Heather Dale offers a new type of Celtic music for the 21st century: a playful, passionate and fearless blend of tradition and innovation.

Cheerfully discarding the stereotypical limits for both folk singer-songwriters and Celtic balladeers, she fuses traditional stories with a healthy mix of Celtic folk, blues, jazz and world music influences. "Although steeped in Celtic culture, Dale's approach to the music is contemporary... there's nothing faint or wispy about this Celtic folk singer." (K-W Record)

Particularly known for her interpretations of ancient legends, she excels at finding modern themes within old (and often overlooked) material. Heather's rich voice and evocative recordings continue to earn her fans around the world.

Heather plays a wide array of folk and classical instruments, including piano, bodhran drum, mountain & hammered dulcimers, alto recorder, bowed psaltery and tin whistle. Her first solo concert came in 1997; she now tours with fellow multi-instrumentalist Ben Deschamps (guitar, double bass, Irish flute, percussion). As fully independent artists, Heather and Ben are strong supporters of independent music within Canada and abroad.

Heather and Ben are also seasoned road-warriors, and spend much of their time travelling to visit new audiences; in 2005 alone, they completed over 38,000 km of touring. Their recent performance schedule took them across the breadth of Canada, with concerts in all ten provinces; they also tour regularly in the UK, along with special performances in the USA and Europe. Whether in a local pub or on a festival stage, Heather always connects with her audience -- sharing her songs with infectious energy and flair. "Heather Dale is a positive, vibrant singer... and audiences really resonate with her voice and enthusiasm," affirms GreenManReview.com.

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Heather discovered an early passion for legends. She became fascinated by Celtic mythology, European folktales, King Arthur stories and Native American legends... which led her first into fairy tales and fantasy books, and later into medieval literature. She still loves to promote historical and environmental education by speaking at schools, universities and literary conventions.

Heather doesn't shy away from exploring non-Celtic influences in her music. She credits this approach to her upbringing in multi-cultural Canada: "I grew up in an environment which not only had British, French and Native history, but it also gave me a first-hand appreciation of Asian, African, European, and South American cultures," Heather says. This musical blending of her own Celtic background with other traditional influences is readily apparent on her CD "The Road to Santiago" (2005, Amphis/Festival).

A cosmopolitan album of modern folk songs, Heather co-produced her 5th solo CD with folk veteran Paul Mills (Stan Rogers, Tanglefoot). It features Heather at her adventurous best -- with songs that celebrate honest love and the personal search for meaning, as well as delivering cunning commentary on self-image, sexual tensions, and civil disobedience. With strong vocal performances and tight songwriting, Heather's songs draw their inspiration from many diverse cultures, including New-World Celtic, Irish, Spanish, Caribbean, Greek, and even Canadian Inuit. "Heather Dale soars on this recording, an unabashed and uninhibited romantic who has found her voice and her musical wings." (Toronto Star)

"The Road to Santiago" joins Heather Dale's previous recordings: "The Hidden Path: Live & Rarities" (2006), "May Queen" (2003), "This Endris Night" (2002), "Call The Names" (2001) and "The Trial of Lancelot" (2000), all released on her independent Amphis Music label.

Heather Dale continues to chart new territory in her musical explorations and travels. "Heather's songs express something that honors tradition, but in keeping with the best of traditions they break new ground," asserts Walt Haake (WDVR 91.9 FM).

Sound clips and further information are available at www.HeatherDale.com.