The Band:
Spraoi is an ongoing project that melds the best of the tradition with new influences and other
cultures. Currently the band has the Ontario fiddler Jon Pilatzke with Steve Simmonds playing guitars and singing. Other collaborateurs include Bill Kervin of New Brunswick, a particularly fine percussionist and singer.
What they've been saying.
"One of the best Celtic gigs we've ever had, ...the foremost traditional Irish band in Toronto": Rana Sodhi, The Flying Cloud Folk Club, Toronto.
"Pat Simmonds is a cornerstone of Irish Traditional Music in Toronto": Daithi Connaughton, The Ireland Fund of Canada.
"I was fortunate enough to first hear you play at Molly Malone's in Wellington city, I liked the music so much I bought the Spiddoolin tape "Craic & Raic" from the girl in the your band. That night was the best St Patrick's I've ever celebrated, I would love to know if you are ever coming back down this way? It would be great.":
Kevin Tierney, (Spiddoolin Fan in NZ).
"Each time the band has played to sold out cheering audiences" Holmes Hooke, Hugh's Room.
""top notch musicianship and tight, lively arrangements, very exciting." Glenn McFarlane, The Brampton Folk Festival.
""the best of authentic Irish" The Toronto Star.
""at the cutting edge of traditional music." Daithi Connaughton, The Ireland Fund of Canada.
""...what you're doing is fresh and special and different from the herd. Very cool! Like Flook, I'm sure Spraoi will get the respect deserved..." Ron Johnson, Celtic Cultures.
Check out the Cabbagetown Ceilidh Band.
A recent collaboration with Aideen O'Brien and Somerset Entertainment produced a double album of ballad standards that has gone on to become one of the biggest selling records released on the Solitudes label with a follow up Christmas record that was equally well received.
Performance highlights include turning 30 000 people into a moshpit at the Millenium Celebrations in Pat's hometown of Gisborne giving Kiri Te Kanawa a run for her money !!
In 2007 they were the featured performers at the unveiling of the Irish Memorial Famine Park in Toronto with President Mary McAleese, a very moving day indeed.
Spraoi initiated the annual St Patrick's Day Celebration of Irish Culture in Toronto, now in it's sixth year, having staged a number of sold out shows at Hugh's Room in Toronto.
The band were recently recorded "en seisiun" by the CBC for National Broadcast on Canada Live as part of a drive to expose informal ethnic music scenes in Canada.
Is maith linn Gaeilge, sean-nós, ag casadh ceol agus pionta Guiness anois 's arís.
