Clanna Morna

Hailing from the occupied territories of the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ nations (Victoria, BC in Canada), Clanna Morna breathes life into their unique take on the Celtic Folk genre. Their sound is rooted in the traditional Irish, Scottish and English music that many love, and features carefully crafted arrangements, rhythmic spirited energy and captivating storytelling. Clanna Morna focuses on telling the stories of those less fortunate throughout history; the rebels, underdogs, women, and queer people whose voices were silenced. Comprised of an ensemble of multi-instrumentalists, their collective musicianship and attention to detail contribute to a unique audience experience featuring both familiar and lesser known folk ballads and tunes.

Members of Clanna Morna have been arranging and performing traditional Celtic and original music for decades, sharing their melodic arrangements and stories both locally and internationally. Since their formation in the fall of 2020 Clanna Morna has toured the North-Western USA, British Columbia and Alberta unceasingly. They have appeared at many music festivals, concert series, contra dances and pubs, playing a plethora of sold out shows.

The band often performs as a duo, featuring Cody Baresich (guitar, mandolins, Irish bouzouki, tenor banjo, percussion, vocals) and Finn Letourneau (fiddle, banjo, harmonium, vocals). Clanna Morna is often joined by the Cowichan Valley’s renowned Jeremy Walsh (guitar, tin whistle, vocals). With the combination of traditional instruments featuring strong melodic leads, rhythmic guitar accompaniment and foot percussion, the band covers a wide swath of musical ground. From high-energy instrumentals to slow ballads, drinking songs to sea shanties, Clanna Morna brings a unique west coast influence to Celtic & English folk. The band pays tribute to and takes inspiration from legendary predecessors including The Dubliners, The Pogues, The Bothy Band, Planxty, and The Clancy Brothers. Their live shows are dynamic and diverse, with audiences dancing along to upbeat jigs and reels and singing along to rebel songs and heartfelt ballads. Clanna Morna effortlessly bring songs and tunes which are hundreds of years old into a modern context, sharing relatable stories of our collective past with the audience.

Their debut album “From the Lowlands to the High Seas” was released on CD and all streaming services in June 2023.