THE young Welsh folk band with a growing international reputation, Calan will be coming to Newtown’s Hafren theatre on Saturday, April 21.

With four albums to their name and another busy time ahead, including appearances at the Shetland Folk Festival and at the Welsh Centre in London next month, and a special appearance at Llangollen International Eisteddfod in June, the five piece band go from strength to strength giving a fresh and vibrant sound to traditional Welsh music.

With a contemporary and lively approach they breathe new life into the old traditions through their sparkling melodies, foot tapping tunes and spirited and energetic performances of Welsh step dancing. They blast their way through some of the old favourite reels, jigs and hornpipes with fast paced and uplifting arrangements before melting into some of the most beautiful and haunting songs.

Their 2008 debut album ‘Bling’ attracted four star responses from the critics and has been followed by ‘Jonah’, ‘Dinas’ and their latest album ‘Solomon’, as well as major live concert and festival appearances in Britain and in France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, America, Australia and Borneo.

Sam Humphreys originally playing rock and electronic music in night clubs before discovering a magic mix of folk and modern styles and he has also worked composing for film and TV and has worked as a television presenter; Bethan Rhiannon sings in both English and Welsh and is also winner of the national clog dance competition in Wales; Patrick Rimes was junior Celtic Welsh fiddle champion three years in succession and plays a multitude of musical instruments including the Welsh bagpipes; Angharad Jenkins plays fiddle and Alice French plays harps.

See then live at Newtown on Saturday April 21, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 and £12 concessions from the box office on 01686 614555.