Musaic are an acoustic folk/roots/celtic band from Greater Manchester. Desi Friel (guitar/bouzar/vox) and Paul Cunningham (guitar/vox) both grew up in Northern Ireland during the troubles, but met in England many years later. Together with Lynn Holt on flute and whistles, they form the heart of Musaic. They are usually joined by Sam Cheshire – a young house-music producer from Rochdale – on keys (when he’s not sailing the seven seas performing aboard “The World”), Ben Jones on cajon and percussion, and Dave Butterworth on bass.

The vastly differing backgrounds and ages of all the members bring a beautiful new twist to the traditional celtic genre, and show how music can cross all generations and styles. Desi and Paul’s original songs tell of history, protest, longing, homelessness and compassion, and a sprinkling of traditional covers always get the audience up on their feet (and often on the tables!).