Dòchas are a young and dynamic all-female band playing traditional music from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and Ireland. The five girls are all music graduates, who individually, and as a band, have toured extensively all over Britain, Ireland, Europe and America. They have an energetic and fresh style which has captured audiences all across the country.The girls have appeared on numerous television programmes, and have performed alongside acts such as Altan, The Liz Docherty Band, The Incredible String Band and Danu. They perform driving tune sets, with fiddle, pipes, whistle, accordion, piano, clàrsach and guitar. These tune sets are mixed with poignant Gaelic songs, all tastefully arranged. If you like Dochas you will also love the award winning Julie Fowlis who works solo when not appearing in Dochas.
“Just want to say thank you for the past week. We have had a few tremendous days in Harris. Dòchas were phenemonal and I still have people telling me how much they enjoyed them. We almost had to close the hall doors with the number of people who turned up!! Their rendition of Nelson Mandela's Welcome to Glasgow almost brought the roof down.” Local events organiser, Harris
Dòchas are:
Kathleen Boyle comes from a family steeped in the traditional music of Donegal. She is a talented pianist in addition to her prowess on the accordion. In 1999 she made history as the first graduate of traditional music in Scotland, receiving her degree from the RSAMD where she now lectures.
Julie Fowlis is originally from North Uist, and was educated at Sgoil Lionacleit in Benbecula, then Dingwall Academy. Julie had a strong grounding in music from an early age, and was coaxed into Gaelic Singing around two years ago but is also a fine player of the oboe, whistle and pipes.
Carol-Anne MacKay comes from Strathy on Scotland¹s north coast. Since starting to play the bagpipes at the age of nine, she has notched up many years of successful performing and competitive piping. She has travelled many parts of the world, playing the pipes, accordion and Scottish small pipes, and has taught extensively at workshops, Fèisean and schools.
Eilidh MacLeod hails from the Isle of Skye, and has played the clàrsach from the age of nine, brought up performing at local concerts and cèilidhs, as well as doing the competition circuit. Her sensitive musicianship has made her a sought-after player for both commercial recordings and concert appearances, whilst also regularly teaching clàrsach and keyboard at various Fèisean.
Jenna Reid started learning the fiddle at the age of nine with the late Willie Hunter, who was a huge inspiration to her. On leaving school, she went on to gain an honours degree in Scottish Music at the RSAMD in Glasgow. Since then Jenna's musical career has gone from strength to strength, and as well as playing traditional music, Jenna has played with John Rae's Celtic Feet, a jazz based ensemble with a traditional flavour
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