Rachel Hair and Ruth Keggin: Manx Song, music festivals, and the Crowdfunder for Their New Album
In this episode I have a lovely chat with Scottish harpist, Rachel Hair, and Manx singer Ruth Keggin. Rachel and Ruth are planning on recording an album of Manx songs later this year. Their crowdfunder is still up if you would like to be a part of making their new album. Some of the gifts to supporters include: early access to the album or you can pledge for harp lessons or Manx language singing lessons. Rachel has even offered to make Scottish Tablet to send to folks in the UK for a pledge. Scottish Tablet is a bit like fudge. We discuss this tasty sweet in the interview and how making it is its own workout. Ruth is also offering to do calligraphy artwork in Manx lyrics for anyone interested in pledging at that level.
At the time this episode is airing the Edinburgh International Harp Festival will have just ended, but there are still some videos up on their website and a harp themed merchandise page. So, if you’d like to support the festival, head on over and pick up a harp tea towel, jewelry, music books, or harp stained glass.
There is so much wonderful information in this episode for you to explore. Head on over to Rachel and Ruth’s websites and consider purchasing some of their music. Pop by their crowdfunder page and support them and other artists.
Other events going on:
Colmcille1500, of which Ruth will be participating in, celebrates the life and legacy of Colmcille or Columba,1500 years from his birth. It promotes the heritage of the saint whose abbey of Iona linked Ireland and Scotland and beyond. You can find information here about the events,heritage, educational resources, and suggested themes.
https://colmcille.net/colmcille-1500/
The Ohio Scottish Arts School (OSAS) June 28-July 2, 2021
https://ohioscottishartsschool.com/
The Somerset Folk Harp Festival July 22-25, 2021
https://www.somersetharpfest.com/
Common Ground on the Hill June 28th - July 2nd | July 5th - 9th | July 12th - 16th
https://www.commongroundonthehill.org/class-category/harp
Festival Interceltique de Lorient August 2021
LINKS
Rachel and Ruth’s album Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/rachelandruth
Rachel Hair’s Website: https://www.rachelhair.com/
The Edinburgh International Harp Festival: https://www.harpfestival.co.uk/
Ruth Keggin’s Website: https://www.ruthkeggin.com/
Culture Vannin Information on The Isle of Man: https://www.culturevannin.im/
Learn Manx for free on Zoom: https://learnmanx.com/
The North American Manx Association: https://namanx.org/
Colmcille1500: colmcille.net/colmcille-1500 of which Ruth will be participating in, celebrates the life and legacy of Colmcille or Columba,1500 years from his birth. It promotes the heritage of the saint whose abbey of Iona linked Ireland and Scotland and beyond. You can find information here about the events,heritage, educational resources, and suggested themes.
Creative Scotland: https://www.creativescotland.com/
The Isle of Man Arts Council: https://www.iomarts.com/
The Apex Singers: https://www.theapexsingers.com/
MUSIC FESTIVALS MENTIONED:
The Ohio Scottish Arts School (OSAS) June 28-July 2, 2021: https://ohioscottishartsschool.com/
The Somerset Folk Harp Festival July 22-25, 2021: https://www.somersetharpfest.com/
Common Ground on the Hill June 28th - July 2nd | July 5th - 9th | July 12th - 16th
https://www.commongroundonthehill.org/class-category/harp
Festival Interceltique de Lorient August 2021: