Callanish

Callanish traditional Celtic band has performed during First Night in State College for over 2 decades!  Their repertoire includes lively jigs and reels, haunting ballads and rollicking songs from Ireland, Scotland, and elsewhere in the British Isles.

The four current members of Callanish are Patty Lambert, Betsy Gamble, Louisa Smith, and Holly Foy.  Patty Lambert plays wooden flute, whistle, and concertina. Formerly on the faculty of the Music Academy, she now teaches privately in her home. Betsy Gamble plays fiddle, viola, and pipes and is the Pipe Major in the Nittany Highland Pipe and Drum Band. Lead singer Louisa Smith is a 2009 graduate of the Penn State School of Theatre and a classically trained vocalist currently living outside DC. She also plays bodhran, spoons, and other percussion. Holly Foy sets the rhythm on guitar or Irish bouzouki. When not playing music, Holly can be found organizing Folk College or the PA Folk Gathering.

The band has played at festivals and events throughout the region, including at the Williamsport Community Arts Center, The Irish Arts Festival at the State Theatre and The Deane Center in Wellsboro. The band has four recordings. Its latest CD is The Hare’s Paw.

A First Night Button is required for this performance.