Fanrealm.com

Since we have added google analytics to fanrealm we can see where our visitors are coming from. This will help us decide which areas are of interest to our readers. We will use this to highlight regional bands and events. The first region we will highlight is Virginia in the US because we get the most visitors from there. This surprises me a bit because I live in Virginia but we have a lot of readers in Charlottesville and they have, thus far, kept Virginia in the top spot. So here is a sample of some VA bands to seek out and enjoy.

The Celtibillies http://celtibillies.com/ Since I live in the south western corner of the state, the sounds of Appalachia are most prevalent here. There are a lot of similarities between Celtic Music and Bluegrass. Our area was settled by the Scots-Irish and they brought their music with them to the New World.

Iona – http://www.ionamusic.com/ This band bills themselves as a traditional pan Celtic Band and they are a perfect traditional Celtic music at its fines. They will be appearing at the Potomac Celtic Festival Jun 12-13 and at several other VA locations. Check their website for more details. Their music may also be purchased at their website.

Edsall Road is another traditional Celtic band based in Virginia. They play in the Northern VA/DC area. More info, including their appearance schedule, can be found on their website http://edsallroad.com Their cds can be purchased through cdbaby

Clan Haggis is from Central VA They perform Scottish, Irish and Celtic Sea Shanties which really bring the tall ships back to life in your mind when you hear them. More info on this entertaining and educational band can be found at their website. http://www.clanhaggis.com/

Coyote Run is a high energy celtrock band that almost defies description. They have taken traditional songs and given they a completely new spin that is their’s alone. Bending everything from bagpipes to didgeridoos to their will they have created a sound unlike any other. They tour the east coast of the US extensively and are absolutely not to be missed. More info can be found on their website http://www.coyoterun.com/ and their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/coyoterunband Their cds can be purchased through their website.