Veteran performer Matthew Gurnsey delights audiences with his rousing performances of traditional Irish and Scottish music. Through the marriage of wit and finesse, Gurnsey charms his audiences, sweeping them into tales of wayward voyages, unrequited love and the vibrantly colorful lives of the every-man beloved of many Irish tales. His unique talents with traditional Celtic instruments such as the concertina, bodhran, bones and mandolin, add an air of authenticity to each piece and his stirringly rich bass voice provides the foundation for the hauntingly beautiful melodies.
No stranger to live performance, Matthew began performing at a very young age and has appeared on hundreds of stages nationally and internationally, delighting thousands with his Scottish swagger and homespun charm. Matt especially honed his Celtic skills while living in Scotland among the people and culture that are his heritage and the inspiration for his music.
Unbound Booking is proud to present Matthew Gurnsey; The Kilted Man.
"Like Early Clancy Brothers, hale and hearty!" -Stuart Meyers WRFG-FM, Atlanta, 89.3
"Hauntingly beautiful, and very refreshing. Takes you back to a long forgotten time and place that still seems somehow familiar." Carmen Allgood -The Colorado Wave
Matthew Gurnsey will be at the following locations
Schedule and Availability
Celtic Love Songs & Ballads
Love is in the air, and where is it better expressed than in Celtic music? Did you know that the Relics of Saint Valentine are held at The Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland? Scotland and Ireland are famous with ballads of true love, and Matthew Gurnsey is ready to enthrall any audience with such selections as Danny Boy, Fields of Athenry, The Queen of Argyle, Wild Mountain Thyme, Loch Lomond, and many others.View complete details
Ages: Teen Adult Family
Program Type: Music
Celtic Music
Matthew Gurnsey delights audiences with his rousing performances of traditional Irish and Scottish music. Through the marriage of wit and finesse, Gurnsey charms his audiences, sweeping them into tales of wayward voyages, unrequited love and the vibrantly colorful lives of the every-man beloved of many Irish tales. His unique talents with traditional Celtic instruments such as the concertina, bodhran, bones and mandolin, add an air of authenticity to each piece and his stirringly rich bass voice provides the foundation for the hauntingly beautiful melodies.View complete details
Ages: Children Teen Adult Family
Program Type: Music
Instrument Education & History
How exactly do you play a bowed psaltery? What IS a bowed psaltery? How about a Bodhran? Why are they called “Bones” in Ireland? How does a concertina work? What’s the oldest instrument? Matthew answers these and many more questions in an interactive musical session featuring many of his ancient and unique instruments. For each instrument, he leads a discussion, answers questions, and demonstrates the attributes and features. Fun for all ages, this is an informative and exciting session long remembered!View complete details
Ages: Children Teen Adult Family
Program Type: Music
Irish Music Presentation
Let Matthew Gurnsey whisk you away to Paddy's green shamrock shores with this delightful set of music and humor from all over Ireland. This presentation embodies Irish culture with it's humor, rousing history, and heart-wrenching ballads. With such selections as Haul away Joe, Danny Boy, The Rocky Road to Dublin, The Swallowtail Jig, and The Irish Washerwoman, it's hard to keep from dancing in the isles! Go GREEN with Matthew's Irish Music Presentation!View complete details
Ages: Children Teen Adult Family
Program Type: Music
Scottish Music Presentation
About this Scottish music presentation Matthew says "Through my music you can feel the green shamrocks underfoot, catch the aroma of a distant salt sea, and taste the highland rain upon your lips!" Thousands have been enraptured by Matthew's presentation of Scotland through music, humor, and story. With such selections as The Queen of Argyle, Loch Lomond, Wild Mountain Thyme, Twa Recrutin' Sergeants, and Danny Boy, this program is sure to make audiences laugh, cry, and want to dance in the isles!View complete details
Ages: Children Teen Adult Family
Program Type: Music
The Ballad As History
Long before twitter, before newscasts, before radio broadcasts, before "Extra, Extra! Read all about it!", and even before the printing press and written language... there were ballads. Matthew Gurnsey brings his audience back in time hundreds of years with his "Ballad as History" set. Back to a time when the news was delivered not to your cell-phone, but via troubadours and bards telling tales and singing songs of far distant lands and important points in history. Hear of great battles, mighty kings, brave knights, and of course true love in this enchanting step back into our history.View complete details
Ages: Teen Adult Family
Program Type: Music
Pat Breeding
Marysville Public Library
1009 Broadway
Marysville, KS 66508
July 21, 2011
To whom it may concern:
Our library presents several music programs throughout the year and we were very pleased with the performance given by Matthew Gurnsey, The Kilted Man. It was impressive to hear how well he played the different instruments he brought with him. He kept his performance interesting by expanding that versatility with different styles and elements of Celtic music. Our audience enjoyed the program a lot and we are looking forward to bringing him back again in the future.
Sincerely,
Pat Breeding
Library Aide
Dear Matt,
I wish to thank you, very much, for appearing at the Town of Vail Public Library on the evening of Friday, January 21st. Your performance in conjunction with our 1st Annual Friends' Champagne Celebration was absolutely delightful. I know that it was a bit challenging to gain the attention of all present that evening but I was certainly pleased to see so many faces in the fireside lounge relaxing and enjoying your beautiful music.
You came in festival garb and had several instruments, a variety of songs and stories to share with those in attendance - your performance made it a charming evening for all! I was so happy to hear that you enjoyed your brief visit to the Vail Valley and your stay at the Antlers Hotel. I know that Rob Levine, their General Manager, was most pleased to have you as his guest.
In closing, allow me to thank you, once again, for bringing your musical talents to the Friends of the Vail Public Library. We were truly honored to have you perform for us. Take care, and until we meet again.
Yours sincerely,
Lori A. Barnes
Town Librarian
Fort Lupton Public & School Library
425 S. Denver Ave
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
January 23, 2012
Dear Matthew,
Your Performance at the Fort Lupton Public & School Library last Wednesday, January 18, 2012 was wonderful. Your selection of music and accompanying background stories was excellent. The entire audience laughed and enjoyed the humor you included. I have never heard Danny Boy sung so beautifully.
You related to the audience in a very relaxed and personable way, as you shared the music and information. The background you gave was interesting and insightful. Your attention to detail and set up showed your professionalism. Everyone enjoyed your performance so much and we would be honored to have you come back to our library again and share your talent.
Sincerely,
Linda Chandler
High School/Adult Outreach Librarian
October 30, 2012
The Goodland Arts Council would once again like to thank Matthew Gurnsey for
coming, and he is welcome back any time! We thought the performances went
very well! The audiences really enjoyed his three performances. It was the
largest audience we have had yet for our annual Spaghetti Dinner, so I know
his performance was a definite draw! We appreciated how he interacted with
the audience by sharing not only his Celtic songs but the humor as well. We
especially enjoyed his mastery of the instruments!
Kay Younger
Goodland Arts Council
A selection of photos, videos, and audio clips
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