Hal An Tow

Hal An Tow was a folk group that took its name from a song of the same title, celebrating an ancient summer festival in Cornwall, England. The group, formed by members of the Saint John (N.B.) Folk Club, performed the traditional dance music, airs and songs of England, Ireland, Scotland and North America, as well as original and other contemporary works in the folk idiom. Hal An Tow were described by CBC Radio as "stalwarts" of the East Coast music scene. For thirty years, their travels took them from numerous concert stages in the Maritimes to such distant venues as Yellowknife and Ottawa. Their music has been featured on both national and international radio, television, video productions, and the theatrical stage. Individually or collectively, their music has won wide acclaim, including awards for the song Lunenburg Lady and the folk opera The Marco Polo Suite. Throughout the years, the band included a fourth member: Steve Sellors, Becky Bourdage, and Barbara Ann Quigley.

The band was dissolved in 2009 with the untimely passing of founding member John Murphy. John was a true Renaissance Man -- singer, musician, painter, printmaker, actor, set designer, human rights activist, and community organizer. His vision, commitment and compassion have been inspirational to a great many people, and he is truly missed.

"And fortune plays a lonely game that forces some to part, but here and there are much the same in the language of the heart."  From Language of the Heart, © Jim Stewart & Bernie Houlahan










     Rolling Home
                         All the Good People



Marco Polo
Reels                           




     Star of the County Down
               Going to Donnybrook
               The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy