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ARTHUR HINDS

A performance by Arthur Hinds is an unforgettable experience, full of music, laughter, love, and magic. Blending stories from Celtic myth and legend with songs drawn not only from Celtic and American folk traditions but from his own inspiration, Arthur takes his listeners along on a spell-binding journey to other times and places and also into the universal human spirit.

BLACKWILLOW STARLING

Blackwillow Starling are a Milwaukee-based acoustic duo who perform Pagan, folk, and Celtic music. Both Nora and Michael Tinker Tierney have decades of experience in national and international playing and performance.

Since the release of their debut, self-titled album in June of 2024, Blackwillow Starling have appeared at Pagan Spirit Gathering and the International Pagan Music Award ceremony. Their 2025 performance schedule includes WinterStar in February, Paganicon in March, Pagan Spirit Gathering in June, and Starwood in July. More festivals and venue dates to be announced.

Their music can be streamed on every major service and has been featured on Pagan/Wiccan media and folk outlets such as International Pagan Radio, The Cauldron, Songs of the Pagan Tribe, CeltCast, Wyldwood Radio, DruidCast with Damh the Bard, Irish and Celtic Music Podcast, Sidvalley Radio Folk Show, Tarottunes, and Pagan Artist Spotlight Podcast. They have also been featured presenters on Full Moon Circle broadcasts with Circle Sanctuary.

Blackwillow Starling released their debut album in June, 2024. The “What the Folk is This?” radio program rated the disc as #13 for folk album of the year. Multiple songs from the release have cracked both the International Pagan Radio top 20 and The Cauldron top 10 with their song "The Answerer Sword" holding the #1 spot for 2 weeks. "Sun King", “Between Times pt 1”, and their version of "Wild Mountain Thyme" have also placed in The Cauldron top 10 chart. The International Pagan Music Awards have bestowed a nomination for Pagan band of the year for 2025.

Nora, a classically schooled vocalist, sings about the elements of the natural world and wonder of spirit. She works with Celtic-based rhythmic patterns and folk stylings in Blackwillow Starling. She finds pure joy in the art of song. Michael “Tinker” Tierney has strong familial Celtic ties, regularly tours and performs live with multiple projects, and enjoys cleverness and outside the box creativity in writing and performing.

Blackwillow Starling are amassing new material for recording consideration in late 2025. They enjoy making connections with people through spirt and song.

Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, YouTube: @blackwillowstarling

Contact us: tynkr@sbcglobal.net

DAMH THE BARD

Damh the Bard (born Dave Smith) is a modern-day Bard whose music, storytelling, and poetry reflect his deep spirituality and love for folk traditions. Inspired by British and Irish myths, legends, and folklore, his work draws from the Bardic tradition to entertain, educate, and connect with audiences worldwide.

Starting with his first guitar at age 8 and early pub performances on the Isle of Wight, Damh has become one of the most popular contemporary pagan folk musicians. He has released eleven acclaimed albums, including Herne’s Apprentice (2003), The Spirit of Albion (2006), and Sabbat (2015). His ongoing project, Y Mabinogi, brings the Four Branches of the Mabinogion to life with music and storytelling.

Damh has performed globally at festivals, conferences, and camps, captivating intimate gatherings and large audiences alike. His work also inspired the independent musical film Spirit of Albion (2012), further cementing his legacy as a storyteller who bridges ancient heritage with modern expression.

Damh’s most recent album, “Raise the Flag of Green,” was released in 2024 and is available now

PRIMAL RHYTHM
Primal Rhythm was created by Sue Balaschak initially as a solo project for recording drum instrumental songs and teaching hand drum workshops. Sue's first hand drum CD "Primal Rhythm 1" received national publications and is featured in the Cleveland documentary "Return Of The Cuyahoga" which aired on PBS. She decided to bring her solo records to life and create a kick ass all female drum ensemble. They first surfaced the festival circuit in 2011-2013 and returned in 2020. The original members remain with Dawn Fritz Heartsong on djembe and percussion and Michelle Clark laying down the bottom on Dun Duns.

Join us to Ride the Wave of Energy created as Primal Rhythm pounds out tribal, intense beats and cool, groovy vibrations.

SPIRAL RHYTHM

Spiral Rhythm has been creating magic for over two decades. The group began singing at bonfires, gatherings, and festivals. Over time, they have evolved and changed, but their goal has always been the same - to raise the spirit through voice and song. Their performances are designed to build community and get people dancing!

The group features:
Kerri Upton, Kiki Williamson,
Ric Neyer, Jon Skoglund & Kira Lang

A vast majority of their songs are original, and all of their music is a co-creative effort.

Spirit music, indeed!

Call or Email us:
Phone: (608) 924-2216
circle@circlesanctuary.org

Mailing Address:
Circle Sanctuary
PO Box 9
Barneveld, WI 53507

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PSG 2025 Musicians