From the traditional folk music hotbed of the east coast, Banshee brings the history, spirit and “Joie de Vivre” of Atlantic Canada with them wherever they roam.

Named for a haunting Irish spirit, Banshee has blended fiery playing, historical tunes and a new breed of Canadian folk music for the past decade. The members live in Moncton, Boston and St. John’s, but they all bring a passion for traditional music and exciting arrangements with them. It has the intimacy and flavour of the kitchen, with the polish and sophistication of the concert hall.

2004 and 2005 East Coast Music Award Nominees for Roots Traditional Group of the Year, the band released their most recent project A Clearer Path in the Fall of 2004. Recorded in St. John’s, Newfoundland,

with producer Bob Hallett of Great Big Sea, the CD features a stirring blend of traditional music combined with new songs written by Banshee.

A popular local seller, the album received accolades and attention throughout the region. Recently, two songs from the project have been part of WEA Canada’s best-selling ‘Music From Atlantic Canada’ compilation. Banshee’s music has also been used for several TV soundtracks, and can be heard throughout Atlantic Canada on independent radio stations.

The group is fronted by vocalists and siblings Bryon and Shelley Chase, and virtuoso fiddler Stacey Lynn Read. Each brings their own unique interests to the band. Stacey has studied all the traditions of Atlantic Canada, and has mastered both the Acadian and Celtic styles. Bryon is a talented singer-songwriter, and a true student of the guitar. Shelley sings, and plays the bodhran, the Irish goat-skin drum so loved by all fans of Celtic music.

While all three are involved with many musical projects, Banshee remains their first love, and time is always set aside to write, rehearse, collect and tour new material. Whether performing a trio or as a full-fledged five-piece rock band they can bring any audience, large or small, to their feet, stomping for more. They have toured Canada many times, even going so far as to entertain our troops in the far north, at CFB Alert. Current plans will see them cross the country again this year, bringing their love of the music of our Atlantic peoples to all Canadians.

Like the legend they are named for, Banshee is determined to haunt their audiences. Unlike the night spirits of old, who left their victims with nightmares and sleepless nights, this young band will leave them with a renewed appreciation for Banshee's homeland culture, the magic of the East Coast’s Celtic and French past, and the deep roots which have given birth to their incredible music.