The unlikely combination of instruments - violin, two piano accordions, bass and occasionally banjo - only adds to the determination of these musicians to achieve a unique style of tightly blended Celtic music. They work with dedication on every note they play and sing, from intricate slow airs to rollicking jigs, reels, Strathspeys and hardy vocal compositions.

Celtic Fair’s repertoire is aimed at providing clients with an easy listening sound that is suited to both the concert stage and as background music for receptions and dining functions. While the group consists of four musicians, on many occasions additional musical friends are invited along. Depending on the requirements of the function, Celtic Fair’s guest artists commonly include vocalists, pianists, pipers and dancers.

Nelson has a chequered musical background which includes formal violin instruction at the Halifax Conservatory of Music, a broad experience with several dance bands including 15 years playing tenor banjo with that well known Dixieland jazz group, The Dixitech Seven and TV appearances on such shows as CBC Showcase, Canadian Express and Ryan's Fancy.

He took musical advantage of a temporary stay in Glasgow, Scotland to play with and subsequently become a Life Member of the Glasgow Caledonian Strathspey and Reel Society. Nelson was recently appointed Musical Director of The Caledonian Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, a group of 30 musicians from Nova Scotia.

His unbridled enthusiasm for music and in particular, Celtic music, is responsible for his return to formal studies on his first instrument - the violin. Playing both violin and tenor banjo with Celtic Fair, he is never hesitant to influence the sound of the group by way of arrangements and harmony lines.

While continually striving for musical improvement for himself and from the group, he is quick to admit his luck and delight in teaming up with Bill and Roy who share his love of the style of music which is the trademark of Celtic Fair.

Nelson also plays violin with The Halifax Baroque Ensemble.

Bill's love of Celtic music, history and Scottish literature goes back to his school days in Scotland. Throughout his professional musical career, he has projected that love into his performance on the projected that love into his performance on the accordion and the harmonica. He has a wide experience as travelling musician and has performed coast to coast across Canada. As a member of the Edmonton folk group, The Patmacs, he gained valuable studio experience which included recording on the Capitol Label.

He later joined the group Cutty Sark and again toured Canada - this time taking a six month stopover at the well known Montreal pub, The Irish Lancer. Following more studio work which led to recordings on the Quality Label, the group played at the Black Knight Lounge in Halifax. Bill adopted the Halifax area as home and when the group moved on, Bill stayed.

Bill's return to musical performance is in response to an inner desire to make Celtic music with a difference. His love of folk music, history, and his accordion is easily recognized and with Roy, Nelson and Wendy, he gives himself totally to the unique style of music of the group, Celtic Fair.

Roy's musical career started at the age of fifteen was influenced by the music of Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker and Ronnie Hawkins. He was introduced to bass guitar by Ronnie Banks, the bassist for a friend and even then well-known Dutch Mason.

Roy's unique ability on the bass led to TV and recording studio where he met and did a session with Ken Tobias. After ten years of playing every possible type of R&B and Rock and Roll, Roy's interest turned to folk music.

Roy's interest in folk music has grown over the years and was demonstrated professionally when he joined a folk group called Shanty, later to become the well known group McGinty. Again, his musical talents flourished and following the recording of their first album, he went into temporary retirement.

His return to action on the professional scene is due to the demanding challenge which Celtic Fair offered. His desire is to play folk music with a difference which is the result of three musicians who are intensely devoted to a unique style of smoothly blended, Celtic music .

Wendy was born in Dundee, Scotland. She wanted to play accordion from the age of four and finally started lessons at the Dundee accordion School at the age of nine. She participated in the Annual National Festival in Perth, Scotland for five years winning a number of medals.

Wendy moved to Canada in 1982 to do Graduate studies at UBC and spent seven years becoming a Paediatric Neurologist. During her stay in Canada, Wendy had hoped to join a band, but no opportunities arose.

A fortuitous distant introduction when Nelson and Wendy had both visited the same music store in Perth, Scotland, resulted in her joining Celtic Fair. It is a move she has never regretted. She enjoys the challenge and variety of the music they play, from driving Scottish country dance to mournful slow airs.

The making of the Classically Celtic CD was a high point and a great way to sharpen and integrate the bands individual musical skills.