alberta since the band’s inception in 1999. With a combination of original songs, traditional material and esoteric interpretations of some oft-heard pieces, Tir Na Nog loves to energize and uplift.
Founded by Saskatchewan ex-pat Brian Volke, the band’s current line-up coalesced about seven years ago. Native Calgarian singer/songwriter Christie Simmons brings brings along her Bluegrass folk roots and heartfelt voice. RJ McConnell, who joined in 2000, has been rock steady on bass. Colin Peters, who has lived in Alberta and BC, is masterful at filling in the gaps on fiddle, while always ready to jump in when it comes to a tune or two. Originally signing on as a bodhran player, Brad Uphill has gradually been expanding his percussive purview. Newest member Shawn Kingston brought his dobro along in the spring of 2011 and the band hasn’t gotten over it yet.
Tir Na Nog has been a mainstay at the Water Valley Celtic Music Festival since its inception in 1999. As well TNN has performed at the Lethbridge Folk Club, the East Coast Kitchen Party at the David Thompson Resort, the Rocky Mountain Folk Club in Calgary; the East Coulee Spring Fest; the Cochrane Valley Folk Club in Cochrane, Alberta; the Room Full of Sound Concert Series in Okotoks, Alberta, and the Calgary Highland Games. In October 2012, Tir Na Nog performed as an opening act for the Chieftains at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary.
In 2003 Tir Na Nog released Home Again, a CD comprised of a mixture of Brian’s originals and some of the band’s best trads. Cuts from the album have been played on CBC, CKUA, KTAO and Accuradio.
Beginning in the spring of 2011, Tir Na Nog has been working on a follow-up to their first CD. As yet untitled, it will be comprised of Brian’s original songs, dealing with performances, pastimes, transcendence and the effects of aging. It will also contain some of Tir Na Nog’s favourite covers.
