Constant Billy
Acoustic songs and tunes with gusto! We’re Celtic, we’re Americana - AmeriCelticana at its best! " Constant Billy's Let Me In is a stunning musical achievement.
By turns humorous, poignant, romantic, and rife with merriment, the Celtic treasures of this collection charm and entertain the listener with unforgettable power and musicianship. For many years, my wife and I have followed contemporary ensembles which keep the Celtic musical tradition startlingly alive, and none can match the freshness, vitality, and artistry of Constant Billy. "
- Larry D. Thomas, Poet Laureate of Texas
Constant Billy had a fabulous time playing in this beautiful garden in West Salem last weekend. Our friend Mike kindly took some video. Many thanks!
Here is our new arrangement of The Broom of the Cowdenknowes. Our version is narrated by a young woman pining away after her sweetheart is sent away by her father; he was below her station!
The broom refers to Scotch Broom, a beautiful yellow flowering shrub in Scotland, unfortunately considered invasive in the PNW. When we sing "yows," we are in fact singing about ewes.
The Cabbage in the Mailbox medley. Emily wrote the unusual title tune which starts the medley. She then paired it with the traditional Scottish tune, “Our Highland Cousins,” played secondly. The medley concludes with “The Cabbage in the Mailbox” one more time. Performed in concert at Fellowship Square, Tucson, AZ.
Santa Catalina medley. 3 songs that work especially well together, sung a ca****la in concert in Tucson. Many thanks to our pal Kim Knudsen for teaching this to us!
Thanks Lauren Standish for holding Bill's iphone through the whole show!
We have some new videos taken Mar 6 at a concert in Tucson! Thanks Lauren Standish for catching the show with Bill's iphone. We've edited out all the "banter" which of course was amusing but a tad lengthy!
Banks of Newfoundland, sung live in Tucson. Bill learned this from the fine English singer Chris Foster back in the ‘70s. The song tells of the Black Ball Line’s “packet ships” which sailed a difficult and dangerous transit between New York and Liverpool, starting in 1818. These wooden ships carried packets of mail, but also Irish immigrants to America. At the end of the 19th century the advent of steam ships finally brought an end to the regular packet trade. As the very last ship sailed into New York, the passengers and crew all stood on the deck and sang this lovely song. True story.
21/09/2022
Saturday October 1 2022 from Noon-1pm, Emily & Bill return to The Salem Kroc Center Family Fair!
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is Celebrating 13 Years in Salem with the FREE Kroc Family Fair! Once a year they throw a huge party and welcome the public to experience the family fun at the Salem Kroc Center. In addition to the fair, they are offering free swimming sessions to attendees (bring your swimwear and towel!), as well as waiving the usual $75 enrollment fee for new members.
Live entertainment provided by local musicians, including Guitar Music By Isaac Engle at 11am, Constant Billy from Noon-1pm, Patrick Anderson 1-2pm, and Next of Kin from 2pm-3pm.
Kids will love the FREE activities:
• Pony rides
• Bouncy houses
• A rock climbing wall
• Free swimming sessions
• Tours of the Kroc facilities
• Two exciting shows by JuggleMania
• Dozens of local vendors with special offers and giveaways
WHAT: Come have some fun with Constant Billy at The Salem Kroc Center Family Fair!
WHEN: Noon-1pm, Saturday October 1, 2022
WHERE: 1865 Bill Frey Dr NE Salem, OR 97301.
ADMISSION: Absolutely FREE!
12/06/2022
Tuesday June 21, 2022, Constant Billy performs at Make Music Salem! This is a great, all-day FREE event from 10am-10pm with LIVE music all over town! Started in Paris, France as a way to showcase live musicians playing on the same day all over the world, this has become a favorite annual event in Salem. We played two shows last year and are booked to do two more this year.
FIRST SHOW
Bentley’s Coffee Downtown Salem, 11am-NOON, June 21, 2022.
Get your Morning Joe MoJo on at this popular downtown café. Fab coffee drinks, but also great smoothies, blended with whole frozen fruit. Friendly staff and bright, clean interior. The kids size comes with a marshmallow straw and whipped cream if you want. What’s not to like? Constant Billy will dazzle you with tunes and songs no one else in town does. You have to check it out!
WHAT: Come join with Constant Billy at Bentley’s Coffee Downtown!
WHEN: 11am-NOON, June 21, 2022
WHERE: 399 Court St. NE, Salem, OR 97301.
ADMISSION: Absolutely FREE!
SECOND SHOW
The Salem Kroc Center, 4-5pm, June 21, 2022.
We will be performing in front of the Kroc Center entrance. There are tables and chairs available for cafe guests to dine and relax. The Kroc Center is a place where people young and old have opportunities to learn and grow, to build dreams and friendships, and to find hope in a safe, warm and welcoming environment. The focus is on health, wellness, and personal development. Come develop a love for the music of Constant Billy!
WHAT: Come have some fun with Constant Billy at The Salem Kroc Center!
WHEN: 4-5pm, June 21, 2022
WHERE: 1865 Bill Frey Dr NE Salem, OR 97301.
ADMISSION: Absolutely FREE!
Come on out and help us celebrate with the world-wide community of the Make Music Celebration!
Constant Billy - Gigs color> June 2022color> Friday, June 10, 2022 at 7pm, Constant Billy performs at a House Concert, Salem, Oregon. Tuesday June 21, 2022, Constant Billy performs at Make Music Salem! This is a great, all-day FREE event from 10am-10pm with LIVE music all over town! Started in Paris, France as a way to s...