From the album "Willow Brae - Collected":
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Casey's Hornpipe 2:010:00/2:01
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The Water is Wide 2:280:00/2:28
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Carolan's Draught 2:190:00/2:19
Willow Brae is the duo of Andrea Stern, Celtic harpist and multi-instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie on traditional wind instruments and voice. Together they bring to life the airs, dance tunes and songs of the Irish and Scottish countrysides, conveying the warm resonance of traditional music and song as well as the spark and excitement of dynamic dance tunes. The duo features a unique and wide array of seldom-heard instruments both plucked and wind-powered. Throughout their performances, Laura and Andrea provide fascinating historical and cultural information about the instruments and their music, all delivered with humor and skill.
Andrea Stern has performed as a soloist and with orchestras in both North and South America, and has given concerts around the world as a featured artist on cruise ships. Andrea trained on concert harp at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory in Boston, and performs frequently with various ensembles across the Midwest. With Willow Brae, Andrea delights audiences of all ages with her sparkling interpretations of Irish and Scottish music on the Celtic harp.
Laura MacKenzie has been well recognized for her work in traditional music with numerous honors and awards, from performing arts fellowships to her own “Laura MacKenzie Day” proclaimed in 2014 by the City of St. Paul. She enjoys a diverse career in performance, from stage shows and festivals to theater productions and studio work. With Willow Brae, Laura performs on a dazzling array of wooden flutes, various whistles, concertina, pipes and voice.
Andrea and Laura have been collaborating on concert performances, recording projects and community programs since 2002, after discovering a shared love for the music of these traditions. They have brought this music to numerous festivals, fairs, concert halls, community centers and schools around their region.
Willow Brae is also available with Irish step-dancers.
In addition to concerts, Laura and Andrea offer family and community programs.
Several of Willow Brae's programs can also be booked (in Minnesota) through the
Teaching Artist Roster of COMPAS.
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