RUNA continues to push the frontiers of Celtic music, earning them a reputation as one of the most inventive Irish folk ensembles of their time. They give an exciting twist on traditional music by combining the joyful songs and poignant melodies of Ireland and Scotland with the enticing rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco, and blues.
The word RUNA means “mystery” or “hidden lore,” and “there is a genuinely mysterious air to their performance when they are onstage together,”
RUNA comprises of Philadelphia-born vocalist Shannon Lambert-Ryan, Dublin-born guitarist Fionán de Barra, renowned drummer Cheryl Prashker (Full Frontal Folk, Jonathan Edwards), New York-based fiddler Jake James, and three-time Canadian violin champion Tom Fitzgerald, who also plays mandolin.
The Independent Music Awards have nominated “An Buachailln Bán” from RUNA’s sixth studio album, TEN: The Errant Night!, for Best World/Traditional Song. The group has received worldwide recognition, having won Top Group and Top Traditional Group at the Irish Music Awards and three Independent Music Awards, including Best LIVE Album and Best World/Traditional Song.
With their Rockin’ Sock Collection, RUNA is also socially involved. They have been requesting that RUNAtics bring brand-new pairs of socks to performances for donation to local shelters and organizations that assist families and people with housing insecurity and financial hardships. Since the project’s inception in February 2020, they have collected and distributed over 3,500 pairs of socks! RUNA declares, “All socks are wonderful! If ten individuals provide socks, we will have ten more pairs of cozy feet than we would have otherwise. Thank you!”
Saturday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m., RUNA plays at Auburn State Theatre.
