Banshee In The Kitchen, from left to right: Jill Egland, Brenda Hunter and Mary Tulin. Photo courtesy of the band.

The Celtic music ensemble Banshee In The Kitchen plays at the community theater in Yerington, Nev. From left to right: Brenda Hunter, Jill Egland, Mary Tulin. Photo courtesy of the band.

Celtic-rock fusion band 1916. Photo courtesy of the band.

The members of Celtic ban 1916 are, from left to right: Douglas Kirk, Richard Cheney, Walter Baldwin, Robbie Byrne. Photo courtesy of the band.

By Lisa Pinson

Bagpipes, kilts and Celtic music may seem a bit out of place in Bakersfield. Yet a slew of events would suggest that Bakersfield is full of Celts. There are so many scheduled performances, a recent newsletter sent out by the Arts Council of Kern bills November “Celtic Music Month.” (See below for all event details.)

For 14 years, the Kern County Scottish Society has hosted The Annual Gathering and Games. Perhaps this tradition has given birth to a subculture of Celtic music appreciation.

Last week’s Battle of the Celts at Fishlips marked the start of this unintentional surge of Celtic performances.

The two bands that performed, or “battled,” were Whisky Galore and 1916. Whisky Galore represents the traditional Irish sound that attracts Celtic purists. Whereas, the band 1916, led by a Scotsman himself, Robbie Byrne, consists of a fusion of Celtic and rock music.

With a bagpipe and two guitars, 1916 projects tons of energy to its audience, which is reciprocated with packed shows, Byrne said. He says Celtic music and his band offer something for every age group. They even perform their own Scottish rendition of Pink Floyd covers, which appeal to a boomer crowd.

Another of Bakersfield’s own Celtic ensembles is the all-female group Banshee in the Kitchen. This group will be performing a free show at First Congregational Church this Sunday, Nov. 1.

Their approach to Celtic music blends old and new with a personal touch. Each member juggles a number of instruments including the fiddle, flute, guitars, accordion, hammered dulcimer and Irish bouzouki – a stringed instrument related to the mandolin. Additionally, member Mary Tulin cites Buffalo Springfield and Led Zeppelin as heavy influences on the band.

Both 1916 and Banshee in the Kitchen are also scheduled to perform at the Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival on Nov. 7. Other bands included on the bill are The Wicked Tinkers, Slugger O’Toole, and Golden Bough.

This first-time event is a response to the success of the Scottish Gathering and Games. David Stroud, who is organizing the show, has noticed the impact Celtic music has had on Bakersfield, and also realizes that its success is no coincidence. He notes that dozens of venues throughout town do a splendid job advertising these events. “You can’t help but like something that has exposure,” Stroud observes.

Apart from these upcoming events, there is one constant force in the local Celtic music scene: Every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m., Dagny’s Coffee Company opens its doors for musicians to play Irish music.

So what draws the musicians and the audiences to Celtic music?

Tulin of Banshee in the Kitchen describes how Irish music put a lease on her ears. “There’s something in the melody, or in the mode. It has a cool, downy sound,” she said.

Byrne of 1916 says the music is a way for fans to reconnect with their roots. Whether Celtic music sticks to its origins, or it molds punk, folk, or rock into its genetics, one thing is certain, the fans and musicians alike intend on having staying power.

Nov. 1: Banshee In The Kitchen, 4 p.m., First Congregational Church, 5 Real Road at Stockdale Highway. Free. Details, 327-1609.

Nov. 5: Battlefield Band, 7 p.m., BeeKay Theatre, 110 South Green St., Tehachapi. Admission is $25 general and $15 students. The band is named after the Glasgow suburb of Battlefield, where the band was formed 30 years ago.

Nov. 7: Bakersfield Celtic Music Festival, noon to 9 p.m. at the CSUB Amphitheater, 9901 Stockdale Highway. Five live bands, food, refreshments and prizes. Drum circle to follow. Tickets are $15 for general and $10 for seniors, students, military, available at World Records, Nick Rail Music and the Tilted Kilt. Details, David Stroud, 204-5085 or e-mail at mcdavoid@gmail.com.

Nov. 13: House Concert Series with Scottish balladeer Ed Miller, 7:30 p.m. in Bear Valley Springs. Admission is $15 general, $12 students. Call 661-823-9994 for reservations and location.

Nov. 15: House Concert Series No. 2 with Scottish balladeer Ed Miller, 4 p.m., Bakersfield. Admission is $22 general, $20 Arts Council of Kern members, $10 students. Call 324-9000 for reservations and directions.

Nov. 22: Men of Worth, Scotsman Donnie Macdonald and Irishman James Keigher, 3 p.m., at Spotlight Theatre, 1622 19^th St. Admission is $20. Sponsored by the Kern River Celtic Association.

Nov. 18: Celtic Woman: Isle Of Hope, 7:30 p.m., Rabobank Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. Five-woman Irish ensemble includes four vocalists and a fiddle player. Admission is $32 to $60. Call 852-7300 or go to www.rabobankarena.com.