Traditional Irish fiddle soloist specializing in Celtic, Steampunk, Renaissance, and Fairy festivals! Celtic-themed weddings, and catered event entertainment. See profile for audio and video performance samples.
Keith Engle plays traditional Irish fiddle music, focusing on the music as it was played in an isolated region of Ireland called Sliabh Luachra in the 1800s. He has been playing for over 20 years, and travels to Ireland frequently to immerse himself in the style and perform. He has performed at the World Fiddle Day Scartaglin festival and Scully's Fest in County Cork, as well as at numerous Historical Heritage, Celtic, Renaissance, and Steampunk festivals from Boston to New Orleans
Keith was great - very responsive and arrived on time great music and highly recommend for any event!
Keith is an outstanding Irish Fiddler. We enjoyed his performance. His superb playing and very warm personality made the crowd feel comfortable to ask questions and really enjoy all he had to offer. He came impeccably dressed in a leather kilt and classic Irish footwear for the occasion and transported us to Ireland.
Thanks Keith. The knowledge you about your work was phenomenal.
Keith/Sasanach was an early arrival and played tunes with me and my partner host, Mark. When the other participants (10) showed up, Keith led a 2-hour session with great playing and historical talk on Irish trad music. We all had a fine time and Mark provided a delicious meal and his large living room. Other folks brought food, too, and we all had a fine time.
Would definitely recommend Keith as a session leader. Mark and I plan to repeat this event sometime next year. Thanks Keith!
Very talented musician. His traditional fiddle playing and style is beautiful. Professional, sympathetic and communicative - would definitely hire him again.
The program was both entertaining and informative and left the audience with a deeper understanding and, I think, appreciation of Irish fiddle music. The artist's stories provided useful background to the music he played, though a few times the talk went a bit long. The entire program (including a 15 minute intermission about midway in the program) was 1 hour and 45 minutes. In my opinion, the program was not so long that it needed an intermission. The audience consisted primarily of senior seniors, a significant number of whom were disinclined to hang around waiting for the show to restart. That was a shame because they missed a particularly delightful part of the show. I recommend doing away with any intermission in a 90 minute show as it breaks the mood and movement of the show.
Punctual, friendly, and talented, Keith was just the right addition to our event, providing background music to a lovely summer evening.
We had The Sasanach for our daughter's graduation party. It was an Irish Pub Theme and Keith did an awesome job working with the Irish dancer's we had come and a second musician. Keith reached out ahead of time to the other musician to coordinate and was happy to work with the dance teacher and dancers. After the dancer's finished Keith continued to play and entertain in the 'Pub'
Beautiful and joyful music, and great stories! Made our father’s birthday so special!
Ken played 90 min of reels for our St. Paddy's Day birthday event, for 30+. We enjoyed every note! Hope to have him back. While we had a sound system and wireless mic available, Ken moved about the venue, which really pleased our guests.
Photos from this event
We were going for a more laid back wedding and The Sasanach provided the perfect music for our mood and theme. Throughout our day, the lovely sounds of a lone fiddle meandered through the air, and he played the tune for Katie's walk down the aisle. Very professional and very kind! And we stayed in contact through GigSalad for the time leading up to the big day, which made us comfortable. Thanks so much, Keith!
Photos from this event
Our family and friends truly enjoyed having the Sasanach play for our 'Irish Pub' themed birthday party. In addition to his lively entertainment, he helped us understand some pub traditions and shared some Irish pub stories. Although he claimed to not be much of a singer, he lead us in some songs, and probably was the best vocalist in the room :)
Perfect combo for our event. He arrived early and since this was a surprise for my husband he managed to coordinate with my friends for our wedding. He was professional and lovely. We'd recommend him to anyone looking for his special talents.
Response from Keith Engle - Irish Fiddle:
Thank you so much! It was an honor to play for you!
This fine fiddlin' fellow has been at many of the festivals I've been at over the past few years and I've always made it a point to seek him out and listen to his music for a spell. Not only is the music fantastic, but the performance is more than just that!
I've had the pleasure of listening to this man's after-dinner music at two different holiday meals. His repertoire is lively and upbeat, the perfect end to a perfect evening.
Sasanach is pleasant to deal: easy to book, affordable, reliable. Have used him multiple times. Our festival is geared toward children and he is recieved well by both children and adults. Was really pleased with the variety of music and how well it carried in the crowd without additional amplification.
Price Range: Contact for rates
Gig Length: 30 - 360 minutes
Languages: English
I play Irish dance tunes on the fiddle; jigs, reels, hornpipes, slides, polkas, and waltzes. I can play solo, or I can bring along an accompanist playing bodhran (Irish drum). On stage, I play high energy music, and; if the venue wishes, provide educational historical context for the role of Irish music and culture in European and American history in between tunes, or tell fantasy stories from the Irish tradition. In a dinner party type environment, I can provide background music for up to four hours.
I can play in Renaissance/Fantasy or Steampunk costume, or modern clothing with a kilt.
I am available for group and private workshops on Irish fiddle for beginner/intermediate players.
Keith Engle, aka The Sasanach, has been playing traditional Irish fiddle music for over a decade. He has played at festivals, weddings, catered dinners, themed feasts, and pub gigs throughout the mid-Atlantic and New England regions. He is available to travel virtually anywhere.
Keith recorded his first CD, Tip the Fiddler, in 2010.
His 2015 CD, The Fiddle of Mischief, reflects his decision to focus on the Sliabh Luachra style of Irish fiddle.
Unamplified, my fiddle carries for quite a distance. Sound amplification is also available using my equipment or yours.
I have an extensive repertoire of Irish tunes, which can be augmented with medieval and Christmas tunes, as well as just about anything for which a recording exists. I even know tunes from The Legend of Zelda!
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