Album Notes

An Dóchas, Irish for “The Hope,” is a talented, young Irish band with cross-cultural influences, presenting traditional Irish music fused with the energy of Rock and the versatility of Jazz. A driving rhythm section of guitar, bass, and drums supports an array of traditional instruments including the Uilleann pipes, whistles, Bodhrán, and fiddle. With a strong base of instrumental tunes, the band incorporates moving ballads as well as rowdy, comical vocals, into their sets creating an emotionally dynamic performance. Using traditional Irish and brilliant original music to accompany explosive Irish step dancing, An Dóchas provides an energetic and uplifting performance appealing to audiences of all ages and musical preferences.

For the past several years, An Dóchas has had the privilege to work with the Haran Irish Dancers, who have been performing for over a decade. The dancers’ tours have included stops in Austria and Japan, and multiple trips to the Irish Step Dancing World Championships. Together, An Dóchas and the Haran Irish Dancers have performed to sold-out audiences throughout the U.S. They have shared the stage with such internationally acclaimed artists as Cherish the Ladies, Solas, and Chris Thile of Nickle Creek. Their regular venues include the An Ri Ra Festival in Montana, various college campuses, the Metropolitan Performing Arts Theater of Spokane, and numerous others. An Dóchas also has the privilege of working with Michael Londra, the former lead singer of Riverdance Broadway. With Michael, they have entertained at countless venues such as Atlanta’s Spivey Hall, a five-day stint in Dollywood, Tennessee, and the Corn Palace Festival.

This is an exciting year for An Dóchas. Their first CD, Dragonfly Redux, was awarded Celtic Instrumental Album of the Year by Just Plain Folks Worldwide Music Awards. They are currently in the studio recording their 2nd album, and have a DVD scheduled for release in December 2006. The DVD,'Beginnings', includes footage from three live performances and features thirteen of the Haran Irish Dancers.