Fódhla at Meetinghouse Arts

Fódhla brings both high energy and stellar artistry to the traditional music stage. The trio’s sound is firmly rooted in the traditional Irish melodies and ornamentation that fiddler Ellery Klein and flute player Nicole Rabata honed during years spent abroad in Ireland’s cities Cork, Limerick, and Ennis. Fiddle and flute tunes are superbly supported by guitarist Bethany Waickman, whose inventive, tasteful chords unfold with driving rhythm perfected from years of playing for contradances. Cognizant of their North American roots, Fódhla aims to appeal to a broad audience by bringing variety, inventive harmonies and unique arrangements to traditional music. A typical concert starts off with high-energy traditional sets of Irish reels and jigs. Fiddle and flute then trade melody and harmonies on a Québécois waltz paired with an elegant French bourrée. A joyful and toe-tapping pair of barndances soar out on a high note. Finally, the soft notes of guitar bring in a melancholy, exquisite slow air – music that brings out audible sighs from a rapt audience.

“Fodhla’s concert was so enjoyable because Nicole, Ellery and Bethany are high quality- and their music is evocative, moving and a joy to hear!” – Dave and Betsy, Kennebunk

“Fódhla just played to a packed house in my concert series. They sent a hall full of people home with big smiles on their faces.” -Paul Wells, producer, Concerts in West K

Fódhla’s debut recording, Notes from Millpond, was released in December 2015 to a sold-out show at Acoustic Artisans in Portland. Fódhla has played a variety of venues across Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including the iconic Celtic music series at Portland’s Blue and The Backroom at the Burren in Somerville, MA. The trio has been well received at festivals such as Portland, Maine’s Saltwater Festival, the Maine Celtic Celebration, KVMR Celtic Fest in Grass Valley, CA, and the Boston Celtic Music Festival. Learn more at fodhlamusic.com

Saturday, June 7, 2025 @ 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Student tickets are $15. View more upcoming events by visiting MeetinghouseArts.org

Host or Publisher Meetinghouse Arts