 t's now nearly 18 years since first coming together and with four of the original members still at the helm, Dervish is more in demand than ever. Their colorful career has taken them to every corner of the globe and has seen them share center stage with such names as James Brown, The Buena Vista Social Club, Oasis, Sting, REM, Beck and many more.
Although deeply devoted to traditional Irish music in its purest form, Dervish has always pushed the boundaries. The band is widely respected for their innovative approach to the arrangement of traditional Irish songs in both English and Irish.
Having represented Ireland at festivals throughout the world, earlier this year they accompanied the Irish government on its trade mission to China. Dervish is noted for their interpretation of a wide range of modern songs.
Possessing one of the tightest and most inventive rhythm sections on the circuit today, the Sligo-based sextet are famous for their high energy performance style, at times wild and swirling, at times deep and spiritual.
Band Members
 Brian McDonagh, Mandola
Brian has extensive experience touring and playing on the international circuit. He is also an established painter in Ireland and has had many exhibitions at home and on the continent.
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 Liam Kelly, Flute & Whistles
Liam Kelly is a native of Sligo and a founding member of the band. His role in the band is a central one, as Dervish's core sound revolves around the tight and intuitive interplay between Flute, Accordion and Fiddle.
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 Tom Morrow, Fiddle
Tom is the newest member of Dervish and the youngest. He has won numerous awards including the All Ireland senior fiddle championship. He has toured extensively in Europe, North America and Asia.
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 Shane Mitchell, Accordion
Shane Mitchell is a native of Sligo and a founder member of the band. The Accordion is one of Dervish's core instruments, interacting in a tight and intuitive way with Flute and Fiddle. Shane plays a Briggs Accordion from Doug Briggs in England.
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 Cathy Jordan, Vocals, Bodhrán & Bones
Cathy’s love for traditional singing was instilled at an early age.Her performances with Dervish have thrilled audiences and sparked off attention across the board. It is no exaggeration to say that Cathy is regarded as one of the finest traditional singers in Ireland today.
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 Michael Holmes, Bouzouki
Along with the other founders, Michael’s music was first recorded in 1989. The recording enjoyed great success despite the fact that there was no band to tour in support of it. The requests for the group from festivals inspired the members to consider seriously forming together as a working traditional band.
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They became Dervish and are certain to become one the KVMR Celtic Festival’s favorites. The band was recently selected as Ireland’s entry in RTÉ’s Eurosong 2007. With the Eurovision now an increasingly complex and competitive competition, RTÉ felt that Dervish’s proven experience of delivering exciting performances to mass live audiences around the world makes them an exciting proposition for the Eurovision stage.
From Ireland by way of Helsinki to Grass Valley, KVMR is excited to introduce you to Dervish.
Website: www.dervish.ie
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