Chris Caldwell and Steve Mulholland are founding members of the traditional Irish group Killultagh. They took Virginia by storm when they headlined the 2002 Celtic Heritage Festival, and filled the Williamsburg Library to capacity at their high energy concert. They are delighted to be returning to Virginia soil, bringing with them the vibrant energy and spirit of the traditional music of their native Ulster.The traditional music of Ulster is a reflection of the region's complexity and cultural richness. In many ways, it is the "grandfather" of Virginia's musical traditions. Chris Caldwell and Steve Mulholland interpret this tradition with skill and spirit - effortlessly blending the jig and reel with the air and song.
Chris and Steve began playing music together at the Tuesday night session at Clenaghan's Pub in Aghalee, County Antrim, in the North of Ireland. The session, now in McGeown's Bar, Glenavy, has become famous with visitors from all corners of the world who come regularly to listen and join in.
In 2001 they founded Killultagh, a traditional group that takes its name from an area in County Antrim, just to the east of Lough Neagh. Killultagh literally means "The Woods of Ulster". In the dark distant mists of history the area used to be a large oak forest, a place where the ancient kings of Ireland were crowned on a stone that still lies on the same hilltop today overlooking the Lough to the west.
Steve Mulholland plays fiddle with a unique style all his own. Guitar and vocals add to his talents. A winner of many competitions, he is an experienced teacher at workshops. Chris Caldwell has been playing bodhran for many years and has won competitions in his native Ulster for his skillful accompaniment playing predominantly Charlie Byrne and Seamus O'Kane bodhrans. He is also a respected traditional singer.
With the other members of Killultagh, they have performed at many traditional music festivals, including Orkney Folk Festival, Girvan Folk Festival, and Dumfries and Galloway Folk Festival in Scotland; Oslo Irish Music Festival in Norway; Semain du Golf, Brittany in France; Fiddler's Green Festival, Rostrevor in their own Northern Ireland, and Ceret, France. In 2002 they they played the Celtic Heritage Festival in Ashland, Virginia, to great acclaim.
Visit Killutagh on MySpace at www.myspace.com/killultagh .
Check back for more information on the workshops that will be held in conjunction with the concert.