NORTH ATLANTIC SONG CONVENTION 2024

Bláithín Mhic Cana is a dedicated Irish language teacher in Ulster, Ireland, who carries on her family's tradition of Gaelic song transmission. Actively involved in Irish Gaelic community initiatives, she nurtures the language and culture, contributing to Irish language families' growth in south Armagh.

Based in the Highlands and raised in Newfoundland and Ireland, Brian Ó hEadhra is a renowned Gaelic singer-songwriter and musician. With a career spanning over 30 years, he's a cultural advocate, co-founder/convenor of NASC, and Partnerships and Development Manager for Scotland's Gaelic language board. He is co-founder of the Inverness Acoustic Music Club. 

Daina Zālane, founder of Culture Management Centre Lauska, is a folk music enthusiast promoting authentic roots music and fostering international collaborations. As a programming director for Valmiermuiža Ethnomusic Festival, she contributes to the vibrant Latvian folk music scene and is a broad member of the European Folk Network. 

As Director of the Traditional Music Forum, David actively engages with and advocates for numerous folk music projects. He's a musician, songwriter, and a board member of NASC and the European Folk Network, contributing to the vibrant  Scottish and European folk music landscape.

Dr. Esbjörn Wettermark, a versatile musician and folk music researcher, contributes to cultural policy and music education. Engaged in Access Folk, he focuses on co-production and inclusivity in folk singing, bringing valuable perspectives to the community. Esbjörn is on the NASC board.

Dr. Ingrid Åkesson is an ethnomusicologist who delves into historical and contemporary aspects of traditional vocal music. Specialising in Swedish folk music, she has explored aspects of creativity, re-creativity, gender and heritage within Scandinavian song traditions.

Eilidh Cormack, a skilled Scottish Gaelic singer from Skye, collaborates with various musical projects. With a rich background in Gaelic language and song, she contributes to traditional and electronic music, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation.

Emma Björling, a leading Swedish folksong singer, brings her expertise to vocal groups and international collaborations. Co-convenor and co-founder of NASC, she's dedicated to preserving and promoting Swedish traditional music and song at home and abroad.

Jordan Price Williams, an acclaimed folk singer from Wales, revives Welsh traditional arts with chamber-folk trio VRï. Passionate about sharing narratives of marginalised communities, he reinterprets Welsh songs, contributing to the vibrant Welsh folk scene.

Josie Duncan, a diverse folk singer from the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, enchants with her crystal-clear voice in Gaelic, Scots, and English. Awarded BBC Radio 2's Young Folk Award, she explores traditional and contemporary folk, pushing the boundaries of the Scottish folk tradition.

Linus Orri, an Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and advocate for traditional singing styles, contributes significantly to Iceland's folk music scene. As folk festival director and choir conductor, he actively preserves and promotes traditional Icelandic songs.

Dr. Fay Hield, an acclaimed singer and professor, explores the English folk tradition with a distinctive voice. Leading the 'Access Folk' project, she works to increase participation in folk singing, blending tradition with contemporary arrangements.

Dr. Mairéad Nic Craith, a professor of public folklore with the University of the Highlands and Islands, has a vast international background working with UNESCO and the UN. Specialising in critical heritage studies, she brings expertise to the intersection of folklore, identity, and cultural diversity.

Steve Byrne, a Scottish folklorist, singer, and accompanist, is a key figure in Scotland's traditional music scene. As Director of TRACS, he advocates for Scotland's traditional arts, preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage.

Tom Besford, Chief Executive at English Folk Expo and board member of NASC, leads initiatives promoting folk music, song, and dance. With extensive experience in cultural strategy and management, he plays a crucial role in expanding the reach of traditional arts nationally and internationally.

Dr. Thomas McKean, a folklorist specialising in Scots and Gaelic song, focuses on traditional practices and community resilience. As a dedicated educator, he imparts knowledge on custom and belief, shaping the discourse around Scotland's cultural heritage.

Zane Šmite is a trained teacher of traditional singing and a consultant for projects related to traditional song. She has collaborated with many Latvian musicians in recordings of academic and traditional music both as an arranger and a studio musician.

Originally from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Kit Knight is a leading light in the northern English folk singing scene.  Kit's clear voice and strong delivery has wowed audiences in folk clubs and venues with their choice of rich English and Irish material.