WorldFolk: Croft No. Five & Rumba de Bodas and The East Pointers

Erupting onto the scene as teenagers in the late 90s Croft No. Five set out on the heels of artists like Martyn Bennett, Shooglenifty, Wolfstone, and Capercaillie to create a dance floor filling mix of folk, funk, and electronica. 

After touring globally, releasing two studio albums and building a cult following in the early 2000s, Croft No. Five sold the farm in 2006 and parted ways to pursue other projects. Almost 25 years later and now widely considered one of the most influential folk fusion acts of the 21st century, Croft No. Five are back on the scene with a renewed enthusiasm for what they do best. The 7 piece include John Somerville (Accordion), Duncan Lyall (Bass & Synths), Barry “Spad” Reid (Guitars), Paul Jennings (Drums), Somhairle MacDonald (Bass & Percussion), Misha Somerville (Whistles), Innes Watson (Fiddle & Vocals).

Now with a wealth of experience and musicianship between them, Croft No. Five have returned to their roots to finally fulfil the band's prophecy.

Rumba de Bodas, the vibrant ensemble hailing from Bologna, will bring their infectious energy to Celtic Connections 2025. Since their debut in 2008, this seven-member band has captivated audiences with a distinctive sound that fuses ska, funk, Latin rhythms, and Afro beats, transforming concerts into lively celebrations. They have electrified stages across Italy and beyond, making notable appearances at prestigious festivals such as Boomtown Fair, Fusion Festival, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Cous Cous Festival, Irlanda in Festa, Montreux Jazz Festival, Seoul Music Week 2019, and SulaFest 2020.

Don't miss the chance to experience Rumba de Bodas at Celtic Connections 2025! Their unique blend of Afro-Latin Funk promises an unforgettable celebration of rhythm and joy.

Prince Edward Island’s The East Pointers continue to redefine themselves. The dancefloor-shaking, electro-trad glorious combination of folk/pop sounds have already acknowledged them as musical trailblazers internationally and their 2023 EP House Of Dreams was nominated for a JUNO Award in Canada. It won Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year, Group Recording of the Year and Pop Recording of the Year at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards. Their debut album Secret Victory won the 2017 JUNO Award for Traditional Roots Recording of the Year. Their latest EP, Safe In Sound, was released in November 2023 and it too was a triple award winner at the ECMAs. 

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