New Foundland balladadeer makes one stop in Maine

PHILLIPS — New England Celtic Arts will present Newfoundland’s top-rated balladeer, Matthew Byrnes, at Phillips Area Community Center, Saturday, May 6. Curtain is 7 p.m.

Lead singer for the Dardanelles, Matthew Byrne starts an extended tour of the U.S. and in Maine for one show only in Phillips.

Byrne was born into a family of Newfoundland music-makers and his repertoire is heavily influenced by his unique musical lineage. This tradition thrives on the song — the weaving of a great story with a beautiful melody — and Matthew’s music reminds us how satisfying traditional songs can be when stripped down to these basic elements. His live performance offers tasteful and honest interpretations of folk songs delivered with polished guitar work and powerful vocals. His repertoire transcends time and place with traditional songs from both sides of the Atlantic.

Since bursting on to the trad scene four years ago with his debut recording, “Ballads,” Byrne has swiftly earned his place as one of the East Coast’s most authentic and vital traditional voices. In that time, his music has traveled well beyond the rugged shores of his homeland. His role as singer and song-finder in The Dardanelles has brought him to many major international festival stages including Winnipeg Folk Festival, Celtic Connections in Glasgow, UK, and The Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, Australia.

The Phillips Area Community Center is on 21 Depot St., Phillips. Tickets are $15. Reservations are available at 207-562-4445 orwww.necelticarts.com.