Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Agave with the Turtleback Ceili Band

By Kathy Lunde

Agave is proud to host Orcas Island’s own Turtleback Ceili Band, this Saturday, March 16, beginning at 6pm.

The Turtleback Céilí Band or simply “Turtleback”, is a group of Orcas Island musicians who share a passion for playing and sharing traditional music mostly from Ireland, but also other Celtic traditions around the world. The band evolved out of a Sunday afternoon session that has been carrying the tradition on Orcas Island for many years, sharing tunes, camaraderie (i.e., the craic), strong black tea, and pints of beer.

Their humble tradition here on Orcas Island is part of an ancient tradition that is still as strong as ever in Ireland, Cornwall, Brittany, England, Scotland, Wales, and around the world. Turtleback is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the top 50 Irish traditional bands active today in the San Juan Islands and surrounding waterways. Be prepared for toe-tapping jigs, reels, hornpipes, a few stately baroque pieces from Turlough O’Carolan, and some Pogue inspired songs to get you rocking.

Members of the band includ Rachel Bishop, a local physician who practices in Friday  Harbor part time, plays amazing Irish, Scots & Cape Breton fiddle styles, and sings with a soft soulful voice that would fit in quite well at any pub in Ireland until her strong English accent gives her secret away.

Lesley Liddle, former member of the Olga Symphony and author of two books: “Moonlight in Jungleland,” and “The Muchroom Mushroom Highrise,” can play just about any tune you can imagine on the Anglo concertina. She also bows a fine fiddle when the mood strikes.

Ben Sheppard is a Master of the Irish bouzouki, a modern cousin of the long necked lute family of instruments from the Balkan, and mid eastern music traditions. Ben also sings and plays guitar.

Bob Friel, now a famous author with the premiere of his book The Barefoot Bandit, spends his spare time beating out rhythms on the bodhrán (the traditional Irish goat-skinned drum). Between songs, Bob keeps everyone laughing and rolling with generous helpings of blarney.

Jeff Zbornik, of Shearwater Kayaks, is also known for keeping alive the great tradition of sea songs both on and off the water in boats of all sizes from kayaks to tall ships. He first arrived on Orcas Island aboard the 100′ schooner, Adventuress. Jeff also plays a mean concertina and fiddle as well which blends with Lesley’s playing wonderfully!

Dave Nickeson A newcomer to our island is quickly gaining a reputation as our resident rebel bard. He knows all the great songs and sings them with great power and emotion!

Carolyn Caruso, a talented local artist well known for her original songs, is also a master of traditional Irish flute and hammered dulcimer playing as well. Carolyn will not be playing this night, but look for her on future dates.

There is no cover charge for this evening’s entertainment, and reservations are highly recommended. Please phone Agave at 376-1422, and we hope to see you!