PAST PERFORMANCES :

Opening act for Solas, Charleston, SC (2014)

Opening act for We Banjo 3, Birmingham, AL (2013)

Featured act at Savannah Scottish Games (2014 & 2015)

Featured act at Celtic Fest Mississippi (Jackson MS)
(2013 & 2014)

Fiddler's Green Folk Music Series, Atlanta, GA (2013)

Kirk Music & Master Class Series at Agnes Scott College,
Atlanta (2013)

O'Connor String Method Camp/faculty concerts,
Charleston, SC (2013 & 2014)

Stonefield Cellars Winery Music Series, Stokesdale, NC (2014)

Hungry Monk Acoustic Music Concert Series,
Charleston, SC (2013)

Seanachaí Irish Pub & Social Club, St. James Island, SC (2013)

Stella Maris Catholic Church Acoustic Music Series,
Sullivan's Island, SC (2013)

St. James Americana Music Festival, Charleston, SC (July 2013)

House concerts in Atlanta; Point Clear, AL;
Pass Christian, MS & Charleston, SC




"The best new act at Celtic Fest," said the sound man last year, after hearing the duo Banna de dhá, featuring Tom Morley of Fairhope, Alabama on 5-string fiddle and Hazel Ketchum of Charleston, South Carolina on guitar and vocals. The name (pronounced bonna da gaw) is a loose translation from the Irish for "bond of two (elements)" and refers to the musical bond between fiddle and guitar. It's a simple, classic folk combination and sound that's been popular with audiences for centuries, but with Tom and Hazel, the musical whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Taking their inspiration from great Irish Traditional music duos, Banna de dhá uses the repertoire of Irish Trad, Scottish, British and American instrumental and vocal music as their starting point, while keeping it fresh and unique with unexpected improvisational turns. The dynamic musical connection and creativity between the two musicians in Banna de dhá assure audiences that they'll take a unique trip through a Celtic landscape together - one that will never be repeated exactly the same way twice. The duo has blazed their own trail and keeps it contemporary and timeless at the same time.

The duo has performed on concert series, festivals and house concerts throughout the Southeast, including Celtic Fest Mississippi and the Savannah Scottish Games, and opened for top Irish acts Solas and We Banjo 3. Their first CD, Band of Two was released late in 2013 and has received airplay on top-rated podcasts, internet stations, and public radio stations across the U.S., including Marc Gunn's Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Celtic Radio Network, Blarney on the Air, Celtic Road Radio, The Celtic Universe, and the nationally syndicated program Celtic Crossroads. The album was a #1 top-requested CD at CelticRadio.net (where it also received a '5 star' review) and the duo was named one of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast 'Top 20 Celtic Folk Bands of 2014.' Most recently, music from the album has been used in the soundtrack to the DVD documentary film The Battle of Mobile Bay.

"The duo Banna de Dhá - Tom Morley on fiddle and Hazel Ketchum on guitar and vocals - opened the show for Solas with a crisp, self-assured set. Theirs is an intimate, immediately accessible take on the traditional roots sound. The reels, jigs, and ballads they played, set off by artfully simple arrangements, made their performances seem like you'd come in out of the chill night air only to discover a delightful ceilidh waiting for you in your own living room. A real treat." ~ Joe Santiago, Metronome Charleston

"Banna de dhá were a wonderful addition to the CelticFest performer lineup, well received in performance, in workshops, and with the Saturday Ceili band. We anticipate hearing more of their fresh and vibrant interpretation of traditional Irish tunes at future festivals." ~ Steve Payne, Celtic Fest Mississippi Co-Director / Performer Coordinator