When you listen to our music, you’ll be transported far beyond the ordinary. Picture a landscape rich with emotion, where Celtic melodies meet gypsy rhythms, and the air is filled with the playful energy of jigs and the haunting beauty of ballads. Our songs span a wide scope, going from the fun audience participation of “Whisky in the Jar,” to songs like “Danny Boy” and "Far Away" that invite you to savor every note. The duo’s original compositions add a personal touch to their set, showcasing their individual talents and collective creativity. Our original compositions, like Tish's lively “Ukulele Blues” and Laurie’s happy “The Monk’s March,” add a unique twist to our repertoire. These original pieces are enriched by the duo's unique vocal harmonies and inventive arrangements, making them a delightful complement to well-loved classics. With each song, the audience is invited to share in the journey, feeling the joy, sorrow, and whimsy that music can evoke.

Each performance is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of our diverse musical influences, creating an experience that lingers long after the final note has been played.

Irish/Celtic, Folk & much more...

This lovely duo weaves an enchanting tapestry of sound that transports audiences to far-off lands and timeless moments. Their repertoire is an impressive blend of genres, from the haunting melodies of Celtic tunes to the spirited energy of gypsy rhythms. Each song is handpicked for it’s ability to evoke emotion, whether it’s the playful energy of a lively jig or the contemplative beauty of a heart-wrenching ballad. The result is a captivating show that resonates with listeners, leaving them humming long after the last note fades away.

The instrumentation of Abigail’s Garden is as diverse as the songs they play. With the cello’s rich tones, the ukulele’s bright strumming, and the fiddle’s lively flourishes, each performance is a vibrant collage of sound. Have you ever heard Johnny Cash performed with a cello and uke?? Get ready! Musical surprises abound, from lively anthems like “Tell Me Ma” and “Whiskey in the Jar” to the haunting harmonies of “Danny Boy” and “The Parting Glass.” The seamless interplay between musicians creates an experience that feels both intimate and grand. The ability to shift effortlessly between moods keeps the audience on their toes, absorbing every moment.

From the intimate setting of local clubs to the expansive atmosphere of festivals, Abigail’s Garden creates an environment of excitement and connection. Their performances are more than just concerts; they are immersive experiences that invite audience interaction and engagement. It’s possible to visit Sweden with the lovely “Boda Waltz”, Scotland with “Flowers of Edinburgh” and Ireland with “The Moonshiner” all in the same performance, always with a quick return home with a heart-warming rendition of “God Bless America”. Each concert is a celebration of music’s ability to unite and heal people, transcending language and culture. At any concert, you may hear cover songs from Celtic artists like the rebel Christy Moore in “Ride On” to Dougie MacLean in “Caledonia” and Irish classics like “Molly Malone” to oldies like Roger Miller’s “King of the Road” and “You are My Sunshine.” Tunes may even venture beyond jigs and reels into the energetic styles of Dropkick Murphys and Jethro Tull as a reminder that music is a universal language, one that brings us together in joy, reflection and FUN!!

With our diverse sound, we have lots of influences. Here are a few of our favorites! 

Celtic & Irish Folk

Clannad – Ethereal Celtic harmonies with a mix of traditional and contemporary sounds

Altan – Lively Irish reels and jigs with beautiful, expressive vocals

Solas – A rich, polished Celtic sound blending instrumental virtuosity and strong vocals

The Chieftains – Traditional Irish music with a timeless feel

Dervish – High-energy reels and heartfelt ballads with a classic folk style

Classical & Instrumental

Loreena McKennitt – A fusion of Celtic, classical, and world music with harp and ethereal vocals

Órla Fallon – Harp-centered, delicate Irish melodies with a classical touch

Turlough O’Carolan (historically speaking) – Blind Irish harper/composer from the 1600’s

Folk & Acoustic

The Gothard Sisters – A modern Celtic-folk trio with fiddle, guitar, and lively rhythms

Celtic Woman – Traditional Irish, Celtic

Julie Fowlis – Traditional Scottish and Gaelic folk with a beautifully pure vocal tone

The Bothy Band – A dynamic mix of Irish folk with strong instrumental arrangements

Joan Baez – Known for her pure, clear voice and storytelling through folk ballads

Judy Collins – A mix of traditional folk, classical influences, and Celtic-inspired songs

Jean Ritchie – A pioneer of Appalachian folk music with strong ties to traditional British and Irish ballads

Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention) – A folk-rock influence with hauntingly beautiful vocals

Mary Black – A quintessential Irish folk singer with a heartfelt, expressive style

Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span) – A fusion of traditional English folk and more modern folk-rock

Crossover & Unique Sounds

Secret Garden – A mix of Celtic, classical, and cinematic sounds

Anúna – Classical choral arrangements of Irish traditional music

Celtic Meets Bluegrass

We Banjo 3 – A fantastic fusion of Irish traditional music and American bluegrass ("Celtgrass") with driving rhythms and tight harmonies

Solas – While primarily Irish folk, they incorporate bluegrass-style instrumentation and arrangements

The Duhks – A mix of folk, bluegrass, and Celtic with strong instrumental and vocal elements

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy – A blend of Cape Breton fiddling (closely related to Irish styles) with bluegrass energy

Eileen Ivers – A world-class Irish fiddler who often fuses traditional tunes with bluegrass and Americana elements

Cherish the Ladies – An all-female Irish-American group that occasionally incorporates Appalachian and bluegrass influences

Flogging Molly (on the folkier side of their music) – A mix of Irish folk, bluegrass, and punk influences