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Introducing...Steph Geremia


14 May 19
by Nathon Jones

Steph Geremia

Headlining the Festival Marquee, Creebridge House Hotel, on Friday 12th July we are delighted to be welcoming Irish American multi-instrumentalist and singer Steph Geremia to the festival for what promises to be an outstanding opening night concert.

Steph Geremia is highly regarded as one of the finest musicians of her generation. Perhaps best known as a traditional Irish flute player and as a mainstay of the critically acclaimed Irish group, Alan Kelly Gang, she has also impressed as a singer, presenting her own identity of a breathy Celtic vocal style mixed with a hint of her American roots.

After nearly a decade since the release of her debut solo album, The Open Road, which was described by Irish Music Magazine as “an unexpected treasure” June 2018 welcomed the release of Steph’s sparkling second solo release, Up She Flew, which features music from Irelands own rich Sligo, Leitrim & North Connaught tradition. Up She Flew has been described as “a masterclass in Irish flute”, “as good an album of top-drawer Irish tradition as is imaginable” and “a vivid blending of New World energy with Old World vibrancy”, demonstrating once again Steph’s vibrant and versatile spirit, her technical prowess, breath control and her ability to bring an innovative approach without losing the heart of the tradition to which she is intrinsically connected.

Steph says “for me, everything is in the small details… This album has not only been inspired by the rich North Connaught repertoire and particular tune settings from the players from this region, but also from a time when these great musicians breathed life into the tunes with their slight variations and subtle re-phrasing of every bar; when variations mimicked the landscape and one could get lost in the modal discrepancies, shifting from c’s to c#’s at will… Up she flew and the cock flattened her!”

Steph will be performing as a trio at this year's festival with Scottish powerhouse, Aaron Jones (Old Blind Dogs) on bouzouki/guitar/vocals and fiddle maestro Ben Gunnery (Riverdance / Barrage).  Steph will also be facilitating a flute workshop on Saturday 13th July which is highly recommended.

"as good an album of top-drawer Irish tradition as is imaginable" - RnR
"fabulous flute playing...a masterclass in Irish flute" - FolkWorld
"effortless... a peach of a record that demands your attention" - Living Tradition
"flawless... a must have for your collection" - Irish Music Magazine

Tickets for the opening night concert, which also features the outstanding Kitty Macfarlane and BBC Radio Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year, fiddle player Benedict Morris, are still available online by clicking the button below, or click the "Tickets" option, top right, where you can also purchase a Weekend Pass which gives you access to all ticketed concerts over the weekend.

Buy Tickets for Steph Geremia

In Other News


MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024 - Vote Now!

This year, 10 years since the very first Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, we need your support more than ever. Despite continued funding cuts the event was still glorious, and the music absolutely mighty. Vote now to help save this vital traditional music festival!  

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Outstanding sponsorship support from Five Kingdoms Brewery

Serving local produce ensures that the project supports local businesses and the local community. A huge favourite are the beers from Five Kingdoms Brewery which are brewed in Isle of Whithorn. We are hugely grateful to Alastair and his team for their very generous support for this year's festival.  

12 Jul 24
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Workshops at this year's festival

With so many outstanding musicians in Newton Stewart this weekend it would be foolish not to take full advantage, and we've done just that with a superb programme of traditional music workshops which are included as part of the Weekend Pass ticket, £10 per adult or £Free for under 25s.  

11 Jul 24
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Trad Music Trust

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary over 11th-13th July 2025. It's an incredible achievement. The charity has created a viable, sustainable, event that continues to grow and develop, proudly celebrating the very best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. Make sure you book early for what is shaping up to be the biggest event yet!

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