Atlantic Sessions | Iona McKibbin | Kellswater

Iona is a talented singer and fiddle player from Newtownards, County Down. Born into a musical family, Iona's passion for music was nurtured from a young age. Her style is deeply influenced by both Irish and Scottish traditional and folk music, reflecting her rich heritage. Her mother, and grandfather, Dodie Reid-a remarkable singer-from Cullen in Scotland, played significant roles in shaping her musical journey. Iona cherishes the time spent learning Scottish folk songs from her grandfather, adding a unique dimension to her musical repertoire.
From a young age, Iona took her musical talents seriously. She began singing lessons with the renowned Irish folk singer Niamh Parsons, whose guidance helped mature her voice and refine her singing style. This early training laid a strong foundation for her development as an artist, enabling her to blend technical skill with emotional depth.
As a fiddler, Iona is known for her expressive playing and her ability to bring traditional tunes to life with a contemporary touch. Her performances are characterised by a deep connection to the music, showcasing her technical proficiency and emotional sensitivity.
One of the standout pieces in Iona's repertoire is the Ulster Irish folk song "Kellswater." Originating from Ballymena in County Antrim, "Kellswater" tells the poignant story of a young girl whose father sends away her beloved due to his lower social status. Despite this, the girl remains hopeful, believing in her lover's promise to return. Iona's interpretation of "Kellswater" captures the song's emotional nuances, resonating deeply with audiences and highlighting her ability to convey the timeless themes of love and hope.
Today, Iona enjoys sharing her music at sessions and parties with friends, where she continues to celebrate and preserve the traditional songs of her heritage. Her dedication to Irish and Scottish folk music ensures that these beautiful melodies and stories will continue to enchant and inspire future generations.
Iona is joined by Michael Gaffney on Guitar.
'Kellswater'
Iona McKibbin - Vocals
Michael Gaffney - Guitar
Videography: Chris McCann
Recording/Mixing: Cormac Crummey
Atlantic Sessions
The Atlantic Collective aims to showcase artists similar to the ‘Mahogany Sessions’ by providing a platform to showcase their work to a wider audience through online performances. The ‘Atlantic Sessions’ features intimate live performances by emerging and established artists, while offering a space to showcase and celebrate culture in a unique and authentic way.
Like the ‘Mahogany Sessions’, which is known for its high production values and attention to detail, the Atlantic Collective places a strong emphasis on quality and professionalism in its content. The Collective’s experienced engineers and production crew are dedicated to ensuring that each performance is executed with precision, while also catering to the unique needs and preferences of the artist.
By leveraging the technical expertise of its engineers and production crew, the Atlantic Collective is able to create visually stunning and sonically rich performances that are designed to captivate and engage viewers. From lighting and subtle sound design to camera work and post-production, every aspect of the ‘Atlantic Sessions’ is executed with a meticulous attention to detail, in order to ensure that the final product is of the highest possible quality.
Overall, the Atlantic Collective is committed to providing a platform for emerging and established artists alike to showcase their talents to a wider audience, and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Irish and Scottish music scenes. Through its dedication to quality and professionalism, and its experienced engineers and production crew, the collective is able to create truly immersive and engaging experiences that are sure to delight viewers.

[@timothylocklear2961]

Absolutely lovely ♥️♥️♥️

[@wildirishladdavy7965]

What a voice 💚