Artists for the Quebec City Celtic Festival

Belfast Andi

Andriù MacGabhann , or Belfast Andi as he is fondly known, has played on the traditional music circuit for many years.

Originally from Belfast, Ireland, he has played major Folk music festivals in Ireland, Scotland and England along with various 'Irish Pubs' scattered in France, Germany even as far as the Greek islands in the Aegean. This may well explain the slightly gypsy feel that seeps into his music.

As a songwriter and guitarist, Andi reels through classic and contemporary ballads, with the occasional chant accompanied by the tribal rhythm of the bodhràn (Irish hand drum).

Now based in Montreal, his musical adventures continue. He has played in several Celtic & Folk Music Festivals in Quebec & Ontario such as Montreal Celtic Festival, Montreal Highland Games, Ville Marie Feis, Mémoire et Racines, Festival Bières et Saveurs and Brockville Celtic Festival , to name a few. He has also been featured on CBC Radio One St-Patrick's Day Special, Radio Centre ville and Mohawk Radio , Kahnesatake, Quebec.

As a host of Traditional Irish Music Sessions for over six years, Andi has brought the "true voice" of the native Ulsterman to many a late night and early morning gatherings here in his adopted home of Montreal. Now a Canadian citizen, he is still the only Irish-born singer and guitarist on the Montreal "Celtic Music" scene. As a bridge builder between Irish and Québec musicians he has made several appearances on Global TV, CFCF, Vision TV and TQS.

His latest recording, "ALL THAT GLITTERS", is a live solo album named after a self-composed song. It's a break from the traditional Celtic music genre. With the help of the eclectic groove of Montreal Swift Years , this album is a raw blend of Irish and North American Folk Roots. You can't take the "Roll" from an old "Rocker" . In his own words, with a North of Ireland lilt, "aya sure it's all part of the craic" , the 'craic' being the Gaelic word for 'good fun'. Visit http://belfastandi.com/ if you want to get more information about this artist.

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