The members of Scythian, a Celtic rock band known for bringing legions of MerleFest fans to their feet since 2007, may call Virginia home, but North Carolina comes in at a close second.
And their upcoming touring schedule is reflective of why the Old North State feels like coming home for the current foursome made up of brothers Alexander Fedoryka (Vocals, Fiddle, Mandolin, Harmonica) and Danylo Fedoryka (Vocals, Guitar, Accordion) along with Ethan Dean (Vocals, Upright and Electric Bass, Percussion, Guitar) and Johnny Rees (Vocals, Drums, Percussion).
The classically trained Fedorykas grew up on the Ukrainian folk music of their ancestors and bluegrass, while Dean was raised on the greats of 60’s and 70’s folk-rock. Lafayette, Louisiana native Rees brings a Cajun beat to the Celtic-Americana fusion giving Scythian yet another dimension to keep audiences entertained and moving.
Scythian had its most prolific year in 2020 with more than 1,000 hours of live streams held during the Covid lockdowns, the release of two new albums (Roots & Stones and Quaranstream: The Album) and four new music videos. But you have to catch their live show to understand why The Camel City Dispatch said of one of their Merlefest performances: “[Scythian gives] no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.”
Scythian, which means “nomad” in Ukranian, has been described as fusing Celtic and Americana music with thunderous energy into what the band’s members call “immigrant rock.” Check out the following links to catch one of the band’s upcoming N.C. shows.
Learn more abou the band in a story I wrote about them that was published in The Huffington Post.
NORTH CAROLINA TOUR SPRING 2025
Friday, March 14 @ 8 p.m.
“One of our favorite places to play, and it ALWAYS sells out months before we get there, we’re BACK at the Reeves Theater! Grab your tickets ASAP because this place sells out faster than Taylor Swift Concert,” the band says on its website.
Nashville Farmer’s Market
Friday, Apr 11 FREE SHOW
4th Annual Farmers Market
PineCone Presents 2025 Down Home Concert Series: Scythian
Saturday, April 12 @ 7:30 p.m.
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Raleigh, NC
Friday, April 25
Saturday, April 26
Sunday, April 27
“We couldn’t be more excited to return to MerleFest for another incredible year! There’s nothing like the energy and camaraderie of this iconic festival. Join us as we turn up the fiddles, kick up the tempo, and dive into a set that celebrates the heart and soul of MerleFest. Get ready to sing, dance, and make some new memories—see you there!”
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