Barrowburn Information

Barrowburn prides itself in its versatility. They are equally at home ripping through a set of jigs or reels as they are rendering the simple beauty of a slow air or lament. They perform both legacy and contemporary ballads from the tradition as well as comical pub songs that are best accompanied by a swinging pint of Guinness. In concert, they demonstrate their love for Celtic music, but do so from an American perspective. The performers include Virgil Sealy on fiddle, mandolin, bodhran and vocals; Jeff Cates on fiddle and vocals; Richard Nardin on guitar and vocals; and Nathan Deese on flute, whistle, mandolin, and vocals. Our band members page has more details on our band members. The band takes its name from the "Barrowburn Reel" composed by Addie Harper. Legend has it that Harper was inspired by the bucolic beauty of Barrowburn, Northumberland, nestled in the Cheviot Hills along the border of England and Scotland. Barrowburn has played at numerous festivals including the Gaelic Festival in Raleigh, Celtic Fest in Cary, and the International Festival in Raleigh. They often play for dancers at both Céil and Contra dances as well as private parties, weddings, receptions, and corporate events throughout North Carolina. For over ten years, they have been the house band at Tir na nOg, Raleigh's premier Irish Pub. Check our schedule to see where we are playing next and our performances page has a complete list of our past events. If you would like to get notices of upcoming events and other band news, subscribe to our fans mailing list. For booking inquiries for performances, dances, receptions, and private parties, contact Richard Nardin via email, email@barrowburn.net, or voice, 919-219-1461.