THe Blue Ridge Bard
Matthew O'Donnell is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and performer of traditional Celtic music based in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA, sharing songs and tunes for all people and all places.
An experienced practitioner of the classic pub singer’s trade, Matthew brings a modern energy to traditional drinking songs, sea shanties, Irish jigs & reels, timeless folk favorites and original songs. A typical live show sees Matthew switching between the accordion, bouzouki, cittern, guitar, banjo, fiddle, bodhran and tin whistle as he roars out singable choruses to the rhythm of kick drum and tambourine (played with his feet).
Matthew’s familiarity with a wide range of musical styles allows him to mix flavors of rock, pop, country and jazz music as side dishes to the main course of traditional folk music. Matthew’s expansive repertoire of 1,000+ songs & instrumental tunes, and penchant for variety, ensures that no two shows are ever quite alike. Matthew treats every performance, be it for 10 or 10,000, as a warm gathering of close friends, full of humor, storytelling, interaction, cameraderie, optimism and tenderness, and Matthew invites all who might hear to rediscover the joys of social music and communal singing.
Want to see where Matthew’s playing next? Click here.
Music for everyone
In addition to his public performances, Matthew provides a wide range of musical services for the communities of Central Virginia. He is honored to be the soundtrack of weddings, birthdays, graduations, retirements, proposals, funerals, baptisms, holiday parties, corporate parties and celebrations of all kinds. He offers friendly and professional services for anywhere and everywhere music is needed to enrich the special moments in life.
Interested in booking Matthew for your event? click here.
music for seniors
Matthew has given well over 1000 performances for the residents of retirement homes, nursing facilities, memory-care centers and senior living communities throughout the state of Virginia. He prides himself on being a trusted provider of high-quality professional senior entertainment, with performances carefully and lovingly crafted to create a joyful and fulfilling atmosphere specifically for residents of these communities.
Want to learn more about Matthew’s performing for seniors? Click here.
Making Music grow
Matthew is a passionate instructor of music and provides lessons for students of all ages and skill levels on all of the instruments he plays: guitar, tenor guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, accordion, bouzouki, mandolin, mandola, 4-string tenor banjo, clawhammer banjo, fiddle, bodhran, tin whistle and piano. He also gives vocal lessons for singing in traditional folk styles. Do you or a person you love want to start playing music, go deeper in your playing, or just learn more about music theory? Click here.
Welcome to Charlottesville
Matthew has become a familiar face in the local community through his regular street performing (busking) on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall. Matthew is passionate about the art of street performing, and enjoys being one of the folks who welcomes visitors to the beautiful city he calls home. Come say hello if you see him as you stroll down Main Street. He loves when people stop and say hello.
Playing around
Matthew is always up to something on his own, but he loves lending a hand to those who want their music to be the best it can be. Matthew’s diverse experience in live performing and recording, multi-instrumentalism and sharp ear for music makes him a great “hired gun” for any live performance or recording project. Want to juice up your stage show with some accordion? Recording a song you just can’t not hear some fiddle and banjo on? Matthew would love to be onboard for your next project Send a message here. You can hire Matthew for: accordion, violin, viola, guitar, bass guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, bouzouki, mandola, tin whistle, bodhran, vocals, string arrangements, songwriting, or all of the above.
If you have any questions about Matthew and his music, send him a message!