Artys Party
Ceilidh / Irish Band

Highlights
* Fronted by Belfast singer songwriter Padraig, Arty’s Party deliver a genuine Irish sound with an eclectic mix of traditional, contemporary & original songs.
*The bands key ingredients of outstanding musicianship, warm wit & uniquely Irish party spirit are the perfect recipe to infuse any special occasion with the authentic flavours of the Craic.
* Line up to accommodate everything from large Festivals/Corporate Events, to Weddings & private party’s and more intimate settings such as Home/Parlour Parties.

About Arty’s Party
Padraig lalor- Guitar/Vocals/Producer/Writer (Founder member 1994-)
Padraig grew up in Belfast with a fascination for his country's musical history and a love of the stories that permeate its culture. A former Northern Irish correspondent for the Irish post, Patrick formed Arty’s Party in 1994 whilst in Oxford, having gained a Scholarship to Ruskin College.

Now based near Cardiff, Arty's Party has opened shows for Finbar Furey, the Dubliners, and Craobh Rua amongst many others. Performing widely across the UK they have also brought their individual brand of Irish music to audiences in France, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and the Channel Islands.

The band’s recently released fourth album was quickly signed to the UK’s largest Independent music distributor. Featured widely across BBC & regional radio where Padraig has enjoyed numerous guest slots, it will appeal to anyone who loves great stories and great songs from a modern day Seanachaí (storyteller).

Piotr Jordan- Violin (1997-)
Polish born Piotr Jordan’s searing improvisations takes his listeners on an edge-of-your-seat musical ride. Every tune is played fresh and new each time. His Eastern European style brings a fresh twist to the traditional Irish. The music comes alive with expectation, playfulness and incomparable virtuosity.

Huw Rees- Percussion/Drums/Sound technician (2004-)
Huw was the drummer with contemporary folk band Rag Foundation from March 2000 to April 2004, and was privileged enough to play music all over the world. The band reformed in 2008 and played the amazing Festival Interceltique in Lorient, Brittany in both 2008 and 2009. Huw was on a UK tour with the Mississippi blues guitarist Lil Dave Thompson (now very sadly deceased) in Sept 2005 which kick started his playing the blues. He currently plays in a number of bands local to the Swansea area, playing a variety of musical styles. He has his own recording studio, where he also teaches drums.

Gill O’ Shea- Whistles/Accordion/Melodeon (2002-)
Gill was spotted busking by the band in 2002 and her unique whistle style and take on Irish tunes quickly made her a favourite with audiences. She also plays squeeze boxes and is the band’s first female member. She looks after the audiences with the band’s cds and also runs the band’s transport.

Recent clients have included:
The Wales Millennium Centre
The Welsh Rugby Union
The Cardiff Coal Exchange
Sandown Racecourse
Chepstow Racecourse
E Festival Fos Llas Racecourse
Cheltenham Race Festival
International Folk Festival Guernsey
Rothsay Folk Festival Scotland
Small Nations Festival Wales
Caerphilly Big Cheese Festival
Bonne Nuit Festival Jersey
Caistor Festival Lincoln
Pontardawe Festival Wales
Sesiwn Fawr Festival Wales
P&O
Stena
Irish Ferries

TV & Radio:
BBC radio Wales 30 Minute Special Celtic Connections
BBC Radio Jersey March 2012
BBC Radio Shropshire April 2012
BBC Radio 2 Titanic Special April 2012
Radio Pembrokeshire Special May 2012
BBC Radio Oxford
BBC Radio Ulster
BBC Radio Solent
The band’s music has also been played on radio shows in:
France, Norway, Germany, Holland, USA, Russia, Finland and Poland
Appearances on Cowboys & Indians for S4C TV

What clients have said:
“Arty’s Party recently played my husband’s 40th birthday party. They turned up early and had the stage ready well in advance of our arrival at the venue.  Padraig put my mind at ease with his in-depth experience of doing these types of events. The music was excellent and the interaction between the band and our guests was exceptional and very witty. Overall a great party and a really fun filled night of great music and craic.  I will be booking them again”. 
- Lata Notaro, Livingstone Somerset 2012

“Arty’s Party was a great choice for our recent wedding. We had Irish guests who appreciated the authenticity of the band’s sound. They played two lively sets which kept all our guests on their feet the whole evening. A very professional and entertaining outfit”
- Matthew & Claire, Wales 2012

"Thank you and your band for bringing a wonderful night of Irish music to my party. My guests have not stopped talking about it and I will definitely be booking you for our annual Christmas gathering. The onstage story telling and tongue in cheek banter was very entertaining which, my friends thoroughly enjoyed (you should do stand-up). Thanks also to Gill, Huw & Peter for the musicianship and the onstage dynamics. See you all again soon."
- Carol, Wales 2011