Described as bold, unorthodox, vibrant, and evocative, the "GLENGARRY BHOYS" hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French Canadian musical idioms has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative, and extremely entertaining.
Their energy and good humor, as much a part of the show as their musicianship, crosses all cultures and ages. Many things have been written and reported about this world renown Canadian alt-celt group over the last decade, all depicting their musical and entertaining prowess with varied audiences the world over, but their ability to marshal large enthusiastic audiences show after show is legion and recognized.
Their objective is simple yet evocative, as stated by their lead singer Graham Wright in a CBC "Fresh Air" interview: "if our audience can only get 10% of the satisfaction we get entertaining them - then we surpass objective". Accordingly and repeatedly, they do!!
From a small Scots-French-Canadian enclave in Eastern Ontario, these Celtic-Stompers, always pushing the musical envelope but never straying too far from the traditional whence they came, have earned a reputation as entertainers that challenge you to sit still during their engaging performances.
GLENGARRY BHOYS BIO:
In 1997, two police officers who were members of the Cornwall Police Band started playing duo shows at various Irish pubs in the area. Within a year two more local musicians were added and the Glengarry Bhoys started in earnest - soon playing large Celtic festivals throughout the US, Canada, and multiple tours to Scotland and Ireland.
The band went “fulltime” performing for sold out shows in Edinburgh, Inverness, Dublin, Killarney; from Miami to Canmore Alberta and from St. John’s Nfld to Los Cruces New Mexico!
Their popularity soon led to a record contract with Universal Records – facilitating regular airplay on triple A stations. One of their songs was in a Hollywood movie soundtrack (The Lakehouse); TV appearances on Dallas Breakfast TV, Mike Bullard show on CTV (3 appearances), Canada AM (3), CBC Fresh Air interviews, to mention but a few. By 2020 they had sold more than 600,000 albums worldwide, and more than 3 million downloads. They also won a best traditional record form the American Folk Alliance. The Glengarry Bhoys tour less now, staying primarily in the north-east US, and, finally, now a show in Glengarry!
The two original members are Graham Wright (lead/ guitar) and Gaye Stuart (Zig) Leroux (drums/bodhran). D’Arcy Furniss (fiddle) – has been with the group for 20 yrs now, and Steve McIntosh (bass/bagpipes) 16 yrs.
Graham, born and raised in west Scotland – immigrated with his family to Canada when he was 12 yrs old and makes his home in South Lancaster, South Glengarry. Zig is from the Glen Rd., South Glengarry, resided near McCuaig’s Corners for 33 yrs and now makes his home in Cornwall. D’Arcy is from Long Sault. He met his wife-to-be while touring in Buffalo, NY where he now resides with his wife and 3 young boys. Steve (Dr. McIntosh) is from St. Andrew’s On., (his mom is a MacPhee from North Glengarry) and has a practice in Corner Brook, Nfld., with satellite medical offices in St. John’s, and north Labrador.
Interesting facts: Graham and Zig both took early pensions from the police force to pursue full-time music and higher education. Zig went on to McGill Law School and is now a trial lawyer. Graham obtained an engineering degree, his Bachelor of Economics, an MBA (Penn State) and is now a student-candidate for his doctorate in Business Administration. Darcy, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, also got his Bachelor of Economics. (Buffalo U.) Steve is an eye doctor that donates time every year to “Doctors without Borders” in Africa and South America.
▪️Everyone is welcome! 👍
▪️Admission is free. 👌
▪️Bring your lawn chairs and we'll see you there! 🫵
▪️Donations will be accepted for the upkeep of the Concerts at the Grotto. 🙏
▪️In the event of inclement weather, a cancellation decision and post will be made by 4pm on the day of the concert.
▪️For information, call 613-525-3040.
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