Hello and welcome to the website of The Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra

The Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra Association was formed in October 2000 to promote Ulster Scots cultural traditions through the performing arts. Since then they have given well over 800 performances and have produced eight successful CD recordings.

Within the associaton several folk bands have been formed such as , 'A Clatter O' Folk', 'A Wheen O' Folk' and 'The Transatlantic Hillbilly Band'

 In 2004 a new folk band of professional artists led by Willie Drennan called 'Nae Goat's Toe' emerged from the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra Association. 

  Their stage show Fae Lang Syne has received rave reviews from the Edinburgh Fringe and the Belfast International Festival at Queen's and has performed to packed audiences at all major theatre venues in Northern Ireland.

'Nae Goats Toe' aims to take Ulster-Scots folk music out beyond the Ulster- Scots Community; a cd has been recorded entitled ‘A Spade’s a Spade. This recording while based in Ulster roots music is innovative and original, seeking to expose this distinct culture identity in a new market.

Another new folk band has recently emerged from the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra Association.

A CD recording entitled “Old Time Fusion” is has been recorded. Featuring fiddles, banjos and bagpipes, fifes, drums and ballads this will focus on the cross-over traditional music of North America and the British Isles.

Led by Willie Drennan and Jackie Flavelle the Transatlantic Hillbilly Band will be performing at many concerts - on their own and along with the Folk Orchestra.

The CD “Old Time Fusion” is now avaiable to purchase

The Transatlantic Hillbilly Band

News

Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra Association

The Orchestra in afternoon rehearsal for the Braid Theatre , Ballymena concert 27/03/08

"Hello there,

My wife and I where at the concert last Thursday night at the Ballymena town hall. We really had a great time and I connected with the band and culture in a big way. I bought your new dvd at the concert and bought your new cd "Mairfowk" at Cameron's Ballymena yesterday. I really like them both and there are some great highlights on the dvd. I particularly liked you playing in front of Dunluce castle as the sun went down. As a surfer on the North Antrim coast I have enjoyed this sight from the ocean and it really teaches you to, "slow doon" and enjoy the moment. I think "Mairfowk" is definitely amongst your best work and Slow doon is the best song I've heard this year."

"Thanks for keeping the Ulster Scots tradition and culture alive and keep up the great work."

Warm regards,

Keith Foster

"Hi Ian and Others

My husband and I went toBallymena Town Hall onThursday night and we had a great night.  We were delighted with 'all new' second half - the banjo and the bagpipes, the mix-up and new pieces were brilliant."

Regards

Maureen Hogg.

Email comments below that we received after the Braid Theatre gig