The Ulster-Scots folk Orchestra
Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra was formed in October 2000 for the purpose of presenting Ulster-Scots cultural traditions at a professional level.
Prior to the popularisation and commercialisation of Irish culture in the 1970's, there existed a rich cultural tradition in parts of Ulster that were distinct and clearly of strong Scottish influence.
The fiddle is the dominant instrument, but many other instruments are incorporated in their performances. There are also many songs and recitations in the broad Ulster-Scots tongue - which is still commonly spoken in rural parts of Counties Antrim, Down, Donegal and Londonderry. The Low-Country Boys often accompany the folk orchestra with their unique blend of Appalachian/Ulster-Scots Gospel music.
The Orchestra's performances give an informative insight into the Ulster-Scots cultural heritage, but more importantly, their high energy and humour, provide great entertainment. They passionately represent the Ulster-Scots musical genre in their performance while rejuvenating the old styles with a fresh energetic approach.
Is there such a people as Ulster Hillbillies? Well this is acoustic Ulster-folk-country gospel at its uncompromising and challenging best in evangelistic terms. In contemporary terms this is very cool, funky and very engaging. Here are nostalgic stimulating and interesting folk recordings whose music is direct and honest. Not overly poetic and arty but straight down the line. The Boys’ music is instantly sing-a-longable as it has such a distinctive style that is instantly listenable and likeable. Highly-motivated, his lyrics seek to describe the Gospel as it is. I love it!
James-WebbBorn Fighting Currently in 10th Printing
"James Webb, a legendary fighting man tells a remarkable story - how the Scots-Irish and their fighting faith in America shaped the great nation we are today. His profound insights deepen our understanding not only of this unique people, but also of America's past and present." John McCain, U.S Senator
"James Webb writes like Scots-Irish warriors take to the battlefield--with power and purpose, with courage and clarity. Born Fighting delights and inspires; in reading it I learned more about my nation, my family, and myself. James Webb is a Warrior-Poet, and he has written an extraordinary book." RANDALL WALLACE, author of Braveheart and Love & Honor
“BORN FIGHTING is a bombshell – or else the most brilliant battle flare ever launched by a book. James Webb reveals the all-but-invisible ethnic group that has created the core beliefs of democracy American style: our rights come from God not the Government; all of us are born equal and ‘born aristocrats’ don’t exist; and tread on either of those two truths, and we’ll fight you down to the last unbroken hyoid bone. The Scots-Irish (for such is their name) have fought our wars for us, including Vietnam. James Webb was there, and he can count. He has written not only an engrossing story but also an important work of sociological history in the tradition of the great James Graham Leyburn.” Tom Wolfe
Billy Kennedy
“The Scots-Irish Chronicles”
In his books, Billy Kennedy charts the influences of the 18th-century Ulster Presbyterian immigrants in the creation of the Unites States of America. In the establishment of the Unites States, the Scots-Irish were a most influential group both in the drawing up and the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War.
Billy Kennedy’s other seven books in the “Scots-Irish Chronicles” are:
“The Scots-Irish in the Hills of Tennessee”
“The Scots-Irish in the Shenandoah Valley”
“The Scots-Irish in the Carolina’s”
“The Scots-Irish in Pennsylvania and Kentucky”
“ Faith and Freedom: The Scots-Irish in America”
“Heroes of the Scots-Irish in America”
“The Making of America – How the Scots-Irish Shaped a Nation”