Left to right: Biron, Marlene, David, Pat, Katherine, Peter
Slainte Mhath consists of six friends -- Pat and Peter Walker, Katherine and David
McLeod, Biron Ebell and Marlene Wachko-- who have known each other for nearly 20
years and have been playing music together since 1991. Slainte Mhath (pronounced
as one word, Slan-ja-vah), a Gaelic greeting that means "Good Health" or,
more broadly as a toast, "Cheers!"
The Music is advertized as "Music with a Celtic Flavour" and Slainte Mhath
specializes in traditional and contemporary folk and instrumental songs from the
British Isles, Australia, the West Indies, the United States and Canada, as well
as contemporary pop songs arranged and played in a Celtic style. As well as vocalizing,
the group plays a variety of instrumentals-- 6 and 12-string guitars, banjo, mandolin,
tin whistles, fiddle, recorder, flute, bodhrans (Irish drums) and percussion. Individual
members of Slainte Mhath have a diverse musical background. Prior to immigrating
to Canada in the 1970s, Peter Walker performed with a number of dance orchestras
as well as a folk trio. Biron Ebell is an accomplished classical guitarist. Marlene
has been studying the violin since the age of five and has won several prizes at
fiddle contests throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Minnesota. Both Pat and Katherine
have participated in various choral groups.
Performances by Slainte Mhath have been throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Minnesota
and, in 1994 while in Scotland, Slainte Mhath gave concerts at Dufftown, Granttown-on-Spey
and Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye. In Winnipeg, the group has produced two
television specials for VPW Channel 11, The Tartan and Thistle (a variety show in
a pub venue) and A Celtic Remembrance to commemorate the 50th anniversary of World
War II. Slainte Mhath's first audio tape, Just Say Slan-ja-vah, was released in 1996
and the group is presently producing their next CD. In the meantime, Slainte Mhath
will be returning to Folklorama's Scottish Pavilion in 1999 to produce, direct and
perform in the main stage and late-night shows each evening.
Booking information for Slainte Mhath can be obtained from Pat Walker. During the day, Monday - Friday, she can be reached at (204) 945-1830 and at (204) 452-5605 in
the evenings.Both numbers have answering machines, so just leave a message. Or you can email her at slainte@autobahn.mb.ca
Performance fees vary and depend upon the individual situation. |
