Denise Aalders
About DEWAR - Celtic Folk Music
Dewar is a Celtic folk band that brings the rich musical traditions of Scotland to life. Our music is a blend of traditional and modern influences, featuring captivating melodies and powerful lyrics that tell stories of love, adventure, and the beauty of life. In addition to our Celtic folk repertoire, we also perform a variety of our own original songs. We use authentic instruments, including the fiddle, guitar, and bodhrán, to create a sound that connects us to the rich history of Celtic music.
The core of the group consists of Scottish-born Steve Dewar (vocals, guitar, and bodhrán) and Dutch musician Lena Dewar (vocals and fiddle).
Dewar often performs as a trio, featuring Irish-born Eamonn Kane (bodhrán, vocals, and guitar) from Dublin, along with Peter Kelly (bodhrán and vocals) and Dutchman Dennis Delger (bodhrán and cajón).
Our performances are a celebration of Celtic culture, and we invite everyone to join us in enjoying the music and the joy it brings.
Steve Dewar - Frontman of DEWAR
Steve Dewar is a Scottish folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born and raised in Edinburgh by his parents, Janet and Alistair Dewar. At the age of 12, he picked up the guitar and began playing and singing, a passion he has never abandoned. From 1987 to 1993, Steve served as the lead electric guitarist for the Scottish punk rock band Political Asylum. Since 1998, he has performed as a solo artist or with his band, Dewar or the Assassenachs, on stages of all sizes across Europe, showcasing his self-written repertoire and unique interpretation of Celtic folk music.
Steve has played at numerous Celtic festivals and Highland Games. In addition to larger venues, he also performs at smaller locations. Whenever possible, Steve returns to his roots, playing at venues in the Isle of Skye area in Scotland.
Influenced by his upbringing in Edinburgh, Steve revitalizes traditional folk songs while preserving their authenticity and integrity. This, combined with his own original compositions, creates a powerful and diverse musical experience. Steve's performances transport audiences to various places and times within the Celtic world, seamlessly blending traditional songs, contemporary pieces, and his own work. His repertoire includes ballads, love songs, songs of war, tales of hardship and revelry, lessons in history, and, last but not least, moments of fun and laughter. Follow Steve on his personal website stevedewarmusic.com for more information about his music, upcoming performances, and projects.
Gaelic and DEWAR
Gaelic plays an important role in the musical identity of Dewar. The band is dedicated to exploring and preserving the rich traditions of Celtic music.
Lena Dewar, as a singer and fiddler, brings her passion for the Gaelic language and culture to the band. Her ability to sing authentic Gaelic songs adds a unique dimension to Dewar's music. The lyrics of these songs often tell stories about nature, love, and the history of Gaelic-speaking communities.
The band integrates Gaelic elements into their repertoire, which not only enhances the diversity of their music but also pays tribute to the rich musical heritage of Scotland. By performing Gaelic music, Dewar helps keep the language and culture alive. Follow Lena on her personal website lenadewar.com for more information about her music, upcoming performances, and projects.