The 11th annual Summer BCMFest is set to take place on July 6 at Club Passim in Harvard Square, showcasing some of the most beloved names in the Celtic music genre.
Among the highlighted acts will be Matt & Shannon Heaton, along with Katie McNally & Neil Pearlman, two duos long cherished by Celtic music fans in Greater Boston and beyond.
In addition to these prominent performers, the Summer BCMFest will feature the Adam Hendey Band, the Clare Fraser Trio, and the quartet Forsyth, all of whom actively contribute to the vibrant Celtic music scene in the Boston area.
This festival, which celebrates the richness and diversity of Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, and other Celtic music and dance traditions, serves as the warm-weather counterpart to the winter Boston Celtic Music Fest (BCMFest), a multi-day event that has captivated audiences for over a decade. BCMFest is organized by the Cambridge-based non-profit Passim, which is dedicated to fostering a vibrant music community through initiatives such as the music school at Club Passim, artist grants, and outreach programs.
The festivities will commence with a free outdoor concert from 3-5 p.m. just outside Club Passim on Palmer Street. Should the weather be inclement, the afternoon concert will be moved indoors.
As the day progresses, the event will culminate in a ticketed evening concert starting at 7 p.m.
A brief look at the Summer BCMFest performers reveals a diverse array of talent.
The Clare Fraser Trio, known for their contributions to the area’s Celtic scene, comprises Fraser, a traditional Irish fiddler, and multi-instrumentalists Elias Cardoso and Simon Lace. This trio has gained a reputation for infusing fresh energy into local sessions at venues like The Burren, Emmets, and McCarthy’s Tavern, and has even performed at the winter BCMFest earlier this year. Fraser’s performances extend beyond local appearances, including participation in the US and international touring stage production “A Taste of Ireland.”
Next, we have Forsyth, a band formed by Erin Hogan, Kate Knudsvig, Helen Kuhar, and Kate Wallace. They describe themselves as a “democratic collective” with a diverse range of musical backgrounds, spanning from Americana songwriting to pure-drop traditional Irish. Their focus lies predominantly on vocal harmonization, often performing with little or no instrumental backing to highlight the poignant lyrics and melodies. Drawing inspiration from groups like Ye Vagabonds and Lankum, Forsyth exemplifies the growing interest in community singing within Boston’s folk scene.
The Adam Hendey Band has also made its mark on the local Celtic music landscape since Hendey arrived in Boston nearly seven years ago. Known for his exceptional DADGAD guitar style, Hendey, along with Erin Hogan and Elias Cardoso, blends traditional and contemporary styles, bringing forth a warm intimacy to his performances that resonates among audiences.
Katie McNally & Neil Pearlman have been collaborating for over 15 years, whether in duos or larger ensembles such as Fàrsan and Pine Tree Flyers. Their dynamic partnership features McNally’s passionate fiddling alongside Pearlman’s piano performances. Together, they offer a compelling modern interpretation of Scottish and Cape Breton music, while maintaining a deep respect for the traditions. Both artists are committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, with McNally founding the Boston States Fiddle Camp and Pearlman serving as the musical director for the Boston Scottish Fiddle Orchestra.
Lastly, the duo of Matt & Shannon Heaton has greatly impacted Boston’s Celtic music scene since their move to the city in 2001. Shannon’s co-founding of BCMFest exemplifies their commitment to promoting local music. Their engaging performances blend traditional and contemporary Irish melodies, showcasing Shannon’s expertise on the flute and Matt’s multifaceted guitar and bouzouki accompaniments. Together, they deliver both ancient ballads and original compositions while actively engaging the community through initiatives like their Virtual Guided Session on YouTube and Shannon’s Irish Music Stories podcast.
The diverse range of performances at Summer BCMFest promises to celebrate and elevate the Celtic music traditions that have flourished in the Greater Boston area. Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged not to miss this opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of talent that defines Boston’s Celtic music scene.
image source from：bostonirish
