One Tank Trips: Rant Maggie Rant “rolls out the green carpet" March 16 at Toronto’s Hugh’s Room

Rant Maggie Rant's Barry James Payne, Lindsay Schindler and Glen Dias

Stratford, ON (February 28, 2013) – Toronto’s Hugh’s Room welcomes back Rant Maggie Rant on March 16, 2013 for a spirited St. Patrick’s Day Celebration concert – the perfect opportunity for revelers of Irish heritage and the Irish at heart to enjoy an evening of Celtic music with attitude.

Based in Stratford, Ontario, Rant Maggie Rant showcases the talents of Lindsay Schindler (fiddle, background vocals), Glen Dias (lead vocals, recorders, percussion) and Barry James Payne (guitars, harmonica, background vocals) with special guests Graham Hargrove (percussion) and Steve Clarke (electric and upright bass).

Energetic, exciting and emotive, Rant Maggie Rant has been wowing audiences on the road for the past five years at festivals, concert halls and symphonic stages in Canada and the U.S. with their outstanding artistry and on-stage vibe.

Although Celtic music resides in the fibres of the band’s heart, their music can’t be readily pinned down geographically. Creating lovely layers of sound with depth, the ensemble’s brand of global music is one of fusing the multicultural flavours of the seven Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, and the lesser known Isle of Mann, Galicia (Spain) and Brittany (France), with the savoury sounds from Quebec, the Ottawa Valley and Canada's Maritime Region.

A joyful melting pot of sound, Rant Maggie Rant is loved by traditionalists who enjoy their time-honoured style, while new Celtic music listeners are drawn to the band's fusion of World influences of hand drumming and Latin, Middle Eastern and African rhythms.

The band has two CDs available: World’s Edge (2009) and Frost & Fire: A Celtic Christmas Celebration (2011). Both recordings are infused with Irish whistles, fiddle, tenor recorder, acoustic and classical guitars, accordion, drums, as well as an array of hand percussion and powered by lead singer Glen Dias’ engaging vocals. The songs range from traditional Irish tunes to original, spirit-raising and dance-inducing instrumentals, perfect for the all night kitchen party. Select songs can be listened to at: www.rantmaggierant.com

JUST THE FACTS

Event: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration concert at Hugh’s Room featuring Rant Maggie Rant

Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013

Time: 8:30 pm

Location: Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas St. West, Toronto, ON

Admission: $25 advance or $27.50 at door

Tickets: 416-531-6604 or info@hughsroom.com

More information: http://hughsroom.com/

Accolades

“RMR is a great band. They packed the house and the audience left dancing. I can't wait to have them back.” – Holmes Hooke, Hughs Room, Toronto, ON

“You really blew the roof off the place . . . I really have never experienced so many e-mails in response to a concert.” – Peter Garapick, Music Director, The Mary Webb Centre, Highgate, ON

“I can truly say that you were the surprise ‘WOW’ band this year – so much great feedback about your music.” – Sheila Graziano, Saline Celtic Festival, Saline, Michigan

If Rant Maggie Rant has heretofore evaded the musical radar of those with a hankering for Celtic and World toonage, World's Edge is a fine place to start.” – Bob Klanac, SCENE, London, ON

– 30 –