FOR those who like singing their hearts out, clapping their hands, stamping their feet, dancing like a loon or just enjoying some good craic, Murphy’s Pigs tick all the boxes.
The Brisbane-based Celtic group is a headline act at this year’s Bony Mountain Folk Festival which kicks off on Friday.
A big band with a big sound, Murphy’s Pigs are infectiously entertaining and masters of organised chaos on stage.
An award winning, Celtic ensemble renowned for its passion, energy and irreverence, this unique band lives and breathes Celtic rock and traditional folk, playing songs and tunes from all points around the Celtic Sea.
In a magical instant, Murphy’s Pigs drag listeners headfirst into their world of rugged mountains, stormy oceans, fearsome battles, unrequited love and, of course, a drop or two of the whiskey.
There is no sacred ground here. Influences from folk, rock, jazz, country and blues weave through a rich musical tapestry of dynamic instrumentation and powerful vocal harmonies.
Guitars, bass, fiddle, whistles, bagpipes, banjos, drums, bodhran (Celtic drum), percussion, accordion, keyboard, mandolin, the kitchen sink and nine male vocalists combine to create an exciting, distinctive and unforgettable sound.
Murphy’s Pigs derive their influences from the folk revival groups of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, performing songs made famous by such groups as the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, The Corries, The Dubliners, Tri Yann, The Bushwackers, The Pogues, Dan Ar Braz, Carlos Nunez and The Tannahill Weavers.
The band has performed at international and national music festivals including Festival Interceltique (the world’s largest Celtic festival, held in France), Woodford Folk Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Australian Celtic Festival and many local festivals, cultural events and corporate functions.
Murphy’s Pigs have performed live on French and Australian radio and receive regular airplay on Brisbane’s 98.9 FM, 4EB FM, and several community radio stations along Australia’s east coast.
As well as festival convenor and country music legend Norma O’Hara Murphy, other artists this year include The Bluegrass Boyz, funny man Errol Gray, Andrew Clermont, Soundman and Katherine and front man Garry Fogarty.
There will be four days of walk ups this year and also a buskers’ competition with a $500 first prize.
Guests are invited to come and enjoy camping on 50 beautiful acres at the festival site from Friday 16 September through to Sunday 18 September and enjoy some wonderful live music and company.
For more information on festival happenings, admission, facilities and camping visit www.bonymountainfolkfestival.com.
