The band Blackwaterside was formed in 1995 by flutist Susan Craig Winsberg in celebration of her Scottish heritage. Since then they have played numerous concerts and festivals, receiving great public acclaim. They are known for their varied approach to traditional Scottish and Irish music, alternating lively, upbeat tunes with lyrical and haunting ballads, constantly changing the texture and color of the instrumentation so that their sound is forever fresh.

Blackwaterside concerts are fascinating and informative, too, with historic references and amusing snippets about the songs, ranging from Bonnie Prince Charlie to Robert Burns and beyond (including an occasional Burns poem recitation by Susan as taught to her by her Scottish mother); and short explanations of the instruments being played always intrigue the listeners -- Susan performs on six different flutes and whistles, for example.

Audiences are inevitably impressed and greatly entertained by the uniqueness and originality of a Blackwaterside Celtic music performance. The Blackwaterside band features Susan Craig Winsberg on flutes and whistles and outstanding vocalist and bodhrán player Christa Burch, accompanied by the talented Sean Michael Clegg on guitar and multi-instrumentalist Tim Blair on percussion, recorders and whistles.

Blackwaterside recently released their first band CD entitled “Blythe and Merry — Blackwaterside Live in Concert,” on the Craig Records label. This CD features selections from the San Diego Folk Heritage concert performed in Encinitas, California, on October 22, 2011. It takes the listener on a musical journey through Celtic lands, embracing the contrasting lightness and depth of this rich musical tradition. “Blythe and Merry” truly exemplifies the spirit of the band Blackwaterside.