Last Updated on July 30, 2023 by Cianaodh Óg
I’ve been a fan of this band and family since first meeting them in a parking lot of a shop in Arlington, Texas on Cooper Street known as Groovy Goods where they were hosting a drum circle. Their energy and vibes hooked me right away. As they say on their website:
“Combining primal rhythms, melodic and ethereal ballads, screaming guitar riffs with an Appalachian/Celtic vibe this FAMILY born of a family drum circle delivers an authentic tribal and clannish feel that not only draws the audience into the music but into the moment and clan as well.
In 2017 Tuatha Dea became part of The New Bristol Sessions, a collaboration celebrating the historic 1927 Sessions along with folks like Dolly Parton, Virginia Ground, 49 Winchester and more!
Their rhythmic groove and interaction naturally inspires audience participation which has become a staple of their performances. From the beginning the band has embraced its Celtic heritage and meshed the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland with their own bold blend of mainstream rock, mountain drumming and Appalachian blues to produce a truly unique sound that has a universal appeal! Dubbed “The Eclectic Steam-Punk Partridge Family in Kilts and Corsets” and “The Appalachian Fae”, this band is REAL family!!!”
Tufa Tales
I’ve mentioned them before in a post or two in the past I’m sure. What I may not have mentioned is that I once flew to this band’s home turf to watch them play at their local Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge. While there I also took part in a tour of the area called Tufa Tours. This tour was in honor of the author Alex Bledsoe and his series of books called Tufa Tales which follows the stories of two tribes of fairies living somewhere in the Appalachians.
In one of the books, he even mentions the band as they are traveling through the area. If you haven’t read these books, I highly recommend them! If you are able to attend North Texas Irish Festival this year you will have an opportunity to see them for yourself as they perform on the Shannon Stage. Come check them out. You will NOT be disappointed.
Leave a Reply