The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90’s. Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North-East of Scotland on an international stage.
Like many of the early flag-bearing Scottish folk bands the Old Blind Dogs lineup has faced inevitable changes over the years but the core values at the band’s musical heart continue to beat strong. The current line up consists of original member Jonny Hardie (fiddle/vocals), Aaron Jones (cittern/guitar/ vocals), Donald Hay (percussion/vocals) and now joined by the brilliant piper/whistle player Elias Alexander for their US tour. They comprise one of the hottest live tickets on the traditional Scottish music scene today touring all over the USA, Europe and at home.
Inducted in to the BBC ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards ‘Trad Music Hall of Fame’ the ‘Dugs’ have celebrated over thirty years on the road. Their fourteenth studio album ‘Knucklehead Circus’ is a joyous, uplifting and fun record full of compelling energy and intoxicating rhythm on which ‘OBD’ continue to innovate within their tradition while faithfully revealing its essence. Here’s to many more years of Old Blind Dogs!
Elias Cardoso will be playing at this festival as a substitute member for Jonny Hardie. Elias Cardoso is a multi-instrumentalist from Boston, MA. He is a longtime member of Boston’s Celtic scene, having played regularly in trad sessions for the last 12 years. Since graduating in 2019 from Berklee College of Music, he has played around the East and West coasts of the US, including with Old Blind Dogs, the Strawberry Hill Band, singer-songwriter Mary Pierce, and on tour with his band Glenville.
With an affectionate yet playful attitude to tradition Knucklehead Circus is a joyous, glorious, and thoroughly Scottish precursor to the Old Blind Dogs’ 30th anniversary.
